7 Must-Do Activities in Portland, Maine
The city of Portland Maine has two of my favorite things: lighthouses and craft breweries (and quite a few of each). It’s a fabulous coastal city to explore anytime of the year and makes for a great day trip or extended stay.
Your Portland Itinerary
1- Kick off the day at Fort Williams Park
Located in nearby Cape Elizabeth, Fort Williams Park is open year-round and is a great spot to get your steps in. You’ll find a lighthouse, historic ruins, scenic trails and there are also some fabulous food trucks here seasonally.
Start with a slice of homemade pie from Pie-Oh-My! Maine on your way into the park. The blueberry pie is a must!
Discover Maine’s oldest lighthouse while in the park, Portland Head Light, which was first lit on January 10, 1791, and commissioned by George Washington. This lighthouse is one of the most photographed and for good reason! It sits atop a dramatic rocky cliff with unique rock formations composed of layers of quartzite and phyllite.
In addition to the lighthouse, you can explore the remains of Battery Keyes and Battery Blair, from the early 20th century, as well as the ruins of the Goddard Mansion, built in the 1850s.
If you look across the water, you will also spot another lighthouse in the distance—Ram Island Ledge Light. This lighthouse, built in 1905, is only accessible by private boat and is not open to the public.
2 - Continue your Lighthouse Tour with a Visit to Bug Light Park
Perhaps the cutest Maine lighthouse, Bug Light stands at just 26-feet tall, but has lots of elegance.
This lighthouse also known as Breakwater Light is located in Bug Light Park in South Portland, Maine along a rocky breakwater.
You can walk the breakwater to reach the lighthouse and get an up close view.The original lighthouse built here in 1855 was constructed of wood but was rebuilt in 1875 from cast-iron plates, when the breakwater was extended. The lighthouse was restored in 1989 and it was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Parking is available at Bug Light Park and it is a beautiful spot to enjoy a walk and take in waterfront views. You will also find the South Portland Historical Society and Museum by the entrance to the park.
3 - Taste Portland’s Food Scene
Portland is known to have a variety of amazing restaurants filled with unique and local options. They also have some local chains to choose from like Portland Pie Company which has some really good pizza and lots of custom pizza crust options including a gluten free option. And if you have food restrictions or food allergies like me, it’s a great city because there are so many options! On my recent visit I tried out the Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro and it was so good (the dumplings were especially amazing).
4 - Stroll Through Old Port
You’ll find charming cobblestone streets, cute shops, and many dining options in the Old Port historic district. Walk the town and stop into the many local shops. One of my favorite shops is Sea Bags which creates unique totes from recycled sail cloth. I have been using my tote for years and it makes the perfect beach bag.
5 - Explore Portland’s Coastline
Take a cruise along Maine’s coast with one of several different cruise options offered by Portland Discovery Tours. If you are a lighthouse fan like me, I highly recommend the Sunset Lighthouse Cruise. It was the highlight of my trip and the perfect end to a day exploring the city. We passed by lighthouses and sailboats, enjoyed the sunset, and even spotted a large family of sea lions basking on a rock.
The tour is narrated, so you get lots of great details about the lighthouses and Portland’s history as you cruise along for about an hour and 45 minutes.
The boat itself has open seating on the upper deck, as well as fully enclosed cabins. You will also find a bar for refreshments on board and bathrooms. The boat is large enough that the ride feels calm, even with larger waves—I didn’t feel seasick at all, and I often do.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance through Portland Discovery Tours. They also offer a number of other tours by land if you’re looking for a tour of Portland.
Another option to get out on the water is with a ride on the ferry to Peaks Island with Casco Bay Lines. Take the ferry over, explore the island at your own pace, and hop back on to head to Portland when you’re ready.
6 - Experience the Craft Beer Scene
There are over 20 craft breweries just within the Portland area!
I recommend a visit to the well known Allagash Brewing which has an incredible outdoor beer garden. They also offer tours and guided tastings in their barrel room.
In addition to Allagash, you will find several other breweries across the street along Industrial Way. I stopped into Battery Steel Brewing, Austin Street Brewery, and Foundation Brewing and loved them all. Even if you are not a beer fan, I highly recommend a stop into Foundation Brewing for their deep dish pizza.
While in South Portland exploring Bug Light Park, head to Mast Landing Brewing for cozy vibes, great beer, and Maine whoopie pies.
Looking for a guided exploration of the best breweries in Portland? Maine Brews Cruise offers both public and private tours.
7 - Indulge in Maine’s Famous Potato Donuts
No visit to Portland is complete without stopping by Holy Donut Maine for their famous Maine potato donuts. These donuts are made fresh daily and you’ll find a variety unique and seasonally rotating flavors, and even gluten-free options.
I’ve tried several flavors and my go-to is a chocolate glazed. I also loved the seasonal chocolate peppermint and blueberry glazed.
Visiting during the holiday season?
You can spot several of Maine’s popular lobster trap trees here! Check out my blog post “Where to Find Maine’s Lobster Trap & Buoy Trees” for the full details on finding these beautiful trees.
Where to Stay
The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Located in Old Port, the historic hotel is located in what used to be an armory. It’s perfectly located steps away from shops, restaurants and breweries. It’s also just a short distance away from the waterfront for the lighthouse cruise.
The hotel also features an on-site spa, elegant restaurants and valet parking.
Pet friendly room options are also available.
