Coastal Maine has its share of captivating attractions, and Portland is one place to put on your list to visit. With less than 80,000 residents, this working historical port city has plenty of cultural offerings, historical sites (including several lighthouses), recreational options, and a lively and varied culinary and bar scene. There’s a very friendly vibe in Portland from the folks leading tours, servers in restaurants and pubs, shopkeepers, and folks you happen to meet in town. There’s a lot to like about this city, from the small, locally-owned shops, cafés, and restaurants to the larger, big-name establishments. Besides the breathtaking scenery of Casco Bay, there’s so much to see and do. This article suggests ten of the best activities in and around Portland.
Portland celebrates its maritime, military, and industrial history through its landmarks and repurposed buildings. It also gives the nod (by way of statues) to former residents who’ve made an impact on the world, including 19th-century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), the famed American poet, and director John Ford (1894-1973).
1. Cruise Casco Bay
Alluring Casco Bay stretches out from the Portland waterfront. There are several ways to enjoy a journey on the bay, including tours aboard various vessels (including tall-ship schooners and lobster boats) with different themes (viewing lighthouses, sunset cruises, and trips to nearby islands). If you’d prefer to go it alone, you can rent kayaks, too. Ferries carry passengers to nearby islands for a day’s adventure. Find your perfect waterway trek on the Portland waterfront or search online (e.g., TripAdvisor).
2. Explore Area Lighthouses
There are five lighthouses in the Portland area. The U.S. Coast Guard maintained and operated these critical structures centuries ago to help guide ships away from dangerous shoreline areas. They are mostly decommissioned now and don’t offer tours, but they are still quite alluring and worth visiting. If your time is limited, I suggest visiting Portland Head Light – 5 miles south of Portland.
View the lighthouses from land (all a short drive from the downtown waterfront) or from the water while on a boat cruise.
Portland Head Light
Portland Head Light is the oldest lighthouse in the state and one of the country’s most iconic. The small (and interesting) Museum at Portland Head Light was once the lightkeeper’s home. You’ll find this lighthouse in Fort Williams Park, about 5 miles south of the downtown Portland waterfront area – about a 15-minute drive. Besides the dramatic lighthouse to view (from many angles), there’s the rest of Fort Williams Park to explore with its maritime military history, many scenic trails, a unique Children’s Garden, and some ruins of a 19th-century mansion. 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth
Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (Bug Light)
Constructed in 1875, Portland Breakwater Lighthouse is located in Bug Light Park, which was once the site of a shipbuilding operation during World War II. This is the closest lighthouse to the downtown waterfront area. Nicknamed “Bug Light” because of its relatively small stature, the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse sits in 8.78-acre Bug Light Park. Come to see the lighthouse up close, to picnic, or to launch a boat.S Portland Greenbelt Pathway, South Portland | (207) 767-7670
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
A caisson lighthouse located at the end of a 900-foot breakwater, the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse was built in the 1890s. Now owned by a non-profit organization, the U.S. Coast Guard still operates the fog and light signal. The lighthouse is on the grounds of the Southern Maine Community College and the decommissioned Fort Preble. Visitors can view the lighthouse and small gift shop. Check the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse website for a schedule of guided tours (during the summer season). 2 Fort Road, South Portland
Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse
Located offshore, this lighthouse is not open to the public, but it can be seen from Portland Head Light and by boat.
Two Lights State Park
Named for two lighthouses, Two Lights State Park has over 40 miles of trails. One lighthouse is still operating (but closed to the public), and the other is a private home. Either way, come for the recreational and picnicking opportunities while catching glimpses of the lighthouses. Open sunrise to sunset, year-round. 7 Tower Road, Cape Elizabeth| 207-799-5871
3. Ride a Train Along the Waterfront
Hop aboard this narrow-gauge historic train on a 3-mile roundtrip ride along Portland’s waterfront. This 40-minute ride aboard the Maine Narrow Gauge train is a relaxing way to savor the beautiful bay views. There are hourly departures from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and some summer sunset rides. 49 Thames Street, Portland | 207-828-0814
4. Visit the Unique Historical Portland Observatory
This 85-foot high octagonal Portland Observatory, built in the early 1800s, played a pivotal role in Portland’s maritime history as the people working here notified the citizenry of incoming ships. Merchants learned that incoming cargo was approaching shore, and family members knew their husbands and fathers were coming home. More than that, from the observatory’s sightings, the town heard of potential hazards like pirate ships or enemy forces approaching. There are interesting guided tours that cover the details of the construction and strategic operations of the observatory. 138 Congress Street, Portland | 207-253-1800
5. Walk, Jog, or Bike on Scenic Trails
It’s hard to beat the relaxing and scenic views along Portland’s waterfront. From downtown, the Eastern Promenade Trail is a 2.1 mile/3.4 km out-and-back path along Casco Bay with views of marinas, open water, and the small sandy East End Beach. This dog-friendly paved trail is perfect for walkers, joggers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, strollers, and wheelchairs. It’s basically an extension of Commercial Street, the main drag along the waterfront where many hotels, restaurants, and shops are. It’s very convenient if you’re staying in the downtown waterfront area.
Another great spot for scenic strolls is Fort Williams Park, about 5 miles south of town (that requires a car ride there). Fort Williams Park is a 90-acre park with the decommissioned Port Head Lighthouse, lots of trails, a rocky shoreline where folks can explore, and a delightfully landscaped children’s garden with a fun stone slide for adults and kids. Food trucks are parked near the lighthouse and in the nearby parking lot.
Online Trail Information
Check out AllTrails and Portland Trails for a complete list of walking, hiking, and biking options in and around Portland.
6. Visit Fort Williams Park
Fort Williams Park is a 90-acre recreational treat with the famous Portland Head Light, lots of walking and hiking trails, endless water views, a unique Children’s Garden, Battery Keyes built in 1906, ruins of a mansion built in the 1850s, and food trucks. This is such a scenic area with plenty to do. The little ones in your group will surely love the “hidden” stone slide, the maze of wildflowers, and the pond in the well-maintained and delightful Children’s Garden. Open sunrise to sunset, year-round.1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth | 207-799-2661
7. Take a Tour
There are plenty of tours to enjoy in town and on the water, including walking, biking, architecture, culinary, pubbing, history, lighthouses, kayaking, and boating. Do an online search (e.g., TripAdvisor) for all the options. For walking tours (guided and self-guided), check out Greater Portland Landmarks and the Maine Historical Society.
8. Visit the Portland Museum of Art
The Portland Museum of Art has a vast variety of art, including pieces by Claude Monet, Winslow Homer, and Andy Warhol. The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday at 10:00 am. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Check for free admission Fridays from 4:00-8:00 pm. Admission is charged, although children under 21 are free. 7 Congress Street, Portland | 207-775-6148
9. Step Back in Time at Historical Homes
Three homes have historical roots that help visitors gain a richer understanding of periods in the city’s (and country’s) past. One (Tate House) was owned by an English naval officer, working to source lumber for use in British ships — before the American Revolutionary War. Another (Victorian Mansion) was used as a family’s summer home. And the third (The Wadsworth-Longfellow House) was the boyhood home of a famed American poet and activist. All three are open for tours.
Tate House Museum
Built in 1755 for Captain George Tate, this colonial-era house housed his family and is open for tours from May through October (Wednesdays through Saturdays). Working for the Royal British Navy, Captain Tate managed the operation of cutting and shipping white pines from Maine to England for shipbuilding there. The Tate House has an onsite museum. 1267 Westbrook Street, Portland | 207-774-6177
Victorian Mansion
The Morse-Libbey House, a/k/a the Victorian Mansion, was built in the 1850s as a summer home. Visitors will surely appreciate that the house today has over 90% of the original furnishings – making a trip here an authentic representation of life almost two hundred years ago. The mansion is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm May through October, with tours running throughout the day. 109 Danforth Street, Portland | 207-772-4841
The Wadsworth-Longfellow House
The Wadsworth-Longfellow House was built in the 1780s by General Peleg Wadsworth. His grandson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (the famed American poet and author of Paul Revere’s Ride), grew up in this three-story home. Most of the displayed furnishings and artifacts are original to the Wadsworth and Longfellow families. The Wadsworth-Longfellow House is open for tours from June through October (Tuesdays through Saturdays). 489 Congress Street, Portland | 207-774-1822
10. Discover a Plethora of Cafés, Restaurants, Breweries, Distilleries
Portland has some tempting spots for you if you like to try a variety of culinary treats — including lobster and the quintessential lobster roll. There is no shortage of coffeehouses, cafés, restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. There are delightful independently-owned and operated establishments as well as bigger-named places, so there’s sure to be something to make everyone in your group happy. Check out the Portland Food Map or do an online search (e.g., TripAdvisor) to find what suits you best.
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Final Thoughts
Three generations of my family had a fabulous time on vacation in Portland. We were delighted with the fantastic opportunities for outdoor fun, learning about Portland’s history, and discovering great places to eat and relax. One highlight was Fort Williams Park with the Portland Head Lighthouse, which we visited more than once. My family came to see the lighthouse, and we loved the experience of viewing it up close and from the rocky shore, from hiking trails. We appreciated its other attractions, too. Also, the scenic Eastern Promenade Trail is a fun place to walk, jog, or enjoy a train ride. I could go on and on. Portland had a nice mix of activities and sights that entertained all of us. Staying near the hub of activity — by the waterfront — meant we could walk out of our hotel and explore many places (historical sites and boat rides as well as shops, restaurants, and breweries) on foot. Proximity to the action was a bonus for us.
For your trip, I suggest spending a little time developing a rough list of what you want to do and the places you want to visit. You can begin your search online, but never hesitate to ask a local for tips.
Comments
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