Portland is Maines largest city located on the seacoast. It is beautifully artistic city with a phenomenal food and drink scene. The summer is full of tourists and locals adventuring out on the Casco bay lines to Peaks island and strolling Commercial Street and the Old Port for fresh seafood and shopping. There is a lot to do in Portland so we compiled a list of the top 5 attractions to help guide you when visiting and exploring Portland, Maine.
1. Portland Head Light
The infamous Portland Head Light is an attraction everyone must see when they come to visit Portland, Maine. Lighthouses are as symbolic to Maine as Pine trees and the four seasons. This iconic lighthouse is located in Cape Elizabeth at Fort Williams park.
Inside this lighthouse is a museum located in the former Keepers Quarters and has a numerous exhibits about the history of lighthouses and the keeping of them. It also takes you on a journey of the evolving technology which has changed the operation of these beautiful structures.
Fort Williams and the Portland Head light is a must see when vacationing in Portland Maine and nearby.
Address: 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth Maine 04107
2. Portland Old Port
Whether its walking down the cobblestone streets or strolling the piers off Commercial Street, Portland Maine’s Old port is where two worlds collide. The historic remanence of Portland’s gritty past mixing with the modern urban feel is so much more than a chocolate vanilla swirl.
Portland’s Old Port District is truly a work of art. The food scene is second to none and recognized nationwide along with one of, if not, the best microbrew scene in the country. Although many of the nationally recognized microbrews are not located right in the Old Port itself it is necessary to give a shout out to them if perhaps you’re a beer connoisseur.
Some of the top restaurants in the Old Port are the likes of Scales, Fore street, The Highroller Lobster Co., Hot Suppa, DiMillo’s On The Water, Eventide Oyster, Central Provisions, and so many more to choose from.
3. Casco Bay Islands
Taking day trips out to the islands is relaxing and beautiful. Known as the Calendar islands, named because there are so many that you could visit a different island every day of the year. Although this isn’t really true, you get the idea. There are a lot of islands to visit. Some of the islands even have their own little restaurants so you can enjoy a bite to eat while exploring.
The most popular island is Peaks Island and has a reggae fest on Jones Landing many of the Sundays during the summer months which is a great time for those looking for a music scene.
Great Diamond Island is home of the former Fort Mckinley. There are many forts throughout the bay which includes some of the more infamous forts such as Fort Gorges, Fort Williams, Fort Scammel and more. If you’re looking for peaceful beaches and nature trails, you will find these on Long Island.
So when you come to Portland make sure to make it out to the islands and check out Casco Bay Islands and the Forts and take lots of pictures to share with your friends.
4. Portland Beaches
Some of the best beaches on New England are located right here in Southern Maine. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful beach to rest relax or a bustling beach with an adventure park and lots of beach food, you can find that all here.
Higgins Beach is a great spot for surfers, boogy boarders and fishing. During low tide this is a great beach with lots of room to play frisbee, volley ball and people watch.
Ferry Beach, located in Scarborough is across the bay from Pine Point and is more of a low key beach with a great sand bar to toss a frisbee and just a short walk to the other side of the beach has a deep pool of water to play in. Old Orchard Beach is a great place to enjoy the infamous pier fries on the pier and big slices of pizza across the street at Bills Pizza and Lisa’s Pizza. Wanna listen to some music or have some drinks? Head on over to the Brunswick for drinks on the water. Bring the kids over to Palace Playland and have fun on the rides or playing fair games with
5. Childrens Museum and Theatre of Maine
Are you on vacation with your kids? Located at Thompsons Point is The Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine is a great stop for a child adventure. Let your children enjoy the fun games and playhouse at the Museum. If you have little scientists, they will love the science lab or maybe you have a future fire fighter riding in the back seat that wants to sit in the fire truck. Let their imagination run wild here.
Address: 250 Thompson’s Point Road, Portland, ME 04102
