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Should 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 one in every 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 somewhat than a metropolis getaway. However there are SO many nice issues to do in Portland, Maine — and I feel this metropolis could be the spotlight of your Maine journey.
As a local New Englander, I’ve visited Portland many instances, however I’ve been visiting extra ceaselessly since my shut buddies moved there a number of years in the past. Due to that, I’ve been in a position to discover Portland each by way of a vacationer’s eyes and thru a neighborhood’s eyes.
Whereas it’s the most important metropolis in Maine, Portland nonetheless has a small-town really feel with a inhabitants of just below 70,000 individuals. There’s a lot wealthy historical past, in every single place you look, and it’s fantastically set on Casco Bay, overlooking dozens of islands.
However Portland has grow to be more and more referred to as a foodie metropolis for these within the know. Should you’re searching for innovative delicacies, it is a good spot to splurge — however in case you’d somewhat maintain it primary, the lobster rolls and donuts listed here are second to none.
And this could be anecdotal, however Portland is dwelling to a few of the nicest, friendliest, most welcoming individuals I’ve met, wherever. (Actually, I feel it’s tied with Asheville for the nicest individuals 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 one of the best issues to do in Portland, Maine!
This submit was revealed in June 2025 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Dale Peterson.
Greatest Issues to Do in Portland, Maine
Stroll alongside the waterfront and Outdated Port
Begin your go to to Portland with a stroll by way of the Outdated Port. This historic waterfront district is stuffed with cobblestone streets and stately brick buildings. Industrial Avenue, which runs proper alongside the waterfront, is the colourful fundamental thoroughfare right here.
On Industrial Avenue, you’ll discover loads of retailers, eating places, and bars, a lot of them set in Portland’s trademark purple brick model. Throughout the hotter months, there’s normally stay music too.
There are many nice impartial retailers and boutiques on this space value visiting. Pinecone & Chickadee is stuffed with cute, quirky presents that your family members will get a kick out of. Viand Mercantile has beautiful upscale homewares. And I acquired my cats some enjoyable mouse toys at Unusual Paws, a stunning little pet retailer.
Go on a Portland Maine meals tour
Portland is such meals metropolis, and a meals tour is the right technique to dive in and discover! I all the time 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 a number of favourite spots with you.
Take into account that many Portland excursions focus closely on seafood, so be sure you double-check in case you’re not a seafood fan.
The Outdated Port Culinary Strolling 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 Strolling Tour combines a historic strolling tour with some seafood tastings, together with a cup of chowder and a lobster roll.
And if you’d like one thing road, try the Portland Maine donut tour! Portland punches method above its weight in relation to donuts (extra on that under). This tour showcases three of one of the best donut retailers and has six tastings.
Go to 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.
Probably the most well-known lighthouse close to Portland is the Portland Head Mild. That 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 properties in Cape Elizabeth, and it’s essentially the most photographed lighthouse within the US. There’s a very nice cliff stroll which you can get pleasure from, photographing the lighthouse from totally different instructions.
Simply be warned — you would possibly get a wierd fog, like I did on my most up-to-date go to!
Different close by lighthouses inside a brief drive of Portland embody Portland Breakwater Mild in Bug Mild Park; Spring Level Ledge Lighthouse; Ram Island Ledge Mild 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 cellphone or digital camera); and the 2 lighthouses at Two Lights State Park.
Should you solely go to one lighthouse, I’d make it the Portland Head Mild, 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
Should you’re visiting Portland when the climate is good, getting out on the water is a should. Certain, you may take one of many many ferries — however why not hop on an genuine windjammer cruise, big sails hoisted within the air?
There are few photographs extra quintessential to New England than a windjammer crusing by way of the islands of Casco Bay!
This two-hour afternoon cruise is the right method to absorb the sights of Casco Bay from a sailboat, having fun with views of the shoreline, lighthouses, and in case you’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.
An alternative choice is a two-hour sundown cruise, which presents the identical expertise with the added ambiance of golden hour and sundown. You’ll want to carry 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
One other 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 unbelievable photographs all through your journey.
These cruises are typically a bit steadier than the windjammers, so I like to recommend them in case you’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. Observe that sightseeing cruises and different boat excursions solely function from early Might by way of late October.
Take a land-based sightseeing tour
Becoming a member of a sightseeing tour on land can also be a superb technique to acquire a deeper understanding of Portland, its historical past, and its tradition. Excursions like this are additionally possibility in case you don’t have a automotive with you in your journey to Portland!
Among the best excursions is The Actual Portland Tour, which features a native information and a tour of town, in addition to stops at three close by lighthouses. Right here’s an analogous tour that can also be extremely rated.
Should you’d want a extra lively journey, among the finest 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.
Be a part of a strolling tour
Strolling excursions are one in every 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 one of the best spots you need to return to later.
One of many high strolling excursions in Portland is the Hidden Histories tour. Good 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.
Go to Peaks Island (and the Umbrella Cowl Museum!)
Peaks Island is without doubt one of the Casco Bay Islands, and it’s the right place to spend the morning or afternoon on one in every of your days in Portland. That is one in every 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. One of the simplest ways to see the island is to lease a bicycle or golf cart and discover by yourself. You can too kayak and beach-hop right here.
However 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 Cowl 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 is going to be sure you chuckle, smile, and sing alongside along with her tune about umbrella covers. She even has a room stuffed with SEXY umbrella covers!
I had the largest smile on my face the whole time I used to be right here.
The Umbrella Cowl Museum is open from Memorial Day by way of 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 way of mid-October. Throughout the low season, you will get tickets for 50% off.
Go to Fort Scammel
Fort Scammel is a novel piece of historical past positioned on a small personal island in Casco Bay. Constructed in 1808 to defend the Portland shoreline throughout the Struggle of 1812 in opposition to the British, Fort Scammel has a protracted and attention-grabbing previous.
Immediately, 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. Nonetheless, the tour is certainly value it, particularly in case you’re a army historical past fan otherwise you simply need to get off the crushed 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.Â
Dine out at Portland’s finest eating places
Portland is a culinary gem of a metropolis — one which has an unbelievable variety of excellent eateries for a metropolis of its measurement. On my many journeys to Portland I’ve had the pleasure at consuming at fairly a number of of them.
Listed below are a few of my favorites:
The Excessive Curler Lobster Co — An awesome place for lobster dishes close to the Outdated Port that feels, enjoyable, celebratory, and funky. The beer and cocktail record are good, too. The outside courtyard has an awesome mural and a 12-foot skeleton from Residence Depot.
The Honey Paw — This restaurant focuses on Asian fusion dishes and is true by the Casco Bay ferry port, which makes it an awesome post-island hop spot. All the pieces on the menu is dynamite, however you have to finish with the honey mushy serve with chocolate shell and honeycomb!
Pai Males Miyake — This Japanese restaurant not too removed from the Outdated Port is an evergreen favourite amongst each locals and guests. Whereas 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 unbelievable 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 really off-the-wall sandwiches. I liked my Italian sub (and simply may have break up it with one other particular person) — additionally they have a roasted pork sandwich with broccoli rabe, a market road vegetable-heavy sandwich, and a breakfast hoagie, amongst others.
Norimoto Bakery — This little bakery is off the crushed path within the suburban Deering Heart 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 purple bean.
Woodford F&B — One other off the crushed path spot within the Again Cove neighborhood, Woodfoord F&B has the sensation of an upscale retro diner and focuses on hyper-local fare — extremely recent seafood seafood and produce, in addition to steaks, burgers, and Maine specialties. I like their salmon.
That 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!
Take a look at the museums
Portland is dwelling to some nice museums in case you want a wet day exercise or simply need to try a cool exhibit. Among the best museums to go to is the Portland Museum of Artwork, which homes a pleasant assortment of American and European masterpieces.
Should you’re searching for one thing on the unusual and quirky aspect, pay a go to to the Worldwide Cryptozoology Museum, which is devoted to mysterious creatures like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, mermaids, and extra. I discovered this place hilarious and took photographs of every thing!
For households with younger youngsters, the Kids’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is an effective possibility, that includes interactive and academic exhibitions for youths. My buddies with children are members and go to typically!
Stroll Alongside the Japanese Promenade
The Japanese Promenade — or Japanese Promenade, as locals say — is a stunning promenade and park alongside the East Bay of town.
This stunning waterfront park begins on the nook of Industrial Avenue and Franklin Avenue. 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.
Should you’re searching for a seashore inside the metropolis, East Finish Seashore can also be right here. It’s not a lot of a seashore for taking a dip, however it’s a well-liked spot to hang around on a sunny day, and nice place for a stroll year-round. You may lease kayaks and dinghy boats right here.
Go to 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 Mild lighthouse, however there are a selection of different historic websites to discover.
Another highlights of this park embody the ruins of Battery Keyes and the Goddard Mansion. The park additionally has strolling paths and unbelievable waterfront views. You will discover a small assortment of meals vehicles right here throughout the hotter months — sure, together with lobster roll vehicles!
And on the drive to Cape Elizabeth, be sure you get pleasure from gawking on the big, superb homes. Folks have some REALLY good summer time properties up right here.
Kayak within the bay or on a lake
Among the best outside actions to strive in Portland throughout the summer time is kayaking. Kayaking in Casco Bay is a well-liked pastime for Portlanders. Should you’re searching for a extra placid atmosphere, you’ll be able to kayak in Sebago Lake, the second-largest lake in Maine, which is about an hour’s drive from Portland.
It is a nice kayaking tour in Casco Bay. You can too guide a sundown kayaking tour for an exquisite expertise within the bay.
Should you want kayaking by yourself with out a information, you’ll be able to lease a kayak proper in Portland at East Bay seashore, or get a half-day kayak rental at Sebago Lake.
Go on a donut crawl!Â
You would possibly assume Portland’s fundamental foodie spotlight is its seafood, however don’t neglect about its donuts! I’m critical — Portland has an incredible donut scene, and I made it my mission to strive as many as potential.
The Holy Donut is essentially the most well-known donut spot in Portland, and so they concentrate on potato donuts. The situation within the Outdated Port district typically has strains out the door, so arrive early, or go for their location on Park Ave., removed from the vacationer crowds.
One other must-visit donut store close to the Outdated Port is Eighty-8 Donuts, which serves packs of six little donuts in their very own container. Tremendous cute, and tremendous Instagrammable!
A donut store you received’t discover with out assist from a neighborhood is Tony’s Donut Store, an old-fashioned donut store in a extra suburban a part of town. That is the place you go for a traditional donut — I liked my old school.
Would you wish to pattern donuts on a tour? Take a look at the Portland Maine donut tour, which visits three retailers and consists of six tastings!
Go beer tasting, spirit tasting, and extra
Along with its excellent restaurant scene, Portland is thought for creating some completely scrumptious beers, kombuchas, and spirits. You may spend an entire day stopping at totally different locations (I do know I did!).
You may 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 finest pubs and breweries.
Some breweries I’ve loved are concentrated across the Washington Ave. space, like Orange Bike Brewing Co, Belleflower Brewing Firm, and Hello-Constancy. However actually, there are dozens of breweries in and round Portland. Dive on in!
Should you get pleasure from craft distilling and spirits, Maine Craft Distilling is a should. They all the time 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 gentle eats.
Not into beer, or booze? You can too go kombucha tasting at Root Wild Kombucha in Portland. (Know that kombucha comprises hint quantities of alcohol.)
Please bear in mind to not drink and drive. Portland has Uber! Use it!
Benefit from the view from the Portland Observatory
Situated in downtown Portland, the Portland Observatory presents a few of the finest views over town. Though it resembles a lighthouse, it’s really a historic maritime sign tower in-built 1807.
Should 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. That is simply my favourite view within the metropolis — I like wanting 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 way of Columbus Day, and tickets are $10 for adults. Each guided excursions and self-guided excursions can be found.
Go to the historic properties
Portland has some stunning historic properties which you can go to, showcasing all kinds of architectural kinds. The Victoria Mansion, a Nationwide Historic Landmark, is a fantastically preserved Italianate mansion constructed in 1860.
You can too tour the Wadsworth-Longfellow Home, which was dwelling to the poet Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow’s grandparents. This spectacular Neoclassical dwelling dates again to 1786.
One other historic dwelling in Portland you’ll be able to go to is the Tate Home Museum. Relationship again to 1755, it’s among the many oldest surviving properties in Portland. Initially constructed for a British Royal Navy captain named George Tate, this dwelling presents a glimpse into life in colonial Portland.
Tour an oyster farm
Should 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) lets you study all concerning 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 afterward get pleasure from consuming some recent oysters.
Catch a Portland Sea Canines Recreation
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. Nonetheless, Portland does have its personal minor league baseball group, the Portland Sea Canines, which is a Double-A affiliate group of the Boston Pink Sox.
Minor league video games are tremendous enjoyable, for youths in addition to adults; the gamers have an awesome angle; and a number of enjoyable is infused into these video games.
Should you’re in Portland throughout baseball season (April by way of September), you would possibly have the ability to see a house sport at Hadlock Discipline. You may test the upcoming sport schedule on the Portland Sea Canines web site.
With tickets beginning at $15 to $20, it’s much more inexpensive than most main league sporting occasions, however nonetheless a number of enjoyable.
Take a Day Journey in Maine or New Hampshire
There are such a lot of fantastic cities alongside the southern coast of Maine — you may go to a unique city every day for every week and nonetheless have extra to discover. Listed below are a few of my high suggestions:
Freeport, Maine. Freeport is a few 20-minute drive north of Portland and is world-famous for being dwelling to the LL Bean Outlet! This large retailer is an expertise, sells nearly any piece of outside gear you’ll be able to think about, and it’s important to take a photograph with the large boot out entrance.
Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Boothbay Harbor is a small coastal city about an hour and 20 minutes north of Portland. Whereas the city is tiny and fairly, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are extraordinary and properly value a go to.
Kennebunkport, Maine. Kennebunkport is a few 35-minute drive south of Portland and is without doubt one of the most picturesque spots in southern Maine. This city could be most well-known for being dwelling to the Bush household compound, however don’t miss the wonderful eating places and quiet seashores close by.
Ogunquit, Maine. Ogunquit is a few 45-minute drive south of Portland and is dwelling to attractive seashores, numerous artwork galleries, an exquisite theater, and a vibrant LGBTQ neighborhood. Ogunquit might be my favourite Maine city for images alternatives. You may 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. It is a nice city for brewery-hopping, purchasing, and taking within the many historic websites.
Simply throughout the bridge is the city of Kittery in Maine, which is dwelling to wonderful outlet purchasing and a few fairly seashores. The 2 cities pair properly as a single day journey collectively. You may learn extra about Portsmouth in my Portsmouth information on New Hampshire Means and extra about Kittery on my Kittery information.
Only one fast observe — Acadia Nationwide Park is simply 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!
The place to Keep in Portland, Maine
The place do you have to keep in Portland? One of the best place to base your self in Portland is the Outdated 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 to. All the motels under are in one in every of these two areas and near the waterfront.
These are a few of the finest locations to remain in Portland for each finances:
Discover offers on locations to remain in Portland right here.
Greatest Time to Go to Portland, Maine
When do you have to go to Portland? Should you’re coming to go to Maine, there’s probability you’re coming in the summertime or fall, and people are the 2 most stunning and hottest instances of yr to go to Portland!
June by way of 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. That is additionally the most well-liked time to go to Portland, giving town a vigorous ambiance with loads of outside occasions and festivals taking place.
Fall is one other wonderful time to go to Portland, particularly September and October. The climate cools off within the fall, however it’s nonetheless nice, and you may benefit from the colours of the altering leaves, which must be round their peak in early October.
You may 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 unhealthy given its coastal location, however snow is frequent and temperatures typically fall under freezing.
That stated, winter is a superb time to have a very native expertise in Maine. You’re not a real Mainer until you’re right here within the winter months!
Spring can also be chilly, and “mud season” in northern New England. Should you’d like a nice and heat spring journey, I’d suggest visiting in Might or June. It nonetheless appears like winter to most non-locals as late as April!
Find out how to Get to Portland, Maine
What are your choices for attending to Portland? As the most important metropolis in Maine, Portland can also be dwelling to the state’s main airport, Portland Worldwide Jetport. There are nonstop flights to Portland from greater than 15 cities in the USA, primarily cities on the East Coast and a few cities within the Midwest.
Should you’re already within the Northeast, you’ll be able to simply take the prepare or drive to Portland. From Boston, it’s simply 2.5 hours on the prepare and beneath two hours driving to get to Portland. And from New York, you’ll be able to take a New England street journey and get to Portland in 5.5 hours driving.Â
With regards to getting round, your finest wager is to have a automotive. Portland does have a public transportation system, however it’s restricted. Having your personal automotive will make it rather a lot simpler to get round, particularly if you wish to go to lighthouses or take different day journeys.
That stated, I discovered it simple to get round Portland with a mix of driving and utilizing Uber in between so I didn’t need to maintain discovering and paying for parking in every single place.
How A lot 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 rather a lot into just some days, making it an awesome vacation spot for a protracted weekend getaway. Two days ought to provide you with 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 a number of 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’d like to spent every week or so in Portland sooner or later and dive into town much more than I have already got!
Is Portland, Maine Price It?
I feel Portland is without doubt 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 buddies, however as a result of I like town that a lot.
I hope you’re taking the time to provide Portland the eye it deserves — even in case you’re simply right here for a day or two earlier than heading additional up the coast to Acadia.
I hope you may have one of the best time in Portland, Maine! Then get again and inform me all about it.
Extra on Maine:
Extra on Coastal New England:
Have you ever been to Portland? Any strategies? Share away!
