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Portland, Maine is a delightful coastal town full of history, lighthouses, waterfront fun, art, food and outdoor thrills. Portland Maine is a famous tourist destination and whether you are traveling with family, friends or alone there are lots of fun things to do in Portland Maine.
From stopping at the iconic Portland Head Light to catching a ride on Casco Bay, here are a few must-haves of things to do in your trip.
Explore Portland Head Light
Portland Head Light is one of the most recognizable sights near Portland and a first-time visitor destination. Situated within Fort Williams Park in nearby Cape Elizabeth, the lighthouse provides spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and rocky coastline. You can hike on the paths of the park, and visit Fort structures, have a picnic, take pictures of this lighthouse.
Location: 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Entry Fee: Fort Williams Park has no admission fee.
Timings: Park is open from sunrise to sunset. The museum generally operates 10 a.m.–4 p.m. during its main season.
Take a Casco Bay Cruise
Get out on the water and take a scenic cruise through Casco Bay to see Portland from the water. The boat ride also allows you to enjoy views of islands, lighthouses, working waterfronts and Maine’s rocky coastline. Depending on your schedule, you can also opt for island transportation or seasonal sightseeing cruises.
Location: 56 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101
Entry Fee: Varies by cruise and destination.
Timings: Cruise schedules vary seasonally, so check the current schedule before visiting.
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Visit the Portland Museum of Art
Art connoisseurs would be wise to devote some time to the Portland Museum of Art. WEEKLY ART TIPS: Maine Museum of Photographic Arts Collection Its collection comprises American, European, contemporary and Maine-related art. The museum is also an excellent indoor activity when it’s not the best time of year outside.
Location: 7 Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101
Entry Fee: Adults $20; seniors and students 22+ $18; visitors aged 21 and under are free.
Timings: Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. The museum also offers free admission on Fridays from 4–8 p.m.
Discover the Old Port
No visit to Portland would be complete without visiting the historic district of Old Port. Explore cobbled lanes, discover one-off shops and gaze up at ancient bricks buildings while you pause for the odd restaurant (or café). Its waterfront vibe makes it particularly pleasant for a stroll during the afternoon or evening.
Location: Old Port, Downtown Portland
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open-access district; individual businesses have their own hours.
Enjoy a Land and Sea Tour
For a lively introduction to Portland the most exciting option is a combined land-and-water overview. These tours feature historic neighborhoods, waterfront landmarks and Casco Bay accompanied by a commentary about the city.
Location: 170 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101
Entry Fee: Varies by tour.
Timings: Tour schedules vary by season and booking.
Take a Duck Boat Tour
Looking for something different? Download and Subscribe in iTunes » A duck boat merges a street tour of Portland with an excursion on the water. This is especially nice for families and visitors, who really want to experience multiple parts of the city without having to plan separate activities.
Location: 180 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101
Entry Fee: Ticket prices vary.
Timings: Seasonal schedules vary; advance booking is recommended.
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Visit the Children’s Museum & Theater of Maine
Traveling with children? These interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum & Theater of Maine are meant to inspire creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning. This is a great option for families who want to spend some fun time indoors.
Location: 250 Thompsons Point Road, Portland, ME 04102
Entry Fee: Admission varies by visitor type and current programs.
Timings: Generally 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; check the current schedule before visiting.
Climb the Portland Observatory
The historic Portland Observatory: a great way to see the city from a unique perspective. Originally used to watch ships coming into the harbor, the tower turned into an observation tower for guests to learn more about Portland’s maritime history alongside outstanding views of the city/harbor.
Location: 138 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
Entry Fee: Admission applies; prices can vary by season.
Timings: Hours vary seasonally; current listings show daytime hours with extended hours on selected days.
Explore Victoria Mansion
Enter the doors of one of Portland’s greatest historic homes — and perhaps the most impressive mansion in town, Victoria Mansion. Secluded inside are beautifully preserved period interiors, intricate decor and Victorian architecture; capturing life as it was in the 19th Century.
Location: 109 Danforth Street, Portland, ME 04101
Entry Fee: Admission varies by season and visitor category.
Timings: Current visitor hours are generally 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on open days.
Relax at Western Promenade
Western Promenade is a free activity you can do to chill. The park is famous for its vantage points and tranquility. This is a perfect place for a walk, some nice scenery to take photos, or simply unwind after exploring downtown Portland.
Location: Valley Street, Portland, ME 04102
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Approximately 7 a.m.–9 p.m., according to current listings.
Visit the Maine Historical Society
Maine Historical Society and Wadsworth–Longfellow House: History buffs are entertained here with the local lore. The exhibits and collections share a glimpse of days gone by in Maine, whereas the historic house gives visitors an up-close-and-personal experience with life in another time.
Location: 489 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
Entry Fee: Fees vary by exhibit and tour.
Timings: Generally 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; check the current schedule before visiting.
Take a Trip to Peaks Island
Take a ferry from Portland, and enjoy a few hours wandering Peaks Island. Stroll or cycle about the isle, visit all of its quiet beaches, admire the coast as far as you can see and live at a slower speed away from the big cities’ busy roads. If you are an outdoor adventurer, it is a great choice for travelers.
Location: Casco Bay, accessible from Portland waterfront
Entry Fee: Ferry fares apply.
Timings: Ferry schedules vary according to season and weather.
Explore the Waterfront
Take a nice long walk along the waterfront in Portland Look out over the harbor at fishing boats and working vessels, get up close to various sights in the harbor area, enjoy views of Casco Bay. The waterfront also puts you within walking distance of restaurants and shops, so it’s easy to plan a little sightseeing around lunch.
Location: Commercial Street and Portland waterfront
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open-access areas generally available throughout the day.
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Visit Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
Another lighthouse tilted across town in South Portland is Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. This lighthouse is at the end of a breakwater, making it an attractive scene for photography and a relaxing water-side stroll.
Location: 2 Fort Road, South Portland, ME 04106
Entry Fee: Free to visit the surrounding area.
Timings: The location is currently listed as open 24 hours.
Discover Portland’s Local Food Scene
Good Food (and Weird Food!) Portland is also a fun food town. Take time to try the Maine seafood (especially lobster and oysters) and check out the cafés, bakeries, breweries and restaurants. Specific to local dining, the Old Port and waterfront areas are an especially easy option for running sightseeing into a meal.
Location: Old Port, waterfront, and downtown Portland
Entry Fee: Free to explore; food prices vary.
Timings: Restaurant and café hours vary.
Conclusion
Portland, ME combines gorgeous seaside scenery, historic architecture, cultural nightlife, family fun, outdoor activities and local flavor. Admire a historic lighthouse in the morning, then set sail for a cruise across Casco Bay in the afternoon, visit museums and stroll through the Old Port to round out your day.
If you have only one day in the city or a longer stay, these things to do will help you easily tack together a fun Portland itinerary. To ensure a top-notch experience, be sure to check attraction websites for exact seasonal schedules, ticket pricing and special events before visiting.
