Welcome to the best things to do in Portland, Maine!
Portland is the cutest coastal Maine town, where I recently spent the weekend.
First of all, it’s foodie central. Yum!
On top of that, it’s full of picturesque scenery and old-world charm.
There’s a lot to do in this little city, so I’ve put together a list of the must-see things.
Let’s dive in.
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Portland Essentials
Top Tours & Experiences In Portland
- Vintage Firetruck Sightseeing Tour of Portland
- Downtown Portland, Maine City and Lighthouse Tour: 2.5 Hour
- Old Port Culinary Walking Tour From Portland
Where To Stay In Portland
Budget-friendly
Mid-range
Luxury
- Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
- Hampton Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
- The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection
Short on time? I recommend booking a Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise!
1. Explore Old Port
The quaint downtown of Old Port is basically the beating heart of Portland.
Lined with cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings, and fishing piers, this historic district is bustling with things to do.
This is where you’ll find Portland’s trendy scene of restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and more.
Many of the town’s best eats, including Duckfat and Eventide Oyster Co. are found here.
Also, you can take in the salty air as you stroll the working harbor.
I highly recommend spending an entire afternoon exploring Old Port… Come hungry, and be ready for a lot of walking!
2. Enjoy a Maine lobster roll
With all of the world-class food in Portland, what better place to try a classic Maine lobster roll?
Officially, a true Maine lobster roll is defined as, “A hot dog roll, center cut, that is toasted—preferably buttered and then toasted—filled with nothing but fresh lobster meat; big chunks, not shredded, not frozen.”
The lobster is then tossed with mayo for added creaminess, and served cold.
(This is according to Kathy Gunst, a James Beard Award-winning food journalist and longtime Mainer.)
Of course, the title of “BEST lobster roll in Maine” is highly contested, so you have to try as many as you can to decide for yourself!
You know, for research purposes.
Here in Portland, Eventide Oyster Co. is THE spot to try delicious, fresh lobster doused in brown butter and served on a fluffy bun.
For a unique take on the classic dish, Highroller Lobster Co. makes an incredible lobster cheese crisp taco.
Related: 15 Best Things To Do In Maine
3. Take a ferry to the Casco Bay Islands
A very Maine thing to do is take a ferry to an island only accessible by boat.
The Casco Bay, which borders Portland, holds hundreds of such islands. Although just a handful are open to the public.
The easiest way to visit the islands is with Casco Bay Lines.
They’ve been in business for over 150 years!
The six Casco Bay Islands they travel to are natural gems, each boasting their own history and attractions.
The closest and most populated, Peaks Island, has a small-town feel and is perfect to explore by bike.
Great Diamond Island is home to the luxurious Inn At Diamond Cove.
There are no cars allowed on this island, making it feel extra magical.
Related: Travel Instagram Captions
4. Explore the Portland Head Light
One of Maine’s most beautiful lighthouses is just a quick drive out of downtown Portland.
Portland Head Light is one of the most striking, and most photographed lighthouses in the country.
Not only that, it was commissioned by George Washington and completed in 1791.
That means it’s also the oldest lighthouse in Maine!
Here, you can explore around the lighthouse’s museum and gift shop, as well as the surrounding coastline.
Just outside, Fort Williams Park offers 90 acres of coastal hiking paths, picnic tables, gardens, and beach.
It’s the perfect place to pack a picnic, and spend a morning or afternoon.
Related: Maine Instagram Captions
5. Tour a local craft brewery
Not only is Portland home to a bustling food scene, it boasts an excellent craft beer scene as well.
Allagash is one of the most iconic breweries in Portland, as well as the entire country!
After that, Austin Street Brewery and Rising Tide Brewing Company are both local favorites.
For the full Portland beer scene experience, try taking a brewery tour like the Maine Brews Cruise or the Maine Brew Bus.
Related: Drinking Instagram Captions
6. Visit The Victoria Mansion
Architecture and interior design lovers will be swept up by the grandeur of the Victoria Mansion.
Completed in 1860, this ornate mansion turned museum is impressive in both its design and history.
From the ornate furniture and stained-glass, down to the gilded detailing, everything about it is grand!
Take a tour inside, and the knowledgeable guides will tell you all about the mansion’s past.
From its days as a summer home for hotelier Ruggles Sylvester Morse, to being converted into a museum- there’s a lot to learn here!
Related: Photography Instagram Captions
7. Discover the Portland Museum of Art
Founded in 1882 as The Portland Society of Art, this is actually the oldest public art institution in America!
On top of that, it’s home to some pretty big names.
Here, you’ll find pieces from greats like Andy Warhol, Claude Monet, and Winslow Homer.
The museum also features exhibits of American, European and even local Maine works.
Related: Art Instagram Captions
8. Try a Holy Donut
The name of this donut shop is fitting, because their specially crafted donuts are just divine!
Created from Maine potatoes mixed with wheat flour, these donuts are made fresh with local ingredients.
There are three Holy Donut locations in Portland, but there’s almost always a line out the door, so get there early!
9. Become a lobsterman for a day
Want to know what goes on behind the scenes in the day of a lobsterman?
Then you’re in luck! The Lucky Catch offers one of the most unique activities in Portland.
This 90-minute boat tour delivers a hands-on understanding of one of New England’s most important industries.
Along with other “first time lobstermen,” you’ll get the chance to learn all about different lobsters as well as industry conservation efforts.
You can even participate in hauling up the traps, or just sit back and take in the sights.
At the end of the tour, you get the chance to purchase your lobster at the wholesale price, which is a great deal!
To top it all off, you can even take it across the street to the Portland Lobster Company where they’ll prepare it as part of a delicious dinner for you.
So cool!
10. Go for a sunset sail
What better place to watch a beautiful Maine sunset, than on a sailboat with a glass of champagne in your hand?
Learn more about the most popular Portland sunset cruise on Viator here.
Related: 10 Best Things To Do In Boston
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