Portland MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Portland, Maine.
1. Portland Head Light
HISTORIC COASTAL BEACON
Portland Head Light is a historic lighthouse located within Fort Williams Park that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Casco Bay. Visitors can explore the lighthouse grounds and the adjacent museum housed in the former keeper's quarters to learn about its maritime history. The surrounding park offers picnic areas, walking paths, and rocky coastline perfect for photography enthusiasts.
2. Old Port District
COBBLESTONE HISTORIC QUARTER
The Old Port District in Portland features charming cobblestone streets lined with 19th-century brick buildings housing boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. This bustling waterfront neighborhood serves as the cultural and commercial heart of the city with its vibrant atmosphere and well-preserved historic architecture. Visitors can enjoy shopping at unique local stores, dining at seafood restaurants, and experiencing the authentic maritime character of Portland.
3. Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal
GATEWAY TO ISLAND ADVENTURES
Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal serves as the departure point for excursions to the Calendar Islands scattered throughout Casco Bay. Visitors can take scenic ferry rides to explore the various islands, each with their own unique character and attractions. The terminal offers several tour options including sunset cruises, mailboat runs, and island-hopping adventures that showcase Portland's stunning coastal geography.
4. Portland Museum of Art
CULTURAL ARTS CENTERPIECE
The Portland Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of American, European, and contemporary art spanning three centuries. The museum features works by renowned artists including Winslow Homer, Claude Monet, and Andrew Wyeth displayed in a striking building that combines modern and historic architectural elements. Visitors can enjoy rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and the museum's relationship with nearby Winslow Homer Studio.
5. Victoria Mansion
OPULENT VICTORIAN MASTERPIECE
Victoria Mansion is an exceptionally well-preserved Italianate villa built between 1858 and 1860 as a summer home for hotelier Ruggles Sylvester Morse. The mansion features opulent interiors with elaborate wall paintings, intricate woodwork, and over 90% of its original furnishings. Visitors can tour this National Historic Landmark to experience the lavish lifestyle of America's Gilded Age through guided tours that highlight its architectural significance and historical context.
6. Eastern Promenade
SCENIC WATERFRONT PARK
The Eastern Promenade is a 68-acre public park offering spectacular panoramic views of Casco Bay and the Calendar Islands. This recreational area features walking trails, playgrounds, beaches, and grassy fields ideal for picnics and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy East End Beach, Portland's only public beach, while watching boats in the harbor or taking in breathtaking sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean.
7. Portland Observatory
HISTORIC MARITIME WATCHTOWER
The Portland Observatory is America's last remaining historic maritime signal tower, built in 1807 to facilitate communication with ships approaching the harbor. This octagonal 86-foot tall structure offers visitors panoramic views of Portland, the harbor, and the surrounding mountains from its observation deck. Guided tours of this National Historic Landmark provide fascinating insights into Portland's maritime history and the tower's unique role in the city's development.
8. Allagash Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER PIONEER
Allagash Brewing Company is a renowned brewery specializing in Belgian-inspired craft beers that has become a cornerstone of Portland's vibrant beer scene. Visitors can take guided tours of the brewery to learn about the brewing process and the company's commitment to innovation and quality. The tasting room offers flights and full pours of their flagship Allagash White alongside limited releases and experimental brews in a welcoming atmosphere.
9. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co and Museum
HISTORIC RAILWAY EXPERIENCE
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co and Museum preserves the rich history of Maine's two-foot gauge railways that were vital to the state's development. Visitors can ride along the scenic waterfront in vintage train cars pulled by historic locomotives. The museum houses an impressive collection of restored rolling stock, photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of these unique narrow gauge lines that once served rural Maine communities.
10. Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine
INTERACTIVE FAMILY FUN
The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine offers interactive exhibits and educational programming designed to engage young minds through play and exploration. The facility combines a hands-on museum experience with a children's theater that produces professional shows featuring young performers. Exhibits focus on science, arts, culture, and the natural world of Maine, providing families with a fun and educational destination that inspires creativity and learning.
11. High Roller Lobster Co
INNOVATIVE LOBSTER CUISINE
High Roller Lobster Co offers a creative take on Maine's most famous seafood delicacy in a casual, vibrant atmosphere in downtown Portland. The restaurant is known for its inventive lobster rolls served with unique house-made sauces like jalapeño mayo and charred pineapple mayo. What began as a food cart has evolved into a must-visit culinary destination where visitors can experience Maine lobster with a modern twist alongside local craft beers.
12. Wadsworth Longfellow House
LITERARY HISTORIC LANDMARK
The Wadsworth Longfellow House was the childhood home of renowned American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and stands as the oldest standing structure on the Portland peninsula. This well-preserved Federal-style house contains original furnishings and artifacts spanning four generations of one family's history. Visitors can tour this National Historic Landmark to gain insights into early American domestic life and the influences that shaped Longfellow's literary career.
13. Shipyard Brewing Company
LEGENDARY MAINE BREWERY
Shipyard Brewing Company is one of Maine's oldest and largest craft breweries, known for its award-winning ales including the popular Pumpkinhead seasonal beer. The brewery offers tours where visitors can learn about the brewing process and the company's history dating back to 1992. Their tasting room provides an opportunity to sample a wide range of their signature brews alongside limited releases in a casual, friendly atmosphere.
14. Marginal Way
SCENIC COASTAL WALKWAY
Marginal Way is a paved cliffside path stretching 1.25 miles along the rocky Maine coastline offering breathtaking ocean views. This scenic walkway features multiple benches and lookout points where visitors can rest and take in the dramatic vistas of crashing waves against the granite shore. Located in nearby Ogunquit, this free public footpath connects Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach, making it a perfect excursion from Portland for those wanting to experience Maine's stunning natural beauty.
15. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
NATURAL FLORAL PARADISE
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens spans 295 acres of tidal shoreland and features meticulously designed gardens, walking trails, and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore themed areas including the sensory garden, children's garden, and the spectacular native plant collection showcasing Maine's diverse flora. Located in Boothbay, this horticultural destination offers seasonal displays, art installations, and educational programs that celebrate the relationship between plants, people, and the environment.