What to do and see in Rockland, Maine (ME): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

Driven only by Atlantic Ocean breezes, the Stephen Taber sets sail from Rockland Harbor, taking guests on four and six day windjammer sailing adventures on the legendary Maine coast. The Schooner Stephen Taber is the oldest sailing vessel in continuous service in the United States, and a National Historic Landmark.

The Strand Theatre, located in downtown Rockland on the coast of Maine, has been entertaining audiences since 1923. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater underwent an extensive renovation in 2005, which included new sound and projection equipment, a fully restored interior and exterior, and a bright new marquee. In 2014, the theater became a non-profit organization and is now owned and operated by the Friends of the Strand Theatre. Today, the Strand Theatre is a multi-use venue offering the best of current first-run and independent films, live musical concerts and comedy, simulcasts, educational programs, conferences, and other special events on our stage and screen.

Coastal Maine Photo Tours combines photographic education and travel adventure on the coast and beyond. Create fabulous and unique images through guided and informative tours while you explore locations that will stimulate your eye. Learn to gain better control of your digital camera’s operations with a Photo Walk, Photo Tour, Photo Adventure, or Private Photo Lesson. Programs run from 1/2-day to multi-day excursions with field shooting at popular locations and hidden spots. All skill levels and camera types are welcome. Great for families with discounts for age 17 & under. Locations include; lighthouses, sand beaches, rocky coastline, quaint fishing villages, island communities, historic cities, gardens, museums, wineries, artist’s studios, foliage, waterfalls, covered bridges, galleries, and other cultural and natural settings. Check the web site for tours and dates.

Celebrating Maine's Role in American Art, the Farnsworth Art Museum offers a nationally recognized collection of works from many of America's greatest artists. With 20,000 square feet of gallery space and over 15,000 works in the collection, there is always something new on view at the Farnsworth. The museum has one of the largest collections of works by sculptor Louise Nevelson. Its Wyeth Center features works of Andrew, N.C. and Jamie Wyeth. The Farnsworth's library is also housed in its Rockland, ME, campus. Two historic buildings, the Farnsworth Homestead and the Olson House, and Julia's Gallery for Young Artists complete the museum complex.

Visitors can explore the beach area surrounding the lighthouse that was built at the beginning of the 20th century.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the Project Puffin Visitor Center is closed until further notice. We are still operating the online store, please visit https://projectpuffin.3dcartstores.com/ to view the wide selection of puffin and seabird themed merchandise.

The Coastal Children’s Museum is dedicated to providing children ages 1-9 and their families the opportunity to explore, discover and learn through play about the natural world, the arts and sciences and the diversity of Maine’s coast. Children (and their parents!) are invited to explore our indoor sailboat, CedarWorks indoor climber, and General Store. The museum also hosts many species of tropical and Maine Coast sea life in our "Under the Sea Room" and our Gulf of Maine tank. We also have a daily craft at the art table, puppet theater, Tubes and Tracks, and a woodworking bench and wonderful puzzles and books all throughout the museum. You can also have your birthday party at the museum. Check out our website which has details and pictures of all our exhibits, past workshops, upcoming events and more. We are open Wed-Sat 10:00- 4:00 and Sun 1:00 to 4:00. Summer Hours Tues-Sat 10:00-4:00 and Sun 1:00 to 4:00

CMCA has been supporting, exhibiting, and sustaining arts and artists with ties to Maine since its founding in 1952. In that time, CMCA has grown from a scrappy upstart presenting shows in barns and backrooms to become the state’s preeminent contemporary arts organization, hosting a slew of internationally-known artists along the way. With its new space in the heart of downtown Rockland, designed by internationally renown architect Toshiko Mori, CMCA extends its reach exponentially, allowing it to continue its mission on a whole new level.