Portland, Maine
A walkable waterfront city where award-winning restaurants, craft breweries, and cobblestone streets meet island-studded Casco Bay.
Portland packs big-city food, art, and nightlife into a peninsula you can walk end to end in 20 minutes. The working waterfront delivers the freshest lobster and oysters in New England straight from boat to plate. Add Casco Bay island ferries, a thriving brewery scene, and easy access to beaches and lighthouses.
The food scene punches absurdly above its weight for a city of 68,000. Fore Street, Eventide, and Hugo’s have all earned James Beard recognition, but the real magic is in the density. You can walk from a world-class oyster bar to duck-fat fries to a tasting menu without needing a car. Book ahead in summer or plan to eat at the bar.
Do not skip the Casco Bay islands. The mail boat run on Casco Bay Lines is one of the best-value excursions in Maine. Ride the full loop or hop off at Peaks Island to bike the perimeter and grab a lobster roll. The whole trip takes half a day.
Head to Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth before sunset. Portland Head Light with waves crashing below is the most photographed lighthouse in America. The park is free, and on the way back stop at Two Lights Lobster Shack for a no-frills lobster dinner with an ocean view.
Check the tides before beach days. Crescent Beach and Scarborough Beach are gorgeous at low tide with wide sandy stretches, but high tide swallows most of the sand. Maine ocean water rarely tops 65 degrees even in August.
The Eastern Promenade is the best free activity in Portland. Walk or bike the 2.1-mile trail along the harbor with panoramic views of Casco Bay. East End Beach at the bottom is a great launch point for kayaking.
Things to Do
Eastern Promenade Trail
2.1-mile paved trail along the harbor on a former rail corridor with panoramic views of Casco Bay and the islands.
Portland Head Light
Maine's most iconic lighthouse (1791) set in a 90-acre park with cliff walks, picnic areas, and a museum.
Casco Bay Island Hopping
Take the mail boat to Peaks Island, Great Diamond, or beyond for car-free biking, swimming, and lobster shack lunches.
Casco Bay Kayaking
Paddle from East End Beach through the Calendar Islands of Casco Bay, with rentals and guided tours available seasonally.
Crescent Beach State Park
Mile-long sandy beach 8 miles south with swimming, tidal pools, and nature trails through coastal forest.
Back Cove Trail
Flat 3.6-mile loop around a tidal bay offering skyline views. Popular with joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers.
Two Lights State Park
Rocky headlands in Cape Elizabeth with a 1-mile loop trail, dramatic wave action, and sweeping Atlantic views.
Fore River Sanctuary
85-acre urban preserve with boardwalk trails through wetlands leading to Jewell Falls, Portland's only natural waterfall.
Scarborough Beach
Over a mile of Atlantic-facing sandy beach with swimming, surfing, and marsh trails just 10 miles south.
Where to Eat & Drink
Fore Street
New American / Wood-FiredThe restaurant that put Portland on the national food map. Wood-oven-roasted local meats and seafood in a converted warehouse since 1996.
Eventide Oyster Co.
Seafood / Raw BarJames Beard Award winner famous for its brown-butter lobster roll and rotating selection of New England oysters.
Duckfat
Casual / FritesTiny, always-packed spot serving Belgian-style fries cooked in duck fat alongside paninis, soups, and craft sodas.
Scales
SeafoodUpscale waterfront dining on the working wharf from the Fore Street team, with whole-roasted fish and harbor views.
Central Provisions
Small PlatesInventive, internationally-inspired small plates in a buzzy Old Port space. One of Bon Appetit's best new restaurants.
Hugo's
Fine Dining / Tasting MenuMulti-course tasting menus built almost entirely from Maine-sourced ingredients in an intimate, refined setting.
The Front Room
Comfort Food / BrunchNeighborhood favorite for hearty comfort fare like shepherd's pie, Cubanos, and one of Portland's best weekend brunches.
Mr. Tuna
Japanese-InspiredJames Beard-nominated creative Japanese-inflected dishes. Named a top-10 US restaurant by Food & Wine.
Where to Stay
Hotels
(5)The Press Hotel
Boutique HotelMarriott Autograph Collection in the former Portland Press Herald building. Literary-themed design in the Arts District.
The Francis
Boutique Hotel1881 West End mansion with 15 uniquely designed rooms, complimentary breakfast, free parking, and original stained glass.
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
HotelFull-service hotel and spa in a restored 1895 armory building in the heart of the Old Port.
Inn at St. John
HotelPortland's oldest continuously operating inn, built in 1897. Affordable rooms near the Arts District.
Higgins Beach Inn
HotelClassic seaside inn in Scarborough, 7 miles from downtown. Steps from a sandy beach popular with surfers.
B&Bs & Inns
(2)The Chadwick
B&BFour luxurious rooms in a West End Victorian with gourmet breakfast and a short walk to downtown dining.
West End Inn
B&BTwo restored 19th-century mansions with 14 guest rooms and hot cooked-to-order breakfasts in Portland's quietest historic neighborhood.
Campgrounds
(1)Bayley's Camping Resort
CampgroundFull-service family campground in Scarborough with tent sites, RV hookups, pools, and shuttle to Old Orchard Beach. 12 miles from Portland.
Shopping & Services
Longfellow Books
Independent BookstoreFiercely independent community bookstore at Monument Square with an eclectic selection and regular author readings.
Sea Bags
Accessories / GiftsHandcrafted tote bags made from recycled sailcloth at their factory store on Custom House Wharf.
Lisa-Marie's Made in Maine
Maine-Made GoodsCurated collection of products made exclusively in Maine on Exchange Street in the Old Port.
Sherman's Books & Stationery
Bookstore / GiftsMaine's oldest bookstore (est. 1886) carrying books, stationery, puzzles, and gifts in the Old Port.
Events & Festivals
Old Port Festival
Largest free one-day music and arts festival in Maine. Live bands, food vendors, and artisan booths fill the Old Port streets.
Maine Outdoor Film Festival
Multi-day celebration of outdoor adventure and conservation films screened at venues across Portland.
Harvest on the Harbor
Portland's premier food festival. Chef competitions, oyster tastings, lobster bake, and Maine wine showcases on the waterfront.
Portland Greek Festival
Three days of Greek food, pastries, live music, and dancing. A Portland tradition for over 40 years.
New Year's Portland
Family-friendly city-wide celebration with live performances, art installations, and fireworks over the harbor.
When to Visit Portland
Spring
Mar - May
30-60F
Snow melts into pleasant May days. Restaurant patios begin to open and early wildflowers appear.
Summer
Jun - Aug
55-80F
Peak season. Island ferries running full schedules, outdoor dining, and long evenings on the waterfront.
Fall
Sep - Nov
30-70F
Crisp air, spectacular foliage, harvest food festivals, and thinner crowds. Many locals' favorite season.
Winter
Dec - Feb
15-35F
Cold and snowy but the restaurant scene stays vibrant. Cozy pubs, holiday markets, and uncrowded galleries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before visiting Portland. Can't find your answer? Contact us.