Portland’s Island, 17 Minutes Away
Peaks Island sits in Casco Bay less than two miles from downtown Portland, and the ferry crossing takes 17 minutes. That proximity makes it the most visited island in Maine and one of the easiest island day trips on the entire East Coast. You can be sitting in a Portland coffee shop at 9 AM and standing on a quiet beach watching lobster boats by 9:30.
Nearly 1,000 people live here year-round, and the summer population doubles as seasonal residents open their cottages and day-trippers arrive on the hourly ferry. Despite the easy access, Peaks retains a distinct island character. The cars thin out quickly once you leave the ferry landing. The perimeter road winds past shingled cottages, overgrown military batteries, rocky coves, and views across the bay to the open Atlantic. By the time you reach the backshore, Portland feels far away.
The Bike Loop
The island’s signature activity is the perimeter road loop, a roughly 4-mile circuit that circles the island on paved roads. The terrain is mostly flat with gentle hills, and the ride takes about an hour at a leisurely pace with stops. Half the route runs along the waterfront with views of other Casco Bay islands, lighthouses, and lobster boats. The other half passes through the island’s residential neighborhoods.
Bike rentals are available at shops near the ferry landing. This is the best way to see the island on a day trip. Walking the full loop is also possible but takes two to three hours.
Battery Steele
The island’s most unusual attraction sits in the woods on the southern end. Battery Steele is one of the largest World War II coastal defense batteries ever built in the United States. Constructed in 1942 to defend Portland Harbor from German submarine attack, the massive concrete bunker originally held two 16-inch guns capable of firing shells 25 miles out to sea. The guns were never fired in combat and were removed after the war.
Today the battery is an enormous concrete ruin buried in the woods. You can walk through the long, dark central corridor that once connected the two gun emplacements. The scale is impressive and slightly unsettling. Bring a flashlight.
Battery Steele is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Access is via a trail from the perimeter road on the south end of the island.
Beaches and Shoreline
Sandy Beach (also called Bayview Beach) is a small crescent of sand on the southwest side of the island, a short walk from the ferry landing. It is the island’s most popular swimming spot, with calm water, a sandy bottom, and views of Portland and the other Casco Bay islands. Families with kids will be comfortable here.
The backshore on the eastern and southern sides of the island is rocky and exposed, with dramatic views of the open Atlantic. This is where you feel the full force of the ocean. Cairn Beach, on the backshore, is a cobble beach where visitors have built hundreds of rock cairns along the tideline. It is striking to see and a fun spot for kids.
Other Things to Do
The Fifth Maine Regiment Museum is a Victorian-era hall built in 1888 as a meeting place for Civil War veterans. The museum tells the story of the Fifth Maine Regiment and the island’s military history. Open in summer, free admission with suggested donation.
Several galleries and artists’ studios are scattered around the island. The island has a long history as an arts community, and working artists open their studios to visitors during the summer months.
The Umbrella Cover Museum is exactly what it sounds like: a museum dedicated to the sleeves that cover closed umbrellas. It is charmingly eccentric and worth a stop if it is open.
Getting There
Casco Bay Lines operates the ferry from the terminal on Commercial Street in Portland’s Old Port. The crossing takes approximately 17 minutes. In summer, ferries run roughly every hour from early morning until late evening. Winter service runs less frequently but still multiple times per day.
Peak-season adult round-trip fares are approximately $16. Off-peak fares are approximately $8.50. Bikes cost an additional fee. All fares are round trip and collected at boarding in Portland.
No reservations are needed for walk-on passengers. The ferry terminal is at 56 Commercial Street, a short walk from the Old Port. Parking garages are nearby but fill up on summer weekends.
When to Go
Summer
Peak season. Hourly ferries, all shops and restaurants open, warmest water for swimming. Busiest with day-trippers, especially on weekends.
Fall
Fewer visitors, beautiful light, foliage on the island. Ferry still runs frequently. Some shops close after Columbus Day.
Winter
Quiet island life. Reduced ferry schedule. Most visitor services closed. Beautiful in snow but cold and windy.
Spring
The island wakes up. Cool weather, early wildflowers. Ferry schedule increases. A good time for a quiet visit.
Packing List
Peaks Island Day Trip
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
- Swimsuit and towel (summer)
- Flashlight or headlamp (for Battery Steele)
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Cash for bike rental and snacks
- Light jacket (cooler on the water)
FAQ
How long does it take to get to Peaks Island?
The Casco Bay Lines ferry from Portland takes 17 minutes. Ferries run roughly hourly in summer.
Can I bring a bike on the ferry?
Yes, Casco Bay Lines allows bikes on the ferry for an additional fee. You can also rent bikes at shops near the Peaks Island ferry landing.
How long should I spend on Peaks Island?
Three to five hours is ideal for a day trip. That gives you time to bike the loop, visit Battery Steele, swim, and eat lunch. You could also spend a full day or overnight.
Is Peaks Island good for families?
Excellent. Sandy Beach is calm and shallow, the bike loop is easy, and kids love exploring Battery Steele with flashlights. The ferry ride itself is part of the fun.
Are there restaurants on Peaks Island?
Yes, several restaurants and cafes operate near the ferry landing during the summer season. Options are more limited in the off-season.
