Portland Adventure

Portland Escape

Portland Retreat

Top Places To See In Portland Services

Top Places To See In Portland - Tratoli

Book your Top Places To See In Portland with Tratoli for unforgettable travel experiences. Whether you need a comprehensive Top Places To See In Portland package for relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration, we provide tailored travel solutions. Pre-book your Top Places To See In Portland now!

Book Top Places To See In Portland | Save Up to 30%

Top Places To See In Portland

Looking for an unforgettable Top Places To See In Portland? Tratoli offers reliable Top Places To See In Portland services for your travel needs. Book your Top Places To See In Portland now!

Dating back to the 18th century, the Portland Head Light watches over the rocky coastline of Maine as the state’s oldest lighthouse. Its picturesque location also makes it the most photographed lighthouse in the United States. And the surrounding Fort Williams Park is a popular beach and hiking destination.

Portland Head Light

Dating back to the 18th century, the Portland Head Light watches over the rocky coastline of Maine as the state’s oldest lighthouse. Its picturesque location also makes it the most photographed lighthouse in the United States. And the surrounding Fort Williams Park is a popular beach and hiking destination.While the Portland Head Light itself is closed to the public, visitors can explore the history of the site and view artifacts like historic lenses, navigational tools, and photographs at a museum inside the former keeper’s house. Most sightseeing tours of Portland and the Maine coast stop at this treasured landmark.If you’re there during the warmer months, allow yourself time to hang out in Fort Williams Park, a 90-acre (36-hectare) recreation area with trails, picnic areas, an arboretum, a children’s garden, and a small rocky beach known as Ship Cove. And in summer, park vendors dish up Maine favorites like lobster rolls, crepes, and ice cream. Several other historic sites dot the coastline as well, including abandoned gun batteries and bunkers, plus the ruins of the once-grand Goddard Mansion.<ul><li>Leashed dogs are welcome in the park.</li><li>The park has no trash cans, so be sure to pack out everything you take with you.</li><li>The museum has a small gift shop selling lighthouse-themed souvenirs.</li></ul>About a 15-minute drive from downtown Portland, the lighthouse is located in Cape Elizabeth at the entrance to the shipping channel into Casco Bay. Metered hourly parking and all-day parking passes are available.The Portland Head Light museum is typically open May through November; Fort Williams Park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. The most scenic time to visit is spring or summer. Bundle up if going in winter, as the Maine coast gets windy and cold.Maine boasts more lighthouses than any other state on the East Coast, and the shoreline watchtowers are a beloved symbol of the region. The Portland Head Light tops the list, but dozens of others are sprinkled along the jagged Maine coastline. Check out the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, or farther afield, the West Quoddy Head Light in Lubec, the Monhegan Island Light and Museum, and Cape Neddick Light in York.The Portland Head Light is located in Fort Williams Park, a pretty place to walk, explore the beach, have a picnic, fly a kite, take photos, and enjoy the playground and children’s garden. There’s also an arboretum, a museum, and seasonal food trucks selling ice cream, lobster rolls, and sandwiches.Visiting the Portland Head Light and surrounding Fort Williams Park is free, but donations are appreciated. You can’t go inside the lighthouse (except on one day per year in September), so there’s no fee attached. Between April 1 and Nov. 15, you’ll need to pay to park in premium spaces, although free parking is available in the overflow lot.Portland Head Light is famous as one of the United States' most photogenic (and photographed) lighthouses. It also has a long and interesting history. The lighthouse has long protected this coastal area, and it was initially built in 1790 in a spot where guards had been posted to warn local people of imminent British attacks.Sunrise and sunset are generally the best times of day to photograph the Portland Head Light because of the light conditions and because it’s less crowded then. The lighthouse is photogenic throughout the day and in all seasons, but it’s also very popular, meaning it’s hard to take photos during the day without people getting in the way.Yes, you can climb the Portland Head Light, but the opportunities are limited. The lighthouse is closed to the public on all but one day of the year, the Maine Open Lighthouse Day in September. On that day, around 300 tickets are made available on a first-come first-served basis, providing access to the tower.There are more than 85 steps in the Portland Head Light. However, most visitors won’t need to worry about climbing them because the lighthouse is closed to the public every day except for the annual Maine Open Lighthouse Day in September. Then, would-be visitors can vie for the 300-odd tickets to the tower.

An inlet on Maine’s southern coast, Casco Bay is a rich maritime area spotted with lighthouses, historic forts, and seven small islands. Calm conditions make Casco Bay an ideal spot for boating, sailing, and kayaking, while the islands each have their own unique communities to explore.

Casco Bay

An inlet on Maine’s southern coast, Casco Bay is a rich maritime area spotted with lighthouses, historic forts, and seven small islands. Calm conditions make Casco Bay an ideal spot for boating, sailing, and kayaking, while the islands each have their own unique communities to explore.Keep an eye out for birds, seals, and the occasional whale while you hike along the coast, sail through the harbor, or hop on the ferry to visit Casco Bay’s seven accessible islands.Most bay tours leave from nearby Portland, Maine’s capital city, and sometimes include a city tour along with a coastal sightseeing excursion. You can also opt for a private charter vessel in order to see Casco Bay’s lighthouses and historic forts at your own pace.<ul><li>Casco Bay is a must-see for nature and history lovers.</li><li>With relatively calm water conditions and multiple islands to explore, Casco Bay is a great destination for families with kids.</li><li>Remember to bring comfortable shoes and sun protection.</li><li>It’s a good idea to dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly in this coastal region.</li><li>Ferries from Portland to the islands in Casco Bay are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.</li></ul>Casco Bay is located just north of Portland, Maine. Ferries operate daily between Portland and the islands of Casco Bay, and private charter vessels travel through the harbor as well.You can visit Casco Bay year-round, but summer is a lovely time, when the days are usually sunny and warm. Head out onto the water at dusk to see colorful sunsets over the bay.Don’t miss Peaks Island, which is home to beaches, restaurants, and an art community, while Long Island is known for its hiking trails and conservation areas. Bailey Island is also a good hiking spot, while Diamond Cove (located on Great Diamond Island) is home to Fort McKinley—a structure designed to defend Portland Harbor during the Spanish-American War.That depends—there’s plenty to consider. Casco Bay in Maine is home to hundreds of islands, which range from small and uninhabited to populous and popular. Some of the best to visit include Peaks Island (the closest to Portland), Great Diamond (home to Fort McKinley), and the scenic Chebeague Island.There are multiple theories about the origins of Casco Bay’s name. Abenaki native people called the bay “Aucocisco,” which may have been shortened by European visitors. As an alternative theory, some believe it was named by Portuguese explorer Estêvão Gomes in 1525, thanks to its resemblance to a helmet (casco).Although a popular myth suggests that there are as many islands in Casco Bay as there are days in a year, the bay contains far more. According to current estimates, there are a staggering 785 islands, islets, and exposed ledges scattered across Casco Bay.Peaks Island—the most populous island in Casco Bay—is also the closest one to Portland. Home to around 1,000 permanent residents (alongside an additional 2,000 residents in summer's high season), the island is 17 minutes by ferry from Maine’s largest city—and it's thought of as Portland's bonus neighborhood.Boasting unspoiled New England coastal scenery and habitats, Casco Bay is home to a wealth of wildlife, including harbor seals and gray seals, as well as lobster, bluefin tuna, porpoises, and dolphins. The bay is also frequented by migratory whales, including humpback, pilot, finback, and minke whales.Casco Bay is home to numerous aquatic bird species. Birdwatchers come from far and wide to catch glimpses of the bay’s northern gannets, Manx shearwaters, petrels, sandpipers, terns, cormorants, and more. If you want to embark on a birdwatching excursion, follow the Casco Bay Birding Trail—and keep your eyes peeled.

With granite walls that appear to rise straight up from the surface of Portland Harbor, this abandoned military fort was built on a small island during the Civil War. Only accessible by boat, today it’s a reminder of Maine's military past and a curiosity for passing harbor cruises or intrepid kayakers.

Fort Gorges

With granite walls that appear to rise straight up from the surface of Portland Harbor, this abandoned military fort was built on a small island during the Civil War. Only accessible by boat, today it’s a reminder of Maine's military past and a curiosity for passing harbor cruises or intrepid kayakers.Most travelers catch sight of Fort Gorges on Casco Bay cruises that also pass some of Maine’s historic lighthouses, or on a driving tour of Portland’s historic waterfront. To set foot inside the fort, paddle over on a kayak, book a private boat charter, or join a guided tour hosted by the Friends of Fort Gorges—a group that aims to conserve and restore the site. The fort itself appears much as it did in the 19th century, with long-abandoned stone halls encircling a central grassy courtyard.<ul><li>There are no food, restroom, or trash facilities on the island, so pack in and out everything you need for the day.</li><li>The historic fort structure is not maintained; enter at your own risk and watch for debris and unstable sections.</li><li>Bring a flashlight to explore some of the darker rooms and halls of the fort.</li><li>Overnight camping is not permitted.</li><li>If kayaking, be sure to go pull your boat well ashore on the beach, as water levels can erase much of the landing.</li></ul>Fort Gorges is located on Hog Island Ledge in Portland Harbor. The only way to access the island is by boat, either on a private charter or by kayak. The most common kayak launch points are Bug Light Park and East End Beach; the one-way trip takes about 45 minutes.For safety, Fort Gorges should only be explored during daylight hours. If kayaking, go during calm harbor conditions and try to arrive around low tide for the best beach access.

Considered one of the finest examples of the Italian Villa architectural style in the country, the Victoria Mansion—also known as the Morse-Libby House—is one of the grandest historic homes in Portland, Maine, as well as the entire region. Completed more than 160 years ago, the manor is distinctive for its brownstone exterior and richly decorated (and beautifully preserved) interiors.

Victoria Mansion (Morse-Libby House)

Considered one of the finest examples of the Italian Villa architectural style in the country, the Victoria Mansion—also known as the Morse-Libby House—is one of the grandest historic homes in Portland, Maine, as well as the entire region. Completed more than 160 years ago, the manor is distinctive for its brownstone exterior and richly decorated (and beautifully preserved) interiors.A National Historic Landmark since 1971, the mansion offers visitors a captivating return to the mid-19th century. Boasting lavish decor that is 90 percent original, including its trompe l’oeil paintings, it’s a must-visit destination for architecture lovers and history buffs.The Victoria Mansion is only open for guided, small-group tours; it’s strongly suggested to book well in advance, as tours often sell out, particularly on rainy days and weekends. They generally last about 1 hour, and offer an immersive chance to learn about the life and times of former owners Ruggles Sylvester Morse and Olive Ring Merrill Morse. The historic home’s location in downtown Portland makes it easy to see as part of a cultural day out in the city.<ul><li>Strollers, large bags, and suitcases are prohibited on tours; it’s best to avoid bringing them.</li><li>The first floor of the Victoria Mansion is accessible to wheelchair users, but owing to its historic architecture, the second floor is not.</li><li>Eating, drinking, talking on the phone, and smoking are all prohibited within the mansion.</li><li>Admission is discounted for children, students, and seniors, and free for kids 5 and under; note that the tour is generally recommended for adults.</li><li>To pick up souvenirs and gifts, head to the on-site Carriage House Museum Shop.</li></ul>The Victoria Mansion is located at 109 Danforth Street in Portland, Maine, a 10-minute walk or 5-minute drive from the heart of downtown. There’s no dedicated parking lot on-site. You can also reach the area by bus, taking Route 1 or Route 8.The mansion is open seasonally, from May through October, and during the holiday season, typically from just after Thanksgiving until early January. In season, tours are typically offered daily, from morning to late afternoon; booking in advance is the best way to go.Close to downtown Portland, the Victoria Mansion is near many of the city’s top attractions. After visiting, it’s worth taking in highlights like the Maine Historical Society (set in the former home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow), the Portland Museum of Art, and the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad (which offers charming rides along the coast).

Stretching for several miles along Portland’s East End, this scenic trail connects the city’s cobblestoned Old Port with Fort Allen Park, East End Beach, and beyond. Along the way, sweeping views of Casco Bay and its islands provide a picturesque backdrop for joggers, cyclists, and picnickers enjoying this easy-to-access greenway.

Eastern Promenade

Stretching for several miles along Portland’s East End, this scenic trail connects the city’s cobblestoned Old Port with Fort Allen Park, East End Beach, and beyond. Along the way, sweeping views of Casco Bay and its islands provide a picturesque backdrop for joggers, cyclists, and picnickers enjoying this easy-to-access greenway.A favorite open space for locals and visitors alike, the Eastern Promenade has parallel dirt and paved paths that hug the shoreline—offering changing perspectives of landmarks like Fort Gorges and lobster boats bobbing in Casco Bay. Recreational fields draw organized sports teams, as well as casual frisbee or soccer games; and abundant grassy areas are perfect for picnics. The trail is a popular stop on guided bike or driving tours of Portland’s waterfront, which often include other shoreline highlights—like the Head Light and Spring Point Ledge lighthouses and war memorials at Fort Allen Park.<ul><li>The Eastern Promenade makes an easy excursion for cruise ship passengers docking at Portland’s port.</li><li>Restroom facilities along the trail are very limited.</li><li>Much of the trail is paved, making it wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.</li><li>Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail and surrounding parks.</li></ul>The Eastern Promenade wraps around Munjoy Hill on the northeastern end of Portland’s peninsula. It connects with the Bayside Trail at its western end and the intersection of Commercial and India streets at its southern point, which is serviced by Metro lines #1 and #8.The trail is always open and free to the public. Aim to go on a clear, sunny day for the best views.A handful of Portland highlights are within easy walking distance of the Eastern Promenade’s southern trailhead. Delve into local history along the historic Commercial Street fishing wharf or inside the ornate 19th-century Victoria Mansion. Get inspired with a stroll among art galleries and studios in the city’s trendy Arts District, and see where the city’s famous resident poet lived at the Wadsworth-Longfellow House.

Hundreds of big-name brands and shopping malls flank Route 1 in Kittery, a major shopping destination that draws bargain-seekers from around the region. One major stop is Kittery Premium Outlets, a mall with more than 60 stores from Anne Taylor to Zumiez. Discounts abound, and sales discount goods between 25 and 65 percent.

Kittery Premium Outlets

Hundreds of big-name brands and shopping malls flank Route 1 in Kittery, a major shopping destination that draws bargain-seekers from around the region. One major stop is Kittery Premium Outlets, a mall with more than 60 stores from Anne Taylor to Zumiez. Discounts abound, and sales discount goods between 25 and 65 percent.Shopping options at the Kittery Premium Outlets include men and women’s fashion, shoes, purses, and children’s wear. Some of these, such as the Ann Taylor Factory Store, Old Navy Outlet, and the Columbia Factory Store, offer discounted goods that include older merchandise no longer available at flagship stores. Other destinations are simply traditional shops that offer periodic sales. Shopping at the Kittery outlets is an included stop on some tours of Maine, particularly private tours that offer time flexibility. These generally offer round-trip transport, which can be a major plus when you’re weighed down with shopping bags.<ul><li>This is a great stop for groups. It’s easy to reach dozens of stores on foot, so you can cover lots of ground without moving your vehicle.
*Bring your AAA, AARP, or Military ID to pick up a free coupon book upon arrival.
*The outlets are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible; wheelchair rentals are available onsite.</li></ul>The Kittery Premium Outlets are located at 375 Route 1 in Kittery, and ample parking is available onsite. From I-95 South, take Exit 2 to Kittery and continue on Route 236 South until you see signs for the outlet stores. From I-95 North, take Exit 3, which is marked Kittery/Coastal Route 1.As at other shopping destinations, Black Friday (the Friday following Thanksgiving) is a major event here, with deep discounts that draw big crowds. In August, back-to-school sales are big, and there’s generally a two-week period in spring when teachers have access to special deals. At busy times of year, it’s worth coming first thing in the morning to beat the crowds.

New England Distilling, known for its rye whiskey, bourbon, gin, and rum, was founded in 2012, but the owner’s family has roots in the business going as far back as the 1850s, having produced spirits under different labels until the 1950s. The Portland-based distillery pays homage to this history by using a combination of traditional equipment and modern gear, and offers tours and tastings.

New England Distilling

New England Distilling, known for its rye whiskey, bourbon, gin, and rum, was founded in 2012, but the owner’s family has roots in the business going as far back as the 1850s, having produced spirits under different labels until the 1950s. The Portland-based distillery pays homage to this history by using a combination of traditional equipment and modern gear, and offers tours and tastings.Guided tours of New England Distilling are typically conducted by the owner, and provide a look at the distillation process, including the use of traditional copper pot stills, which purportedly improve the quality, aroma, and taste of the final product. Learn about how the company’s whiskey and gin are produced from ingredients such as grains from New England and the Midwest, while the rum is made from Caribbean molasses. Keeping it local, the spirits are fermented with yeast from Maine Beer Company.<ul><li>The spirits are available for purchase at the on-site shop.</li><li>New England Distilling’s Maryland-style rye whiskey is different from Kentucky-style rye because it isn’t made with corn.</li><li>New England Distilling is one of the many stops along Maine’s distillery trail.</li></ul>New England Distilling is located in the northern city limits of Portland, Maine, about a 15-minute drive from the airport. Several bus routes stop in the area of the distillery, about 10 to 20 minutes away by foot. It’s about a 30-minute bike ride or a 20-minute drive from downtown Portland.The on-site shop is open Monday through Friday in the afternoon; tastings are also available during that time. Call ahead for tour availability or to schedule one. If you’re interested in exploring Portland’s food scene, consider visiting in the fall (September–November) when culinary events, including Harvest on the Harbor and Portland Beer Week, take place.New England Distilling’s owner got his start at the Allagash Brewing Co., which is a short drive from the distillery. There, you can visit the on-site tasting room to try the brews. While there are no guided tours, The Cellars at Allagash Brewing offer ticketed beer-tasting experiences for groups.

Dating back to 1755, Portland, Maine's Tate House Museum is the only existing example of pre-revolutionary architecture open to the public. In its heyday, it was the residence of Captain George Tate, a senior mast agent in the British Royal Navy, though it's now a museum, complete with period furnishings, an herb garden, and a gift shop.

Tate House Museum

Dating back to 1755, Portland, Maine's Tate House Museum is the only existing example of pre-revolutionary architecture open to the public. In its heyday, it was the residence of Captain George Tate, a senior mast agent in the British Royal Navy, though it's now a museum, complete with period furnishings, an herb garden, and a gift shop.This beautiful pre-revolutionary home provides an excellent introduction into what life was like in 18th-century colonial Maine.Many visitors opt to go on one of the special topical tours offered by the museum, many of which are available with 24 hours' notice. One tour focuses on architecture, complete with a visit up to the attic of the house to see the rafters, while another takes visitors to the nearby Stroudwater Cemetery, where Captain Tate himself is interred.<ul><li>Tours start on the hour, with the last tour departing at 3pm.</li><li>The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.</li><li>There's a great gift shop selling books, candles, and mementos.</li></ul>The Tate House Museum is located on Westbrook Street in Greater Portland, right on the edge of the Stroudwater Historic District and a few minutes from Portland International Jetport. It's about a 10-minute drive from the city center to the museum (via Interstate 295), or a 20-minute bike ride. Bus #5 stops here about every half-hour Monday through Saturday, with limited Sunday service.The Tate House Museum is open June through the end of October. The best time to visit is during the summer months of July and August, when the weather is at its best. Springtime is also nice here when many of the flowers and herbs in the surrounding garden are in bloom.The Tate House offers a handful of special events, including a 5k trail run and an annual Christmas party. History buffs won't want to miss the Tate House Museum's annual lecture series, which focuses heavily on local area history. Topics run the gamut from the Revolutionary War to English paper piecing quilting.

Based in Portland, Maine, Rising Tide Brewing Company opened its doors in 2010, starting with just one barrel. Today, the popular, family-owned brewery runs a tab of 4,500 barrels, distributed across Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Theirs is technically a brewpub, offering plenty of elevated comfort-food dishes to complement those sudsy ales.

Rising Tide Brewing Company

Based in Portland, Maine, Rising Tide Brewing Company opened its doors in 2010, starting with just one barrel. Today, the popular, family-owned brewery runs a tab of 4,500 barrels, distributed across Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Theirs is technically a brewpub, offering plenty of elevated comfort-food dishes to complement those sudsy ales.Opened by husband-and-wife team Nathan and Heather Sanborn, Rising Tide Brewing Company takes its name from Nathan’s feel for the industry—it’s one that’s inclusive and supportive, and Rising Tide aims to uphold those same values. All are welcome in their taproom (even doggos, out on the patio).The approachable brewery runs five year-round beers—four ales and a pilsner. Their seasonal section gets a tiny bit wilder with stouts, porters, and lagers, but by and large, Rising Tide keeps its boats in traditional waters. The food menu has a similar keep-it-classic mantra, with sandwiches, warm pretzels, and tater tots to pair with those cold pints.<ul><li>For non-drinkers, Rising Tide offers gluten-free and non-alcoholic beverages.</li><li>Dog treats, water, and toys are available for Fido out on the patio.</li><li>This isn’t a late-night spot—Rising Tide typically closes around 8pm.</li></ul>Rising Tide Brewing Company can be found in Portland’s East Bayside neighborhood, just a few blocks from the waters of Back Cove and Back Cove Park. Plentiful parking is available onsite, though if you’re imbibing, it’s best to take a rideshare, like Uber or Lyft. Biking is an option, too.Rising Tide Brewing Company is typically open every day of the week, though note closing times are a bit early, ranging between 6pm and 8pm. If you’re looking for the most boisterous ambiance, come on Friday or Saturday, or come for one of the brewery’s weekday events, like Monday night trivia.In 2010, when Rising Tide Brewing Company first opened, tasting rooms weren’t allowed in Maine. Heather Sanborn, the co-owner and a registered attorney, worked to change the law and succeeded (she eventually became a state senator). When you stop in for a pint, cheers to Rising Tide shaping the Maine brew scene and lifting all beer-brewing boats.

Top Places To See In Portland

Destination

Places

Stay

Costumers

Explore Our Package

Tourism Board Alliances

Top Places To See In Portland Related Packages

Portland Packages By Departure City:

Portland Packages By Themes:

Activities In Portland:

Places To See In Other Destinations:

Things To Do In Other Destinations:

Hotels From Other Destinations:

Other Theme Based Packages:

More Destinations:

Loading...