Portland ME is an ideal vacation destination year round. The city offers chic boutique shopping, renowned dining, and historic tours, while remaining a laid back small town at heart.
Try a scrumptious fusion of Japanese izakaya cuisine and coastal Maine ingredients at the popular Izakaya Minato. Visit the Portland Museum of Art to see unique creative expressions!
The Old Port
This historic port district is filled with cobblestone streets, ocean air and boutiques. It was once the center of commercial and shipping activities. Now, this area is a vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment district.
The Old Port is also home to the Harold Alfond Children’s Garden, a whimsical space featuring fairy gardens, a garden of the five senses, and much more. Even a Native Butterfly House and Moth House is available!
Several popular local chains and independent boutiques line the cobblestone streets. There are also a variety of restaurants in this area. Old Port Market is a monthly bazaar that showcases local artisans and craftsmen.
The Beaches
One of the best things to do in Portland Maine is to visit a local beach. The city is home to many gorgeous beaches within a day-trip drive of downtown, including popular Old Orchard Beach and Crescent Beach State Park.
The area also boasts rocky shorelines with hundreds of tidal pools, perfect for walking and finding crabs and other sea life. Portland Head Light, located at Fort Williams Park is a popular tourist attraction. It’s one of America’s premier lighthouses and a major tourist destination.
Surfing or stand-up paddling can be enjoyed at Higgins Beach, in Scarborough. The waves are strong enough for decent conditions. Ship Cove is a great place to relax and enjoy the water. The sand is flat, the waters are calm, and there are imposing cliffs. It’s easy to find a parking spot here, and the beach is never too busy. It’s a great swimming spot for families with kids.
The Museums
This museum, located in an old Jewish synagogue from the turn of the century, offers three separate buildings with a tranquil space to exhibit contemporary art by established artists and Maine-based artists. The museum also offers educational events for its members such as film screenings, curator talks and family-friendly workshops.
The Victoria Mansion is one of the most important nineteenth-century homes anywhere in America, and its gorgeous interiors are a must-see. The second floor of the Victoria Mansion is not accessible. However, visitors with limited mobility are able to view its rooms and history through an iPad slide show.
The kids will love Palace Playland, which has 28 outdoor rides and a full indoor arcade. Those who’d rather get out on the water can take a lobstering cruise with Lucky Catch Cruises. And history buffs can visit the lighthouses of Portland, including the famous Portland Head Light. If you’re a fan of art, check out Greenhut Galleries and Guven Gallery, Heron Point Glass Gallery, and Holly Ready Gallery. Or explore the historic Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House.
The Restaurants
With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, the city’s restaurants are as diverse as its people. Eventide Oyster Co has a huge selection of oysters in their raw bar and a lobster roll that’s not just about lobster. Their toasted bun has the soft texture of an Asian style roll and they add pickled veggies, aioli, and celery salt.
Central Provisions, a two-story restaurant that offers upscale comfort foods and cocktails. Chef and owner Brian Hibbard draws on experience from Los Angeles, Mexico, New York City, and more when creating his menu. Small plates range from spicy raw beef salad with cilantro and peanuts to smoked carrots with whipped goat cheese, while entrees include shepherd’s pie and sirloin steak.
In the heart of downtown is UNION, a restaurant and meat market that uses seafood from the nearby harbor, produce from local farms, and honey from its rooftop beehives. Combine dishes with craft beer or cocktails such as the Emergency Margarita, which combines Reposado Tequila, Grand Marnier and Aperol.