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Castine, Maine: Where Fun and Adventure Meet – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

The Dyce Head Lighthouse out there was built right the whole way back in the year of 1828. The John Perkins House on Battle Avenue dates right back to the year of 1790 out there. Fort George out there was captured by the British in 1779 during the whole of the Revolution. The Castine Golf Club out there runs a whole 9-hole course. Come in fall.

Planning a trip to Castine, Maine, you have picked the right kind of quiet. Castine is a seaside village on a peninsula in Penobscot Bay, in the Downeast region of the state. History, outdoor hours, art or good food, this village asks very little of you.

Take the history through the Castine Historical Society or the Wilson Museum. Outdoor people get hiking, biking, kayaking and sailing along the coastline. Art people get the galleries and studios of local artists. Eaters get the seafood and the farm-to-table cooking. Castine also holds several lighthouses, the Dyce Head Lighthouse among them.

Staying in Castine, there are plenty of beds, from cozy bed and breakfasts through to waterfront hotels. And in winter the village keeps going, with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Fort Madison State Park.

Key Takeaways

• Castine, Maine is a charming seaside village with something for everyone, from history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts to foodies.
• Visitors can enjoy a historical journey through Castine’s past, explore the town’s beautiful coastline, indulge in delicious seafood and farm-to-table cuisine, and stay in a variety of accommodation options.
• Even during the winter, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Castine, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Fort Madison State Park.

Historical Journey

Castine carries a long history. The Penobscot tribe first inhabited this area. French, Dutch and British colonizers came later. A walking tour is the way to take it in.

Walking Tour

Start the walking tour at the Wilson Museum, which holds an extensive collection of artifacts from Castine’s past. From there take Fort Madison, one of the several forts built here to protect the town. The fort is a public park now and you can walk the fortifications and work out what a posting here would have been.

Next walk down Battle Avenue for some of Castine’s oldest homes, the 1790 John Perkins House among them. The houses on that street have been carefully preserved, which says something about how this town treats its own past.

Then the Castine Historical Society, where the exhibits and artifacts carry the rest of the story. The society sits in the Abbott School, built in 1853 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Finish at Fort George, which played a real part in the American Revolution. The fort was captured by the British in 1779 and later used as a training ground for the American naval force. It is a public park now, with the ruins open and Penobscot Bay laid out below.

Castine’s history holds up and a walking tour is the way into it. The Wilson Museum through to Fort George, there is more than an afternoon of it. Take the walking shoes and go slowly.

Outdoor Adventures

You did not come to Castine, Maine to sit indoors watching TV. Hiking, sailing, kayaking, golf or simply sitting in front of a view, this village has a version of it.

Start with hiking. Castine holds several parks and natural areas, the Rene Henderson Natural Area and Witherle Woods among them. Take the boots out onto the trails. Local wildlife turns up if you are quiet enough.

For water, Penobscot Bay is the reason to be here. Castine Kayak Adventures runs guided tours and rents kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. Paddle the calm water and let the ocean do the work.

For something more structured, Castine runs a golf course and tennis courts. A round of golf or a game of tennis, both put you outside in the air.

And for the view, take Ocean Overlook in Castine. It is exactly what the name says. The ocean and the landscape sit right out in front of you. It is where the photographs happen.

So get outside and take Castine slowly. Hiking, sailing, kayaking, golf or just the view, all of them work here.

Artistic Castine

Castine works for artists and for anybody who looks at art. The town has an artistic history going back to the 19th century. Several galleries and studios here show work across a range of forms.

Gallery B is the popular one in Castine, running contemporary art, sculpture and jewelry from local and regional artists. It is where to look for something to take home.

The Tarratine Gallery is the other one. It works in paintings, prints and photographs of Maine’s landscapes. Andrew Wyeth and Winslow Homer are both represented.

For multi-media work, take Coastal Images. This gallery shows paintings, sculptures and mixed media pieces. It is the place to find artists you did not know about.

Castine also holds several artists working in watercolors. Their work turns up across the galleries and studios in town. Those paintings carry Maine’s coastal scenery better than a photograph does.

And for sculpture, look around the town itself. The sculptures scattered through Castine are part of what makes the place what it is.

So Castine is a town that takes art seriously in every form. Seasoned collector or somebody starting out, something here will hold you.

Foodie’s Paradise

Castine eats well and you are about to find out why.

Start with breakfast. Markel’s Bakery does a breakfast sandwich that sets the day up properly. Take some pastries for later while you are in there.

For something more substantial, The Captain’s Catch. The seafood there is fresh off the boat. If seafood is not your thing, Danny Murphy’s Pub runs pub fare that does the job.

For something to take back to the Airbnb, stop at Provisions for package salads, sandwiches and baked goods. Take the chocolates as well.

Castine also runs a good wine and cheese scene. The market carries cheese across the range and wine to go with it. It is the right way to slow down at the end of a long day.

And the rotisserie chicken and the roast beef sandwich from the market are the lunch to take with you.

Castine has a version of the meal you want. Seafood, pub fare or plain good baked goods, none of it will let you down. Go and eat properly.

Castine’s Lighthouses

Castine holds some of the better lighthouses in Maine. You cannot be here without seeing the lights that have guided sailors in for centuries.

The most famous lighthouse in Castine is the Dyce Head Lighthouse, located on the east side of the town. This lighthouse was built in 1828 and has been guiding sailors safely to shore ever since. The lighthouse is not open to the public, but you can still get a great view of it from the road.

If you’re a fan of lighthouses, you’ll definitely want to check out some of the other lighthouses in the area. Fort Point Lighthouse is just a short drive away and is open to the public. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse and take in the stunning views of Penobscot Bay.

Another lighthouse worth visiting is the Curtis Island Lighthouse, located just off the coast of Camden. This lighthouse was built in 1836 and is accessible by boat. You can take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about its fascinating history.

Castine is also home to the Wilson Museum, which has a great collection of lighthouse artifacts and memorabilia. You can learn about the history of lighthouses in Maine and see some amazing artifacts, including lenses from some of the most famous lighthouses in the state.

So take the compass and work through Castine’s lighthouses.

Castine Events

For events in Castine you are well placed. This village runs things through the year that are worth timing a trip around.

First is the 4th of July celebration in Castine. It is among the biggest events of the year here and the reason is obvious. A parade, live music, good food and fireworks. It is the right way to mark the birthday of America.

There is more than that. Castine runs events through the year, from historical reenactments to art shows. Something is usually happening in this village.

For something new, take the events put on by the Castine Historical Society. You pick up the history of this town and have a good evening at the same time.

Whatever the interest, there is an event in Castine that fits. Plan the trip and see what the village does.

Downtown Castine

For a downtown that photographs well, Castine delivers. The streets run historic homes, small shops and good restaurants. An afternoon walking through it disappears easily.

The working waterfront is the best of downtown Castine. You watch the lobster boats come in and out of the harbor and see who is on them. Fresh seafood off the boat is a real possibility.

On a honeymoon, downtown Castine is the right place for an evening. Walk the waterfront at sunset, or take a candlelit dinner at one of the restaurants. The town does the rest.

Castine looks quiet and contemplative and there is real industry here. Boat building through to marine research, there is plenty to learn about the local economy and the people running it.

No account of downtown Castine works without the COVID pandemic. The town has taken steps to keep visitors safe, and following the signs and guidelines posted around town is the sensible course. With a little care you still get the whole of Castine.

Accommodation in Castine

Planning a trip to Castine, Maine, you want somewhere comfortable to land. Castine runs accommodation to suit any traveler.

For a historic stay, the Pentagoet Inn. This 1894 Victorian inn sits in the heart of Castine and runs 22 guest rooms, each with its own style and decor. The linens are luxurious and the breakfast comes with the room.

For something more rustic, Castine has plenty of options. There are cozy cabins and cottages here that suit a couple or a family. They run full kitchens and fireplaces.

Wherever you land in Castine, the Maine coast is outside the window. You wake to the water and the harbor. And with the restaurants and the attractions nearby, the days fill themselves.

So book the stay in Castine and let the week slow down.

The Pentagoet Inn is a whole 1894 Victorian and it runs 22 of the guest rooms in it. The Abbott School out there was built in 1853 and it holds the Castine Historical Society. The Castine Golf Club course was laid out by Willie Park Jr. right back in 1921. Nothing here is in a hurry.

Castine’s Beautiful Coastline

The Maine coastline is hard to beat. Castine’s stretch of it is a good place to start.

Start with what it looks like. You end up staring out at the water without meaning to. And it is not only the water. The coastline runs lighthouses and small fishing villages the whole way. It reads like a postcard.

Then the sea itself. Wet, salty and full of fish. You do not have to fish to enjoy it. Walk the backshore beach and put your feet in the water. Or rent a kayak and paddle out to Wadsworth Cove. Take the life jacket.

The backshore beach is the one to get to on Castine’s coastline. It runs a long stretch of sand good for sunbathing, building things and beach volleyball. Seals turn up along it. Keep your distance, because they are less friendly than they look.

And Wadsworth Cove is the quiet corner of Castine’s coastline. It is a small cove ringed by tall cliffs with clear water in it. It works for a picnic or a walk at sunset. The rocks are slippery.

So Castine’s coastline holds up. That is not only our opinion. The fish would agree.

Maine Maritime Academy

For anybody who likes boats, the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine is the stop. This institution has been training seafarers since 1941 and it is still doing it.

At Maine Maritime Academy the programs run across a range of careers at sea. Marine engineering through to marine transportation, there is a route for most people. And you can take a few courses first if you are not ready for a full program.

The Maine Maritime Academy is not only study. The academy runs its own sailing team, competing against other schools in the region. There are other clubs and organizations if sailing is not your thing.

The Maine Maritime Academy training ship, the State of Maine, is the best of it. The vessel teaches students ship handling, navigation and the rest of the skills. A ride on it is a possibility.

So whether you want a career at sea or an unusual afternoon, the Maine Maritime Academy is worth the visit. You may find you belong on the water.

Golf Club in Castine

For something to do in Castine that tests you, take the Castine Golf Club. The club runs a well-kept 9-hole par 35 course designed by Willie Park Jr. in 1921. The course looks out over Castine Harbor and Blue Hill, which is the reason to play it.

You do not need to be good. The club runs lessons and clinics at every skill level. The rates are reasonable, so a round will not cost much.

The Castine Golf Club is a yacht and tennis club as well. If golf is not your thing there is still plenty here. Play tennis or take a sailboat out for the afternoon.

And when you are hungry, the club restaurant handles the meal. The views and the food together make the Castine Golf Club worth the trip.

Castine’s Unique Experiences

Castine is a small town running experiences you will not get elsewhere. Historic landmarks through to private tours, this village has plenty. These are the ones to take.

Explore Historic Landmarks

Castine carries a lot of history and the landmarks are how you take it in. The Castine Historical Society is where to start, with exhibits and artifacts covering the town’s past. The Wilson Museum is the other, holding artifacts from around the world.

Take a Private Tour

For something more personal, take a private tour of Castine. Several companies run them, Castine Kayak Adventures and Castine Harbor Tours among them. You take the town by land or by sea and you get an angle on it that you would not find alone.

Discover Traveller Favourites

Castine is a popular vacation town and there is plenty here that other travelers already rate. The Backshore Trail is the one for hikers, with the town and the ocean laid out below. The Castine Farmers Market is the other, held every Thursday through the summer months, running fresh produce, baked goods and handmade crafts.

Check Out Points of Interest

Castine holds several points of interest worth the time. The Maine Maritime Academy is one, covering the history of maritime education in Maine. The Dyce Head Lighthouse is the other, looking out over Penobscot Bay.

Read Reviews

Before you plan the trip to Castine, read what other travelers say. Sites like TripAdvisor carry reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions here. It helps you spend the days well.

Castine gives you something you will remember. History, outdoor hours or a week doing nothing beside the ocean, all three work here. Pack the bags and go.

Food and Drinks in Castine

You cannot be in Castine without eating and drinking well. A quick espresso or a full meal, this town covers both.

Start the day with coffee from one of the town’s coffee shops. Order an americano and pretend you are in Italy. For something sweet, take one of Castine’s candy stores.

For dining, Castine runs options across the range. For seafood you are well placed, because the town sits right on the coast and the catch is fresh at most of the restaurants. For something casual, Danny Murphy’s does pizza and pool. For the upscale version, book Pentagoet Inn Wine Bar.

And the drinks. Castine runs a few bars and pubs for a cold beer or a serious cocktail. For a lively room, The Waterfront has live music and a good crowd.

Castine’s food and drink scene is worth the time. Take it slowly. You are on vacation.

Winter Activities in Castine

Winter in Castine is a quiet season, with snow on the ground and clean cold air. Staying indoors is tempting and there is plenty here worth going out for. These are the things to do through the winter months.

• Cross-Country Skiing: Strap on your skis and hit the trails for some cross-country skiing. The Castine Golf Club offers groomed trails that are perfect for beginners and experienced skiers alike. Don’t have your own skis? No problem! You can rent them from the golf club.
• Ice Skating: If you’re looking for a fun winter activity that the whole family can enjoy, head to the Castine Town Dock for some ice skating. The dock is flooded in the winter to create a skating rink, and it’s free to use. Just be sure to bring your own skates.
• Snowshoeing: If you prefer to explore the great outdoors on foot, snowshoeing is a great option. There are plenty of trails around Castine that are perfect for snowshoeing, including the Witherle Woods Preserve and the Castine Golf Club.
• Winter Hiking: While some of the hiking trails around Castine may be closed in the winter, there are still plenty of options for winter hiking. Bundle up and head to the Castine Town Forest or the nearby Holbrook Island Sanctuary for a scenic winter hike.
• Indoor Activities: Of course, if you’d rather stay indoors, there are plenty of options for that too. Check out the Castine Historical Society Museum or the Wilson Museum to learn more about the town’s rich history. Or, head to the Castine Arts Association for a cozy art class or workshop.

Whatever the winter interest, Castine has options. Do not let the cold keep you inside. Get out into it.

Fort Madison State Park

For somewhere that puts you back a couple of centuries, Fort Madison State Park is it. The park sits in Castine, Maine and holds the remains of an old fort built in the early 19th century.

The fort is not in good shape. All that is left of it are earthen remains. That is not a reason to skip it. The park is still worth walking and it carries the history of the area.

The best thing about Fort Madison State Park is that it costs nothing to visit. On a budget, it belongs on the itinerary. Do not plan a whole day around it.

For the history behind the fort and the area, read the informational signs scattered through the park. They fill in what life here was.

Fort Madison State Park is worth an hour if you are in Castine. Just do not arrive expecting a standing fort.

Community Guidelines in Castine

Castine is a small town with a long history and a welcoming community. Like anywhere, there are rules and guidelines that keep it working. These are the ones to keep in mind while you are here.

Respect Your Neighbors

Castine is small and everybody knows everybody. Be respectful of your neighbors. Keep the noise down, particularly at night, and mind your trash. What you do reaches everybody around you, so be a good neighbor and keep Castine as you found it.

Follow the Rules of the Road

Castine is a pedestrian town and the rules of the road still apply. Obey the traffic signs and signals and yield to pedestrians. Parking is limited in a town this size, so park in designated areas and do not block driveways.

Keep Your Pets on a Leash

Castine is pet-friendly and pets need to be on a leash. That is for your pet’s safety and for everybody else’s. Not everybody is comfortable around animals, so keep yours under control.

Leave No Trace

Castine is a good-looking town and it stays that way through effort. Pick up after yourself and your pets. Dispose of trash properly and leave nature as you found it. Everybody shares this town.

Be Kind and Courteous

And be kind and courteous to whoever you meet in Castine. This is a small town and people know each other. Be friendly, say hello, and help out where you can.

Follow those guidelines and you will have a good time in Castine, and so will everybody around you. Be respectful, be mindful and enjoy it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with Castine, Maine?

Castine is a coastal town in Hancock County, Maine. Its history goes back to the 17th century and it holds museums, historical sites and outdoor activities. The town is known for its views of Penobscot Bay and its New England architecture.

What makes Castine, Maine unique?

What sets Castine apart from the other coastal towns in Maine is how close its history sits to the surface. The town was once a major center of trade and commerce and was fought over by the British, the French and the Dutch. The historical sites and museums here cover all of that.

Where can I find the best seafood in Castine, Maine?

For fresh seafood you are well placed. Castine runs several good seafood restaurants, The Pentagoet Inn and Restaurant among them, serving lobster and scallops and the rest. For something casual, the Castine Variety Store does fresh lobster rolls and other seafood.

Are there any hidden gems or secret spots in Castine, Maine?

Castine is small and it still keeps quiet corners worth finding. The Dyce Head Lighthouse is our favorite, with the bay laid out below and good ground for a picnic or a walk. The Witherle Memorial Library is the other, with a strong collection and a room worth sitting in.

What are some must-visit historical sites in Castine, Maine?

Several historical sites in Castine are worth the time. The Castine Historical Society is where to start, covering the town’s history across exhibits and artifacts. Fort George is the other, built in the 18th century to protect the town from British invasion, alongside the Wilson Museum and its exhibits on local history and culture.

What outdoor activities are available in Castine, Maine?

Castine works outdoors whatever the season. In summer, kayak or sail on the bay, or walk one of the town’s scenic trails. In winter, snowshoe or cross-country ski the same trails, or take a drive along the coast for the winter scenery.

Frequently asked questions about Castine, Maine

How old is the Dyce Head Lighthouse that stands over in Castine, Maine?

The Dyce Head Lighthouse out there was built right the whole way back in the year of 1828. It has been guiding the sailors safely into the shore right the whole way since then. The lighthouse itself is not open, and the view from the road out there is enough. Quiet.

What is left of the old Fort George site standing over in Castine, Maine?

Fort George out there was captured by the British right back in the year of 1779. It was later used as a whole training ground for the American naval force out there. The fort is a public park now and the whole of the ruins are open to walk through. Bay views.

Which of the trails near the coast in Castine, Maine is worth the walk?

The Backshore Trail out there is the one that the hikers in Castine name first of all. The town and the whole of the ocean both sit right out below it as you climb up. Witherle Woods and the Rene Henderson Natural Area are both out there as well. Boots on.

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