Experience the Unseen: Things to Do in Portland, Maine
If you’re considering booking a trip to Portland, you might want to look beyond the obvious and head to the opposite coast instead. Portland, Maine’s largest city, is less crowded and more compact than your typical go-to. But it's packed full of everything you could ask for in a quaint but cosmopolitan coastal New England city. Filled with hundreds of bars, pubs, restaurants, cafés, and breweries, the small city has gained some well-deserved fame for its burgeoning foodie scene and was recently named the top foodie city in America. One visit, and you’ll agree that the other Portland is easy to love and hard to forget.
01 Commercial Street
Nestled up against the water’s edge, Portland’s cobblestone-lined Commercial Street is a perfect clash of modern and old-world New England charm. The street runs along the edge of the downtown district and is home to a delightful assemblage of busy cafés, boutiques selling handmade wares, art galleries, bars, and restaurants.
02 Portland Museum of Art
Housing big names such as Andy Warhol on its walls, the largest and oldest public art institution in Maine, is worth a visit. It features art from local artists, a sculpture garden, feature films, and some of the state's best architecture present in its three buildings. Each building features different types of art, providing something for every art connoisseur.
03 Portland Head Lighthouse
The New England coast is host to scores of lighthouses, and Maine boasts 65 of them, dotted along its rugged shorelines. When you find yourself in the state’s largest city, make sure you swing by the state’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park, just four miles from downtown Portland. This storied beacon of light was first constructed while George Washington was still president, and the former keeper’s quarters is now a museum. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore Fort Williams Park itself, with its haunting historic ruins.
04 Catch your own lobsters
If you’re longing for fresh-caught Maine lobster, why not cut out the middleman and catch one yourself? No, we’re not pulling your claw. Stop by Portland’s Long Wharf and climb aboard the Lucky Catch lobster boat. You can cruise with real Maine lobsterman through scenic Casco Bay to learn all about baiting and hauling traps. If you’re lucky, you’ll trap your own dinner at a deeply discounted price. The Portland Lobster Company will then cook your catch for you, butter included. Thankfully, you don’t have to be too lucky to catch one of these cruises. Lucky Catch Cruises depart from Long Wharf several times a day, May through October.
05 The Old Port
Tradition meets modern charm at the Old Port, where a cobblestone street lined with shops sits on the water's edge. Considered the center of the city, it bustles night and day while maintaining the feel of old New England. Visitors catch ferry tours and cruises here, then enjoy the delectable catch of the day.
06 Potato donuts
Once you’ve tried a potato donut, you’ll have a hard time going back to the other kind. Fluffy and tender but sweetly succulent, this frugal Depression-era pastry became a staple comfort food in Maine’s potato country and has been associated with the state ever since. Portland’s iconic purveyor of handmade potato donuts, Holy Donuts, offers 20 odd flavors to savor.
07 Victoria Mansion
Known as one of the best examples of an Italian Villa mansion in the States, the Victoria Mansion was built between 1858 and 1860. Also known as the Morse-Libby House, it was the summer home of two Maine natives, Ruggles Sylvester Morse and Olive, his wife. The couple made their fortune in New Orleans through luxury hotels but left their architectural legacy in Portland. Architect Henry Austin from New Haven, CT, designed this spectacular example of an American vacation home.
08 $5 beer
If you want to be let in on a local secret, make sure you have cash on you, then head to 36 Market Street and attempt to find the secret entrance to a basement bar called Lincolns. Why is it called Lincoln’s, you ask? The answer lies with that $5 bill in your pocket, where Honest Abe’s face is smiling back at you. Every drink at Lincolns costs five bucks, cash only.
09 Bug Light Park
With breathtaking views of the harbor and Portland's skyline, Bug Light Park lies at the eastern end of the Greenbelt Walkway. The small park offers seasonal activities, such as fishing, kite flying, summer movie nights, car shows, and Fourth of July celebrations. A liberty ship memorial bookends the park with a boat launching area. It is named after a nearby lighthouse that was so small it was nicknamed "the bug light."
10 The Maine Narrow Gauge Railway Museum
If you’re heading to Portland between May and October, stop by this museum and hop aboard a historic narrow gauge locomotive, which rides up the Promenade toward the Back Cove Swing Bridge, which is now locked in its open position. This railway once served as the main passenger link between Boston and Montreal until it was damaged by fire in 1984. Narrow gauge railroads are so-called because the length between their tracks is smaller than the standard 8.5 inches, making them a more economical option. These unique locomotives and their tracks are preserved and restored for posterity here, with the help of volunteer assistance and funds.
11 Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
Real working lighthouses are rare in today's world of advanced navigation, which makes this lighthouse quite an attraction. Visitors can tour this fully functional piece of nautical history. It remains the only caisson-style lighthouse accessible by foot. Maintained by the United States Coast Guard, this gem is found in South Portland, near Southern Maine Community College. Anyone who doesn't like heights will rejoice at its mere 15-foot height at low tide and six-foot height at high tide.
12 Sightseeing by firetruck
Ever wanted to fulfill your latent childhood dream of riding on a firetruck? Why not tour a city in one? In Portland, you can do just that. Head to Commercial Street to Portland Fire Engine Co., where you can board an antique fire truck and take a spin through the city’s attractions and neighborhoods, giving you the lay of the land in just under an hour. Local tour guides offer the inside scoop, and the truck even stops for photo ops.
13 The International Cryptozoology Museum
The International Cryptozoology Museum is host to an unrivaled collection of inexplicable cryptid specimens, artifacts, and replicas. Cryptozoology is the study of hidden and unknown or yet-to-be-found animals whose existence remains unverified by science. The likes of Bigfoot and chupacabras are perfect examples. Exhibits include a replica of the Feejee Mermaid, a hoax concocted by P.T. Barnum that awed audiences in the nineteenth century.
14 Island cruises
In the mood for some island hopping? Casco Bay Lines offers year-round ferry service to Portland’s surrounding islands. The schedule also includes scenic tours, such as music cruises featuring local bands, and sunrise and sunset excursions. Your best bet is the 15-minute jaunt to Peaks Island, a beautiful spot to rent a bike, repose on tranquil beaches, and enjoy a casual meal. While you’re there, don’t miss the Umbrella Cover Museum, the only museum of its kind. If you want a truly unforgettable cruising experience, Casco Bay Line really delivers with its mail boat runs, where you can sightsee from a working boat as it delivers islanders’ mail.
15 The Portland Observatory
This historic former communication tower on Munjoy Hill offers spectacular views of Portland’s harbor from its cupola, or lantern, which rises 86 feet, or 26 meters, above the city. The observatory, which is now a museum, offers visitors tours that focus on the history of seafaring from within this symbol of Portland’s maritime history.
16 Discover treasures at Portland Flea-for-All
The Portland Flea-for-All is not your ordinary flea market; it's a curated collection of memories and craftsmanship. Located on Congress Street, this treasure trove offers everything from vintage clothing to local art and handcrafted furniture. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to find a unique piece of Portland to call their own.
17 Explore Baxter Woods
Find nature’s respite in the city at Baxter Woods, a 30-acre forest park that offers a peaceful escape with its walking trails and ancient trees. It’s a perfect spot for a serene walk, bird watching, or a quiet picnic. This natural oasis proves that you don't need to leave the city to find tranquility.
18 Tour Allagash Brewing Company
Embark on a journey through the art of beer-making at Allagash Brewing Company. This brewery has led the craft beer movement in Maine with its signature Belgian-style brews. The tour offers an insightful look into the brewing process, complete with tastings of their renowned beers.
19 Enjoy the Maine Harvest Festival
Celebrate the bounty of Maine’s agriculture at the Maine Harvest Festival, held annually in Portland. It’s a showcase of the state’s finest foods, crafts, and live music. Held at the Portland Exposition Building, this event is a feast for the senses and a celebration of local farmers and artisans.
20 Catch a show at Port City Music Hall
For live music aficionados, Port City Music Hall offers an intimate venue to experience local and national bands. From jazz to indie rock, the hall is known for its eclectic lineup and vibrant atmosphere. It’s the pulse of Portland’s music scene, where every performance is a glimpse into the city’s diverse artistic soul.
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