40 Best Things to do in Portland!

Welcome to Portland, in Maine, a charming coastal city known for its vibrant arts scene, picturesque landscapes, and delicious seafood. Whether you’re a history buff exploring its rich maritime heritage or a foodie indulging in fresh lobster rolls, in this comprehensive guide we are thrilled to showcase the top attractions and best things to do in Portland during your visit to Maine.

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1. Historic Attractions

Portland Head Light

Located in Cape Elizabeth, Portland Head Light holds the title of Maine’s oldest lighthouse. Built in 1791 with help from George Washington, it has guided ships along the coast for over 200 years. The tower was made from local stone and was first lit with whale oil lamps. Now, it uses a modern beacon that flashes a white light every four seconds. It stands 80 feet tall, with its beacon shining from 101 feet above sea level. The U.S. Coast Guard takes care of the light and foghorn, while the old keeper’s house has been turned into a small museum and lets visitors to explore the history of the lighthouse.

Victoria Mansion

The Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House, is an old home in Portland, known for its detailed interiors. It was built between 1858 and 1860 as a summer home for Ruggles Sylvester Morse and his wife Olive. Morse made his money running hotels in cities like New Orleans, and he brought some of those hotel features into the house. Over 90% of the items inside are original, including carpets, wall paintings, and furniture. The house also had some modern features for its time, like gas lights and central heating. Visitors can also take guided tours to learn about the house and its history.

Fort Williams Park

The Fort Williams Park is a large open space in Cape Elizabeth, covering around 90 acres along the rocky coast. It’s known for the Portland Head Light, one of the oldest lighthouses in the U.S., where visitors can enjoy great ocean views and take photos. The park has open lawns, picnic spots, walking paths, and areas for kids to play, along with tennis and pickleball courts. You’ll also find old military ruins and the remains of Goddard Mansion, giving a peek into local history. The park also hosts local events throughout the year, while it’s natural views making it one of the top places to visit near Portland.

Wadsworth-Longfellow House

Built by General Peleg Wadsworth in the late 1700s, Wadsworth-Longfellow House became the childhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and stayed in the family for four generations. His sister Anne was the last family member to live there, and when she passed away in 1901, she left it to the Maine Historical Society. It’s the oldest brick house still standing on the Portland peninsula and visitors can explore the home through tours, which are available from June to October. The house tells stories about the family, how the house changed over time, and what it was like during that period.

Fort Gorges

Nearby Portland, Fort Gorges is an old fort found on a small island in Casco Bay, built between 1858 and 1865, during a time when the country wanted to guard its ports from possible attacks by enemy ships. The fort was made from granite and designed to hold large cannons, but by the time it was finished, new weapons had already made it outdated. No battles were ever fought there, and no soldiers were ever stationed full-time. During World War I and World War II, the fort was used to store military supplies. And in 1960, the U.S. government decided to hand over the fort to the city of Portland.

Old Port District

The Old Port District is a waterfront area known for its cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and fishing docks. Many of the buildings date back to the 1800s and were once used as warehouses but now hold shops, restaurants, and cafes. Located along the Fore River, and you can see boats and people walking by the water. The area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showing its importance in the city’s past. Streets like Commercial, Exchange, and Fore are great for walking and exploring. The district is most known for its boat tours, including lobster cruises and sailing trips in Casco Bay.

Fort Preble

The Fort Preble is a historic spot in South Portland, and was built in 1808 to defend the city’s coastline. It played a role in several major wars, including the War of 1812, the Civil War, and both World Wars, serving as a base for troops and coastal defense. The fort got its name from Edward Preble, a Navy officer from Portland who served in the early 19th century. During the Civil War, it became an important training site for soldiers from Maine. Today, the remains of Fort Preble sit within the campus of Southern Maine Community College, and visitors are welcome to explore the structures and grounds.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

The Spring Point Ledge Light was built in 1897 to help ships safely enter Portland Harbor, as the rocky ledge nearby had caused many accidents. The lighthouse is known for its “spark plug” shape and stands at the end of a long breakwater made of large stones. Visitors can walk out to the lighthouse along this path, which gives scenic views of the coast. Guided tours are offered in summer, where people can go inside and learn more about how the lighthouse worked. It’s officially added to the National Register of Historic Places back in 1988, and it’s one of the few where visitors can walk right up to it.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Kayaking & Canoeing in Casco Bay

Kayaking and canoeing in Casco Bay is a great way to explore the coast of Portland, and the bay has many small islands that provide scenic views. One of the most popular places to start is with Portland Paddle, which offers rentals, lessons, and guided trips from May through October. Their tours include visits to places like Fort Gorges, Peaks Island, and other nearby spots. You can also take a sunset paddle or join a longer trip that includes island hopping and wildlife watching. Another option is Maine Island Kayak Co., which runs eco-tours from Peaks Island and offers both half-day and sunset trips.

Hiking & Nature Trails

Portland has many nature trails that are good for walking, hiking, and enjoying nature. One popular spot is the Fore River Sanctuary, home to Jewell Falls, the only natural waterfall in the city. This area has flat trails and is great for birdwatching and quiet walks. Another favorite is the Back Cove Trail, a 3.6 miles loop around a tidal basin with views of the city skyline. The Eastern Promenade Trail follows the shoreline and gives a scenic look at Casco Bay.

It has a paved surface that makes walking easy, and there are places to sit and rest along the path. For a more wooded setting, the Riverton Trolley Park and Evergreen Cemetery trails offer peaceful paths through trees and near ponds. Just outside the city, Mackworth Island State Park, has a short loop trail with ocean views and quiet spots to sit. Portland Trails is a local group, helps take care of many of these paths and keeps them clean and safe.

Ferry to Peaks Island

Taking the ferry to Peaks Island is one of the easiest and most popular ways to enjoy the coast of Portland. The ferry is run by Casco Bay Lines and leaves from the terminal at 56 Commercial Street in downtown Portland. The ride takes around 15 minutes and gives you stunning views of the water and nearby islands. Tickets are usually between $4 and $10 depending on age and type of ticket. On board, there are indoor and outdoor seats, so you can stay warm or enjoy the breeze. Once you reach Peaks Island, you can walk or rent a golf cart to explore the beaches, small shops, and roads to enjoy.

Golfing Courses

In Portland, the most well-known is Riverside Golf Course, which is owned by the city and has been around since 1932. It has an 18-hole North Course, a 9-hole South Course, and a small 3-hole practice area. In South Portland, the South Portland Municipal Course is a smaller course that’s good for casual play and is run by the city’s parks department. In Cape Elizabeth, Purpoodock Club is popular for its well-kept grounds and pleasant game setting. For those looking to improve their game, the Nonesuch River Golf Club and Willowdale Golf Club offers lessons and training, within 15 miles of the city.

Boating & Sailing Tours

Boating and sailing tours are a great way to enjoy Portland’s coast and see Casco Bay from the water. Many local companies like Portland Schooner Co. runs 2 hours sails on old wooden boats that leave from the harbor and pass by lighthouses and forts. Sail Portland Maine offers small group trips during the day or at sunset, and you can bring your own food and drinks. Lucky Catch Cruises gives hands-on lobster boat tours where you can help pull traps and learn how lobsters are caught. For a mix of land and sea, Portland Discovery Tours offers boat rides along with trolley tours of the city.

Fishing Charters

Most fishing charters leave from the Portland Harbor or nearby South Portland and take people out into Casco Bay or deeper into the Gulf of Maine. Kristin K Charters is one option that offers inshore, ground, and shark fishing trips, along with short family outings. Morning Flight Charters also runs family-friendly trips and tours around the harbor. For deep sea fishing, LiveLiner Charters and Whiptail Adventures take people farther out to look for bigger fish like tuna and shark. Most trips last between 2 to 8 hours, and some charters also offer sightseeing or sunset cruises if you just want to relax.

Fort Allen Park

The Fort Allen Park is a quiet spot on Portland’s Eastern Promenade with scenic views of Casco Bay and nearby islands. It covers about 9 acres and was built in the 1890s on land where an old fort once stood, possibly first used during the American Revolution and again in the War of 1812. The park has several historic items that help tell the story of the past, including a naval gun from the USS Maine, rifles from the Civil War, pieces from the USS Portland, and a bench placed there in 1929 as a memorial. A bandstand built in the 1890s is remains there and sometimes used for events and live concerts.

Payson Park

Covering 47 acres, Payson Park offers open fields, sports courts, and walking paths, making it a good place for visitors. Families stop by to let kids play on the playground, shoot hoops, or enjoy a game on the ball fields, while others take a walk or rest under the trees. In winter, the hill becomes a busy spot for sledding, and the Payson Hill Terrain Park helps kids try skiing or snowboarding in a small, safe space. In summer, the park’s garden is active, with people growing flowers and vegetables. The park hosts events like summer music nights, where people come to enjoy live shows under the sky.

3. Iconic Landmarks

Portland Observatory

The Portland Observatory is an old wooden signal tower on Munjoy Hill, built in 1807 by Captain Lemuel Moody to help spot ships arriving in the harbor. Back then, ship owners couldn’t see their cargo vessels until they were almost at the docks, so the observatory used a telescope and signal flags to give early alerts. The tower is 86 feet tall, shaped like an octagon, and it’s the only known maritime signal station still standing in the U.S. Visitors can climb to the top to get views of Portland and Casco Bay. The museum shows how the tower worked and shares stories about the people and ships of that time.

Portland Museum of Art

Opened in 1882, Portland Museum of Art is the largest and oldest public art museum in the state, holding over 22,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, photos, and decorative pieces from the 1700s to today. It features American artists like Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth, as well as European names like Monet and Renoir. It highlights works by artists from Maine and gives visitors a chance to learn about the state’s art history. One part of the museum includes the historic McLellan House, which offers exhibits, family programs, art classes, and special film screenings throughout the year.

International Cryptozoology Museum

The International Cryptozoology Museum focuses on the study of animals that people believe exist but haven’t been proven by science. These creatures are often called cryptids and include things like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and sea serpents. The museum was started by Loren Coleman, who has spent many years collecting items and stories about these animals. Inside, you’ll find a wide mix of displays, including models, photos, footprint casts, and even hair samples said to be from unknown animals. Inside, there’s also a full-size model of Bigfoot and a copy of the famous Feejee Mermaid.

Battery Steele

The Battery Steele is an old military fort on Peaks Island, built in 1942 to help guard the harbor during World War II. It was part of a larger military area called the Peaks Island Military Reservation and had two big guns set in thick concrete to protect against enemy ships. Today, it’s no longer active, much of the structure remains, and people visit to explore its long tunnels and strong walls. The fort is surrounded by woods and open space, now cared for by the Peaks Island Land Preserve. Visitors can reach it by taking a ferry from Portland, then walking or biking along marked trails across the island.

Merrill Auditorium

Inside City Hall, Merrill Auditorium serves as a major spot for live performances in the area. Built in 1912, the auditorium has about 1,900 seats and is used for concerts, plays, and other live shows. It’s best known as the main stage for the Portland Symphony Orchestra and is often used by groups such as Portland Ballet and Opera Maine. One highlight inside is the Kotzschmar Organ, a large pipe organ that was added in the early 1900s and is still used today. The auditorium plays a key role in supporting local arts and culture, while people come here to enjoy music, theater, and other major events.

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad

The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a short train ride along the edge of Casco Bay, using tracks that are just two feet wide, which is smaller than most railroads and was once common in Maine. The ride is about 3 miles round trip and takes around 40 minutes, passing by the water and offering views of the harbor and boats. The train cars are older models that have been restored, and rides are pulled by either diesel or steam engines depending on the day. The railroad operates from spring through fall, with special events during holidays like pumpkin rides in the fall and festive rides in winter.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Fore River Sanctuary

The Fore River Sanctuary is a quiet natural area with walking trails and wooded paths. It covers about 85 acres and is home to Jewell Falls, which is the only natural waterfall in the city. The land was once part of the old Cumberland and Oxford Canal, and you can still see parts of the old towpath along the trail. It has a mix of saltwater and freshwater marshes, which makes it a good place to see birds and other small animals. The trails are mostly flat, with some gentle hills, and are good for walking, biking, and even snowshoeing in winter, and there are several entry points to access the sanctuary.

Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine

The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is a hands-on place for kids and families, where children can learn and play through interactive exhibits. Inside, there are spaces that teach science, art, and nature in fun ways, including the Maine Watershed Aquarium that shows local sea life. There’s also a camera obscura, a makerspace for building things, and climbing areas that keep children active. Outside, families can enjoy outdoor play spaces and seasonal activities. The theatre often hosts live shows created for young audiences, while some programs let kids get involved and learn stage skills.

Willard Beach

The Willard Beach is a small public beach in South Portland, and sits along Simonton Cove in a peaceful neighborhood. Covering nearly 4 acres, it has soft sand mixed with pebbles and is popular for swimming, walking, or simply sitting by the shore. Visitors enjoy views of Casco Bay, nearby islands like Peaks Island and Cushing Island, and the nearby Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. At low tide, kids often explore tidal pools to spot small sea life. Nearby, there’s a short trail leads to the lighthouse, while the other end connects to Fisherman’s Point with views of Portland Head Light in the distance.

Deering Oaks Park

The Deering Oaks Park is a public park covering about 55 acres just west of downtown. It was created in the late 1800s and designed by William Goodwin, with help from the Olmsted Brothers, who were known for planning city parks. The land was once part of the Deering family estate and became a city park in 1879. The park has walking paths, a pond, and sports areas like tennis courts and a baseball field. When it’s winter, the frozen pond becomes a best spot for ice skating. In summer, the Portland Farmers’ Market takes place along the Park Avenue side, for some fresh food and local goods to buy.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

The Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is an indoor place for fun and active play, featuring trampolines, climbing walls, a ropes course, and a zipline called the Sky Rider. There are also areas for dodgeball, a ninja-style obstacle course, and basketball hoops where you can bounce and dunk. Kids have their own play space with soft climbs and slides made just for them. The park is open every day and offers different ticket options including single-day and unlimited-use summer passes. It’s also a popular place to celebrate birthday parties and group events, with private rooms and food choices.

5. Natural Attractions

Maine Audubon

The Maine Audubon is based at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth, and offers a calm place to enjoy nature and learn about wildlife. The center sits on 65 acres of land that includes fields, forests, and a salt marsh by the Presumpscot River. There are about 2.5 miles of paved trails for walking, birdwatching, or just enjoying the outdoors. The trails pass through open space and wooded areas, and there’s a pond nearby. The visitor center has a small gift shop and educational displays about animals and nature. Maine Audubon hosts programs, including kids’ camps, nature walks, and talks about local wildlife.

Casco Bay Islands

The Casco Bay Islands are easy to reach by ferry and offer quiet places to explore. Boats leave from Commercial Street and go to islands like Peaks, Great Diamond, Little Diamond, Long, Chebeague, and Cliff. Each island has something special — Peaks is the most visited, with small shops, beaches, and places to eat, while Great Diamond is quieter with walking trails and spots to picnic. Chebeague is the largest and has a golf course and peaceful roads, and Cliff is the smallest with a few houses and paths. Some islands even have local museums or old forts, like the Fifth Maine Regiment Hall on Peaks.

Mackworth Island State Park

The Mackworth Island State Park is a small island connected to the mainland by a causeway off Andrews Avenue in Falmouth. The island covers about 100 acres and has a 1.4 mile trail that loops around the shore, offering views of Casco Bay, Portland, and nearby islands. The path is mostly flat and leads to small beaches and shaded picnic areas to rest. The island is wooded, with tall pines and spruce trees, and is known as a bird sanctuary, so visitors often spot seabirds. One highlight is a small pet cemetery created by Maine’s former governor, Percival Baxter, who later gave the land to the state.

Crescent Beach State Park

The Crescent Beach State Park is about 8 miles south of Portland in Cape Elizabeth, and is known for its long, curved shoreline that stretches nearly a mile along the Atlantic Ocean. The beach has soft sand, gentle waves, and grassy dunes, making it a good place for swimming, walking, or relaxing. There are picnic tables, and a small playground, so families often spend the day here. Visitors can enjoy sea kayaking, surf fishing, or walking the nearby nature trails. The park is part of a larger area that includes Kettle Cove and Two Lights State Park, which are both close by and offer more places to explore.

Ferry Beach State Park

Located in Saco, Ferry Beach State Park offers a peaceful spot with a sandy beach and short nature trails. The beach is known for its soft white sand and is easy to reach by a short path from the parking area, making it a nice place for swimming or relaxing. The park covers around 117 acres and includes trails that passes through forests and wetlands, including one that leads to a group of rare tupelo trees. The park has restrooms, picnic tables, and a nature center that often hosts programs for kids and families. Fires are allowed only in provided grills, and everyone is asked to carry out their trash.

Robinson Woods Preserve

The Robinson Woods Preserve is a peaceful natural area, covers over 145 acres of forests, fields, and small ponds. It has more than 4 miles of marked trails that are used for walking and birdwatching. Some paths are flat and easy, while others are a bit rocky or have roots, so good shoes are helpful. The land has old trees like white pine and red oak, and it’s home to birds, frogs, and other small wildlife. There are wetlands and little streams that help support different kinds of animals and plants. One trail leads to Pond Cove, where visitors can see the ocean and sometimes spot birds along the water.

Presumpscot River Preserve

Covering 48 acres along the Presumpscot River, Presumpscot River Preserve is a green space with 2.5 miles of trails that passes through forests, wetlands, and along the water. Some parts of the trail are flat, while other spots are steeper, and wooden bridges and boardwalks help cross damp areas. People use the trails for walking, biking, and snowshoeing during winter. One part of the trail leads to Presumpscot Falls, where the water flows over rocks and gives a nice view. There’s also a portage area near the falls for people who are paddling and need to carry their boats around the rapids.

6. Day Trips & Excursions

Bradbury Mountain State Park

Planning a day trip to Bradbury Mountain State Park takes less than 45 minutes drive from Portland. The park is in Pownal and covers about 800 acres of forest and open space. There are over 20 miles of trails where people can hike, ride bikes, or go horseback riding through the woods. The main trail to the top of Bradbury Mountain is less than a mile long and gives panoramic views of the Casco Bay on clear days. The park also has bathrooms, and a small campground with 35 sites if you want to stay overnight. Some trails are shared with both bikers and horseback riders, so it’s good to stay alert.

Lewiston

Start a day trip from Portland, and drive for an hour to reach Lewiston, and it offers a mix of history and outdoor spots to explore. One of the main places to visit is the Bates Mill Complex, which used to be a large textile mill and is now home to shops, offices, and restaurants. The Museum L-A shares stories about the people who worked in the mills and how the city grew. For art lovers, the Bates College Museum of Art has changing exhibits and is free to visit. Each summer, the park holds events like the Great Falls Balloon Festival, bringing people together to enjoy food, music, and colorful balloons.

Kennebunkport

From Portland, a day trip to Kennebunkport takes roughly 45 minutes drive, and the town is small and easy to walk, with a mix of shops and restaurants. Dock Square is the main area where you’ll find local stores, art galleries, and places to eat. Many people stop at The Clam Shack for a lobster roll or walk along the bridge to see boats in the harbor. You can also take a drive along Ocean Avenue to see the coast and pass by Walker’s Point, where the Bush family has a summer home. There are beaches nearby like Gooch’s Beach and Colony Beach, which are good for walking or sitting by the water.

Two Lights State Park

Taking a day trip to Two Lights State Park is just about 20 minutes to get there by car from Portland. The park is located in Cape Elizabeth and stretches across 41 acres beside the rocky shoreline. It has walking paths, picnic tables, and open areas where people can sit and look out at the ocean. The park is named after two nearby lighthouses built in 1828, though they are not inside the park. One of the nearby lighthouses is still working today and is easy to spot from the road as you drive past. The views of Casco Bay are scenic and the Lobster Shack at Two Lights is a popular place to stop for seafood.

Portsmouth, NH

The Portsmouth in New Hampshire, is a nice place for a day trip from Portland, and it takes about an hour to get there. Market Square is a good place to start, with old buildings, a tall church, and streets full of small stores. You can walk along the waterfront or visit Prescott Park, which has gardens and views of the river. Strawbery Banke Museum shows what life was like in the past, with old houses and people dressed in clothes from long ago. The Portsmouth Athenaeum and Discover Portsmouth Center are good stops to learn more. For lunch, there are small restaurants that serve fresh seafood.

Conway, NH

From Portland, a day trip to Conway takes roughly 2 hours drive to get there by car. Once in Conway, you can visit the Conway Scenic Railroad, where old trains take you through the mountains and give you views of rivers and forests. The station itself looks like something from the past and is fun to see even if you don’t ride the train. Another good stop is the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center, which has hands-on exhibits about weather and the White Mountains. Outside town, you can drive along the Kancamagus Highway, which is known for its breathtaking mountain views.

Lawrence, MA

Start a day trip from Portland, and it takes nearly 2 hours drive to reach Lawrence in Massachusetts. The city has a strong history tied to the textile industry, and you can learn about it at the Lawrence Heritage State Park, which has a small visitor center and walking paths along the Merrimack River. The city’s downtown has a mix of shops and places to eat, with food from many cultures, especially Latin American. You can walk along the river or visit Campagnone Common, a public park with many war memorials. If you’re interested in art, Essex Art Center offers exhibits and classes are open to visitors.

How to Reach Portland

In Maine, Portland is easy to reach by air, train, bus, or car, making it convenient for travelers. The Portland International Jetport (PWM), the city’s main airport, is just a short drive from downtown and has direct flights from several major U.S. cities including Philadelphia, Minneapolis, and New York City. After landing, visitors can rent a car, take a shuttle, taxi, or rideshare to reach their hotel or explore the area. If you’re coming from Boston or other parts of New England, the Amtrak Downeaster offers daily train service to Portland’s station at Thompson’s Point.

Buses like Concord Coach Lines also connect Portland with cities such as Boston, Bangor, and Augusta. For those driving, Portland sits just off Interstate 295, which links directly to I-95, allowing easy access from nearby states. Once in the city, it’s simple to get around by walking, using local buses, or catching a taxi. Ferries also leave from the waterfront and travel to the nearby Casco Bay Islands, offering another way to explore the area.

Local Transportation

In Maine, Portland has a local bus system called Greater Portland Metro, which runs on several routes through Portland and nearby towns like South Portland, Westbrook, and Falmouth. You can choose to pay with cash, or use a DiriGo Pass that works with a smartphone app or a physical card. For longer trips, the Metro BREEZ is an express bus that connects Portland with Freeport, Yarmouth, and Brunswick. Taxis and rideshare services are also available and is a better option for short trips.

If you want to explore the nearby islands, ferries leave from the Casco Bay Lines terminal on Commercial Street and go to places like Peaks Island and Chebeague Island. Walking is another good way to get around, especially in the Old Port area, where streets are close together and full of shops and restaurants. Biking is also popular, and there are bike racks around the city. The Portland Transportation Center at Thompson’s Point is where you’ll find Amtrak trains and intercity buses, making it easy to travel in and out of the city.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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