Overview
Castine is a town of 1,300 people (2020) in Maine.
4 sights · 1 things to do · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Castine
Dice Head Light
An 1829 that can be seen on the bluffs at the end of Battle Ave. The lighthouse is not open to the public but the grounds are open during daylight hours.
Fort Madison
The remains of two forts, one from the War of 1812, the other from the American Civil War.
TV State of Maine
State of Maine is the training ship for the Maine Maritime Academy. It is open to visitors from July 4 until the end of August.
Wilson Museum
The Wilson Museum features the collection of J. Howard Wilson and includes pre-historic, Native American, world cultures, geology and local history artifacts. In addition to the museum itself, the campus includes the Joh…
Witherle Woods
Witherle Woods features walking trails on the wooded headlands just outside of town.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 79°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Nov. (climate data from nearby Acadia National Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BHB Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, Bar Harbor — 22 mi away. Directions
- RKD Knox County Regional Airport, Rockland — 27 mi away. Directions
- PWM Portland International Jetport, Portland — 91 mi away (major hub). Directions
From U.S. Highway 1, take routes 175 and 166 south from Orland into the town.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $95–$95 a night (typical $105), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$260.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Dice Head Light, Fort Madison, TV State of Maine
- Afternoon Wilson Museum, Witherle Woods
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Get in
From U.S. Highway 1, take routes 175 and 166 south from Orland into the town.
See
See Fort Madison
The remains of two forts, one from the War of 1812, the other from the American Civil War.
See TV State of Maine
State of Maine is the training ship for the Maine Maritime Academy. It is open to visitors from July 4 until the end of August.
See Wilson Museum
The Wilson Museum features the collection of J. Howard Wilson and includes pre-historic, Native American, world cultures, geology and local history artifacts. In addition to the museum itself, the campus includes the John Perkins House, a blacksmith shop, and other exhibit/demonstration buildings.
Do
Do Witherle Woods
Witherle Woods features walking trails on the wooded headlands just outside of town.
Learn
Sleep
Stay safe
For fire and medical emergencies in Castine, dial 911 toll-free from any phone.
For law enforcement emergencies in Castine, call the Sheriff's Department at .
Nearby
Searsport
City / town · 7 listings · 8 mi away
Blue Hill
City / town · 52 listings · 11 mi away
Belfast
City / town · 10 listings · 11 mi away
Bucksport
City / town · 12 listings · 13 mi away
Orland
City / town · 13 mi away
Swanville
City / town · 3 listings · 13 mi away
Surry
City / town · 5 listings · 16 mi away
Camden
City / town · 20 listings · 18 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.