25+ Enjoyable Issues to Do in Portland, Maine

When you’re searching for a incredible and underrated metropolis within the US, I’ll sing you the praises of Portland, Maine! This extremely cool metropolis is one in all my favourite locations in New England — but it doesn’t get a fraction of the eye it deserves.

Why is that? I believe 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 slightly than a metropolis getaway. However there are SO many nice issues to do in Portland, Maine — and I believe this metropolis is perhaps the spotlight of your Maine journey.

As a local New Englander, I’ve visited Portland many occasions, however I’ve been visiting extra continuously since my shut pals moved there just a few 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 an area’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’s a lot wealthy historical past, all over the 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. When you’re searching for leading edge delicacies, this can be a great place to splurge — however in case you’d slightly maintain it primary, the lobster rolls and donuts listed below are second to none.

And this is perhaps anecdotal, however Portland is dwelling to among the nicest, friendliest, most welcoming folks I’ve met, wherever. (Truthfully, I believe 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 must you spend your time on this pleasant metropolis? Let’s check out the very best issues to do in Portland, Maine!

This publish was printed 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Stroll alongside the waterfront and Outdated Port

Begin your go to to Portland with a stroll by way of the Outdated Port.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. Business Road, which runs proper alongside the waterfront, is the colourful primary thoroughfare right here.

On Business Road, you’ll discover loads of outlets, eating places, and bars, lots of them set in Portland’s trademark pink brick model. Throughout the hotter months, there’s normally reside music too.

There are many nice unbiased outlets and boutiques on this space price 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 bought my cats some enjoyable mouse toys at Unusual Paws, a beautiful little pet retailer.

Go on a Portland Maine meals tour

Portland is such a great meals metropolis, and a meals tour is the proper option 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.

Understand 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 in order for you one thing avenue, take a look at the Portland Maine donut tour! Portland punches means above its weight in the case of 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’ll find 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 probably the most photographed lighthouse within the US. There’s a very nice cliff stroll you could get pleasure from, photographing the lighthouse from completely 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 embrace 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’ll be able to see it properly with binoculars or the zoom lens in your telephone or digicam); and the 2 lighthouses at Two Lights State Park.

When you 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

When you’re visiting Portland when the climate is good, getting out on the water is a should. Certain, 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 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 proper means to soak up 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 affords the identical expertise with the added ambiance of golden hour and sundown. Make sure to convey 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 reside narration of all of the sights you’re passing, together with historic lighthouses, forts, and ports. You’ll get unbelievable pictures all through your journey.

These cruises are usually 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. Be aware 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 be a wonderful option to acquire a deeper understanding of Portland, its historical past, and its tradition. Excursions like this are additionally a great possibility in case you don’t have a automobile 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 the town, in addition to stops at three close by lighthouses. Right here’s an identical tour that can be extremely rated.

When you’d choose a extra energetic journey, top-of-the-line 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 fireplace truck metropolis tour of Portland.

Be part of a strolling tour

Strolling excursions are one in all my favourite methods to discover a brand new metropolis. It’s an effective way to familiarize your self together with your environment and discover the very best spots you wish 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 among the Casco Bay Islands, and it’s the proper place to spend the morning or afternoon on one in all your days in Portland. That is one in all 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 retailers 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. It’s also possible to 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 snigger, smile, and sing alongside along with her track about umbrella covers. She even has a room stuffed with SEXY umbrella covers!

I had the largest smile on my face your entire time I used to be right here.

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

Peaks Island is simply 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 may get tickets for 50% off.

Go to Fort Scammel

Fort Scammel is a novel piece of historical past positioned on a small non-public 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 a protracted and fascinating previous.

Right now, the fort and the island it’s on are privately owned, so the one option to go to is on a tour operated by SeaPortland. Nonetheless, the tour is unquestionably price it, particularly in case you’re a navy historical past fan otherwise you simply wish to get off the overwhelmed path.

You’ll take a ship journey 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 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 dimension. On my many journeys to Portland I’ve had the pleasure at consuming at fairly just a few of them.

Listed here are a few of my favorites:

The Excessive Curler Lobster Co — An ideal place for lobster dishes close to the Outdated Port that feels, enjoyable, celebratory, and funky. The beer and cocktail checklist are good, too. The outside courtyard has a fantastic mural and a 12-foot skeleton from Residence 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 a fantastic post-island hop spot. Every thing on the menu is dynamite, however you need to finish with the honey gentle 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 actually off-the-wall sandwiches. I beloved my Italian sub (and simply might have break up it with one other particular person) — additionally 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 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 pink 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 makes a speciality of 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!

Try the museums

Portland is dwelling to some nice museums in case you want a wet day exercise or simply wish to take a look at 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.

When you’re searching for one thing on the unusual and quirky facet, 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 pictures of all the pieces!

For households with younger kids, the Youngsters’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is an effective possibility, that includes interactive and academic exhibitions for youths. My pals with youngsters are members and go to typically!

Stroll Alongside the Jap Promenade

The Jap Promenade — or Jap Promenade, as locals say — is a beautiful promenade and park alongside the East Bay of the 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 comply with the path.

When you’re searching for a seashore throughout the metropolis, East Finish Seashore can 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 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 embrace the ruins of Battery Keyes and the Goddard Mansion. The park additionally has strolling paths and unbelievable waterfront views. You’ll find a small assortment of meals vans right here throughout 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, superb homes. Folks have some REALLY good summer season properties up right here.

Kayak within the bay or on a lake

Among the best outside actions to strive in Portland throughout the summer season is kayaking. Kayaking in Casco Bay is a well-liked pastime for Portlanders. When you’re searching for a extra placid setting, 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. It’s also possible to ebook a sundown kayaking tour for a lovely expertise within the bay.

When you choose 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! 

You would possibly suppose Portland’s primary foodie spotlight is its seafood, however don’t neglect about its donuts! I’m severe — Portland has a tremendous donut scene, and I made it my mission to strive as many as doable.

The Holy Donut is probably the most well-known donut spot in Portland, and so they focus on potato donuts. The situation within the Outdated Port district typically has traces 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 gained’t discover with out assist from an area is Tony’s Donut Store, an old style donut store in a extra suburban a part of the town. That is the place you go for a traditional donut — I beloved my old school.

Would you prefer to pattern donuts on a tour? Try 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 understood for creating some completely scrumptious beers, kombuchas, and spirits. You might spend a complete 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 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 truthfully, there are dozens of breweries in and round Portland. Dive on in!

When 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? It’s also possible to go kombucha tasting at Root Wild Kombucha in Portland. (Know that kombucha accommodates 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

Positioned in downtown Portland, the Portland Observatory affords among the finest views over the town. Though it resembles a lighthouse, it’s really a historic maritime sign tower in-built 1807.

When you’re as much as the problem of climbing seven steep flights of stairs, you’ll be able to soak up panoramic views of Portland from above. That is simply my favourite view within the metropolis — I really like wanting east to Casco Bay and the islands, in addition to the town skyline to the southwest!

The Portland Observatory is simply 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 lovely historic properties 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.

It’s also possible to 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 affords a glimpse into life in colonial Portland.

Tour an oyster farm

When 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) permits you to 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 in a while get pleasure from consuming some recent oysters.

Catch a Portland Sea Canine 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 workforce, the Portland Sea Canine, which is a Double-A affiliate workforce of the Boston Crimson Sox.

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

When you’re in Portland throughout baseball season (April by way of September), you would possibly have the ability to see a house recreation at Hadlock Discipline. You possibly can examine the upcoming recreation schedule on the Portland Sea Canine web site.

With tickets beginning at $15 to $20, it’s much more inexpensive 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 can go to a distinct city every day for every week and nonetheless have extra to discover. Listed here 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 out of doors gear you’ll be able to think about, and it’s a must 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. Whereas 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 among the most picturesque spots in southern Maine. This city is perhaps 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 beautiful seashores, a number of artwork galleries, an exquisite theater, and a vibrant LGBTQ neighborhood. 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 typically. It is a nice city for brewery-hopping, buying, and taking within the many historic websites.

Simply throughout the bridge is the city of Kittery in Maine, which is dwelling to wonderful outlet buying 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 Means and extra about Kittery on my Kittery information.

Only one fast word — 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 must you 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 you might want to. The entire resorts under are in one in all these two areas and near the waterfront.

These are among 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 must you go to Portland? When you’re coming to go to Maine, there’s a great likelihood you’re coming in the summertime or fall, and people are the 2 most lovely and hottest occasions of yr to go to Portland!

June by way of August is a good time to go to Portland if you wish to get pleasure from 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 the town a energetic environment 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’ll benefit from the colours of the altering leaves, which must 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 typically fall under freezing.

That mentioned, winter is a good 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. When you’d like a pleasing and heat spring journey, I’d suggest visiting in Might or June. It nonetheless looks like winter to most non-locals as late as April!

The way to Get to Portland, Maine

What are your choices for attending to Portland? As the most important metropolis in Maine, Portland can 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.

When 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 below 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. 

In terms of getting round, your finest guess is to have a automobile. Portland does have a public transportation system, however it’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 simple 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 all over the 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 so much into just some days, making it a fantastic vacation spot for a protracted weekend getaway. Two days ought to provide you with a great period of time to see the fundamentals.

Three full days is a greater period of time to expertise all the 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 every week or so in Portland sooner or later and dive into the town much more than I have already got!

Is Portland, Maine Value It?

I believe Portland is among 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 pals, however as a result of I really like the town that a lot.

I hope you are taking the time to offer 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’ve 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 options? Share away!