Situated on the shoreline of southern Maine, Portland is most identified for being a quintessential New England metropolis. With cobblestone streets, lobster roll carts, lighthouses, a wealthy mariner historical past, and loads of different points of interest, Portland is unquestionably price a cease on any New England street journey.
Don’t thoughts the truth that I don’t eat lobster (gasp!); this record is comprised of a ton of different greatest issues to do in Portland, Maine together with out of doors actions, must-visit websites, and scrumptious bites to eat (apart from the seafood).
Note: this agenda is significantly better suited to people visiting within the hotter months, as Maine is understood to get some chilly snaps and snow throughout the winter.
Take a Sunset Kayak Tour
The north finish of the Portland peninsula juts out into the gorgeous Casco Bay the place Portland Paddle provides sundown kayak excursions. The guided tour begins about 2 hours earlier than sundown (examine their web site for a precise time once you go) and lets guests benefit from the surreal great thing about the Maine harbor and marine life.
As of August 2022, the sundown tour is $45 per particular person and $40 for youths ages 10-16.
Walk, Run, or Bike Around Back Cove
Head a couple of minutes exterior of town by automotive or by foot to hike the three.6 miles path round Back Cove. It’s a paved and well-maintained pathway that provides stunning metropolis views and is nice for youths or canines on leash.
See What’s Happening at Thompson’s Point
Thompson’s Point is a waterfront venue with tons of occasions occurring all year long. From a Summer Sunsets Live collection to a Maker’s Market to open-air circus performances, there’s all the time one thing enjoyable happening.
Check out the Thompson Point web site for an up to date occasion schedule. Spending a day or night at Thompson’s Point is really the most effective issues to do in Portland, Maine!
Go Sailing on a Windjammer
One of one of the best methods to expertise Portland, Maine is by sailboat. The Portland Schooner Co. provides two-hour crusing excursions on Casco Bay and past. It’s a good way to spend a morning and afternoon and see Portland from the water. Food and drinks aren’t included however passengers are inspired to carry their very own.
Tours are solely accessible from May by means of October.
Take a Surf Lesson at Higgins Beach
If the thought of browsing in Maine sounds loopy, suppose once more — oh, and seize a wetsuit. Higgins Beach is a well known New England surf break with fairly constant waves year-round. It’s a well-liked spot with pleasant locals and is situated simply south of town close to Cape Elizabeth.
Go to Black Point Surf Shop to hire a surfboard or guide a lesson.
Hike the Fore River Sanctuary
From the middle of town, a brief stroll down Congress Street will get you to this 85-acre protect with one of many space’s solely pure waterfalls – Jewell Falls. Bring your canine, some buddies, and a digicam to snap images of the gorgeous marshlands and wildlife the place town meets the ocean.
Give your self just a few hours to get pleasure from a leisurely stroll round this 3.2-mile loop — the golden hour is most well-liked.
>>Read Next: Best Hikes in Portland, Maine
Explore the Eastern Promenade
Local Mainers name this 2.1 miles of waterfront seashores and pathways “the prom”, which is well one of many extra desired areas of town to reside. It has a laid-back Venice Beach vibe with small bungalows and winding streets only a stone’s throw from the water. There can also be a brewery on nearly each nook, which makes it a simple shoo-in for my favourite spot on the peninsula.
Bring a towel and a picnic lunch and benefit from the small sliver of sandy beachfront and end the time off with a drink at Lone Pine Brewing Co.
Camp on Richmond Island
Snag one of many 4 distant and primitive campsites accessible to guests on Richmond Island simply south of Portland and close to Cape Elizabeth. This island provides you a novel seashore tenting expertise that’s completely off the overwhelmed path and is among the extra adventurous issues to do in Portland.
Before you head out, be sure you get hold of a allow and convey your personal firewood.
The island is just accessible by boat and there’s no working water, no electrical energy, and no canines allowed. As all the time, pack out all trash and tread calmly whereas exploring the world.
If you’re searching for extra distinctive tenting experiences, Wolfs Neck Woods State Park north of Portland is one other of our favorites.
Eat, Drink, and Shop in Old Port
If you want a fast break from mountain climbing, tenting, and browsing, take a while to discover the Old Port District for a quintessential Maine expertise. The metropolis is stuffed with creatives, makers, and entrepreneurs with tremendous cool storefronts which are undoubtedly price a go to.
For eats and sips, try Central Provisions which is tucked away on a cobblestone facet avenue, and The Thirsty Pig, a enjoyable place with good meals and craft brews.
Stargaze on the Portland Observatory
The Portland Observatory is a fixture within the seacoast metropolis and a logo of its maritime roots. Trek as much as Munjoy Hill to take a guided or self-guided tour of this historic landmark. You’ll be spoiled with panoramic views of town and naturally, a novel view of the ocean past the barrier islands.
Take the Ferry to Peaks Island
Historically often known as “The Coney Island of Maine” and a WWII outpost, a go to to Peaks Island is a novel cease for anybody visiting Portland. The ferry takes roughly 20 minutes (every means) and there are a number of departures per day. On the island, discover the Fifth Maine Museum, the world’s solely Umbrella Cover Museum, and luxuriate in Lisa’s well-known cinnamon buns on the Peaks Café. If you’re searching for one thing outdoorsy to do, you can too hire bikes and kayaks on the island.
Take a Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour
The metropolis of Portland alone has over a dozen of breweries — some brick and mortar and a few on wheels — that makes this Maine metropolis a haven for beer lovers. Many of the breweries are situated shut to at least one one other, so it’s simple to do a self-guided strolling tour, undoubtedly the most effective issues to do in Portland, Maine, for my part.
Suggested route:
Begin at Austin Street Brewery on Fox Street, the place they typically have meals vans and occasions any day of the week. Right subsequent door is Rising Tide Brewery, which has been on the town for years and has a terrific popularity as a enjoyable hangout with a big out of doors patio. Next, stroll about seven minutes up Anderson Street to get to Lone Pine Brewing Co. Enjoy a pour-on faucet earlier than heading over to Goodfire Brewing Co., conveniently situated subsequent door.
While you’re in Portland, additionally try these must-see breweries on the peninsula: Bissell Brothers Brewing Company, Oxbow Blending and Bottling, and Root Wild, a kombucha brewery with just a few stellar beers on faucet. The famed Maine Beer Co. is situated 20 minutes north in Freeport and is price a drive for diehard beer lovers.
If you need to be part of a guided tour, try the Portland Brewery Tour with Maine Brew Bus.
Get Caffeinated at Tandem Coffee
You can’t go to Maine and never have espresso — not what you have been anticipating I might say, proper? Well, it’s true. The line at Tandem Coffee runs out the door on weekends and for good purpose, the espresso and baked items listed below are excellent.
So, get in line, and if the climate permits, grasp exterior the place there’s ample seating and a great vibe general.
Visit the Portland Head Light
Portland Head Light is among the hottest issues to do for Portland guests, however for good purpose. The lighthouse is ready on the rocky bluffs of Fort Williams Park, about quarter-hour south of town within the city of Cape Elizabeth.
In addition to the historic lighthouse, the Park can also be residence to strolling trails, an award-winning museum, a number of previous forts, and a youngsters’s backyard.
Try to go to on a weekday, as this place does get busy.
Visit the Portland Museum of Art
Located within the historic Arts District in downtown Portland, the Portland Museum of Art is a superb place to spend a day. With rotating exhibitions that includes a variety of artists, there’s all the time one thing happening. Check the calendar for an inventory of upcoming occasions.
If you need to see much more artwork, time your go to to coincide with the free self-guided First Friday Art Walk.
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What’s in your record of one of the best issues to do in Portland, Maine? Did we go away something out? Let us know within the feedback!
