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
Cobblestone streets, salty ocean air, and boutiques abound in this historic port district. Once the hub of shipping and commercial activities, it is now a thriving area for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
In the Old Port, you’ll also find the Harold Alfond Children’s Garden. This whimsical area features a fairy garden, a five-senses garden, and more. There is even a Native Butterfly and Moth House!
The cobblestone streets are lined with independent boutiques and popular local chains. There are also a variety of restaurants in this area. If you love to shop, be sure to check out the Old Port Market, a bazaar held every first Friday of the month that features local artisan and craft vendors.
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. Parking is easy and the beach never gets too crowded. 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. It also hosts educational activities like film showings and curator talks for members, as well as family-friendly art-making workshops.
Victoria Mansion, one of America’s most significant nineteenth-century houses, is a must see. Its interiors are stunning and a sight to behold. The second floor isn’t accessible, but visitors with limited mobility can view the rooms and history on an iPad slideshow.
The kids will love Palace Playland, which has 28 outdoor rides and a full indoor arcade. Lucky Catch Cruises offers a lobstering trip on the water for those who prefer to be out in nature. And history buffs can visit the lighthouses of Portland, including the famous Portland Head Light. You can also visit the Greenhut Galleries and Guven Gallery as well as Heron Point Glass Gallery and Holly Ready Gallery if you are an art lover. 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 offers a large selection of oysters at their raw bar, and they also have a lobster-free roll. The toasted bun is soft and similar to an Asian-style roll. They also add pickled vegetables, aioli and celery salt.
Central Provisions is a two-story spot that serves upscale comfort food 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 include smoked carrots and goat cheese with whipped gorgonzola, as well as spicy raw beef salad topped with cilantro and peanuts. Entrees are sirloin and shepherd’s pie.
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. Pair dishes with cocktails like the Emergency Margarita (Reposado tequila, Grand Marnier, Aperol, grapefruit, and chipotle salt) or a craft beer.