Portland, Maine is a great city and the gateway to the rest of Maine. Many of the guests on our wonderful Maine bicycle tours pass through Portland. Here are a locals thoughts on things to do in Portland, Maine
As a major working seaport and the gateway to Casco Bay, Portland is all about the ocean. Portland proper is actually a fairly small peninsula bounded by the Fore River on the southeast side and the Back Cove on the northwest side. The heart of Portland is the restored Old Port District running from Commercial Street along the water up to Congress Street and Monument Square. While facing the water on Commercial Street, Portland’s downtown is surrounded by two of Portland’s main residential areas – the East End to your left and the West End to your right. Portland is a city of eclectic charm and is best explored at a slow and leisurely pace.
Some of the things you might consider looking into include:
If you like to SAIL: check out a cruise on the Frances or one of Portland’s schooners. Relax onboard and see the city from a whole different vantage point. These fine boats sail from the Maine State Pier located aside of the Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal.
If you want to get out to an ISLAND: hop on the Casco Bay Lines Ferries and either tour the harbor on a mailboat or sunset cruise, or get off on an island, explore, and take a ferry back when you are ready. Casco Bay Lines is located at the corner of Commercial and Franklin Streets. Arrive early to purchase your ticket and catch the first boat out of town.
If you like to WALK: Portland Trails has an impressive network of walking paths in and around Portland. Also, both the east and west end neighborhoods of Portland boast wonderful walking promenades with views of the stately homes and water views that make the neighborhoods so desirable. If you find yourself on the East End, stop in and visit the Portland Observatory. The view from the top encompasses all of Casco Bay, Portland, and on clear days, Mount Washington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
If you’d like to learn more about LOBSTER: join Captain Tom on board his working lobster boat and experience the thrill of hauling up a trap and seeing what is inside. Lucky Catch Cruises leave from Commercial and it’s best you call the captain to reserve and confirm your spot.
If you enjoy ART: Portland has a thriving arts scene. The Old Portland and Portland’s Art District are both full of galleries and, in the summer, there is something happening every evening. If you are in town the first Friday of the month, look for participating venues of the First Friday Art Walk and enjoy an evening exploring the visual arts community of Portland.
If you like to EAT AND WALK: check out Maine Foodie Tours for three different culinary tour options of Portland and see for yourself why Portland was voted America’s foodiest small town 2009 by Bon Appetit magazine.
If you like to EAT: there are so so many options of places to eat in Portland. To help you sort through some options, check out the Portland Food Map for reviews and categories of options.
If your visit includes a Saturday, consider checking out the Portland Farmer’s Market in Deering Oaks Park. It’s really neat! You could certainly find enough deliciousness for a picnic lunch.
If you want to sample LOCAL BREWS: again, many options. Keep your eyes open for pours by Shipyard, Geary’s, Gritty’s, Allagash, Sebago, StoneCoast, and the Inn on Peaks Island Brewery.
Hopefully you find something of interest in these recommendations! Enjoy planning your time in Portland and if I can be of any other assistance, please let me know.
