Things To Do In Portland Maine

There are a lot of exciting things to do in Portland, Maine. This article will give you a list of the top fun things that you can do here! Enjoy!

Portland is located very close to the Atlantic Ocean and is well known for its working waterfront. In fact, there are several spots along the water where people enjoy fishing, kayaking, or simply taking a stroll through the park. If you visit during the summer season from June until September, you can take a ferry ride over to Peaks Island. Here’s a tip: if you’re going with children, make sure they know how to swim first, as this island does not have lifeguards on duty. You can also take advantage of going on a sightseeing tour around the city. While there, you can see some of the historic homes and learn about their interesting history.

Historic Homes Tour

This is a must-do if you’re interested in learning about Portland’s fascinating history and culture. Tours typically start at Monument Square and head towards the Arts District, where there are several galleries and shops to check out. You’ll pass through other notable architectural landscapes such as Congress Square Park, The Western Promenade, Deering Oaks Park & the Back Cove. There’s also an option to walk or bike instead of taking a tour bus, so keep that in mind.

Walk Through Congress Park

If you really want to get beautiful photos while exploring Portland, head over to Congress Park. It’s the perfect spot for taking pictures of the autumn leaves or catching a glimpse of the city skyline (seen in the picture above). There are also plenty of benches situated throughout this neighborhood so you can take a rest and enjoy nature.

Visit Fort Williams Park

This is another parking area that offers stunning waterfront views. While walking along Portland’s coast, be sure to check out Fort Williams Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent out kayaks and paddleboards for an extra thrill!

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Ride A Bike

Biking is one of my favorite things about Portland, especially since it’s such a small city and easy to navigate. You can rent bikes from several local shops or bring your own if you have one. There are trails that run through the city or around it, so you can take in all of Maine’s natural beauty – on two wheels!

Walk Over The West End Memorial Bridge

This is one of my favorite things to do because it gives you an amazing view of Portland Harbor. There are benches lined up along the bridge so you can relax while taking in some fresh air. You’ll also see several sailboats passing by and might even get a closer glimpse of Fort Gorges. Tip: If you’re looking for a great photo op, head over during sunset!

Go To Local Shops & Eat At Food Trucks

One of the top things to do in Portland is eat at food trucks. There are so many different places to choose from, but I recommend checking out the ones along Commercial Street. Another fun idea is to go shopping at one of the local boutiques or shops. You’ll find arts & crafts, home décor, and more!

Restaurants

Portland has many delicious restaurants that you must check out if you visit here. A few of these are Fore Street (award-winning farm-to-table restaurant), DiMillo’s On The Water (the views are amazing!), Nosh Kitchen Bar (an upscale gastropub), Local 188 (for brunch), and much more.

Nightlife

Portland is very popular among young people when it comes to nightlife. There are tons of pubs, bars, nightclubs, and music venues where locals mingle with tourists. Some of the popular places to check out are Big Easy, The Beer’d Brewery, Ri Ra Irish Pub & Restaurant, Blue, Gritty’s, and many more.

Beaches

Portland is a coastal city, so it’s no surprise that there are several beaches–some even just ten minutes away! While some beaches cost money to get into (Scarborough Beach being one of them), others are free. Popular beaches in Portland include Willard Beach, Scarborough Beach State Park, and Crescent Beach.

Shopping Malls

Another fun thing to do in Portland is shopping at the wonderful malls! There are plenty of well-known malls here, such as Maine Mall and Westbrook Outlets. These have hundreds of different stores you can check out, including Bath & Body Works, Aeropostale, and more.

Parks & Gardens

Portland is also home to many lovely parks that are great for walking around or playing sports. Some of these include Mill Ends Park (the smallest park in the world!), Eastern Promenade, Western Promenade, Deering Oaks Park, and more.

Other Fun Things to Do

There are tons of other fun things to do in Portland! For example, you’ll never get bored if you visit during the summertime because there’s so much outdoor activity–from farmers’ markets to concerts at Riverbank Park. You can also look into tours of local breweries or wineries. And let’s not forget about Casco Bay Lines, which offers daily boat tours of Casco Bay and beyond!

FAQs About Portland Maine

Q: What are the best restaurants in Portland?

A: Some of the most popular restaurants in Portland include The Fore Street, Eventide Oyster Co., Duckfat, Central Provisions, Hugo’s and Renaisssance. Each restaurant offers a unique experience that is sure to please any palate.

Q: What is there to do in Portland?

A: There are plenty of attractions in Portland. From sightseeing at Casco Bay, exploring Old Port’s cobblestone streets, sampling craft beer from local breweries, and visiting the Portland Head Light lighthouse – there is something for everyone! Additionally, the city has numerous museums, galleries, theaters and music venues to explore.

Q: What is the weather like in Portland?

A: The climate in Portland is typically mild and temperate throughout the year, with warm summers and cooler winters. Average temperatures range from around 30°F in winter to over 80°F during summer months. Spring and fall are generally cool but comfortable seasons for exploring the city.

Q: What kind of public transportation is available in Portland?

A: The city’s public transportation system, METRO, offers bus and light rail services throughout the Greater Portland area. Additionally, the Amtrak Downeaster runs between Boston and Brunswick with stops in Portland and other towns along the coast. Taxi cabs and rideshare services are also available for getting around.

Q: Is there any outdoor recreation near Portland?

A: Yes! There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation near Portland. The city is situated on Casco Bay, which is full of beaches, parks, and trails to explore. Additionally, the nearby White Mountains, Baxter State Park, and Acadia National Park offer plenty of places to hike, bike, camp, ski and more.

Q: What is the local shopping scene like in Portland?

A: Portland features various types of stores for shopping. From quaint boutiques in Old Port to upscale malls such as Maine Mall and The Shops at Clarks Pond, there is something for everyone. Additionally, many local farmers markets are held throughout the city and offer fresh produce, handmade goods, and other locally crafted items.

Q: What is the local art scene like in Portland?

A: Portland has an active and vibrant arts community with a variety of galleries, museums, and theaters. The Portland Museum of Art is a popular destination for art lovers, featuring works from renowned artists like Monet, Warhol and O’Keeffe. Additionally, there are many local events throughout the year related to music, theater, film and more.

Q: What is the best way to get around Portland?

A: Depending on your needs, there are a variety of ways to get around Portland. Walking is the best way to explore the city’s cobblestone streets and cultural attractions. For longer distances, public transportation such as METRO buses or the Amtrak Downeaster offer convenient options. Taxi cabs and rideshare services are also available for getting around.

Q: Are there any special events or festivals in Portland?

A: Yes! Portland hosts a variety of annual events and festivals throughout the year. Some notable events include the Portland Sea Dogs’ baseball games, the Maine Lobster Festival, the Old Port Festival, and the Peaks to Portland Swim. Additionally, there are various music, film and theater festivals held in the city.

Q: What are some of Portland’s best attractions?

A: Some of Portland’s top attractions include the Portland Head Light lighthouse, Casco Bay, Old Port’s cobblestone streets, Longfellow Square, Fort Allen Park and Monument Square. Additionally, the city has numerous museums, galleries, theaters and music venues to explore. The Portland Museum of Art is a popular destination for art lovers. Finally, there are many local parks, trails and beaches for outdoor recreation.

Q: What kind of restaurants can be found in Portland?

A: Portland is home to an array of culinary offerings ranging from classic seafood restaurants to vegan eateries. Popular local dishes include lobster rolls, chowder, whoopie pies and blueberry pancakes. Additionally, there are various ethnic restaurants in the city such as Indian, Thai, Mexican and Italian.

Q: What is the nightlife like in Portland?

A: Portland has a vibrant nightlife scene with pubs, bars, clubs and live music venues. Popular spots include the Old Port District for its cobblestone streets, Monument Square for its craft beer bars and Public Market House for its food stalls. Additionally, there are various comedy clubs, movie theaters and other entertainment venues throughout the city.

Q: What are some of the best places to stay in Portland?

A: There are a variety of options for accommodations in Portland. For luxury stays, there are several high-end hotels such as The Westin Portland Harborview and The Press Hotel. On the other side of the spectrum, budget travelers can find numerous B&B’s and hostels. Additionally, there are many options for vacation rentals and camping sites around the city.

For more fun things to do in Portland, visit www.portlandmaine.com for a complete list of attractions and events going on around town.

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