Located on the shoreline of southern Maine, Portland is most recognized for being a quintessential New England metropolis. With cobblestone streets, lobster roll carts, lighthouses, a wealthy mariner historical past, and loads of different sights, Portland is unquestionably value a cease on any New England highway journey.
Don’t thoughts the truth that I don’t eat lobster (gasp!); this listing is comprised of a ton of different greatest issues to do in Portland, Maine together with out of doors actions, must-visit websites, and scrumptious bites to eat (in addition to the seafood).
Observe: this agenda is a lot better suited to people visiting within the hotter months, as Maine is understood to get some chilly snaps and snow throughout the winter.
Take a Sundown Kayak Tour
The north finish of the Portland peninsula juts out into the attractive Casco Bay the place Portland Paddle presents sundown kayak excursions. The guided tour begins about 2 hours earlier than sundown (examine their web site for a precise time once you go) and lets guests benefit from the surreal great thing about the Maine harbor and marine life.
As of August 2022, the sundown tour is $45 per individual and $40 for teenagers ages 10-16.
Stroll, Run, or Bike Round Again Cove
Head a couple of minutes exterior of town by automotive or by foot to hike the three.6 miles path round Again Cove. It’s a paved and well-maintained pathway that provides lovely metropolis views and is nice for teenagers or canines on leash.
See What’s Occurring at Thompson’s Level
Thompson’s Level is a waterfront venue with tons of occasions taking place all year long. From a Summer time Sunsets Reside collection to a Maker’s Market to open-air circus performances, there’s at all times one thing enjoyable occurring.
Take a look at the Thompson Point website for an up to date occasion schedule. Spending a day or night at Thompson’s Level is really probably the greatest issues to do in Portland, Maine!
Go Crusing on a Windjammer
Among the best methods to expertise Portland, Maine is by sailboat. The Portland Schooner Co. presents two-hour crusing excursions on Casco Bay and past. It’s a good way to spend a morning and afternoon and see Portland from the water. Meals and drinks should not included however passengers are inspired to deliver their very own.
Excursions are solely obtainable from Could by means of October.
Take a Surf Lesson at Higgins Seashore
If the concept of browsing in Maine sounds loopy, assume once more — oh, and seize a wetsuit. Higgins Seashore is a widely known New England surf break with fairly constant waves year-round. It’s a preferred spot with pleasant locals and is situated simply south of town close to Cape Elizabeth.
Go to Black Level Surf Store to hire a surfboard or ebook a lesson.
Hike the Fore River Sanctuary
From the middle of town, a brief stroll down Congress Avenue will get you to this 85-acre protect with one of many space’s solely pure waterfalls – Jewell Falls. Carry your canine, some associates, and a digicam to snap pictures of the attractive marshlands and wildlife the place town meets the ocean.
Give your self a couple of hours to take pleasure in a leisurely stroll round this 3.2-mile loop — the golden hour is most well-liked.
>>Learn Subsequent: Finest Hikes in Portland, Maine
Discover the Japanese Promenade
Native Mainers name this 2.1 miles of waterfront seashores and pathways “the promenade”, which is well one of many extra desired areas of town to dwell. It has a laid-back Venice Seashore vibe with small bungalows and winding streets only a stone’s throw from the water. There’s additionally a brewery on nearly each nook, which makes it a straightforward shoo-in for my favourite spot on the peninsula.
Carry a towel and a picnic lunch and benefit from the small sliver of sandy beachfront and end the day without work with a drink at Lone Pine Brewing Co.
Camp on Richmond Island
Snag one of many 4 distant and primitive campsites obtainable to guests on Richmond Island simply south of Portland and close to Cape Elizabeth. This island provides you a singular seaside tenting expertise that’s completely off the overwhelmed path and is among the extra adventurous issues to do in Portland.
Earlier than you head out, be sure you receive a allow and produce your personal firewood.
The island is just obtainable by boat and there’s no operating water, no electrical energy, and no canines allowed. As at all times, pack out all trash and tread evenly whereas exploring the realm.
In case you’re on the lookout for extra distinctive tenting experiences, Wolfs Neck Woods State Park north of Portland is one other of our favorites.
Eat, Drink, and Store in Previous Port
In case you want a fast break from mountaineering, tenting, and browsing, take a while to discover the Previous Port District for a quintessential Maine expertise. The town is filled with creatives, makers, and entrepreneurs with tremendous cool storefronts which might be undoubtedly value a go to.
For eats and sips, try Central Provisions which is tucked away on a cobblestone facet road, and The Thirsty Pig, a enjoyable place with good meals and craft brews.
Stargaze on the Portland Observatory
The Portland Observatory is a fixture within the seacoast metropolis and an emblem of its maritime roots. Trek as much as Munjoy Hill to take a guided or self-guided tour of this historic landmark. You’ll be spoiled with panoramic views of town and naturally, a singular view of the ocean past the barrier islands.
Take the Ferry to Peaks Island
Traditionally referred to as “The Coney Island of Maine” and a WWII outpost, a go to to Peaks Island is a singular cease for anybody visiting Portland. The ferry takes roughly 20 minutes (every approach) and there are a number of departures per day. On the island, discover the Fifth Maine Museum, the world’s solely Umbrella Cowl Museum, and luxuriate in Lisa’s well-known cinnamon buns on the Peaks Café. In case you’re on the lookout for one thing outdoorsy to do, you too can hire bikes and kayaks on the island.
Take a Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour
The town of Portland alone has over a dozen of breweries — some brick and mortar and a few on wheels — that makes this Maine metropolis a haven for beer lovers. Most of the breweries are situated shut to at least one one other, so it’s simple to do a self-guided strolling tour, undoubtedly probably the greatest issues to do in Portland, Maine, in my view.
Urged route:
Start at Austin Avenue Brewery on Fox Avenue, the place they typically have meals vans and occasions any day of the week. Proper subsequent door is Rising Tide Brewery, which has been on the town for years and has an incredible fame as a enjoyable hangout with a big out of doors patio. Subsequent, stroll about seven minutes up Anderson Avenue to get to Lone Pine Brewing Co. Take pleasure in a pour-on faucet earlier than heading over to Goodfire Brewing Co., conveniently situated subsequent door.
Whilst you’re in Portland, additionally try these must-see breweries on the peninsula: Bissell Brothers Brewing Firm, Oxbow Mixing and Bottling, and Root Wild, a kombucha brewery with a couple of stellar beers on faucet. The famed Maine Beer Co. is situated 20 minutes north in Freeport and is value a drive for diehard beer lovers.
If you wish to be a part of a guided tour, try the Portland Brewery Tour with Maine Brew Bus.
Get Caffeinated at Tandem Espresso
You possibly can’t go to Maine and never have espresso — not what you had been anticipating I’d say, proper? Properly, it’s true. The road at Tandem Espresso runs out the door on weekends and for good cause, the espresso and baked items listed below are excellent.
So, get in line, and if the climate permits, hold exterior the place there may be ample seating and a very good vibe general.
Go to the Portland Head Mild
Portland Head Mild is among the hottest issues to do for Portland guests, however for good cause. The lighthouse is ready on the rocky bluffs of Fort Williams Park, about quarter-hour south of town within the city of Cape Elizabeth.
Along with the historic lighthouse, the Park can be residence to strolling trails, an award-winning museum, a number of outdated forts, and a kids’s backyard.
Attempt to go to on a weekday, as this place does get busy.
Go to the Portland Museum of Artwork
Situated within the historic Arts District in downtown Portland, the Portland Museum of Artwork is a superb place to spend a day. With rotating exhibitions that includes a variety of artists, there’s at all times one thing occurring. Check the calendar for a list of upcoming events.
If you wish to see much more artwork, time your go to to coincide with the free self-guided First Friday Art Walk.
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What’s in your listing of the very best issues to do in Portland, Maine? Did we go away something out? Tell us within the feedback!
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