Why we love Portland Maine
Sightseeing
This waterfront trail built along an old rail corridor offers spectacular harbor and ocean views. Benches and picnic tables are located along the route and at East End Beach. The Beach offers swimming and a public boat launch, as well as public toilets and changing areas during the summer months. Dogs are allowed on the Beach during off season. Kayaks and canoes can be stored on rental racks and launched from the beach or the boat ramp.
Parallel paved and stone dust trails follow the water’s edge. The mostly flat slope has a small rise near the Portland Water District treatment plant, and another near Tukey’s Bridge, where it connects to the Back Cove Trail.
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Eastern Promenade Trail
Eastern PromenadeThis waterfront trail built along an old rail corridor offers spectacular harbor and ocean views. Benches and picnic tables are located along the route and at East End Beach. The Beach offers swimming and a public boat launch, as well as public toilets and changing areas during the summer months. Dogs are allowed on the Beach during off season. Kayaks and canoes can be stored on rental racks and launched from the beach or the boat ramp.
Parallel paved and stone dust trails follow the water’s edge. The mostly flat slope has a small rise near the Portland Water District treatment plant, and another near Tukey’s Bridge, where it connects to the Back Cove Trail.
Situated along the spectacular shores of Fort Williams Park, at 1000 Shore Road, the popular landmark is owned and managed by the Town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
The Museum at Portland Head Light is contained within the former Keepers' Quarters. The award-winning Museum contains a number of lighthouse lenses and interpretative displays. The adjacent ninety-acre Fort Williams Park offers picnic facilities, hiking opportunities, sports and recreation areas, historic structures, and unlimited ocean views.
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Portland Harbor Museum
12 Captain Strout CircleSituated along the spectacular shores of Fort Williams Park, at 1000 Shore Road, the popular landmark is owned and managed by the Town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
The Museum at Portland Head Light is contained within the former Keepers' Quarters. The award-winning Museum contains a number of lighthouse lenses and interpretative displays. The adjacent ninety-acre Fort Williams Park offers picnic facilities, hiking opportunities, sports and recreation areas, historic structures, and unlimited ocean views.
It’s a wonderful place to spend a day or afternoon exploring trails, taking in the magnificent view from the summit, or enjoying a picnic under a canopy of trees.
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Bradbury Mountain State Park
528 Hallowell RdIt’s a wonderful place to spend a day or afternoon exploring trails, taking in the magnificent view from the summit, or enjoying a picnic under a canopy of trees.
Hard to categorize this under food scene because the location is also a great sightseeing spot and a must-see. There are good places to eat in Southern Maine. Other restaurants have nice views…But nothing compares with The Lobster Shack at Two Lights.
Located at the end of Two Lights Road on the rocky shores of Cape Elizabeth, Maine–The Lobster Shack is an award-winning restaurant that has been a local landmark since the 1920s
Enjoy your meal oceanside on the picnic tables, perched just above the crashing surf, below the lighthouse, and next to the foghorn. Or stay in the cozy dining room, watching the ships entering Portland Harbor and the local fishermen haul up their daily catch.
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The Lobster Shack at Two Lights
225 Two Lights RdHard to categorize this under food scene because the location is also a great sightseeing spot and a must-see. There are good places to eat in Southern Maine. Other restaurants have nice views…But nothing compares with The Lobster Shack at Two Lights.
Located at the end of Two Lights Road on the rocky shores of Cape Elizabeth, Maine–The Lobster Shack is an award-winning restaurant that has been a local landmark since the 1920s
Enjoy your meal oceanside on the picnic tables, perched just above the crashing surf, below the lighthouse, and next to the foghorn. Or stay in the cozy dining room, watching the ships entering Portland Harbor and the local fishermen haul up their daily catch.
Accessible only by kayak - Fort Gorges is an excellent example of an early to mid 19th-century military facility and engineering achievement that typifies the technology of that era. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 for its military and engineering significance and is recognized as a city of Portland local landmark.
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Fort Gorges
Accessible only by kayak - Fort Gorges is an excellent example of an early to mid 19th-century military facility and engineering achievement that typifies the technology of that era. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 for its military and engineering significance and is recognized as a city of Portland local landmark.
Accessible only by ferry, quaint Peaks Island is popular for biking and kayaking, plus swimming at Sandy and Centennial beaches and exploring rocky Cairn Beach. The Fifth Maine Regiment Museum has exhibits on local and Civil War history, and the Battery Steele is a World War II military fortification. A few casual seafood restaurants, cafes, a small grocery store, and an ice cream shop are among the things to do.
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Peaks Island
Accessible only by ferry, quaint Peaks Island is popular for biking and kayaking, plus swimming at Sandy and Centennial beaches and exploring rocky Cairn Beach. The Fifth Maine Regiment Museum has exhibits on local and Civil War history, and the Battery Steele is a World War II military fortification. A few casual seafood restaurants, cafes, a small grocery store, and an ice cream shop are among the things to do.
Great for ice skating in the winter, duck feeding in the summer. This park is beautiful and has a great playground for the kiddos, volleyball courts with actual sand, and a hidden gem under the bridge on a hot day! You'll find kids swimming in the man-made swimming hole/splash pad. There is a farmer's market on Saturdays and lots of trees and places to walk.
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Deering Oaks Park
Great for ice skating in the winter, duck feeding in the summer. This park is beautiful and has a great playground for the kiddos, volleyball courts with actual sand, and a hidden gem under the bridge on a hot day! You'll find kids swimming in the man-made swimming hole/splash pad. There is a farmer's market on Saturdays and lots of trees and places to walk.
Neighborhoods
This neighborhood has some historic charm with modern homes mixed in and some of the most beautiful homes/mansions on Munjoy Hill and along the Eastern Promenade where you'll find amazing food trucks and lots to see and do. Beautiful rolling green hills, playground, food trucks, tennis courts, basketball courts, community garden, beach, boat launch, kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals, trails, views...what more can I say? Great place for a walk, picnic, people watching, and sightseeing.
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East End
This neighborhood has some historic charm with modern homes mixed in and some of the most beautiful homes/mansions on Munjoy Hill and along the Eastern Promenade where you'll find amazing food trucks and lots to see and do. Beautiful rolling green hills, playground, food trucks, tennis courts, basketball courts, community garden, beach, boat launch, kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals, trails, views...what more can I say? Great place for a walk, picnic, people watching, and sightseeing.
Upscale, residential West End features grand brick homes along the Western Promenade, a sprawling park with walking trails overlooking the Fore River. Small parks and community gardens also dot the neighborhood. At the eastern edge is Victoria Mansion, an 1800s Italianate home offering seasonal tours of its lavish interior. Nearby, trendy restaurants and popular beer bars cluster around Longfellow Square.
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West End
Upscale, residential West End features grand brick homes along the Western Promenade, a sprawling park with walking trails overlooking the Fore River. Small parks and community gardens also dot the neighborhood. At the eastern edge is Victoria Mansion, an 1800s Italianate home offering seasonal tours of its lavish interior. Nearby, trendy restaurants and popular beer bars cluster around Longfellow Square.
Exchange Street is a main commercial thoroughfare in the Old Port district of Portland. It features a number of designer clothing stores, as well as small, locally owned businesses, boutiques, designer shops, pottery, jewelry, and souvenirs.
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Exchange Street
Exchange StreetExchange Street is a main commercial thoroughfare in the Old Port district of Portland. It features a number of designer clothing stores, as well as small, locally owned businesses, boutiques, designer shops, pottery, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Food scene
Gilberts Chowder House
92 Commercial StFamous, Iconic, and a must-do for Chower lovers.
A revival of the great American oyster bar, Eventide offers pristine oysters and shellfish, the famed Brown Butter Lobster Roll, and a James Beard Award-winning take on classic New England fare.
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Eventide Oyster Co.
86 Middle StA revival of the great American oyster bar, Eventide offers pristine oysters and shellfish, the famed Brown Butter Lobster Roll, and a James Beard Award-winning take on classic New England fare.
Amazing food!
Having just awoken from a long winter hibernation a bear scoops a pawful of sweet honeycomb from a wild beehive. Despite the thick cloud of bees swarming about its head, the bear languidly feasts on the delicious honey, as content as can be.
At The Honey Paw we aim to deliver the same experience for our guests, minus the bees. Instead of honeycomb we look to steaming broths, savory wontons, and wok-fried noodles to hit that same sweet spot.
Join us all day, grab a seat on our patio or if you’re on the go arrange for some take-out and we’ll have it waiting for you.
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The Honey Paw
78 Middle StAmazing food!
Having just awoken from a long winter hibernation a bear scoops a pawful of sweet honeycomb from a wild beehive. Despite the thick cloud of bees swarming about its head, the bear languidly feasts on the delicious honey, as content as can be.
At The Honey Paw we aim to deliver the same experience for our guests, minus the bees. Instead of honeycomb we look to steaming broths, savory wontons, and wok-fried noodles to hit that same sweet spot.
Join us all day, grab a seat on our patio or if you’re on the go arrange for some take-out and we’ll have it waiting for you.
Reservations are a must...and way, way in advance.
Fore Street is part of a family of restaurants and bakeries that include Street & Company, Scales Restaurant, and Standard Baking Company. All are located in Portland.
Fore Street, located one block from the waterfront in Portland's Old Port District, opened in June, 1996.
Fore Street's interior surrounds a unique brick and soapstone hearth consisting of a wood-burning oven, grill, and turnspit, visible from most tables. Hardwood and apple wood fires cook and flavor the seafood, meats, game, and vegetables that have made Fore Street a New England destination.
In 2001 and 2006, Fore Street was named in Gourmet Magazine's Top Fifty Restaurants of the United States. In 2004, Chef-partner Sam Hayward was named “Best Chef – Northeast” by the James Beard Foundation and in 2011, he won the Chef’s Collaborative “Sustainer of the Year” award for his work in sustainability and local food issues. Fore Street has also been a semi-finalist for “Outstanding Restaurant”, a national category from the James Beard Foundation, consecutive years since 2011.
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Fore Street Restaurant
288 Fore StReservations are a must...and way, way in advance.
Fore Street is part of a family of restaurants and bakeries that include Street & Company, Scales Restaurant, and Standard Baking Company. All are located in Portland.
Fore Street, located one block from the waterfront in Portland's Old Port District, opened in June, 1996.
Fore Street's interior surrounds a unique brick and soapstone hearth consisting of a wood-burning oven, grill, and turnspit, visible from most tables. Hardwood and apple wood fires cook and flavor the seafood, meats, game, and vegetables that have made Fore Street a New England destination.
In 2001 and 2006, Fore Street was named in Gourmet Magazine's Top Fifty Restaurants of the United States. In 2004, Chef-partner Sam Hayward was named “Best Chef – Northeast” by the James Beard Foundation and in 2011, he won the Chef’s Collaborative “Sustainer of the Year” award for his work in sustainability and local food issues. Fore Street has also been a semi-finalist for “Outstanding Restaurant”, a national category from the James Beard Foundation, consecutive years since 2011.
Spectacular views. It would be hard to find a better spot in Portland—or maybe even in the whole state of Maine—to take in a sea breeze, a harbor view, and an endless parade of boats than the DiMillo’s foredeck.
This is literally a floating restaurant on an old ferry boat! If you pay close attention you can feel the rocking from the water below as they serve some of your favorite Maine classics like clam chowder, lobster rolls, and Chef Melissa’s fan favorite, the Lobster Stuffed Twice Baked Potato!
In December 1982, “DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant” opened her doors and became the only floating restaurant on the upper East Coast.
Today, Tony’s wife, sisters, and sons continue to maintain the high standards he established over 40 years ago. There is always a DiMillo on board.
FREE parking too! Bring your parking ticket to the host for validation.
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DiMillo's On The Water
25 Long WharfSpectacular views. It would be hard to find a better spot in Portland—or maybe even in the whole state of Maine—to take in a sea breeze, a harbor view, and an endless parade of boats than the DiMillo’s foredeck.
This is literally a floating restaurant on an old ferry boat! If you pay close attention you can feel the rocking from the water below as they serve some of your favorite Maine classics like clam chowder, lobster rolls, and Chef Melissa’s fan favorite, the Lobster Stuffed Twice Baked Potato!
In December 1982, “DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant” opened her doors and became the only floating restaurant on the upper East Coast.
Today, Tony’s wife, sisters, and sons continue to maintain the high standards he established over 40 years ago. There is always a DiMillo on board.
FREE parking too! Bring your parking ticket to the host for validation.
Unbelievable, one-of-a-kind burgers, sandwiches, and drinks. Bring your appetite!
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Nosh Kitchen Bar
551 Congress StUnbelievable, one-of-a-kind burgers, sandwiches, and drinks. Bring your appetite!
A must for brunch...but be prepared for a long wait and you might have to stand outside. This is a local favorite with amazing food.
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Bayside American Cafe
98 Portland StA must for brunch...but be prepared for a long wait and you might have to stand outside. This is a local favorite with amazing food.
One of many breweries in the Bayside area of Portland. The neighborhood is filled with little gems like breweries, shops, and coffee shops. Bayside is a hot spot for hipsters, outdoor drinking, food trucks...etc.
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Rising Tide Brewing Company
103 Fox StOne of many breweries in the Bayside area of Portland. The neighborhood is filled with little gems like breweries, shops, and coffee shops. Bayside is a hot spot for hipsters, outdoor drinking, food trucks...etc.
CHAVAL
58 Pine StFantastic food. Tucked in the West End.
Music
State Theater
609 Congress StPortland's most popular music venue!
Bull Feeney's
375 Fore StIrish pub/restaurant with live music!
Restaurant/pub with live music (food isn't good, but great spot in the Old Port for a drink and music and a pool table in the very back room)
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Andy's Old Port Pub
94 Commercial StreetRestaurant/pub with live music (food isn't good, but great spot in the Old Port for a drink and music and a pool table in the very back room)
Activity
Great indoor climbing gym...not for the faint of heart and a great workout for the serious climber.
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Evo Rock & Fitness Portland
65 Warren AveGreat indoor climbing gym...not for the faint of heart and a great workout for the serious climber.
Great trampoline park for the kids to blow off some steam on a rainy day.
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Urban Air Trampoline Park
333 Clarks Pond PkwyGreat trampoline park for the kids to blow off some steam on a rainy day.
Looking to rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore Casco Bay? This is the best in town.
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Portland Paddle
1 Eastern PromenadeLooking to rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore Casco Bay? This is the best in town.
Wonderful zoo not far from Portland and full of fun for the whole family. See what wildlife you could run into in Maine - like Moose, Bear, Wolves, Deer, Racoons, Fox, birds...and more. It involves a lot of walking, but they have picnic tables and a snack shack.
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Maine Wildlife Park
56 Game Farm RdWonderful zoo not far from Portland and full of fun for the whole family. See what wildlife you could run into in Maine - like Moose, Bear, Wolves, Deer, Racoons, Fox, birds...and more. It involves a lot of walking, but they have picnic tables and a snack shack.
Rent a canoe and explore the marsh waterways. Bring a fishing pole and binoculars for bird watching.
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Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center
92 Pine Point RdRent a canoe and explore the marsh waterways. Bring a fishing pole and binoculars for bird watching.
This easy 1.25 mile trail circles Mackworth Island and offers excellent views of Casco Bay. The trail surface is wood chips and packed soil, which may be slippery when wet, but the terrain is generally level, with moderate slopes not exceeding 10%.
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Mackworth Island State Park
U.S. 1This easy 1.25 mile trail circles Mackworth Island and offers excellent views of Casco Bay. The trail surface is wood chips and packed soil, which may be slippery when wet, but the terrain is generally level, with moderate slopes not exceeding 10%.
Cool and unusual landmark in Maine. Recent addition of miniature golf and snack shack complete the afternoon fun. All a short ride from Portland up 295N into Freeport where the outlets shops, breweries and LLBEAN headquarters where there are outdoor concerts and other events.
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Desert of Maine
95 Desert RdCool and unusual landmark in Maine. Recent addition of miniature golf and snack shack complete the afternoon fun. All a short ride from Portland up 295N into Freeport where the outlets shops, breweries and LLBEAN headquarters where there are outdoor concerts and other events.
Great fun for the whole family. Unique dinosaur themed (moving and roaring included) mini golf and ice cream shack. Well kept and very fun!
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Raptor Falls Mini Golf & Ice Cream
1912 Portland RdGreat fun for the whole family. Unique dinosaur themed (moving and roaring included) mini golf and ice cream shack. Well kept and very fun!
Brand new museum. Make a day of it because there is a lot to see. Thompson’s Point also has breweries, food and outdoor concerts with food trucks and drinks, ice skating in the winter.
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Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine
250 Thompsons Point RoadBrand new museum. Make a day of it because there is a lot to see. Thompson’s Point also has breweries, food and outdoor concerts with food trucks and drinks, ice skating in the winter.
Shopping
Open on the weekends, this indoor flea market has lots of goodies and treasures to poke through.
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Portland Flea-for-All
585 Congress StOpen on the weekends, this indoor flea market has lots of goodies and treasures to poke through.
This one-of-a-kind, the huge old building is loaded with architectural treasures from churches, temples, and historic hotels and homes. If you are looking for a special hinge, doorknob, door, or mantle you will find unbelievable things here! Great spot for a rainy day and right across the street is a new eatery called Coals.
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Portland Architectural salvage
131 Preble StThis one-of-a-kind, the huge old building is loaded with architectural treasures from churches, temples, and historic hotels and homes. If you are looking for a special hinge, doorknob, door, or mantle you will find unbelievable things here! Great spot for a rainy day and right across the street is a new eatery called Coals.
The Merchant Company is a unique handmade arts, crafts and vintage store in the heart the arts district of Portland, Maine. Three Maine based designers who share the same vision and passion for providing an accessible, community-based, year round shop with a focus on supporting local artists, local economy, sustainable design and small business, collectively own and manage the store. Open since June of 2011, The Merchant Company has succeeded in maintaining this vision with a tremendous outpouring of support from vendors, patrons and the community. Our shop is filled to the brim with local goods made by hand and with love. We have everything from vintage housewares to handmade clothing, sculpture and pottery, letterpress posters and cards, organic body care, jewelry, and so much more!
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The Merchant Company
656 Congress StThe Merchant Company is a unique handmade arts, crafts and vintage store in the heart the arts district of Portland, Maine. Three Maine based designers who share the same vision and passion for providing an accessible, community-based, year round shop with a focus on supporting local artists, local economy, sustainable design and small business, collectively own and manage the store. Open since June of 2011, The Merchant Company has succeeded in maintaining this vision with a tremendous outpouring of support from vendors, patrons and the community. Our shop is filled to the brim with local goods made by hand and with love. We have everything from vintage housewares to handmade clothing, sculpture and pottery, letterpress posters and cards, organic body care, jewelry, and so much more!