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The Top 10 Things To Do in Portland, Maine

Discover Portland Maine’s captivating offering of fun things to do and places to visit. The possibilities span the full spectrum of interests and hobbies, guaranteed to satisfy your entire family.

Traveling is not exactly cheap but for savvy travelers there are plenty of bargains and rare opportunities to be found in Portland, Maine. From lighthouses to museums to walking tours, Portland has plenty of activities to choose from.

Do you live locally and you’re searching for something new to do? We have you covered with our top ideas of new ways to make memories at some of these Greater Portland hot spots without having to leave your hometown.

Below are a few of our favorite suggestions and also stops along your tour with Portland Explorer. We strive to fill the niche for tourists and locals to do touristy things without feeling like a tourist!

Old Port

Walk through the cobblestone streets of the Old Port, also known as the beating heart of Portland. Here you will experience unique shops and restaurants with an outstanding foodie scene. When you’re looking for a thirst-quenching lager to pair with the city’s delicious cuisines, head to one of Portland’s microbreweries or pubs such as Portland Beer Hub.

Eastern Promenade

Take in the sights of the most picturesque view of Portland waterfront at this historic park. Here you can walk along a paved 2 mile trail, take a bike ride, visit the East End Beach and see the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum.

Portland Headlight

Capture epic photos of one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses. You might also want to visit the museum in the former keeper’s quarters, built in 1891. While here, allow plenty of time to explore historic ruins in the adjacent Fort Williams Park.

Spring Point Ledge Light

Step into history and tour a real working lighthouse! Visit the only caisson-style lighthouse in the U.S. that visitors can walk out to. The lighthouse has been an integral part of the history of Portland harbor and Casco Bay since 1897. Bring a picnic, boat-watch on the breakwater, walk along the rocks and watch the local fishermen hauling lobster traps.

Portland Breakwater Lighthouse

Visit the lighthouse also known as Bug Light right over the bridge in South Portland. See the Liberty Ship Memorial while you are here and take some memorable photos. Bug Light Park is also a great place to picnic or fly a kite.

Portland Freedom Trail

Experience a self-guided walking tour that offers an insightful perspective about the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movement in less than 2 miles. The walking tour starts at the Franklin Street Wharf, by the Maine State Pier, and continues through downtown Portland.

Commercial Street

Commercial Street stands out for its unique character and mixture of uses for marine and fishing industries, tourism, retail stores, commercial offices, and residential housing. Wander through to taste fresh seafood and visit one of America’s last working waterfronts. Hear about the lobstering business from a local fisherman on any Portland Explorer tour.

Congress Street

Stop by local art galleries on the first Friday of each month. Congress Street is surrounded by local artists and performers showcasing their talent. Visit Portland Museum of Art and view the outstanding collection of American, European and contemporary paintings and other works. Maine’s largest and oldest public art museum hosts special exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Casco Bay Lines

Hop on the ferry to visit the islands of Casco Bay. See the bay from a mailboat, adventure out to Peaks Island or catch a stunning sunset view on the sunset run cruise. For over 150 years Casco Bay Lines has been providing ferry service from Portland to the surrounding islands.

Tour Historic Homes

Portland is an architecturally interesting city, which was largely rebuilt in Victorian style following a devastating 1866 fire. Literature fans will enjoy the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, where influential poet and famous Portland son Henry Wadsworth Longfellow spent his childhood.

No matter what your interest, Portland has a variety of exciting places to explore. This charming New England city often appears on lists of America’s best places to visit, dine, play outdoors and live and is also an increasingly popular port of call for cruise ships.

During your visit, plan a tour on Portland Explorer Tours to explore Portland like never before.

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