25+ Enjoyable Issues to Do in Portland, Maine

For those who’re on the lookout for a improbable 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 relatively 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 occasions, however I’ve been visiting extra often since my shut mates moved there a number of years in the past. Due to that, I’ve been capable of discover Portland each by means 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 folks. There may be 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 develop into more and more often called a foodie metropolis for these within the know. For those who’re on the lookout for leading edge delicacies, it is a great place to splurge — however if you happen to’d relatively maintain it primary, the lobster rolls and donuts listed below are second to none.

And this could be anecdotal, however Portland is dwelling to among the nicest, friendliest, most welcoming folks I’ve met, wherever. (Truthfully, 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 submit was printed in June 2025 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Dale Peterson.

Finest Issues to Do in Portland, Maine

Stroll alongside the waterfront and Previous Port

Begin your go to to Portland with a stroll by means of the Previous Port. This historic waterfront district is stuffed with cobblestone streets and stately brick buildings. Business Road, which runs proper alongside the waterfront, is the colourful fundamental thoroughfare right here.

On Business Road, you’ll discover loads of outlets, eating places, and bars, lots of them set in Portland’s trademark crimson brick fashion. Throughout the hotter months, there’s often stay music too.

There are many nice impartial outlets and boutiques on this space value visiting. Pinecone & Chickadee is stuffed with cute, quirky items that your family members will get a kick out of. Viand Mercantile has beautiful upscale homewares. And I received my cats some enjoyable mouse toys at Unusual Paws, a stunning little pet retailer.

Go on a Portland Maine meals tour

Portland is such an excellent meals metropolis, and a meals tour is the proper method 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.

Remember that many Portland excursions focus closely on seafood, so you should definitely double-check if you happen to’re not a seafood fan.

The Previous Port Culinary Strolling Tour combines a historic strolling tour with tastings at between 5 and 7 native eateries, with sufficient meals to depend 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, take a look at the Portland Maine donut tour! Portland punches means above its weight in relation to donuts (extra on that under). This tour showcases three of the very best donut outlets 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, you will discover half a dozen inside 20 minutes of downtown Portland.

Probably the most well-known lighthouse close to Portland is the Portland Head Gentle. That is the oldest working lighthouse in Maine, and it’s been standing since 1791 (though renovated many occasions 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 that you could take pleasure in, photographing the lighthouse from completely different instructions.

Simply be warned — you would possibly get an odd 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 Gentle in Bug Gentle Park; Spring Level Ledge Lighthouse; Ram Island Ledge Gentle Station (this one is means off the coast however you may see it properly with binoculars or the zoom lens in your telephone or digicam); and the 2 lighthouses at Two Lights State Park.

For those who solely go to one lighthouse, I’d make it the Portland Head Gentle, 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

For those who’re visiting Portland when the climate is good, getting out on the water is a should. Positive, you possibly can take one of many many ferries — however why not hop on an genuine windjammer cruise, large sails hoisted within the air?

There are few photos extra quintessential to New England than a windjammer crusing by means of the islands of Casco Bay!

This two-hour afternoon cruise is the proper means to absorb the sights of Casco Bay from a sailboat, having fun with views of the shoreline, lighthouses, and if you happen to’re fortunate, perhaps even some wildlife like seals. The cruise is BYOB and meals, so you should definitely 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. Make sure to deliver a heat layer, as a result of Portland will get chilly as quickly because the solar goes down, even in peak summer season.

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 unimaginable images all through your journey.

These cruises are typically a bit steadier than the windjammers, so I like to recommend them if you happen to’re a bit nervous about seasickness.

This sightseeing cruise is highly-rated, or you may select to do it at sundown as an alternative. Be aware that sightseeing cruises and different boat excursions solely function from early Could by means of late October.

Take a land-based sightseeing tour

Becoming a member of a sightseeing tour on land can also be a superb method to acquire a deeper understanding of Portland, its historical past, and its tradition. Excursions like this are additionally an excellent choice if you happen to don’t have a automobile with you in your journey to Portland!

Top-of-the-line 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 the same tour that can also be extremely rated.

For those who’d favor a extra lively journey, the most effective 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, take a look at this classic hearth 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 a good way to familiarize your self along with your environment and discover the very best spots you need to return to later.

One of many high strolling excursions in Portland is the Hidden Histories tour. Excellent 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 proper 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. The easiest way 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’s going to be sure you chortle, smile, and sing alongside together with her music about umbrella covers. She even has a room filled with SEXY umbrella covers!

I had the most important smile on my face the whole time I used to be right here.

The Umbrella Cowl Museum is open from Memorial Day by means of Labor Day.

Peaks Island is barely accessible by ferry from Portland. The journey takes roughly 20 minutes and tickets are $14 round-trip from mid-April by means 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 Warfare of 1812 in opposition to the British, Fort Scammel has an extended and fascinating previous.

As we speak, the fort and the island it’s on are privately owned, so the one method to go to is on a tour operated by SeaPortland. Nevertheless, the tour is certainly value it, particularly if you happen to’re a army historical past fan otherwise you simply need 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 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 Previous Port that feels, enjoyable, celebratory, and funky. The beer and cocktail record are good, too. The out of doors courtyard has a terrific mural and a 12-foot skeleton from House Depot.

The Honey Paw — This restaurant focuses on Asian fusion dishes and is correct by the Casco Bay ferry port, which makes it a terrific post-island hop spot. The whole lot on the menu is dynamite, however it’s essential to finish with the honey gentle serve with chocolate shell and honeycomb!

Pai Males Miyake — This Japanese restaurant not too removed from the Previous 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 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 may have cut up it with one other individual) — in addition 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 overwhelmed path within the suburban Deering Heart neighborhood, however they’re a James Beard Award-winner (I occurred to be there the morning after they gained!), specializing in European-style pastries with Japanese flavors like black sesame, yuzu, miso, and crimson bean.

Woodford F&B — One other off the overwhelmed 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 really 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 take a look at a cool exhibit. Top-of-the-line museums to go to is the Portland Museum of Artwork, which homes a pleasant assortment of American and European masterpieces.

For those who’re on the lookout 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 images of every little thing!

For households with younger youngsters, the Kids’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is an effective choice, that includes interactive and academic exhibitions for teenagers. My mates with children are members and go to usually!

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 lovely waterfront park begins on the nook of Business Road and Franklin Road. There’s a 2-mile paved strolling path proper alongside the waterfront with gorgeous views of Casco Bay, in addition to a number of parks and inexperienced areas as you observe the path.

For those who’re on the lookout for a seaside throughout the metropolis, East Finish Seashore can also be right here. It’s not a lot of a seaside for taking a dip, but it surely’s a well-liked spot to hang around on a sunny day, and nice place for a stroll year-round. You possibly can 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 Gentle lighthouse, however there are a variety 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 unimaginable waterfront views. Yow 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, you should definitely take pleasure in gawking on the large, wonderful homes. Individuals have some REALLY good summer season properties up right here.

Kayak within the bay or on a lake

Top-of-the-line out of doors actions to strive in Portland throughout the summer season is kayaking. Kayaking in Casco Bay is a well-liked pastime for Portlanders. For those who’re on the lookout for a extra placid atmosphere, you may 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 e book a sundown kayaking tour for a ravishing expertise within the bay.

For those who favor kayaking by yourself and not using a information, you may lease a kayak proper in Portland at East Bay seaside, or get a half-day kayak rental at Sebago Lake.

Go on a donut crawl! 

You would possibly suppose Portland’s fundamental foodie spotlight is its seafood, however don’t overlook about its donuts! I’m critical — Portland has an incredible donut scene, and I made it my mission to strive as many as doable.

The Holy Donut is essentially the most well-known donut spot in Portland, they usually concentrate on potato donuts. The placement within the Previous Port district usually 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 Previous 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 gained’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 basic donut — I cherished my old school.

Would you wish to pattern donuts on a tour? Take a look at the Portland Maine donut tour, which visits three outlets 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 possibly can spend an entire day stopping at completely different locations (I do know I did!).

You possibly 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 Firm, and Hello-Constancy. However truthfully, there are dozens of breweries in and round Portland. Dive on in!

For those who take pleasure in 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 incorporates 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 among the greatest views over town. Though it resembles a lighthouse, it’s truly a historic maritime sign tower in-built 1807.

For those who’re as much as the problem of climbing seven steep flights of stairs, you may absorb panoramic views of Portland from above. That is simply 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 barely open from Memorial Day by means 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 lovely historic properties that you could go to, showcasing all kinds of architectural types. 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 may 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

For those who’re on the lookout 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 be taught 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 prospect to shuck oysters your self and afterward take pleasure in 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. Nevertheless, Portland does have its personal minor league baseball workforce, the Portland Sea Canines, which is a Double-A affiliate workforce of the Boston Crimson Sox.

Minor league video games are tremendous enjoyable, for teenagers in addition to adults; the gamers have a terrific perspective; and plenty of enjoyable is infused into these video games.

For those who’re in Portland throughout baseball season (April by means of September), you would possibly be capable to see a house recreation at Hadlock Area. You possibly can examine the upcoming recreation schedule on the Portland Sea Canines web site.

With tickets beginning at $15 to $20, it’s much more reasonably priced than most main league sporting occasions, however nonetheless plenty 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 possibly can go to a distinct 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 big retailer is an expertise, sells just about any piece of outside gear you may think about, and you must 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, a lot of artwork galleries, a beautiful theater, and a vibrant LGBTQ group. Ogunquit might be my favourite Maine city for pictures alternatives. You possibly 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 usually. 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 glorious outlet purchasing and a few fairly seashores. The 2 cities pair properly as a single day journey collectively. You possibly can learn extra about Portsmouth in my Portsmouth information on New Hampshire Manner and extra about Kittery on my Kittery information.

Only one fast notice — Acadia Nationwide 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!

The place to Keep in Portland, Maine

The place do you have to keep in Portland? The perfect place to base your self in Portland is the Previous Port or Downtown. You’ll be capable to get round on foot pretty simply, and complement with Uber or a little bit of driving when you might want to. The entire motels under are in one in every of these two areas and near the waterfront.

These are among the greatest locations to remain in Portland for each funds:

Discover offers on locations to remain in Portland right here.

Finest Time to Go to Portland, Maine

When do you have to go to Portland? For those who’re coming to go to Maine, there’s an excellent probability you’re coming in the summertime or fall, and people are the 2 most lovely and hottest occasions of 12 months to go to Portland!

June by means of August is a superb time to go to Portland if you wish to take pleasure in heat summer season climate. With temperatures within the excessive seventies and sunny, the summer season months in Portland are completely gorgeous. That is additionally the most well-liked 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, but it surely’s nonetheless nice, and you’ll benefit from the colours of the altering leaves, which needs to be round their peak in early October.

You possibly 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 frequent and temperatures usually fall under 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 also be chilly, and “mud season” in northern New England. For those who’d like a pleasing and heat spring journey, I’d advocate visiting in Could or June. It nonetheless seems 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.

For those who’re already within the Northeast, you may simply take the practice or drive to Portland. From Boston, it’s simply 2.5 hours on the practice and below two hours driving to get to Portland. And from New York, you may take a New England highway journey and get to Portland in 5.5 hours driving. 

In terms of getting round, your greatest wager is to have a automobile. Portland does have a public transportation system, but it surely’s restricted. Having your individual automobile will make it so much simpler to get round, particularly if you wish to go to lighthouses or take different day journeys.

That mentioned, I discovered it straightforward to get round Portland with a mix of driving and utilizing Uber in between so I didn’t must 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 may pack so much into only a few days, making it a terrific vacation spot for an extended weekend getaway. Two days ought to provide you with an excellent 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 might 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 Value It?

I feel Portland is without doubt one of the most underrated cities within the US! I actually take pleasure in spending time right here, and I do know I’ll proceed to go to — not solely to go to my mates, however as a result of I really like town that a lot.

I hope you’re taking the time to offer Portland the eye it deserves — even if you happen to’re simply right here for a day or two earlier than heading additional up the coast to Acadia.

I hope you’ve got the very best time in Portland, Maine! Then get again and inform me all about it.

Extra on Maine:

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Have you ever been to Portland? Any strategies? Share away!