If you are thinking about visiting Portland Maine this holiday and wondering what to do in Portland Maine, this is the right place for you. There is plenty of things to do in Portland Maine, for people of all ages. And, if you happen to love lobsters, you get the chance to catch lobsters for dinner. Isn’t it exciting? Catching your lobster is undoubtedly among the best things to do in Portland, Maine.
The fascinating things that one can do in Portland do not end with catching lobsters. History buffs can dig deep into the ancient history of Portland while wandering the Old Port. Art enthusiasts will find exploring the Portland Museum of Art fascinating. Be it the waterfront walk toward Back Bay, the ferry ride to the little garden, or enjoying a picnic on the backside of the island, everything about the place is simply irresistible. The tour of the interiors of the Victoria Mansion leaves every history, and art buffs are delighted.
The list here includes some of the top things to do in Portland Maine, which consists of a few things that will make you fall in love with the place.
The 10 Best Things to Do in Portland, Maine
There is no shortage of things to do in Portland, Maine. Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a good time, Portland has something for everyone. Here is a list of the 10 best things to do in Portland, Maine.
1. Catch Lobsters on The Casco Bay Islands
The moment you reach the island, you will feel like you belong here. You will get to see the perfect blend of nature, food, and history. Catching lobsters here is one of the best things to do in Portland, Maine, which will make your trip all the more worthwhile. Shopping, visiting the residential gardens, parks, beaches, and bike riding are some of the other interesting activities you can do here. The ferry ride is also one of the thrilling activities you will love about this place. During the summer you can rent a bike or golf cart, or hire a tour guide. Every single island has a definitive history. The ferry rides, and the lobsters along the picturesque views make this island Portland’s Maine attractions and one of the best-visited places.
2. View the beautiful sunset at the historic Promenade
Watching the beautiful sunset and the great walk are some of the interesting activities to do on the eastern promenade. For breathtaking views of the horizon, one should certainly visit during the sunset or the sunrise. There is about 68.2-acre space reserved for parking. The Eastern Promenade trail is a 2-mile trail, and to make the most of it, begin your stroll from the heart of the Old Port.
This trail is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Portland, Maine, and that will surely leave you speechless. Families can enjoy the numerous sports courts while enjoying the surrounding scenery. The kids also have a large playground of their own. Enjoying the scenic view, and continuing the trail by directly connecting to the Black Clove Trail, are a few of the things to do around Portland Maine for hikers with various points of interest.
3. Photoshoot at the Portland Headlight
Cape Elizabeth is famous for its lighthouses. The lighthouse photographed the maximum number of times in the US, and this place is also known as the best place for clicking pictures. Visiting the lighthouses is one of the things to do in Portland, Maine, which is free and will not cost you a dime. Rolling through the hills and beaches, visiting the Portland headlight is definitely amongst the best things to do in Portland Maine. The lighthouse is Maine’s oldest Lighthouse, and it dates back to the late 1700s. This is a great spot for an adventure trip and a must-go place for couples. You can also visit this place with your family and enjoy the grounds which include a beach, lawns, and picnic areas. Watching the boats entering and leaving the harbor is hard to miss.
4. Explore the Art Museum
When listing the places to visit in Portland, Maine, then the Art Museum (Portland Museum of Art) is a must for art lovers. This museum dates to 1882 and is the oldest art museum in the country. In spite of being a small city, Portland is house to some eminent names in the history of art. Winslow Homer, and Andy Warhol, along with a few of the greatest artists’ works are on display in the museum. This fascinating art museum is one of the places to see in Portland, Maine, without which your trip is incomplete. Art enthusiasts can witness various styles and works of art in the museum. Beginning with the American classics to the French impressionists and everything in between the museum is a real treat for the eyes of the learners of art. As an art learner and enthusiast visiting the Portland Museum of Art is amongst the best things to do in Portland, Maine.
5. Brewery Tours
If the lobsters belong to Maine, then beer belongs to Portland. If brewery tours are not on your list of things to do in Portland Maine, then without second-guessing, you are missing out on the best things to do in Portland Maine. The experts claim Portland to be one of the finest beer cities in America. Here, you will get all the world-class beers. The credit for being the best beer city goes to the local brewers and their role in the microbrew movement. Take the various kinds of brewery tours offered, including the seasonal ones. Some of the breweries offer free tasting, which makes it all the more worthwhile and surely Portland, Maine, things to do. The breweries are Portland, Maine’s, attractions that are hard to resist.
6. Taste the Italian cuisine in the Old Port
If you are looking into tapping into the beating heart of Portland, then it is Old Port. Some of the most exciting and top things to do in Portland Maine begin with Old Port. The downtown neighborhood is the heart of the city and bustling right and left with the things to do around Portland, Maine. The best dining place in Portland is just a few blocks away from the heart of the city. You can shop and dine throughout the town, but Cobblestone street has a name when it comes to Italian cuisine. It is one of the most happening places to visit in Portland, Maine.
7. Victoria Mansion
Are interiors and designing your things? Then, Victoria Mansion is a must-go place you must add to your wish-listed destinations. The Victoria Mansion is amongst the best places to see in Portland, Maine and there is no argumentation over this fact. If you have keen on architecture, visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Portland Maine. The Victoria Mansion displays exemplary illustrations related to the grandeur of the pre-civil war. Worth mentioning, this place is also renowned for being the National Historic Landmark. Considering the things to do while in Portland, Maine, one must visit the Victoria Mansion at least once, if not more.
8. Acadia National Park
When planning your vacation and considering what to do in Portland Maine, a trip to the Acadia National Park is a must. Amongst the most visited national parks of New England, visiting the Acadia National Park is amongst a few of the things to do while in Portland Maine. This national park is the reason why Maine became famous overnight. Spending time while taking leisurely rides in carriages drawn by horses, hiking, and biking all make the Portland Maine things to-do, list.
9. The Historic Maritime Signal Tower
The historic maritime signal tower (Portland Observatory) has some of the best views of the harbor and is one of every tourist’s list of Portland Maine attractions. The Portland Observatory is the country’s last standing maritime signal tower, and visiting this heritage can be one of the best experiences while in Portland, Maine. This 86-foot-high tower is octagonal and was put in order by Captain Lemuel Moody. This was built as a communication center for Portland’s Harbor. The ships were visible 30 miles away before hitting the shores through a telescope owned by Captain Lemuel Moody. Before the observatory was built, the ships could not be seen long before they reached the shores of the town. Visiting the Portland observatory and spending your time relaxing while soaking in the picturesque scenic beauty are among the first things to do in Portland, Maine.
10. Don’t Miss to Visit the ‘House of The Kings’
The writings of the English literature eminent poet; Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, have their roots deep into Portland, Maine. This place is, in fact, the birthplace of the world’s two highest-selling authors, Stephen King and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Visiting the house of Wadsworth-Longfellow is a must on the Portland Maine things to do, list. You can also visit and take a look at the King’s house in Bangor if you are still wondering what to do in Portland, Maine. Stephen King is a famous horror master as he made the genre of horror a thing back in the days when there was no separate genre for horror. The houses are well-preserved and are delightful for most to see some of the artifacts still intact, including the personal belongings of the authors. Visiting the home of the world-renowned authors should complete your list of things to do while in Portland, Maine.
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Conclusion
If you’re looking for things to do in Portland, Maine, you won’t be disappointed. This vibrant city has something for everyone, from world-renowned authors’ homes to beautiful maritime views. No matter what your interests are, there’s sure to be an activity or attraction that will capture your attention and make your trip memorable. So don’t wait any longer, start planning your visit today!
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