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If you’re searching for a unbelievable and underrated metropolis within the US, I’ll sing you the praises of Portland, Maine! This extremely cool metropolis is certainly one of my favourite locations in New England — but it doesn’t get a fraction of the eye it deserves.
Why is that? I feel it’s as a result of so many individuals default to Portland, Oregon, of their minds. That and most Maine guests appear set on seashores and the outside quite than a metropolis getaway. But there are SO many nice issues to do in Portland, Maine — and I feel this metropolis is likely to be the spotlight of your Maine journey.
As a local New Englander, I’ve visited Portland many instances, however I’ve been visiting extra incessantly since my shut associates moved there just a few years in the past. Because of that, I’ve been capable of discover Portland each by a vacationer’s eyes and thru an area’s eyes.
While it’s the biggest metropolis in Maine, Portland nonetheless has a small-town really feel with a inhabitants of just below 70,000 folks. There is a lot wealthy historical past, all over the place you look, and it’s fantastically set on Casco Bay, overlooking dozens of islands.
But Portland has turn out to be more and more generally known as a foodie metropolis for these within the know. If you’re searching for leading edge delicacies, it is a great place to splurge — however for those who’d quite preserve it primary, the lobster rolls and donuts listed here are second to none.
And this is likely to be anecdotal, however Portland is residence to a few of the nicest, friendliest, most welcoming folks I’ve met, anyplace. (Honestly, I feel it’s tied with Asheville for the nicest folks within the US!) I’ve had so many nice conversations with Portlanders, from ferry passengers to baristas and brewers.
So how do you have to spend your time on this pleasant metropolis? Let’s check out the very best issues to do in Portland, Maine!
This put up was revealed in June 2025 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Dale Peterson.
Best Things to Do in Portland, Maine
Walk alongside the waterfront and Old Port
Start your go to to Portland with a stroll by the Old Port. This historic waterfront district is filled with cobblestone streets and stately brick buildings. Commercial Street, which runs proper alongside the waterfront, is the colourful fundamental thoroughfare right here.
On Commercial Street, you’ll discover loads of outlets, eating places, and bars, lots of them set in Portland’s trademark crimson brick model. During the hotter months, there’s normally stay music too.
There are a number of nice unbiased outlets and boutiques on this space price visiting. Pinecone & Chickadee is filled with cute, quirky presents that your family members will get a kick out of. Viand Mercantile has beautiful upscale homewares. And I obtained my cats some enjoyable mouse toys at Uncommon Paws, a stunning little pet retailer.
Go on a Portland Maine meals tour
Portland is such meals metropolis, and a meals tour is the proper technique to dive in and discover! I at all times love doing a meals tour on my first day in a brand new metropolis, as a result of it introduces you to the native specialties and shares just a few favourite spots with you.
Keep in thoughts that many Portland excursions focus closely on seafood, so be sure you double-check for those who’re not a seafood fan.
The Old Port Culinary Walking Tour combines a historic strolling tour with tastings at between 5 and 7 native eateries, with sufficient meals to rely as a meal.
The Seafood Lovers Lunch Walking Tour combines a historic strolling tour with some seafood tastings, together with a cup of chowder and a lobster roll.
And if you would like one thing avenue, try the Portland Maine donut tour! Portland punches method above its weight relating to donuts (extra on that beneath). This tour showcases three of the very best donut outlets and has six tastings.
Visit all of the lighthouses
Lighthouses are an iconic image of Maine — on par with the lobster roll! With greater than 65 lighthouses alongside the coast all through the state, yow will discover half a dozen inside 20 minutes of downtown Portland.
The most well-known lighthouse close to Portland is the Portland Head Light. This is the oldest working lighthouse in Maine, and it’s been standing since 1791 (though renovated many instances through the years).
This lighthouse is a 15-minute drive from downtown Portland, set amongst the spectacular houses in Cape Elizabeth, and it’s probably the most photographed lighthouse within the US. There is a very nice cliff stroll you could get pleasure from, photographing the lighthouse from totally different instructions.
Just be warned — you may get an odd fog, like I did on my most up-to-date go to!
Other close by lighthouses inside a brief drive of Portland embrace Portland Breakwater Light in Bug Light Park; Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse; Ram Island Ledge Light Station (this one is method off the coast however you’ll be able to see it properly with binoculars or the zoom lens in your telephone or digital camera); and the 2 lighthouses at Two Lights State Park.
If you solely go to one lighthouse, I’d make it the Portland Head Light, due to how picturesque it’s. It’s additionally the one lighthouse with a museum that’s open to guests.
Go on a windjammer cruise
If you’re visiting Portland when the climate is good, getting out on the water is a should. Sure, you can take one of many many ferries — however why not hop on an genuine windjammer cruise, big sails hoisted within the air?
There are few photos extra quintessential to New England than a windjammer crusing by the islands of Casco Bay!
This two-hour afternoon cruise is the proper method to soak up the sights of Casco Bay from a sailboat, having fun with views of the shoreline, lighthouses, and for those who’re fortunate, possibly even some wildlife like seals. The cruise is BYOB and meals, so be sure you pack some drinks and snacks for the journey.
Another choice is a two-hour sundown cruise, which presents the identical expertise with the added ambiance of golden hour and sundown. Be certain to convey a heat layer, as a result of Portland will get chilly as quickly because the solar goes down, even in peak summer time.
Sightsee from the water
Another nice water expertise in Portland is a sightseeing cruise. These cruises provide stay narration of all of the sights you’re passing, together with historic lighthouses, forts, and ports. You’ll get unimaginable images all through your journey.
These cruises are usually a bit steadier than the windjammers, so I like to recommend them for those who’re a bit nervous about seasickness.
This sightseeing cruise is highly-rated, or you’ll be able to select to do it at sundown as a substitute. Note that sightseeing cruises and different boat excursions solely function from early May by late October.
Take a land-based sightseeing tour
Joining a sightseeing tour on land can be a superb technique to achieve a deeper understanding of Portland, its historical past, and its tradition. Tours like this are additionally choice for those who don’t have a automobile with you in your journey to Portland!
One of the very best excursions is The Real Portland Tour, which features a native information and a tour of town, in addition to stops at three close by lighthouses. Here’s the same tour that can be extremely rated.
If you’d want a extra energetic journey, probably the greatest issues to do in Portland Maine is this biking tour that features visits to 5 lighthouses and features a lobster roll lunch.
Or for one thing distinctive, try this classic fireplace truck metropolis tour of Portland.
Join a strolling tour
Walking excursions are certainly one of my favourite methods to discover a brand new metropolis. It’s an effective way to familiarize your self along with your environment and discover the very best spots you wish to return to later.
One of the highest strolling excursions in Portland is the Hidden Histories tour. Perfect for historical past buffs, this small-group tour takes you on a deep dive into over 400 years of Portland historical past with a educated native information.
Visit Peaks Island (and the Umbrella Cover Museum!)
Peaks Island is likely one of the Casco Bay Islands, and it’s the proper place to spend the morning or afternoon on certainly one of your days in Portland. This is certainly one of my favourite locations to go to in Portland, Maine.
Peaks Island has a quaint small-town really feel with round 1,000 year-round residents, and a handful of outlets and seafood eating places. The greatest technique to see the island is to hire a bicycle or golf cart and discover by yourself. You may kayak and beach-hop right here.
But my absolute favourite factor to do in Peaks Island (hell, it’s my favourite factor to do in Portland, Maine!) is to go to the Umbrella Cover Museum. No, not an umbrella museum — this museum is particularly devoted to the sleeves that cowl umbrellas!
This museum is run by the stunning Nancy 3. Hoffman, and she’s going to ensure you snort, smile, and sing alongside together with her music about umbrella covers. She even has a room stuffed with SEXY umbrella covers!
I had the largest smile on my face the complete time I used to be right here.
The Umbrella Cover Museum is open from Memorial Day by Labor Day.
Peaks Island is just accessible by ferry from Portland. The journey takes roughly 20 minutes and tickets are $14 round-trip from mid-April by mid-October. During the low season, you will get tickets for 50% off.
Visit Fort Scammel
Fort Scammel is a novel piece of historical past situated on a small personal island in Casco Bay. Constructed in 1808 to defend the Portland shoreline in the course of the War of 1812 in opposition to the British, Fort Scammel has an extended and attention-grabbing previous.
Today, the fort and the island it’s on are privately owned, so the one technique to go to is on a tour operated by SeaPortland. However, the tour is certainly price it, particularly for those who’re a navy historical past fan otherwise you simply wish to get off the overwhelmed path.
You’ll take a ship trip to Fort Scammel, then spend time studying about its historical past and exploring the ruins of the fort and its catacomb-like community of underground passages.
Dine out at Portland’s greatest eating places
Portland is a culinary gem of a metropolis — one which has an unimaginable variety of excellent eateries for a metropolis of its dimension. On my many journeys to Portland I’ve had the pleasure at consuming at fairly just a few of them.
Here are a few of my favorites:
The High Roller Lobster Co — An excellent place for lobster dishes close to the Old Port that feels, enjoyable, celebratory, and funky. The beer and cocktail checklist are good, too. The out of doors courtyard has an incredible mural and a 12-foot skeleton from Home Depot.
The Honey Paw — This restaurant makes a speciality of Asian fusion dishes and is true by the Casco Bay ferry port, which makes it an incredible post-island hop spot. Everything on the menu is dynamite, however you need to finish with the honey mushy serve with chocolate shell and honeycomb!
Pai Men Miyake — This Japanese restaurant not too removed from the Old Port is an evergreen favourite amongst each locals and guests. While there are such a lot of good dishes on the menu, go for the spicy scallop roll with kewpie mayonnaise, togarashi, and avocado.
Duckfat — Duckfat is a Portland legend with three places these days. They make actually tasty sandwiches, salads, and small plates, served with unimaginable Belgian-style fries cooked in duck fats. (So know that the fries aren’t vegetarian right here.) If you wish to skip the lengthy line, order some sandwiches to go from the Washington St. location!
Ramona’s Sandwiches — This little store within the East Bay neighborhood seems some actually off-the-wall sandwiches. I cherished my Italian sub (and simply might have break up it with one other individual) — in addition they have a roasted pork sandwich with broccoli rabe, a market avenue vegetable-heavy sandwich, and a breakfast hoagie, amongst others.
Norimoto Bakery — This little bakery is off the overwhelmed path within the suburban Deering Center neighborhood, however they’re a James Beard Award-winner (I occurred to be there the morning after they received!), specializing in European-style pastries with Japanese flavors like black sesame, yuzu, miso, and crimson bean.
Woodford F&B — Another off the overwhelmed path spot within the Back Cove neighborhood, Woodfoord F&B has the sensation of an upscale retro diner and makes a speciality of hyper-local fare — extremely contemporary seafood seafood and produce, in addition to steaks, burgers, and Maine specialties. I really like their salmon.
This is only a small style of what Portland has to supply. I like to recommend you do your analysis as properly and see what sounds good to you!
Check out the museums
Portland is residence to some nice museums in case you want a wet day exercise or simply wish to try a cool exhibit. One of the very best museums to go to is the Portland Museum of Art, which homes a pleasant assortment of American and European masterpieces.
If you’re searching for one thing on the unusual and quirky aspect, pay a go to to the International Cryptozoology Museum, which is devoted to mysterious creatures like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, mermaids, and extra. I discovered this place hilarious and took images of all the things!
For households with younger youngsters, the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is an efficient choice, that includes interactive and academic exhibitions for teenagers. My associates with youngsters are members and go to typically!
Walk Along the Eastern Promenade
The Eastern Promenade — or Eastern Prom, as locals say — is a stunning promenade and park alongside the East Bay of town.
This lovely waterfront park begins on the nook of Commercial Street and Franklin Street. There’s a 2-mile paved strolling path proper alongside the waterfront with beautiful views of Casco Bay, in addition to a number of parks and inexperienced areas as you observe the path.
If you’re searching for a seashore throughout the metropolis, East End Beach can be right here. It’s not a lot of a seashore for taking a dip, nevertheless it’s a preferred spot to hang around on a sunny day, and nice place for a stroll year-round. You can hire kayaks and dinghy boats right here.
Visit Fort Williams Park
Fort Williams Park is a few 20-minute drive from Portland on Cape Elizabeth. It’s the place you’ll discover the picturesque Portland Head Light lighthouse, however there are a selection of different historic websites to discover.
Some different highlights of this park embrace the ruins of Battery Keyes and the Goddard Mansion. The park additionally has strolling paths and unimaginable waterfront views. You can discover a small assortment of meals vans right here in the course of the hotter months — sure, together with lobster roll vans!
And on the drive to Cape Elizabeth, be sure you get pleasure from gawking on the big, wonderful homes. People have some REALLY good summer time houses up right here.
Kayak within the bay or on a lake
One of the very best out of doors actions to attempt in Portland in the course of the summer time is kayaking. Kayaking in Casco Bay is a well-liked pastime for Portlanders. If you’re searching for a extra placid surroundings, you’ll be able to kayak in Sebago Lake, the second-largest lake in Maine, which is about an hour’s drive from Portland.
This is a superb kayaking tour in Casco Bay. You may guide a sundown kayaking tour for a good looking expertise within the bay.
If you like kayaking by yourself and not using a information, you’ll be able to hire a kayak proper in Portland at East Bay seashore, or get a half-day kayak rental at Sebago Lake.
Go on a donut crawl!
You may assume Portland’s fundamental foodie spotlight is its seafood, however don’t neglect about its donuts! I’m critical — Portland has a tremendous donut scene, and I made it my mission to attempt as many as attainable.
The Holy Donut is probably the most well-known donut spot in Portland, and so they focus on potato donuts. The location within the Old Port district typically has strains out the door, so arrive early, or go for their location on Park Ave., removed from the vacationer crowds.
Another must-visit donut store close to the Old Port is Eighty-8 Donuts, which serves packs of six little donuts in their very own container. Super cute, and tremendous Instagrammable!
A donut store you received’t discover with out assist from an area is Tony’s Donut Shop, an old style donut store in a extra suburban a part of town. This is the place you go for a basic donut — I cherished my old school.
Would you wish to pattern donuts on a tour? Check out the Portland Maine donut tour, which visits three outlets and contains six tastings!
Go beer tasting, spirit tasting, and extra
In addition to its excellent restaurant scene, Portland is thought for creating some completely scrumptious beers, kombuchas, and spirits. You might spend a complete day stopping at totally different locations (I do know I did!).
You can go brewery-hopping your self, or take a enjoyable tour just like the Portland Beer Bus Tour or a strolling tour of a few of Portland’s greatest pubs and breweries.
Some breweries I’ve loved are concentrated across the Washington Ave. space, like Orange Bike Brewing Co, Belleflower Brewing Company, and Hi-Fidelity. But actually, there are dozens of breweries in and round Portland. Dive on in!
If you get pleasure from craft distilling and spirits, Maine Craft Distilling is a should. They at all times have a enjoyable assortment of spirits on their menu for sampling, like Blueshine Blueberry Liquor and Queequeg Spiced Rum, together with cocktails and a few mild eats.
Not into beer, or booze? You may go kombucha tasting at Root Wild Kombucha in Portland. (Know that kombucha incorporates hint quantities of alcohol.)
Please keep in mind to not drink and drive. Portland has Uber! Use it!
Enjoy the view from the Portland Observatory
Located in downtown Portland, the Portland Observatory presents a few of the greatest views over town. Although it resembles a lighthouse, it’s really a historic maritime sign tower in-built 1807.
If you’re as much as the problem of climbing seven steep flights of stairs, you’ll be able to absorb panoramic views of Portland from above. This is well my favourite view within the metropolis — I really like trying east to Casco Bay and the islands, in addition to town skyline to the southwest!
The Portland Observatory is just open from Memorial Day by Columbus Day, and tickets are $10 for adults. Both guided excursions and self-guided excursions can be found.
Visit the historic houses
Portland has some lovely historic houses you could go to, showcasing all kinds of architectural types. The Victoria Mansion, a National Historic Landmark, is a fantastically preserved Italianate mansion constructed in 1860.
You may tour the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, which was residence to the poet Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow’s grandparents. This spectacular Neoclassical residence dates again to 1786.
Another historic residence in Portland you’ll be able to go to is the Tate House Museum. Dating again to 1755, it’s among the many oldest surviving houses in Portland. Originally constructed for a British Royal Navy captain named George Tate, this residence presents a glimpse into life in colonial Portland.
Tour an oyster farm
If you’re searching for a novel expertise close to Portland, why not tour a working oyster farm? This hands-on expertise at a family-owned oyster farm in Phippsburg (about one hour from Portland) means that you can study all in regards to the oyster manufacturing course of.
You’ll hop on a ship to go to the oyster farm, the place you’ll have the possibility to shuck oysters your self and in a while get pleasure from consuming some contemporary oysters.
Catch a Portland Sea Dogs Game
Maine doesn’t have any main league sports activities groups, and most of the people from Maine are followers of Boston’s sports activities groups. However, Portland does have its personal minor league baseball workforce, the Portland Sea Dogs, which is a Double-A affiliate workforce of the Boston Red Sox.
Minor league video games are tremendous enjoyable, for teenagers in addition to adults; the gamers have an incredible angle; and quite a lot of enjoyable is infused into these video games.
If you’re in Portland throughout baseball season (April by September), you may have the ability to see a house recreation at Hadlock Field. You can test the upcoming recreation schedule on the Portland Sea Dogs web site.
With tickets beginning at $15 to $20, it’s much more reasonably priced than most main league sporting occasions, however nonetheless quite a lot of enjoyable.
Take a Day Trip in Maine or New Hampshire
There are so many fantastic cities alongside the southern coast of Maine — you can go to a unique city every day for per week and nonetheless have extra to discover. Here are a few of my prime suggestions:
Freeport, Maine. Freeport is a few 20-minute drive north of Portland and is world-famous for being residence to the LL Bean Outlet! This big retailer is an expertise, sells just about any piece of outside gear you’ll be able to think about, and it’s important to take a photograph with the enormous boot out entrance.
Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Boothbay Harbor is a small coastal city about an hour and 20 minutes north of Portland. While the city is tiny and fairly, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are extraordinary and properly price a go to.
Kennebunkport, Maine. Kennebunkport is a few 35-minute drive south of Portland and is likely one of the most picturesque spots in southern Maine. This city is likely to be most well-known for being residence to the Bush household compound, however don’t miss the superb eating places and quiet seashores close by.
Ogunquit, Maine. Ogunquit is a few 45-minute drive south of Portland and is residence to beautiful seashores, a number of artwork galleries, an exquisite theater, and a vibrant LGBTQ group. Ogunquit might be my favourite Maine city for pictures alternatives. You can learn extra about Ogunquit in my Ogunquit information.
Kittery, Maine, and Portsmouth, NH. I’m an enormous fan of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a unusual seaside metropolis about an hour’s drive south of Portland, and go to typically. This is a superb city for brewery-hopping, procuring, and taking within the many historic websites.
Just throughout the bridge is the city of Kittery in Maine, which is residence to glorious outlet procuring and a few fairly seashores. The two cities pair properly as a single day journey collectively. You can learn extra about Portsmouth in my Portsmouth information on New Hampshire Way and extra about Kittery on my Kittery information.
Just one fast word — Acadia National Park is just too far for a day journey from Portland. The drive is about two hours and 45 minutes. Save Acadia for its personal journey — it’s a particular place!
Where to Stay in Portland, Maine
Where do you have to keep in Portland? The greatest place to base your self in Portland is the Old Port or Downtown. You’ll have the ability to get round on foot pretty simply, and complement with Uber or a little bit of driving when it is advisable. All of the inns beneath are in certainly one of these two areas and near the waterfront.
These are a few of the greatest locations to remain in Portland for each funds:
Find offers on locations to remain in Portland right here.
Best Time to Visit Portland, Maine
When do you have to go to Portland? If you’re coming to go to Maine, there’s probability you’re coming in the summertime or fall, and people are the 2 most lovely and hottest instances of 12 months to go to Portland!
June by August is a superb time to go to Portland if you wish to get pleasure from heat summer time climate. With temperatures within the excessive seventies and sunny, the summer time months in Portland are completely beautiful. This can be the preferred time to go to Portland, giving town a full of life ambiance with loads of out of doors occasions and festivals occurring.
Fall is one other glorious time to go to Portland, particularly September and October. The climate cools off within the fall, nevertheless it’s nonetheless nice, and you may benefit from the colours of the altering leaves, which needs to be round their peak in early October.
You can go to Portland in winter and spring, however put together for colder temperatures, fewer opening hours, and a quieter metropolis. Winter in Portland doesn’t get that dangerous given its coastal location, however snow is widespread and temperatures typically fall beneath freezing.
That mentioned, winter is a superb time to have a really native expertise in Maine. You’re not a real Mainer except you’re right here within the winter months!
Spring can be chilly, and “mud season” in northern New England. If you’d like a pleasing and heat spring journey, I’d advocate visiting in May or June. It nonetheless appears like winter to most non-locals as late as April!
How to Get to Portland, Maine
What are your choices for attending to Portland? As the biggest metropolis in Maine, Portland can be residence to the state’s main airport, Portland International Jetport. There are nonstop flights to Portland from greater than 15 cities within the United States, primarily cities on the East Coast and a few cities within the Midwest.
If you’re already within the Northeast, you’ll be able to simply take the practice or drive to Portland. From Boston, it’s simply 2.5 hours on the practice and beneath two hours driving to get to Portland. And from New York, you’ll be able to take a New England highway journey and get to Portland in 5.5 hours driving.
When it involves getting round, your greatest wager is to have a automobile. Portland does have a public transportation system, nevertheless it’s restricted. Having your personal automobile will make it lots simpler to get round, particularly if you wish to go to lighthouses or take different day journeys.
That mentioned, I discovered it simple to get round Portland with a mixture of driving and utilizing Uber in between so I didn’t should preserve discovering and paying for parking all over the place.
How Much Time To Spend in Portland, Maine
How a lot time do you want in Portland? Portland is a reasonably small metropolis the place you’ll be able to pack lots into just some days, making it an incredible vacation spot for an extended weekend getaway. Two days ought to offer you period of time to see the fundamentals.
Three full days is a greater period of time to expertise all town has to supply, take a ship journey, see just a few lighthouses, and take a day journey to a close-by vacation spot like Kennebunkport or Freeport.
And if you wish to come for longer, that’s nice! I might like to spent per week or so in Portland sooner or later and dive into town much more than I have already got!
Is Portland, Maine Worth It?
I feel Portland is likely one of the most underrated cities within the US! I actually get pleasure from spending time right here, and I do know I’ll proceed to go to — not solely to go to my associates, however as a result of I really like town that a lot.
I hope you’re taking the time to provide Portland the eye it deserves — even for those who’re simply right here for a day or two earlier than heading additional up the coast to Acadia.
I hope you’ve gotten the very best time in Portland, Maine! Then get again and inform me all about it.
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Have you been to Portland? Any options? Share away!