The Niblic is a destination for all your island adventures that you dont want to miss while exploring Casco Bay. Top Things to Do in Portland, Maine | ' Check out our favorite books and travel guides! August 11 13, 2023 Jackson, MS Jackson Convention Complex. Join us the first Saturday May-September for Makers on Main! 10+ Best Things to Do in Portland Maine: Beaches, Street & Co., and Lukes Lobster Portland Pier to name a few. When you want to enjoy a lobster meal in Portland you have plenty of choices. Portland Maine is the largest city in the state but has the charm of a classic seacoast town. But it isn't just the fresh seafood that's to be celebrated. Woo the love of your life with a trip to the Rockin Horse Stables. The Willamette Valley is known for its pinot noirs. Youre welcome to learn at the museum, view the exhibits, and even ride on a working historical train! The menu features delicious dinner and brunch items influenced by the cuisine of Bangkok. Here are 20 things to do in Portland Maine that you and your crew are going to love. Rockin Horse Stables. The Portland Observatory is located on Congress Street near Old Port and is open to the public from late May to early October. A public relations specialist in Portland has since provided updated prices for Highroller Lobster Co. and Luke's Lobster Portland Pier. WebA professional ECHL ice hockey team based in Portland and plays their home games at the Cross Insurance Arena. If you have time, head down to Cape Elizabeth to visit Two Lights State Park, named for twin lighthouses located at the end of Two Lights Rd. Written August 16, 2022. WebThis park is the waterfront hub for Rockland. You are right on the waterfront and the city of Portland behind you with all it's great places to eat and have fun. 10 things to do in Maine before summer is over - Bangor Daily News When you go to Portland Maine, youll quickly realize the hundreds of years of history that are evident in the buildings and the streets. Wells Moody Motel (Wells) Rating: 8.6/10 (626 Reviews) Price: $89 per night Location: 119 Post Road, Wells, ME Details: Read more on booking.com now! In the area surrounding the light is Bug Light Park visitors can relax and even fly a kite a favorite activity here. And delicious seafood! Seapoint Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Southern Maine Coast. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. PORTLAND, Maine Editor's note: The original lobster roll prices listed in this article were pulled from their restaurant websites. 773 Commercial St, Rockport; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; $5 for ages 18 and up, $4 Walking, biking, taxis, and public transportation are all options if you plan to mainly stay on peninsula. Whether youre in town for a day or a week, there are some dishes you just shouldnt miss. 7-Day Canada & New England from Quebec City to Boston. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Official Guide to Portland You might need 10 years to see all the work displayed here! Some are sandy and feature grass dunes, while others are pebble beaches or feature hundreds of tidal pools. And, you even feel a sense of safety walking the streets at night. Sip Your Way Through Portland's Breweries. This charming guesthouse offers access to a full studio apartment, including two beds and a shared bathroom. Founded in 1882, the Portland Museum of Art is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the state of Maine. The city has transformed its former seaport into a hub of retail and dining in a neighborhood now known as the Old Port. Baharat is THE Portland Maine restaurant to get top-notch Mediterranean food. Palace Playland is open late every night, with a weekly fireworks show over the ocean every Thursday! If youre still hungry, order a lobster bake at Boones Fish House & Oyster Room, plus a lobster Bloody Mary to round off the meal. 3. From there, its just a short walk to East End Beach, where you can go swimming or sunbathe on the sand. At night, Portland is bustling with locals and visitors who have come to enjoy the citys nightlife. Getting on the water is a must when visiting Portland (or anywhere in Maine for that matter). Eat a Holy Donut. Maine is following the National CDC guidelines every step of the way. Theres also a small beach, picnicking areas, and tennis and basketball courts. But the best part: No one here is trying to impress you with trendy-this or glam-that. You can join a guided observatory tour, which lasts 45 minutes and gives you access to the top of the tower via a set of long, winding stairs. Founded in 1623, Portland predates the American Revolution by more than a century and a half and was instrumental in the development of New England during that time. The Penobscot Bay sailing tour is an extraordinary and fun sightseeing adventure in Maine with children. Downtown Portland retains much of its Victorian-era architecture, and you can explore it all on foot or via one of the citys many public transportation options. The official site for the Greater Portland region of Maine. It is the most photographed lighthouse in the USA and it has almost become a mascot for Portland. Chebeague Island used to be a hotspot for stone sloopers, aka men that used to quarry and ship granite from the island. Visited August 2019. Join lifelong Mainers, Amy + Dan, as they make their way down the coast for seven days of fun in the sunexploring a bit of everything Maine has to offer. Start your journey at the Visitors Center to pick up a map, then follow the two-mile self-guided tour through some of downtown Portlands oldest and most historic neighborhoods. You can also choose to do a themed tour, hitting all the seafood restaurants on the Old Port Seafood Lovers Tour or the best watering holes on the Its Happy Hour Time tour. Lukes Lobster Portland Pier. Be sure to pack your swimsuit and a picnic lunch for your Cape Elizabeth trip. 10am-3pm Sunday, Location: 14 Ocean Gateway Pier, Portland Portland Head Light is Maine's oldest lighthouse, dating back to 1791. For peace and green spaces in Portland Maine, go to Deering Oaks Park, a short drive from the Old Port. In nearby South Portland, the Maine Mall and Portland Jetport also have convenient lodging. This campground offers every experience imaginable, from rustic traditional tent stays to rental cabins and glamping. Portland, Oregon. Age Compatibility: Young Children (6-9 years) Educational Value: 4/5. 1 Mt Desert Island. By Michael P. 30. Locations: 1001 Westbrook Street One of the coolest things to do in Portland is to try as many different lobster dishes as you can find. Tour the many lighthouses that guide ships along the shore. Planning a trip to Maine? After this, the city adopted an official emblem depicting a phoenix rising from the ashes. So of course visiting the beach is one of the best things to do in Portland. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mon to Sat 10am to 3pm The Official Guide to Portland Check out our go-to guide for Greater Portland for more info! 7-Day Canada & New England Round-trip Boston: Portland & Bar Harbor. Maine Portland Points of Interest & Landmarks But, have, Read More Your Guide to the BEST Maine Sailing Tours | Windjammers, Sailboats, & Schooner ToursContinue, Your email address will not be published. Lukes Lobster Portland Pier - Things to Do Tonight In Portland, things to do Service will resume for the Information Desk in 2023. Grab Local Goodies at the Portland Farmers' Market, 11. Share your photos and adventures for a chance to get featured by using the #visitportlandme hashtag. 7-Day Canada & New England Round-trip Boston: Portland & Bar Harbor. Izakaya Minato is the place in Portland to find high-end Japanese cuisine. Spend the night at The Inn on Peaks Island. You can walk the breakwater for a closer look at Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. Linda Bean's Perfect Maine. Peaks Island is a perfectly quaint island to the east of Portland. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Solo Vacations: The 20 Best Places to Travel Alone in the U.S. 2023. WebPoints of Interest & Landmarks in Portland Enter dates Filters 2 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Spas & Wellness Museums Sights & Landmarks There you have it, 10+ best things to do in Portland Maine. Visited August 2022. A day trip to Cape Elizabeth should be on any Portland sightseeing itinerary. In the winter months, the frozen pond is open for free public ice skating. The interior is just as stunning, with hand-painted murals, imported marble fireplaces, and intricately carved woodwork. The Old Port Source: jejim / shutterstock Old Port District, Portland, Maine I had the opportunity to explore 2. 8 Fun Things to Do in Acadia National Park, 11 Best Things to Do in Portsmouth New Hampshire, Hiking Jordan Pond Trail (Acadia National Park), Home North America USA 10+ Best Things to Do in Portland Maine, 15+ Italian Desserts (You Should Eat in Italy). Portland While that honor now belongs to Augusta, Portland remains one of the most culturally rich and exciting places to visit in New England. Art galleries and studios open their doors for free exhibitions, as well as wine tastings and snacks. That may not sound like much, but for a city with a population of less than 70,000, thats a lot of beer! 2. Its all at your fingertips. See Nowadays, Munjoy Hill is a trendy neighborhood known for its stunning hilltop views of the city, busy parks, and great restaurants and cafes. The shopping includes exquisite crafts from local artists and designers. But, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are truly impressive, featuring more than 300 acres of stunning cultivated land. OCEAN GATEWAY SEASONAL HOURS: Cliff Island is the smallest out of the six, and only 60 people call this tiny island home. It is also one of the most famous ones as well. This beautiful city has been a summer tourist destination for centuries, and its draw remains. New owners took over in early 2023 and promise updates without uprooting tradition. Go to the Bug Light Park and visit the cute Bug Light, The Bug Light Park is a popular place to fly kites of all shapes and sizes. You can visit the lighthouse and the adjoining park from late spring until early fall. There are brochure racks at the Portland International Jetport stocked with Visitors Guides and brochures from area business for additional resources. Free, monthly art + culture event in downtown portland! A ride around the harbor will pass island ferries, mega-yachts, powerboats, fishing boats, Maine windjammers, and more! It will still be yellow, and it will still be The Bethel Inn Resort, said Nazba Jenulevich, the inns new regional director. Penobscot Bay Sailing Tour Camden. Meat and barbecue lovers will want to put this Portland restaurant on their lists. Literally. The Cross Insurance Arena in Portlands Old Port is the hub of great events coming and going through Portland. WebVisit. It will lead you to Fort Allen Park and its lovely shoreline, plus a grassy hill you can climb for unbeatable views of the city and harbor. Marvel at the Pre-Civil War Beauty of Victoria Mansion, 5. The island gets crowded during peak season, and there are only a limited number of golf carts available for rent, so its best to get there early to snag one. Play Spectator Sports Play After this, the city adopted an official emblem depicting a phoenix rising from the ashes. Where shopping, sailing, or hitting the beach is at its best. The Schoodic National Scenic Byway meanders along the rockbound coast from the town of Hancock to the village of Birch Harbor and, along the way, it passes right through Winter Harbor. Maine lobster roll a popular and tasty meal in Portland . Across Greater Portland we are bringing the fun with annual fairs, festivals, and exciting events all year long and for all ages. Not affiliated with any official tourism entities. This way you can explore the city from a different perspective. Sample over 100 beers from Maines best breweries. Hours - Closing at 1pm on Friday 7/28. Concerts and fireworks for the 4th of July are centered here too. To experience the region as it was two centuries ago, hop aboard a 90-minute Downeast Scenic Railroad ride as it cruises through the countryside. By mainemountainbear. Things to Do in Rockland From late April to early September, tickets are extremely affordable, and theres always something fun going on at Hadlock Field from contests and giveaways to games and entertainment from Slugger the Sea Dog, the teams mascot. While many visitors have their taste buds set on fresh Maine seafood (and rightly so), this taco joint should not be skipped. Lobster Bake. WebBy normf78. 8. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Portland - Tripadvisor 60 Portland Pier, Portland. This 86-foot-high octagonal tower was built in 1807 and is the last remaining maritime signal tower in the United States. There you have it, 10+ best things to do in Portland Maine. Things To Do Many structures from the days when the neighborhood was an incorporated city are still standing. Required fields are marked *, About | Privacy Policy | Contact OUR VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER IS OPEN When youre staying here, youll know that youre by the ocean, from the design of the rooms to the fresh cuisine in the adjoining restaurant to the view out your window. Darby Jones, a boutique that dubs its carefully selected wares as "desirable nonessentials," is a great alternative for typical souvenirs. Here, you can find books by local authors, as well as those on the bestseller list. 1. Portland Maine Maine lobster roll a popular and tasty meal in Parking can be complicated, especially during peak travel months, so you may want to pay for hotel parking (The Francis offers it for free). After a several year hiatus, Dennetts Wharf in Castine will bring back its signature summertime event: the Maine Oyster Eating Championship, set for 12-5 p.m. Harbor Fish Market Cobblestone streets, red-bricked buildings, charming boutiques, trendy restaurants and fishing piersthats what youll find in Portlands Old Port. Web5. Things to Do Hours: Trains run daily from 9:30 am to 4:00 @visitportland | #visitportlandme. Wharf Street is the original edge of Old Ports harbor and still has some authentic cobblestones from ship ballasts back in its day. Pei. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Portland was in economic crisis, and its infrastructure was crumbling. Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA) 52. Also, youll see some truly famous artists work displayed here, including Andy Warhol, Mary Cassatt, Edgar Degas, and Claude Monet. WebThis is a great beach to walk during low tide on a summer evening. Today, Portland is a popular tourist attraction known for its excellent restaurants, historic buildings, art galleries, and access to Southern Maine beaches and state parks. Call our Ocean Gateway Information Center at 207-772-5800 for assistance. Water temperatures remain fairly chilly throughout the year between 49 and 62 degrees Fahrenheit from May to September, so swimming isnt necessarily the most popular activity at Portlands beaches. Just one visit and its easy to see why so many people add shopping to their list of reasons to come to Greater Portland Maine. The Eastern Promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic lunch, with hiking and walking trails, several sports courts, playgrounds, and peaceful grassy areas where you can relax. 15 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Portland, Maine. 25 Visitor Center Road. But once there, the view is awesome. Once youre on Peaks Island, you can explore its many shops and galleries, relax on the beach, or rent a golf cart (one of the islands main transportation methods) to get around. Theres no shortage of beautiful, stunning places to snap, but these are the ones that come up as some of the most romantic, time and time again. 60 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101 . Marvel at the Pre-Civil War Beauty of Victoria Mansion. Youll have to take a ferry across the bay to get there. Its a fun way to let someone else drive while you drink in the scene and local craft brews. You can visit Victoria Mansion from May 1 to October 31 every year, during which its open seven days a week. The Old Port and Portland Head Lighthouse Portland Head Lighthouse. Once travelers arrive (via car or ferry), there are many things to do in Bar Harbor, among the best towns in the area, and exploring the Acadia National Park tops them all. Every September, Portlands calendar overflows with events and things to do. All Rights Reserved. There are also works by Maine artists on display, as well as pieces by some of arts greatest like Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, and Winslow Homer. All of these islands offer something different, from scenic hiking and biking trails to small beaches and ocean view dining. There is 651 feet of river frontage and miles of hiking trails. If youve ever been curious about how lobsters are caught and prepared, you might enjoy a lobster cruise. The East End Beach (which is more rocks than sand) is a scenic spot to take in the views of Casco Bay or rent a kayak for a different perspective of the city. Yup, just a super fun way to experience all that Portland Maine has to offer. Things to Do While you can access it by ferry, do note that all roads on Cliff Island are unpaved. There is much to see and do depending on how much time you plan to spend in Portland. Likely to Sell Out. Take the Ferry to Peaks Island. Things to Do in Portland, Maine It is the home of microbrews and sea cruises, of a world-class food and art + culture scene. Maines Whoopie Pie is practically a state snack, and when youre in Portland, you must try one from Two Fat Cats Bakery. A stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Port is also a must-do when in Portland. Similarly, each beach offers a unique experience. Portland, Maine is an eclectic, artsy, and quaint seaside town that is great for families to visit. This upscale Italian-inspired eatery features deliciously fresh pasta dishes, local morels and squash blossoms, seafood, and other delicate bites that are sure to leave you intrigued but satisfied.
