Take a day trip to Maine’s iconic seacoast city Portland — approximately 1 hour 20 minutes from our boutique hotel / Bed and Breakfast.
Founded in 1786, Portland is a historic seacoast peninsular town with a bustling waterfront comprising a vibrant shopping district with independent shops — art galleries, old-school craftsman shops, artisans, boutiques, coffee shops, world class craft beer breweries, some of the nations top restaurants — and a working waterfront with salty docks, fishing boats and stacks of lobster traps. The city has a nice hip vibe with an easygoing Old Man and the Sea soul. This unique mix of old world with new world is why Portland has been named the “San Francisco of the East.”
To explore Portland, you will want to start at Congress Street. Dubbed the “SoHo” of Portland, because of its posh art galleries, unique shops, cobblestone streets, coffee shops and electric vibe. Follow the cobblestone streets toward the waterfront to the Old Port, home to working fishing wharves, excellent micro breweries, more shops and several seafood restaurants with nice ocean and bay views.
When you’re finished taking it all in, the City’s attractions, food and drink, enjoy a leisurely walk on the Western Promenade featuring a public park offering excellent river, mountain and bay vistas.
Here’s your guide to some of best attractions in the Portland area of Maine.
Food
Miss Portland Diner
“There is nothin’ finer than a Worcester Diner” was the slogan of the Worcester Lunch Car Company (WLCC), which specialized in small, handcrafted diners with porcelain exteriors and hardwood interiors. And this is the best looking vintage dining-car around. Miss Portland is a go-to for traditional American style comfort grub, like breakfast (2 eggs any style and omelets), lunch / dinner (salads, burgers) and sweets — assorted pies, cakes and ice creams.
Address: 140 Marginal Way, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 210-6673
Local Sprouts Cooperative
Featuring “healthy and affordable food.” Their menu offers a wide variety of local and organic options made with exceptional ingredients all sourced from Maine. Including breakfast plates (2 eggs any style with organic home fries, tofu scrambles), soups, sandwiches, wraps–BLT, grilled cheese, Huevos Rancheos, Tim’s World Famous Burrito,” grass-fed beef burger, BBQ pulled pork, and vegan burger, with gluten-free bread substitutions available. The also feature gluten-free and vegan baked goods, coffee, and teas.
Sprouts is a worker-owned cooperative where every worker is literately an equal owner, sharing in the work and profit as well. A very progressive concept. According to their policy, “Instead of a single owner profiting off the backs of many workers, many workers have the ability to profit off of our own labor. Every worker is entitled to an equal share of the profits of Local Sprouts no matter what work they do. From dishwashers to line cooks to administrative coordinators, everyone receives an equal distribution.”
Hours:
Mon thru Sat 8am – 5pm and Sun 9am – 3pm
Becky’s Diner
Becky’s Diner is a laid-back place serving, very budget friendly breakfast, lunch and dinner with a little something for everyone. Very casual vibe, offering a full no frills menu of sandwiches served with potato chips and a pickle, burgers, seafood items like fried whole belly clams and lobster rolls. Truly an everyday local favorite.
Address: 390 Commercial St., Portland, ME 04101
- Open 362 1/2 Days a Year form 4am — 9pm
- Summer Hours: Open until 10pm on Friday & Saturday
(207) 773-7070
Duckfat
This little local hipster gem of a sandwich shop is a hot spot that has it all: classic Belgian fries made with local Maine potatoes fried in duck fat, panini sandwiches, soups, salads, poutine with duck gravy, charcuteries, craft sodas and milkshakes all made in house. Add a killer beer and wine list and you have Duckfat, a fun and unique dining destination in Portland, Maine.
Duckfat is a very small, and busy restaurant with limited dining space, so please keep a couple things in mind:
- Please send only one person into the restaurant to put your name on the wait list or to place a to-go order.
- They cannot seat parties larger than 8 people.
- They only have one table large enough to accommodate large parties, therefore wait times may be longer for larger parties.
Address: 43 Middle St., Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-808
Seafood is a must when you visit Portland Maine. You can’t get any fresher then fresh off the boat. Below are our picks for fresh seafood.
Portland Lobster Company.
A great casual dockside dining experience with the best harbor views in all of Portland. Voted Best 2018: Best Lobster Roll, Best Outdoor Bar/Patio and Best Waterfront Dining! (Source-The Portland Phoenix Magazine-May 2018). The menu features: clam chowder, lobster stew, fried clams, clam cake, steamers, mussels, and entrees like fried haddac, scallops, and lobster platters. Desserts include whoopie pie, blueberry pie, brownies and cookies. From the ‘bar’ draft beer by pint or pitcher and wines.
Hours;
Open 7 Days a Week as follows:
- Sunday through Thursday – 11am to 10pm
- Friday and Saturday – 11am to 10pm
Address: 2018 Portland Lobster Company, 180 Commercial St., Portland, Maine
(207) 775-2112
J’s Oyster.
A great old-school dive with a straight forward seafood menu, which includes oysters, steamed clams, steamed mussels, chowders and stews, seafood / non-seafood sandwiches, and seafood entrees lobster, king crab leg, scallops, and shrimp. Can get crowed at times. Indoor and outdoor seating with a full-service bar and waterfront views.
Address: 5 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-4828
Eventide–-a James Beard Award winning restaurant.
A revival of the great American oyster bar, Eventide Oyster Co. offers pristine shellfish and a fresh take on classic New England fare—such proximity to the Gulf of Maine provides the sharpest seafood money can buy. A nice wine and beer list chosen to complement the cuisine, plus craft cocktails. The ambiance is yip, and laid-back. Sunken into the concrete bar sits the seafood display of the fresh daily catch. The restaurant’s bright, sleek and spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking bustling Boylston Street. with bank seat and communal picnic table seating made from reclaimed nautical lighting encourage a playful experience. You order from a series of flat screens at the entrance, attended by a friendly server. You’ll receive a text when your food is ready to be picked-up.
The menu offers an extensive raw oyster selection from Maine and away, also raw seafood bites like tuna crudo, fluke ceviche, and the usually New England seafood dished albeit kicked-up a couple of notches: clam chowder with salt pork, lobster stew, fried fish, and nice sweet endings including their delicious Whoopie Pie. There also a burger option.
86 Middle Street, Portland, Maine 86
(207) 774.8538
Brickyard Hollow–craft beer & craft pizza
Brickyard Hollow proudly brews traditional-style craft beers in small batches that you can always rely on. Featuring clean, crisp, classic lagers, IPAs, Stouts, and more. They also offer a large bar area with full bar and a fantastic pizza menu with appetizers and salads. The restaurant is located in an old, historic warehouse near the waterfront in Portland. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, with lots of locals dining. warehouse setting; the service is friendly, relaxed.
Hours:
- 11am – 10pm Sun – Thurs
- 11am – 11pm Fri – Sat
Address: 9 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 808-8247
Tipo
A hip little casual neighborhood Italian pizzeria featuring a menu made up small plates, specialty pizzas, craft cocktails, beer, wine- and sweets–fried zeppoli and strawberry scone with whipped creme fraishe. They get terrific yelp and tripadvisor reviews.
Hours:
Dinner only:
- Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday 4pm-9pm
- Friday & Saturdays 4-10pm
- Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 11am-2pm
- Happy Hour: Wednesday – Sunday 4pm-6pm
- Closed: Monday & Tuesday
Address: Back Cove. 182 Ocean Avenue – Portland, ME 04103.
(207) 358 7970
Bonobo
A casual wood fire brick oven neighborhood pizzeria featuring 2 salads, 2 soups and nice verity of specialty pizzas–margherita, pepperoni, white clam sauce, mushroom-leek, prosciutto, goat cheese, lamb sausage, jerk chicken, more. Also a great selection of local beer on tap. (Half price beer on Mondays. $8 cheese pizza every Tuesday and Wednesday. All pizzas about 13″, with gluten free crust option. They only use the best local and all natural ingredients, no nitrates, no hormones, no antibiotics in their meats.
Hours:
- mon – wed 4 – 9:30
- thursday hours: 11:30 – 9:30
- friday hours: 11:30 – 10
- saturday hours: 4 – 9:30
- sunday hours: 4 – 9
Address: 46 Pine Street, Portland, ME
(207) 347-8267
Breweries
Portland has a thriving craft beer scene, and currently the US city with the most craft breweries per capita. To date, there are 18 breweries within the city limits… ( below is only a partial listing…just a sip.). You’d be remiss not to check out a few of these world-class breweries when in town.
You can visit several of Maine’s top / best micro and larger scale craft beer breweries visit Industrial Way in Portland, ME. Check out Industrial Way, Portland Maine for more information.
Geary’s Brewing Company
Maine’s first, Maine’s finest! The D.L. Geary Brewing Company was incorporated in October 1983 by David and Karen Geary. They shared the vision of producing world class products on a small scale for local and regional consumption. At that time, there were only 13 so-called microbreweries in the United States, almost all of them in California and the Pacific Northwest. In the winter of 1984, David Geary began a period of training and research in Scotland and England. With the help of Peter Maxwell Stuart, a Scottish nobleman and brewer who arranged introductions and itineraries, he worked in a half-dozen small commercial breweries from the highlands of Scotland to the south coast of England before going out on his own.
Visit their Portland tasting and sample the finest Geary has to offer. See why GHS (Geary’s Hampshire Special) is to this day a top rated Beer on Beer Advocate. Once Maine’s legendary seasonal specialty, Hampshire is now available year round.
Take a tour of their historic brew house. Tours are Monday thru Thursday, at 3pm. Only closed-toe shoes on the tour. No reservations are required for small groups. However they ask that please show up a little early so you can sample their beer.
Address: 38 Evergreen Drive Portland, ME 04103
(207) 878-2337
Shipyard Brewing Company
The Shipyard Brewing Company–Maine’s largest brewery–has been making award-winning, hand-crafted beer in Maine since 1994. Their tasting room is open daily, selling flights, 10 oz pours, growlers, and packaged product as well as their high quality Capt’n Eli’s Soda line. They have a rotating lineup of their flagship and seasonal offerings on tap, products like Island Time IPA, Summer Ale, Melon, Pumkinhead, XXXX IPA, Deep Devil Brown Ale, and Vanilla Porter. You’ll be sure to sample new beers and pilot brews that have not yet hit the market. No reservations required.
They also offer free video tours. Take our virtual video tour, and view the bottling line.
Tasting Room Hours:
- 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Mon-Thurs)
- 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (Fri-Sat)
- 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (Sun)
Address: 86 Newbury Street Portland, ME 04101
(207) 761-0807
Allagash
Brewing since 1995, Allagash is one of the oldest and most well-known breweries in Portland. Their premium quality Belgian-Inspired beers are widely available, and offered at top restaurants and bars across the US and overseas. Allagash is best known for their flagship Allagash White, and Allagash Black beers.
Allagash has a large, stylish tasting room, and offers facility tours with friendly well informed staff. Their tasting room features 12 different beers on tap, as well as a variety of experimental one-offs, many of which are only available in their taproom.
Also available are packaged snacks and food trucks vendors during the warmer months. You’ll also find a wide selection of fresh beers to go, so you can take some home.
Allagash is open seven days a week for tours and tastings. Tours generally run an hour in length and include a sample of four different beers. You can book a free tour from their website. Book well in advance especially on weekends because they fill up fast.
Please note the following:
- Closed-toe shoes are required on the tour.
- If you are more than 5 minutes late for your tour, we cannot promise your spot will be saved.
- It can take upwards of 20 minutes to reach us from the Old Port. Please allow lots of extra time, especially on Saturdays and in the summer.
Hours:
- Monday—Thursday: 11am – 6pm
- Friday—Saturday: 11am – 7pm
- Sunday: 11am – 5pm
- Allagash Brewing Co.
Address: 50 Industrial Way, Portland, Maine 04103
207.878.5385 / 800.330.5385
Oxbow Blending & Bottling
Located in Portland’s vibrant East End neighborhood, and as the name implies, is where they blend and package all of their aged beers. In addition to the hundreds of oak barrels are dozens of stainless steel tanks that hold their mixed-culture and spontaneously-fermented farmhouse ales.
Oxbow Blending & Bottling is also home to a large urban bar and event space that has become a cultural hub and community gathering space hosting activities ranging from live music and DJ dance parties to educational events such as beer, wine and cheese tastings, fly-tying classes, and yoga sessions. The space is also home to Gallery 49 which hosts our rotating art exhibitions, curated by Oxbow Art Director, Will Sears.
Open 7 days a week starting at 12pm
Address: 49 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 350-0025
Sea Dog Brew Pub & Restaurant
Although located in neighboring South Portland, (only 10 minutes away), Sea Dog is worth a mention. Founded in 1993, their beers are brewed in a traditional English style using best quality ingredients like English two-row malted barley and British top-fermenting Ringwood yeast. Sample their full line of award-winning handcrafted ales, from their Old IPA, Hazelnut Porter, blueberry Wheat Ale, in addition to their cask conditioned and seasonal brews. The full pub restaurant features seafood (fried calamari, chilled seafood platter, and clam chowder), great burgers and other entrees like linguine and shrimp, haddock romesco and their seafood pie.
- Mon-Fri: 11:00am- 1am
- Sat-Sun: 9:00am- 1am
Breakfast on weekends until 2:00pm
Address: 125 Western Ave, South Portland, ME
(207) 871 7000
Austin Street Brewery
Their located in close proximity to Allagash, in the same One Industrial Way building as Foundation Brewing and Battery Steele Brewing. You can hit four birds with the same stone. Austin Street Brewery started with Jake’s home brewing hobby quickly moving from a casual day off activity to an outright obsession. The name “Austin Street Home Brewery” started out as way to identify the brews coming out of Jake’s garage on Austin St. in Westbrook, Maine. After years of drinking Jakes home brewed beers and seeing the progression from good, drinkable beer to some of the best beer he’s ever tasted, Will convinced Jake that it was time to share his beer with more people. It was decided that the name would remain, sans the word “home” and thus “Austin Street Brewery” was born.
The tasting room hours are:
Wednesday thru Saturday 12-7, Sunday 12-5, and Monday 12-7.
Address: 1 Industrial Way, Suite 8, Portland Maine, 04103
(207) 200-1994
Foundation Brewing Company
Founded in 2012 and opening in 2014, Foundation Brewing Company uses classic styles as the inspiration for brewing exciting beers that push conventional boundaries.Cans available for purchase.
Hours:
- Sunday: 12-5pm
- Monday: 12-7pm
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 12-7pm
- Thursday: 12-7pm
- Friday: 12-7pm
- Saturday: 12-7pm
Address: 1 Industrial Way #5, Portland, ME 04103
207-370-8187
Battery Steele Brewing
From its inception in an old barn in South Portland to its realization at Industrial Way, Battery Steele brewing has been fueled by a dedication to continuing the craft beer legacy of Portland Maine. The brewery was founded by Jacob Condon and Shane Noble, who together share a collective 25 years in the brewing industry. They strive to offer a wide variety of styles, frequently rotating through new ideas, variations, ingredients and concepts, to not only offer the community something new but also to continue to challenge themselves as brewers.
Tasting room hours:
- Thursday-Saturday: 12-7
- Sun: 12-5
Address: 1 Industrial Way, Suite 12, Portland, Maine
Rising Tide Brewing Company
Rising Tide Brewing Company is a family-owned craft brewery. They specialize in artisan, hand-crafted ales brewed in small batches. Their beers are available in cans and on draft in their tasting room and at select locations in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
They have a bright, spacious tasting room and seasonal patio. They also offer tours of the production facility and many of their beers are available in can for purchase.
Tasting room hours:
Monday thru Tuesday 12 – 7pm, Wednesday thru Saturday 12pm – 8pm, Sunday 12pm – 5pm
Address: 103 Fox St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 370-2337
Sebago Brewing
A great pub with excellent food and house craft beer. They poured their first beer at the original Sebago Brewing Company brewpub in 1998.
Beer selection includes Runabout Red, Lake Trout Stout, and their flagship Frye’s Leap IPA and lots of seasonal special brews. The food is excellent, sample items include — Prosciutto Panini, Lobster BLT & Clam Chowder, Sheperd’s pie, Crab Cakes, Bacon “Mac & Cheese and Burgers.
Address: 211 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Hours:
- Mon – Sat: 11am – 1am
- Sun: 11am – Midnight
(207) 775-2337
Brewery Tours
Too many breweries, too little time? Why not take an professionally guided tour. They conveniently include a wide variety of the best spots, behind-the-scenes VIP access to the production process with plenty of product sampling. Plus you’ll have designated driver. For more information please visit:
Shops
Cool As Moose
A cool place to shop in Maine for logo apparel, gifts, souvenirs and sunglasses. Open since 1986, Stop in and see why we were selected as the 2011 Maine Merchant of the year.
388 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-4515
Habitat for Humanity
Opened in 2006, the ReStore by Habitat for Humanity is a discount retail outlet that sells donated new and gently used building materials, appliances and furniture at greatly reduced prices. The ReStore is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00-5:00. All of the profits from the ReStore are used to support Habitat for Humanity home building projects in the Greater Portland area.
Hours:
- Tue – Sat: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
- Sun – Mon: Closed
Address: 659 Warren Avenue, Portland, ME 04103
(207) 221-0047
Attractions
When one thinks about Maine — lobsters, lighthouses and surf crashing on the rocky shore — these are the enduring images that come to mind. And a trip to Maine’s coast would not be complete without a visit to one of the many Lighthouses. My two favorite light houses are:
Portland Head Light–over 80 feet tall — is a prized American Landmark for its historical significance. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. Originally commissioned by George Washington, it is Maine’s oldest lighthouse that is still in use today guiding ships into Portland Harbor. Onsite there is a museum, and adjacent 90-acre park (Fort Williams Park) with crazy-nice ocean views, a public beach with picnic tables, bbq grills, a children’s garden, hiking and walking paths. Plenty to do within this 90 acres of well maintained recreational space. Great place for a picnic, to fly a kite, and explore the walking paths with picture-perfect cliff vistas.
There are two vendors in the park offering lobster rolls, sandwiches and gelato. Portland Head Light is located in Cape Elizabeth and is the beacon light for Portland Harbor. A must-see while in Portland.
You pay for the parking but entrance is free. No public bathrooms just porta potties. The Portland Head Light, in Cape Elizabeth, ME is place to relax for a few hours or ALL DAY!
Address: Portland Head Lighthouse, 12 Captain Strout Cir, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
The Portland Breakwater Lighthouse is a small lighthouse in South Portland, Maine. It is also referred to a Bug Light Park Lighthouse due to its small size, standing just 26-feet tall. Its 250 mm optic exhibits a white flash every four seconds across the Bay welcoming visitors to South Portland and historic Portland Harbor.
The lighthouse is situated at Bug Light Park, offering expansive views of Portland Harbor and the skyline of Maine’s largest city. The 8.78 acre park was the site of major shipbuilding activity during WWII. A nice place for picnicking, or to fly a kite, which is a popular activity there. It is also a busy boat launching sight and home to the Liberty Ship Memorial, and the South Portland Historical Society and Museum.
Address: S Portland Greenbelt Pathway, South Portland, ME 04106
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is a “sparkplug” light house built in 1897 to warn mariners of the dangerous obstruction on the west side of the main shipping channel into Portland Harbor. “Sparkplug” style lighthouses are cast iron structures built at offshore locations. (Prior to the invention of the gasoline combustion engine, they were referred to as “coffee pots”). Once there, you can walk / hop the rock jetty out to the lighthouse and get up close, and even touch the raw cast iron beacon. Make sure you have proper footwear to navigate the large rocks, no open toe shoes or flipflops, sneakers or hiking footwear. Be careful of the wide spaces in-between.
The lighthouse is owned by The Spring Point Ledge Light Trust. They offer guided tours during the summer months on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Trust also operate an onsite gift shop — all sales benefit lighthouse preservation.
Spring Point Ledge Light is located near the campus of Southern Maine Community College. Parking closest to the lighthouse is in the circle at the end of Fort Road.
Spring Point Ledge Light House
Lighthouse Lovers Scenic Tour — Why not visit all six lighthouse while in Portland, Maine. Check out the self-guided driving tour that will take you to all six lighthouses including Portland Head Light, which one of the most photogenic lighthouses in Maine.
Maine Open Lighthouse Day — Why not explore ALL 24 important lighthouses while in Maine. Each and every year in early September one can tour 24 of Maine’s unique lighthouses. This popular annual event, which is sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, the Maine Office of Tourism and the American Lighthouse Foundation, attracts between 15,000 to 18,000 visitors annually and offers the general public the rare opportunity to climb and learn about more than a dozen historic Maine lights. Check out the American Lighthouse Foundation for more info, including the date and a full list of lighthouses featured.
American Lighthouse Foundation
The Portland Observatory — The Portland Observatory is the only remaining historic maritime signal station in the United States. As an intact survivor from the Golden Age of Sail, the Observatory was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, became a National Historic Landmark in 2006, and named a National Civil Engineering Landmark in 2006. It celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2007.
The Observatory is open for the 2023 season until October 9th. For more information visit:
The Market / Harbor Fish Market
Experience the hustle and bustle of a live working fish market. A local landmark since the 1800s. Harbor Fish Market iconic market on Custom House Wharf is the number one destination for locals and people-from-away alike in search of fresh lobster in Maine, and the freshest seafood anywhere.
Watch the Fishmongers as they practice their craft, selecting and purchasing, handling, gutting, boning, filleting, displaying, merchandising and selling seafood. Witness live lobsters hauled off lobster boats right through the back door, and placed i, climate controlled tanks full of recirculating fresh seawater.
And no, they don’t throw their fish. “We love our fish. We wouldn’t do that. Still, bring your camera.”
Purchase fresh seafood form the source:
- Thy sell sturdy insulated boxes so you can travel with your fresh seafood (as checked baggage, or in some cases even as carry-on baggage).
- They will gladly pack your order in your own cooler.
- They could also cook your lobster for you to eat now at a latter time.
Address: 9 Custom House Wharf, Portland, Maine 04101
(207) 775-0251
Portland Museum of Art
Maine’s largest and oldest public art museum. Featuring an outstanding collection of American, European and contemporary paintings and a spotlight on many Maine masterworks of art, form the likes of Winslow Homer and his restored studio.
Summer Hours (through October 31):
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Thursday, Friday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Seven Congress Square
Address: Portland, Maine 04101
Admission:
Free on Friday evenings from 4 – 8 p.m., $15 adults, $13 seniors (65+), $10 students with I.D.
**Everyone 21 and under is free, thanks to the generosity of Susie Konkel
Other things to do
Take a tour on a lobster boat.
A great way to enjoy the water, and see Maine’s scenic coastline. The bonus is that you get to play ‘Lobster-man’ for a day, and learn about lobster harvesting from an expert. Participate in the excitement of hauling up the traps or sit back and relax as they cruise near picturesque lighthouses, historic civil war forts, and the “Seal Rocks.”
Dedication to quality and sustainability are a big part of the Maine lobster industry. Find out how the harvesters are protecting the natural resources for the next generation. From trap to tank, learn what it’s like on a Maine lobster boat tour!
Tours last for 80-90 minutes and passenger numbers are limited to ensure that everyone gets an up-close and personal Maine lobstering experience. The sweetest part of your journey is the opportunity enjoy your catch. You will be able to purchase the lobsters you caught at discounted, wholesale prices. Also, Portland Lobster Company, located across the street from the dock, will cook your catch and supply the drawn butter.
Eastern Promenade Trail
The Eastern Prom Trail is the jewel of Portland Trails network. Paved waterfront trail used by thousands to walk, bike, run, and swim in downtown Portland.
The Eastern Promenade Trail is a paved scenic waterfront trail great for walking, biking, and running. The trail is one of Portland’s centerpieces. It was built along an old rail corridor, running from the downtown area along the shoreline of Casco Bay to Back Cove. It offers spectacular harbor and ocean views. Along the trail are public toilets, benches, and a nice sandy public beach for swimming, sunbathing, breach combing and skipping rocks. Kayaks and canoes can be rented and launched from the beach or the boat ramp.
Address: Eastern Promenade Trail, Portland, ME 04101
Palace Playland in Old Orchard Beach
Need an ocean beach fix. Visit old Orchard beach only 25 minutes from Portland and 1-1/2 hours from Center Lovell Inn. The area has seven miles of clear surf and clean sandy beach with lifeguards (seasonal), clean restrooms, plus a nostalgic seaside amusement park on a pier, with alfresco bars and seafood shacks — overlooking the Atlantic ocean & beach. What better place to enjoy your Maine lobster rolls.
Palace Playland in Old Orchard Beach is New England’s only beach front amusement park. Every Thursday starting from the 4th of July there is a spectacular fireworks show. Home to 25 plus rides including a classic Ferris wheel, carousel, two roller coasters and other thrill rides. This is a classic beach side amusement park with a carnival / county fair feel. Free admission and lots of parking.
“Old Orchard Beach is one of the 10 Best Family Beaches for 2018 Family Vacation Critic.”
Rides open at 11:00am on Saturday and Sunday and 12 noon on weekdays.
Address: 1 Old Orchard St, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064