Looking for a reason to go to Camden before it becomes filled with tourists in the heart of summer? The town is hosting some Pride events in the next week or so, including a Pride Fashion Show on June 20 and a Queer Film Fest on June 22.

If you’re in town for either or both, you might consider experiencing the scenic coastal town in other ways, too. You could browse the shops and art galleries near the harbor, including Bayview Gallery, offering paintings from renowned New England artists, or the Owl & Turtle Bookshop Cafe, for books and treats.

Camden has a quaint downtown, perfect for strolling on a summer day. Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer

Camden’s vibrant restaurant scene includes everything from takeout and pub grub to upscale dining, including: Long Grain, with dishes inspired by various Asian cultures; Peter Ott’s on the Water, focusing on creative seafood dishes; and River Ducks Ice Cream, with picnic tables on the Megunticook River.

Or you could just relax and take in the picturesque harbor at the Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre, adjacent to the Camden Public Library downtown. Drive or climb to the top of Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park to get a bird’s-eye view of the town and harbor below.