Are you looking for the ULTIMATE list of things to do in Portland, Maine? If so, keep reading for 41 awesome suggestions!
If you’re searching out the ultimate list of things to do in Portland, Maine, then this list is going to give you plenty of ideas and inspiration!
There are 41 suggestions on this list of things to do in Portland – so plenty for everyone!
Portland is one of the most beloved coastal towns on the East Coast, and it’s no surprise why. There’s so much to see in Portland, and there are so many wonderful things to do in Portland, Maine too!
So whatever kind of things to do in Portland, you’re looking for – hopefully you’ll find some perfect suggestions on this list!
We’ve kept this list of things to do in Portland Maine as varied as possible, covering all kinds of interests, budgets and seasons! So we hope you find plenty of great ideas.
Now, let’s get into it!
Portland Head Light
First, on our list of things to do in Portland Maine, it’s the Portland Head Light. This is a historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine and it’s definitely one of the top things to do in Portland Maine.
If you’re into beautiful scenery or landscape photography – then paying a trip to this famous lighthouse is a must when visiting Portland Maine.
Try fresh Maine Lobster!
You can’t visit Portland in Maine, without trying the famous Maine Lobster. So trying lobster is next on our list of things to do in Portland, Maine.
It’s a classic choice for things to do in Portland Maine, because seafood is SO FRESH when you eat it in Portland, Maine. Seriously, if you’re going to eat one thing in Portland, make it Lobster!
You simply can’t go to Portland without trying the fresh, amazing, locally caught lobster. Which makes it one of the best things to do in Portland, Maine.
Click here to book yourself onto a seafood lovers food tour of Portland!
Take a food tour!
Our next suggestion for things to do in Portland, Maine, is taking a food tour. Portland is a bit of an east coast food hub, and taking a food tour is one of the best ways to try the best the city has to offer.
Seriously, food tours are one of the best ways you can explore the city. You’ll be taken around the city by an expert (and learn lots along the way!), alongside trying some of the most delicious food the city has to offer.
If you interested in taking a food tour of Portland, then we REALLY recommend this amazing one. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour that carves a path through the streets of the charming Old Port educating you on local food, drinks, and history.
Click here to book your tickets onto this awesome food tour!
Portland Museum of Art
Next on our list of things to do in Portland Maine, it’s the Portland Museum of Art. This is by far one of the best museums and galleries in the Portland city centre, and if you love art – then you’ll love visiting this local landmark.
The Portland Museum of Art is actually the largest and oldest public art institution in Maine, so for that reason alone, it’s worth adding to your list of things to do in Portland, Maine.
Expect to see a variety of art, sculpture and exhibitions. It’s a great day out.
Victoria Mansion
Next on our list of things to do in Portland, Maine, it’s the Victoria Mansion. Victoria Mansion is a local icon, and it’s a wonderful testament to the local architecture and style.
If you’re into history or architecture, then you’ll love visiting Victoria Mansion. Another thing about Victoria Mansion that really exceeds expectations are the wonderful original interiors… Making it one of the most important historical homes in the entire USA.
If you’re looking for things to do in Portland, Maine, that are historically intriguing and culturally educational – this is a great choice.
Palace Playland
Next on our list of things to do in Portland ME, it’s Palace Playland. This fairground is located on Old Orchard Beach, and it’s both fun and weirdly nostalgic.
The park itself has been located on the same site since 1902 – so this is a piece of history, not just a fun day out! It’s a great choice for things to do in Portland ME, especially for families and groups with children.
Take a quirky fire truck tour!
When it comes to quirky things to do in Portland Maine, this has to take the medal! Firetruck tours are such a fun and different way to explore Portland!
And what an amazing photo opportunity too – seriously there’s nothing else like this quirky tour of Portland. You’ll be driven around all of Portland’s key sights for an hour, whilst riding in a vintage open-air fire truck! It’s so much fun!
Click here to book tickets for this wonderful tour!
Kayaking tours
Because of it’s location on the coast, Portland ME is a great location for kayaking! Kayaking tours are our next suggestion for things to do in Portland, Maine.
If you’re into exploring the outdoors, then there is no better way to see the Portland coastline, than from the ocean!
Kayaking tours are a great option for things to do in Portland Maine, because you’ll be in safe hands, and you can ensure you see all the good stuff!
Take a history tour
Our next suggestion for things to do in Portland, Maine – is a history tour. Portland, ME, may not be the biggest city, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of history to explore.
We love the History Tour provided by Get Your Guide (click here to check it out in more detail, and book tickets). You get a 2 hour guided tour of Portland, with a local history expert!
Schooner Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay
Our next suggestion for things to do in Portland, Maine, is a Schooner Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay! Casco bay is one of the most scenic parts of Portland, and it’s pretty amazing seeing it from the water. Especially on a Schooner Tall Ship!
If you don’t know what a Schooner Tall Ship is, just check out the photo above! It’s a pretty epic boat, and sailing onboard is absolutely amazing. Definitely one of the best things to do in Portland, Maine.
Click here to book tickets and learn more!
Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine
The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is next on our list of things to do in Portland, Maine. It’s a great option for rainy days or winter-time (as it’s located inside).
It’s also a great choice for things to do in Portland Maine for families and kids too – as the museum includes lots of fun interactive exhibitions and games.
This museum is all about discovering through play, using imagination, and getting stuck in. It’s a perfect place to take your little ones!
Read more East Coast travel inspiration: 25 things to do in Rochester, NY
Bug Light
Bug Light is next on our list of things to do in Portland, Maine. Bug Light is another beautiful little lighthouse in Portland, and is located in a gorgeous coastal park right on the sea.
If you’re looking for scenic things to do in Portland, Maine – then exploring the many lighthouses is a great choice.
They make for incredible photo opportunities, but also make for a wonderful scenic day out. The lighthouse was first built in 1855, so there’s plenty of history to learn about too!
Seaglass hunting
Seaglass hunting is next on our list of things to do in Portland, ME. Seaglass hunting is a little bit like treasure hunting, and it’s a great laid-back activity to try in Portland.
What is sea glass? Well it’s when glass shards have been tumbling around the ocean for years, and then eventually wash up on a beach with smooth edges. Like little pieces of treasure!
If you’re wondering where you can go sea glass hunting in Portland, check out this list of beaches for sea glass hunting! You don’t need to do anything official when sea glass hunting, it’s just a nice relaxing hobby activity – that the Portland area is well known for.
Cycle along the coast
Our next suggestion for things to do in Portland, Maine, is cycling along the coastline. There are so many wonderful coastal cycling routes along the Portland coast, so you’ll have plenty of places to explore.
Cycling along the Portland coast is such a wonderful activity, especially in the spring and summer months. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and stay active too, so we had to add it to our list of things to do in Portland, Maine.
Allagash Brewing Company
Did you know that Portland is known for it’s great breweries? Well, next on our list of things to do in Portland, Maine, it’s checking out one of the most famous local breweries!
Allagash Brewing Company is perhaps the most well-known brewing company in Portland ME, and you can head there for tasting sessions or just a good drink!
If you love their beer and find you want to take a bit of Portland home with you, they also have some amazing shippable stuff in their brewery too. Such as Allagash beer taps!
Click here to book yourself onto an amazing Portland Brewery Tour!
Willard Beach
Next on our list of things to in Portland, Maine, is to visit Willard Beach. This beach is one of the closest to the city – so it’s a great choice if you fancy a quick walk on the beach or a little trip to the beach for a couple of hours.
Willard Beach is also dog-friendly, so you can take your furry friend there too!
Read more East Coast travel inspiration: 10 Beautiful castles in New York State
Go whale watching
Our next suggestion for things to do in Portland Maine, is whale watching. Did you know that Portland ME is one of the best east coast whale watching destinations?
It’s such a great location for whale watching, and there are lots of companies who can offer whale watching tours for those who want to see these beautiful creatures in the wild!
We recommend Odyssey Whale Watching tours – so check them out!
Visit The Holy Donut
Now something for the foodies! This next suggestion on our list of things to do in Portland, Maine, is one for everyone with a sweet tooth!
The Holy Donut is a must-visit in Portland for anyone who LOVES donuts, or anything sweet!
Seriously, this place is next-level delicious, and you definitely need to add it to your list of things to do in Portland, Maine. Luckily, there are two different branches option in Portland, so take your pick!
Visit the Harbor Fish Market
The famous Portland Harbor Fish Market is our next idea for things to do in Portland, Maine. Seriously, the Harbor Fish Market is one of the ultimate ‘Portland’ activities.
This is not only a fun place to visit, but it’s really picturesque too – so it’s a gorgeous place to enjoy taking photos of and exploring.
You’ll find some of the best seafood in Maine here, and some of the freshest too! You’ll love this choice for things to do in Portland ME.
Take a fishing lesson
If you want to get hands-on in Portland, then one of the best things to do in Portland Maine is taking a fishing lesson. Fishing is such a huge part of life in Portland, and has been for so many years… So learning to fish here makes sense!
There’s nowhere better to learn fishing than a historic fishing hub! Fishing is always a great pick for things to do in Portland, Maine.
Read more East Coast travel inspiration: The Ultimate Guide to The Finger Lakes, NY
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is our next suggestion for things to do in Portland, Maine. Again, this is another scenic lighthouse in the Portland area, that we think you’ll love.
If you haven’t already guessed by now, Portland is rather famed for its many beautiful lighthouses – so we recommend checking out as many as possible.
They’re such a gorgeous part of the coastal landscape, and really unique to this part of the east coast. An added bonus of visiting this particular lighthouse, is that it’s the only caisson-style light station in the USA that visitors can walk to! Another great choice for things to do in Portland, Maine.
Visit the Two Fat Cats Bakery
If you’re looking for a nice place to get some sweet treats during your trip to Portland, then we can’t recommend Two Fat Cats Bakery enough! It’s a great choice for things to do in Portland, Maine.
They have some amazing pies and cakes, and you’ll be in heaven if you’re a dessert person! Seriously don’t miss this little gem in Portland!
It’s one of the best things to do in Portland Maine, especially for foodies!
Casco Bay Lines Ferry trips
Our next suggestion for things to do in Portland Maine, is the Casco Bay Lines ferry. If you want to see Portland from the water (but maybe Kayaking isn’t quite your thing) then a great way to see the coastline is via the local ferry!
Casco Bay Lines do sunrise and sunset tours, alongside tours of Casco Bay on a working mail boat… Which sounds pretty awesome!
It’s also a great way to see some of the lighthouses in the Portland Maine area! It’s always a great pick for things to do in Portland.
Read more East Coast travel inspiration: 9 amazing all-inclusive resorts in New York State
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
If you’re into trains, then this next suggestion for things to do in Portland Maine, is going to be right up your street.
This museum is a local treasure, and it’s a great choice for things to do in Portland Maine, especially for transport enthusiasts!
The museum is there to educate and inform people about the preservation of Maine’s two-foot gauge railways. The museum is a really popular tourist attraction in Portland, and gets over 50,000 visitors a year!
Visit Peaks Island
Next on our list of things to do in Portland, Maine, it’s visiting Peaks Island. Peaks Island is one of the most scenic places you can visit in and around the coastline of Portland.
It’s really remote and secluded (you can only reach it by ferry) so if you’re searching for an adventure, this is it!
There is kayaking, hiking, swimming and exploring. It’s a gorgeous location, and a perfect choice for things to do in Portland, Maine.
Maine Museum of Photographic Arts
The Maine Museum of Photographic Arts is our next idea for things to do in Portland, Maine. It’s a wonderful museum showcasing photographers (past and present) who have a connection with Maine, Portland and other nearby locations.
It’s a wonderful varied museum, and if you’re interested in photography, you’ll love exploring the art on display here. It’s a great choice for things to do in Portland, Maine, especially for those who are arty!
Crescent Beach State Park
Next on our list of things to do in Portland, Maine, it’s Crescent Beach State Park. This is a beautiful state park, with a gorgeous mile-long beach and plenty of space for outdoor activities, such as swimming, kayaking, sunbathing, etc.
If you fancy a day away from the city, and surrounded by some gorgeous scenery, we can’t recommend Crescent Beach State Park enough. It’s definitely one of the top things to do in Portland Maine for nature lovers!
Portland Bird Observatory
Portland Bird Observatory is next on our list of things to do in Portland, Maine. This is a wonderful place to bird watch and admire the local bird life and surroundings.
Of which, Portland has so much!
Walk along Congress Street
Our next suggestion for things to do in Portland Maine, is a stroll along Congress Street. Congress Street is the main street in Portland, the hub of the city, and well worth a visit.
You’ll find cafes, shops, and boutiques, overall it’s a lovely place to people watch and enjoy. If you fancy a little bit of retail therapy, it’s also a great place to do that too!
This is a great choice for things to do in Portland, Maine.
Two Lights State Park
Another great choice for things to do in Portland, Maine, is the Two Lights State Park. If you’re looking to get into the local surroundings and explore the Maine landscapes, then Two Lights State Park is a great place to go.
It’s a little bit further from Portland than some other suggestions on this list, but it’s a fantastic choice if you adore spending time outdoors.
With all its natural beauty, you can see why this is one of our favorite things to do in Portland, Maine.
Fort Williams Park
Fort Williams Park is another wonderful stretch of outdoor space that you might want to explore whilst visiting Portland, Maine. It’s a great option for things to do in Portland Maine, so don’t miss it!
Taking up 90 acres of rugged landscape on Casco Bay, this is some of the most scenic land in the Portland area!
Eat at Duck Fat
Next on our list of things to do in Portland, Maine, it’s one of our favorite restaurants in the city. Duck Fat is a favorite amongst locals, because of their delicious food, and quirky meals.
We think you’ll absolutely love it here, the food is sophisticated and homely, and taste reigns supreme. They’re most famed for their Belgian Fries, which are fried in (you guessed it) duck fat!
Their sandwiches are also fantastic, and there are so many combinations to choose from! We definitely recommend it for things to do in Portland Maine.
Eastern Promenade Trail
Next up on our list of things to do in Portland, Maine, it’s the Eastern Promenade Trail. If you’re after a lovely central walking route, this is the one for you!
You’ll get some absolutely beautiful views from this walking route, and plenty of wonderful photo opportunities too! It’s a great choice for things to do in Portland, Maine.
Tate House Museum
The Tate House Museum is our next suggestion for things to do in Portland, Maine. This property is something quite special, especially as the only Pre-Revolutionary home in Greater Portland open to the public!
Tate House Museum is a real glimpse into the past, and it’s an amazing activity for anyone interested in history and learning more about the people who came before us.
The museum offers visitors a peek into 18th-century life, and it’s genuinely fascinating! A great choice for things to do in Portland, Maine.
Fort Gorges
Fort Gorges is a really fascinating part of the Portland landscape. It used to be a former United States military fort, however, it’s now abandoned.
It’s one of Portland’s most iconic coastal structures, and it’s unique too! Offering a strange insight into the history of Portland, but also being quite a bizarre structure too.
Fort Gorges was actually added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, so there’s plenty to learn if you take a tour!
Read more East Coast travel inspiration: 25 cool things to do in Boston!
Umbrella Cover Museum
If you’re looking for truly quirky and bizarre things to do in Portland, Maine – then we’ve found it for you. The Umbrella Cover Museum in Peaks Island, is simply marvelously weird.
It’s a small museum, that celebrates umbrella covers. Yes, you read that right! The creator of the museum, Nancy Hoffman, set up the museum after collecting over 200 of them from over 66 countries!
Ok, so we know this is weird – but it’s definitely one of the most fun things to do in Portland, Maine.
Cliff Island
Cliff Island is next on our list of things to do in Portland, Maine. It’s another location you can visit by Ferry from the city centre, and it’s a lovely scenic place to explore!
Eat at Blue Spoon
Next on our list of things to do in Portland, Maine – it’s the Blue Spoon restaurant. This is such a lovely restaurant and well worth a visit during your time in the city.
If you’re a fan of Italian and American food, in a cozy, homely atmosphere – then we know you’ll love it here. The food is sophisticated and stylish, and it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to take a photo of every course as it arrives!
Definitely one of the best places to eat in Portland, Maine, and one of our favorite things to do in Portland Maine too!
Maine Jewish Museum
Next on our list of things to do in Portland, Maine, it’s the Maine Jewish Museum. If you’d like to know more about Jewish history and culture, then the Maine Jewish Museum is a perfect place to start.
The museum is also a celebration of Jewish culture, art and religion, and a wonderful hub of information too.
Eat at The Highroller Lobster Co.
Our next suggestion for things to do in Portland, Maine, is eating at the Highroller Lobster Co. This is one of the super popular restaurants in Portland, and if you LOVE lobster, you definitely need to eat here!
It’s the full lobster experience, and we know you’ll love it. Definitely worth adding to your list of things to do in Portland Maine.
Read more East Coast travel inspiration: Top 10 weekend breaks near Boston
Maine Duck Tours
And finally, on our list of things to do in Portland, Maine – it’s the Maine Duck Tours! This is one of those tours that’s both fun and informative and we think you’ll love it.
You’ll go in and out of the water in the floating tour bus, and trust us, it’s seriously cool. Especially for little ones who absolutely love it!
We hope our list of things to do in Portland Maine has been helpful!
Which of these things to do in Portland, Maine, will be first on your list when visiting?