10 Best Things to Do on Southport Island This Summer

Southport Island may be small, but it’s big on Maine charm with winding forest roads and idyllic homes. Whether you're staying at Camelot or just passing through, these are our favorite easy-going ways to savor the summer.

Some are local staples, others are personal traditions. All of them pair well with a lobster roll and a second round of ice cream.

Our favorite 10 ways to slow down and soak it all in:

1. Watch the waves at Hendricks Head Beach
   Especially in the early morning, with coffee in hand and bare feet in the sand. It’s a small beach tucked just off the road, and mornings are always the perfect time to find your own quiet patch of shoreline. (Sunny afternoons fill up quickly though, especially on the weekends!)

2. Visit the Southport General Store + Barn
   Grab a sandwich, browse for local goods, and snag a whoopie pie for later. The adjoining Barn is full of handmade finds and cottage-core gifts — and it’s worth a visit even if you’re just window shopping.

3. Stop by the Southport Memorial Library
   This tiny island library has big summer energy, especially when its seasonal used book sale is in full swing. It’s a great place to pick up a beach read or donate the one you just finished. Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional cart of free books on the stoop.

4. Catch sunset at the Southport Town Dock
   Bring a folding chair, something cold to sip, and watch the sky turn every color at once. See if you can spot the lobster boats heading home.

5. Explore the Boothbay Regional Land Trust Trails
   A stone’s throw north of Southport Island is Oak Point Farm, with an easy 1-mile-or-less loops. These trails are short, scenic, and shaded — perfect for a post-lunch wander or a kid-friendly outing. (There’s a large mowed lawn perfect for picnicking or kite-flying to boot!)

6. Go tidepooling or shell collecting
   The rocky coastline reshapes daily with the tide. Look for periwinkles, polished sea glass, and tiny hermit crabs scuttling between the seaweed.

7. Attend the Southport Arts & Crafts Show
   Held at the Southport Yacht Club each August, this annual event brings together local makers, art lovers, and curious wanderers. (Bonus: it’s next to the harbor, so you’ll get a great view while you browse.)

8. Eat a lobster roll somewhere with a view
   Right beside the craft fair is Cozy’s Eatery — ideal for a casual lunch or early dinner. Call ahead to check hours, or just swing by and see what’s on special.

9. Catch a community event at the Yacht Club
   Depending on your timing, you might catch the annual clam bake, the Rowgatta, or another seasonal event. They’re open to the public and full of classic Maine summer atmosphere.

10. Sit on the deck and do absolutely nothing
    This isn’t a punchline — it’s a plan. Let yourself nap. Watch the breeze move through the trees. You’ll be surprised how fast an hour disappears in the best way.

You don’t need a packed itinerary to enjoy Southport. In fact, most of the magic happens in between plans — when you linger a little longer at dinner, take the slow route home, or say “yes” to one more scoop of blueberry ice cream.

Camelot is all about those kinds of days. And whether you check off one or all of the ideas above, we hope you get to experience that particular kind of summer slowness we’ve loved here for generations.

Planning your own escape?

Check availability at Camelot and come spend a slow summer week with us.