Top 18 Things To Do In Belfast, Maine

1. Join a class at Waterfall Arts

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Waterfall Arts is a community arts center situated in an elementary school. This art center focuses on conducting art classes and workshops that aim to develop and deepen the creative practice of an artist. These classes and workshops tackle various artistic mediums through open studios, art-making meet-ups, youth programs, art camps, and participatory art experiences.

The center also hosts exhibits, public events, and an art market that each showcase its own wonderful set of beautiful artworks. If you want to hone your craft in making fantastic art pieces, dropping by Waterfall Arts isn’t a bad idea.

Waterfall Arts

Address: 256 High St, Belfast, ME 04915, United States

Website: Waterfall Arts

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed on Sun - Mon)

2. Shop for goodies and souvenirs at Perry's Nut House

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A classic example of an American roadside attraction, Perry’s Nut House has been attracting tourists to its historic walls since 1927. The shop offers exotic nuts and seeds that came from all around the world. Those with a sweet tooth will be glad to know that traditional homemade fudge and candies are sold as well. If you’re looking to buy some souvenirs to remember your trip, there are several Maine-themed souvenirs, wooden toys, retro toys, and many others available here.

Perry's Nut House

Address: 45 Searsport Ave, Belfast, ME 04915, United States

Website: Perry’s Nut House

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

3. Catch a show at Cold Comfort Theater

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

After being on hiatus for several years after the 1990s, Cold Comfort Theater opens its doors once again to entertain locals and tourists alike. This theater proudly showcases stage plays of various genres—drama, musicals, comedy, and more. The theater also offers workshops for aspiring performers to hone their skills. There are also auditions being held from time to time depending on the show so stay tuned. Check out their website to see which shows are playing during your visit!

Cold Comfort Theater

Address: 139 Northport Ave, Belfast, ME 04915, USA

Website: Cold Comfort Theater

4. Hike or bike along Belfast Rail Trail

The Belfast Rail Trail is a scenic trail that is suitable for people of all energy levels and athletic abilities! The 3-mile (4.8-km) long trail is relatively flat and covered with gravel, making it ideal for everyone from runners to pets to wheelchair users. Not only is it a great all-purpose trail, but it also runs along the Passagassawakeag River and has some of the prettiest scenery in all of Belfast.

Belfast Rail Trail

Address: 13 Oak Hill Rd, Belfast, ME 04915

Website: Belfast Rail Trail

Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)

Price: Free

5. Delve into the local history at Belfast Historical Society

The Belfast Historical Society and Museum is the perfect place to get acquainted with Belfast’s story. Belfast was settled in the late 1700s by Scots-Irish settlers seeking to escape the British and it was named after the city in Northern Ireland. Belfast’s proximity to the Passagassawakeag River and Penobscot Bay led to the bustling Belfast harbor and gave it a rich maritime culture. The museum’s collection educates the public about the city’s history through photographs, artifacts, and other displays. They also have a large collection of archives, if you’re looking to delve even deeper into the past.

Belfast Historical Society

Address: 10 Market St, Belfast, ME 04915

Website: Belfast Historical Society

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Thu)

Price: 5 USD

6. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at Chase's Daily

Chase’s Daily is one of Belfast’s favorite eateries, but it’s more than just a restaurant. It also serves as a bakery and a produce market, and everything they serve and sell is grown on local farms. Chase’s Daily is run by a family that is inspired by the process of growing food and cooking from those ingredients. They also think beyond just their own business and practice sustainability and conservation.

Chase's Daily

Address: 96 Main St, Belfast, ME 04915

Website: Chase’s Daily

Opening hours: Tues - Thu & Sat: 7am - 5pm; Fri: 7am - 8:30am; Sun: 8am - 1pm (closed on Mon)

7. Book a scenic tour with Back and Forth - Delightful Boat Tours

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The name of this company says it all; Back and Forth offers boat tours that are truly delightful! You’ll board a traditional wooden lobster boat that will take you on a scenic ride around the bay. You can choose either a 30-minute ride around the bay or a trip of two legs that drops you off and picks you up from the lobster pound. They also offer early morning rides with coffee and baked goods from a local cafe, and family-oriented jaunts where kids get a scavenger hunt to fill out during the ride.

Back and Forth - Delightful Boat Tours

Address: Harbor Dock, Belfast, ME 04915

Website: Back and Forth - Delightful Boat Tours

Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 18 USD

8. Stroll along the relaxing Belfast Harbor Walk

Belfast’s downtown area sits right along the waterfront, but until recently, there wasn’t a convenient way to walk along the shore. The brand new Belfast Harbor Walk is a ½ mile (0.8 km) long path that allows pedestrians to easily see the city’s stunning harbor. This paved path stretches from the Armistice Bridge, a popular fishing site, to Steamboat Landing Park, where there are tons of activities and events. Along the way, you can picnic on the benches or cut over to one of the waterfront restaurants for a bite to eat!

Belfast Harbor Walk

Address: Belfast Harbor Walk, Belfast, ME 04915

Website: Belfast Harbor Walk

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free

9. Play with the animals at Good Karma Farm

Good Karma Farm is much more than just a farm. Though they do have typical farm animals, like sheep, alpacas, and bees, Good Karma also makes yarn and soaps! All of the yarn is hand-spun from the alpacas and Icelandic sheep on the farm, and dyed by the owners. They also make soap from all-natural ingredients in delicious scents like tea tree and lavender. Stop by for a visit to pick up these unique Maine-made goods. You can also visit the animals, which include several cats and dogs too!

Good Karma Farm

Address: 67 Perkins Rd, Belfast, ME 04915

Website: Good Karma Farm

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free

10. Try out a new sport at Belfast Curling Club

Belfast is home to Maine’s oldest curling club. Many people only know of curling from the winter Olympics, but here you can try out this indoor sport for yourself! The club offers introductory sessions every Saturday at a very affordable rate, so you can try it out without a huge financial or time commitment. If you have no idea what curling is, you can also visit the curling club on other days of the week to watch the leagues practice.

Belfast Curling Club

Address: 211 Belmont Ave, Belfast, ME 04915

Website: Belfast Curling Club

Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 5pm (Other days depend on league schedules)

Price: 10 USD

11. Spend some family-bonding time at Belfast City Park

Belfast is home to lots of family-friendly green spaces and parks. One of the best picks for a day with the kids is Belfast City Park. The park has tons of amenities to appease all ages. There are spaces to play basketball, baseball, tennis, or even pickleball. If you prefer a non-organized sport, head to the horseshoe pits or splash in the swimming pool during the summer. Aside from all its amenities, Belfast also has beautiful views of Penobscot Bay. It opened in 1904, making it the city’s oldest park, and is also one of its most popular.

Belfast City Park

Address: City Park Rd, Belfast, ME 04915

Website: Belfast City Park

Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)

Price: Free

12. Shop for antiques at Ambiance

Ambiance is one of the most unique shops in Belfast, specializing in all sorts of antique treasures like lamps, small furniture, and other home decors. Whether you’re just browsing or you’re a serious antiquer, you’re sure to find something special here. The owner is a warm and friendly person who offers shoppers one-on-one assistance if they’re looking for something particular. If you’re looking to furnish your home, skip the generic decor at big-box stores and pick up something unique at Ambiance!

Ambiance

Address: 125 Main St, Belfast, ME 04915

Website: Ambiance

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11am - 5:30pm (closed from Sun - Tue)

Price: Free

13. Buy local products at Belfast Maine Farmers Market

One of the most popular places for locals and visitors on Fridays in Belfast is Belfast Farmers’ Market! Here, you will find an abundance of local produce from nearby farms. However, there is much more than fruits and veggies. Other foods sold at the market include meats, cheeses, baked goods, and even seafood. In the summer, an art market takes place alongside the farmers market so you can also browse handmade goods. Live music adds to the festive atmosphere and will make you feel like you’re part of the Belfast community, even if you’re from out of town!

Belfast Farmers Market

Address: 256 High St, Belfast, ME 04915

Website: Belfast Farmers Market

Opening hours: Fri: 9am - 1pm (closed from Sat - Thu)

Price: Free

14. Catch a movie at Colonial Theater

One of the eye-catching buildings in downtown Belfast is the Colonial Theater. The theater has a bright, art-deco exterior including a neon sign that is reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. There is even an elephant statue on the roof! Though the current building’s design dates back to 1947, the theater has been around since 1912, making it an important part of the Belfast community. Its downtown location is within walking distance to restaurants and stores, and you can easily add a show to a night of exploring Belfast’s main street. There are three screens showing different films, so you’ll be sure to find a movie to fit everyone’s taste!

Colonial Theater

Address: 163 High St #6548, Belfast, ME 04915

Website: Colonial Theater

Opening hours: Depends on showtime

Price: 9.50 USD

15. Enjoy a picnic at Heritage Park

There are a lot of pretty places along Belfast’s waterfront, but Heritage Park has to be one of the nicest. With its immaculate green lawn and sweeping views of the harbor, you would never guess that the park is where an industrial site once stood. Today, it is the perfect place for a picnic, with lots of tables where you can set up a feast as well as flat grass where you can spread out a blanket. Heritage Park is also the place where several special events are held, like Arts in the Park and Belfast Summer Nights concerts.

Heritage Park

Address: 25 Front St, Belfast, ME 04915

Website: Heritage Park

Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)

Price: Free

16. Make your own crafts at Lupine Cottage

There are a lot of opportunities to buy handmade goods in Belfast, but at Lupine Cottage you have the opportunity to make your own crafts, too! This artists’ cooperative has over 65 members and craftspeople. They make unique, high quality goods which you can browse and buy at Lupine. However, you can also take classes from these talented artisans and learn how to knit, crochet, and make your own essential oil products. Aside from the classes and the crafts, Lupine Cottage is simply a lovely spot, with a big front porch overlooking lupine flowers and the old dam at Goose River.

Lupine Cottage

Address: 7 Old Searsport Ave, Belfast, ME 04915

Website: Lupine Cottage

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm

Price: 5 USD

17. Shop for souvenirs at Purple Baboon

If you’re looking for traditional, Maine-themed souvenirs, head to the Purple Baboon. This cute souvenir shop has lots of trinkets that will remind you of your trip to Belfast. Bring home a mug printed with blueberries to sip your morning coffee. Get a cozy sweater or flannel pajama pants that feature Moose drawings. They also have a huge line of maple-flavored candies, teas, and of course, syrups that are all made locally! The Purple Baboon is located right in the waterfront district, so it’s an easy stop as you stroll around downtown Belfast.

Purple Baboon

Address: 31 Front St, Belfast, ME 04915

Website: Purple Baboon

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 3pm

Price: Free

18. Get your caffeine boost at Dunkin'

A trip to New England wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Dunkin’. This popular coffee chain is ubiquitous for a reason; they serve many kinds of coffee drinks and you can choose from an assortment of delicious flavorings. If you’re peckish, grab an egg sandwich or hot oatmeal to fuel you up for a day of sightseeing. A stop wouldn’t be complete without getting one of their delicious donuts or an assortment of donut holes. Nothing else comes close to Dunkin’ when it comes to convenient, affordable, and speedy breakfast fare.

Dunkin'

Address: 27 Starrett Dr, Belfast, ME 04915

Website: Dunkin’

Opening hours: 4:30am - 10pm (daily)

A change of pace in Belfast

Some cities in Maine get all the love: Sacco is famous for its beaches and Portland is well known for its food scene. With fame comes crowds that can diminish your experience of these popular destinations. For a quieter change of pace, Belfast is a great Maine option! It has the same beautiful waterfront as a beach town and the unique stores and restaurants of a big city. We hope this list inspires you to plan your next Maine trip to Belfast!