Peaks Island
Peaks Island
4
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
206 reviews
Excellent
111
Very good
50
Average
25
Poor
7
Terrible
13
gig-girl2
Massachusetts115 contributions
Sep 2022
A good one-day excursion by bike, on foot, or by renting a golf cart. You can circumnavigate the island in an hour with a bike or golf cart. If you want some R&R or reading time, stay the night. There are 4-5 choices of eateries, with a few probably requiring reservations (or waits) in high season. After Labor Day, you can probably wing it. All of the eateries face Portland. If you want to eat or picnic facing the ocean, I recommend packing a lunch or picking up sandwiches. A local market makes sandwiches and has anything else you might need such as chips, drinks, healthy snacks, etc. And you can get a treat at a couple of local cafes. Do visit the umbrella cover museum. Do wander around some side streets. Do check out any local artists.
There are plenty of places to stop and either sit on stone benches or rocks to enjoy your food.
If you are a bit more adventurous, there are some short hiking trails, though they can be difficult to find and not well marked. There is a WW II era lookout, though well grown over, still accessible. Also, the 8th Maine Regiment lodge is worth a look, plus a nearby museum dedicated to sundry other local history. Both have a Maine sort of charm.
There are plenty of places to stop and either sit on stone benches or rocks to enjoy your food.
If you are a bit more adventurous, there are some short hiking trails, though they can be difficult to find and not well marked. There is a WW II era lookout, though well grown over, still accessible. Also, the 8th Maine Regiment lodge is worth a look, plus a nearby museum dedicated to sundry other local history. Both have a Maine sort of charm.
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry G
Bloomfield Hills, MI736 contributions
Jun 2022
Peaks Island is worth exploring if you take a golf cart tour (75 minutes) and learn about the history of the island which is quite fascinating. At one time the island had more than 15 hotels, 3 bowling alleys, movie theater, dance hall and ferries ran 24 hours. Now there isn't a single hotel and service is very limited to a few restaurants.
To get here, take the ferry from Casco Bay, downtown Portland (be sure to have lunch on the pier when done, so many fun seafood shacks to enjoy). Ferry ride is only 17 minutes and about $7 RT. Departs on the hour except at lunch time which is disappointing because if you are on the island, departures are 12:45PM and then 2:45PM. Once your tour is done, not much left to do.
To get here, take the ferry from Casco Bay, downtown Portland (be sure to have lunch on the pier when done, so many fun seafood shacks to enjoy). Ferry ride is only 17 minutes and about $7 RT. Departs on the hour except at lunch time which is disappointing because if you are on the island, departures are 12:45PM and then 2:45PM. Once your tour is done, not much left to do.
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sammy1232018
Washington DC, DC344 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
I’ve stayed on Peakes for years and this year will be my last unfortunately. I’ve always loved the solitude the island used to bring but now it’s simply chaotic. I feel for everyone pouring onto the island as a day tripper realizing that there aren’t many amenities for them ie bathrooms, maps of the island so they know where to go… The ferry is so packed now that getting off the island my take two hours or more because of the cycle it runs. My suggestions to anyone is to make the golf cart reservation in advance it is expensive though so take that into account. The bikes are a great option but many times sold out. The food is just ok so many better options in Portland. The island has become so popular that the prices to rent an place has sky rocketed and is no longer very affordable for me. My next visit to Portland I’ll stay downtown and probably be a day tripper myself getting back and forth is no longer an easy option on a regular basis.
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blue-Eyes-Fam
Bonaire, GA355 contributions
Jun 2021
I would venture to say that the people who rave about Peaks Island, and the people who complain about Peaks Island, are doing it for the same exact reasons. If you enjoy being out in nature, you will love Peaks. If you are looking for an Entertainment Hub, you will hate Peaks. It is nature, that's it's biggest draw. If you're not interested in getting out in nature and hiking, biking, exploring and being "in nature", then you will most certainly be bored. For us, and there were 5 of us including my 5 year old Grandson, it was a grand old time. We loved exploring the Coast Line, and hiking into Battery Steele and "spelunking" a little in the old fortification. Those who wish to gold cart the island should be forewarned that you should reserve one before you get to the island otherwise you will not be able to get one. You may have some luck with bikes without reservations, but don't gamble if hoof power frightens you. There's a small selection of shops down by the docks where you can get an Ice Cream, or a Sandwich, or a Souvenir. And most importantly of all, make sure you hit the Head on the Ferry ride over as Public Rest Rooms are scarce on the island. Probably the worst part of Peaks Island is walking around and seeing all of the out of state license plates in the driveways. Peaks is quintessential Maine, and it seems a shame that it should play host to mostly out of staters.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NHjo
Saco, ME15,028 contributions
Jul 2021
We just spent under two hours on the island, after taking the ferry. Didn't rent bikes or golf carts, just had cocktails overlooking the harbor and visited a few shops and the Umbrella Cover Museum. We really just wanted to take a ferry ride on a beautiful July day. The views of Portland and Casco Bay were outstanding. We'd go back and rent a golf cart in the autumn when the tourist season isn't 'at peak' (no pun intended).
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Snorkelbear
Jackson, NH2,739 contributions
Jul 2021
Get away from the cheap tourist shops and chain restraunts, and get to Peaks Island. Be Warned! This is a Maine Island, not Disney's version of a Maine Island. Ferry runs approx on the Hour for $7 20 min ride both ways. Check the scheudle and plan accordingly. We skipped dining on the Island because choices are limited and waits are long. We got a bike from Brad's and biked the island clockwise, took about 1.5 hours add a stop at Sandy Beach and it is a perfect trip. Grab an Ice Cream and wait for the ferry home!
Written July 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee W
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Don't go here.....
I've never been there before.
Took the ferry from Portland. About $8 round-trip. Good price
Got to the Island after short nice 25 minute cruise. Was nice
Set foot on the island and other than renting a good Catt ($50/hour) and getting ice cream there was literally nothing to do. So boring. No shopping. Maybe 2 or 3 restaurants.
I have no clue why anyone except the local residents would ever go there again. I know I won't...
Thank goodness the ferry took the wife and I back to Portland an hour later....
I've never been there before.
Took the ferry from Portland. About $8 round-trip. Good price
Got to the Island after short nice 25 minute cruise. Was nice
Set foot on the island and other than renting a good Catt ($50/hour) and getting ice cream there was literally nothing to do. So boring. No shopping. Maybe 2 or 3 restaurants.
I have no clue why anyone except the local residents would ever go there again. I know I won't...
Thank goodness the ferry took the wife and I back to Portland an hour later....
Written July 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurie F
Jericho, VT20 contributions
Aug 2021
Do not bother going to Peaks Island; it is a tourist trap. It's basically a suburb on an island. There is not much to do: the commercial district is tiny, comprising a couple of restaurants and food trucks, as well as a small art gallery and the ridiculous umbrella cover museum. It's simply not worth the huge crowds and the price of the round trip. There are better options for food, views, interesting attractions, etc., on the mainland.
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lvtraveler0389
Bethlehem, PA115 contributions
Oct 2020
we took the daily ferry over and we saw a cab driver - bob - who gives tours when he does not have fares. he gave us an indepth review of history, local color, and met many locals - all for $10 each. well worth it!
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas W
Plainview, NY75 contributions
Aug 2020
Wife and I thought this place would a cute way to spend half a day with gift shops, eateries, shopping. Big mistake on all fronts. We had to wait ove an hour for the next ferry but all other ceuiaes were sold out. The 17 minute ride was ok. We get off with the huge crowd and had no idea what to do. Tours were full, bikes and gold carts taken so we decided to walk. But there is nothing to see or do! There are about 10 places of business & thats it. One gallery, an ice cream shop, bike rentals and one real reataurant. We immediately regretted coming here as the next ferry was 2 1/2 hours away. The one restaurant was full and no tables. We settled on a food truck and had a lobster roll and lemonade. $50 for the 2 of us, not cheap. Then the rain started and we didnt even have a place to sit down with the food out of the rain. Rain stopped and we just sat on a bench after walking around for a half hr. Worst place to visit. The whole area looked like a tired village not tourist friendly. A few eateries that existed were closed. Seems that portland businesses close sunday monday and tuesday. Dont come to portland those days. It is dead. Parking in the street is easy and 4 star hotels were $125. But thats cause sun and mon its dead. Anyway - we hated peaks island for visiting unless it gets built up with a few restaurants and things to do there, stay away.
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you tell me more about using golf carts on the island? . We aren’t bike riders. Is it fun to get around on the carts? How long do you spend out there?
Written August 6, 2018
Lots of people had carts and they all looked like they were having fun. I think the carts were 25 an hour, which is enough time to see everything.
Written August 10, 2018
At the waterfront in the old port. Casco Bay Lines.
Written July 18, 2018
How much time before departure should we get to the Casco Bay Ferry to get tickets?
Written July 12, 2018
Sometimes there is a line ...15 minutes prior to include line to purchase tickets and then board
Written September 5, 2018
Are there dog-friendly restaurants on Peaks Island?
Written August 7, 2017
I believe I have seen dogs at Millie's, Peaks Cafe. Not sure about the others
Written August 9, 2017
Is there a beach to sit on in Peaks island to swim? We are staying on Diamond Island and not sure if its a worthwhile day visit to Peaks? Any suggestions
Written July 25, 2017
Where can I stay for a night or two??? On the Island or Portland?? Thanks!
Written September 14, 2016
I do not remember seeing an inn on Peaks Island. We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Portland. The location is downtown and is a few blocks from the Pier.
Written September 17, 2016
alphamom
Londonderry, Vermont
5 contributions
What is Peaks Island or any of the Maine Island around Peaks like in October to visit?
Written August 13, 2016
It will be a little chilly, especially in the morning and evening - bring warm clothes! If you're lucky we'll have a slow fall foliage season into October. Ferries will still be running as normal.
Happy travels!
Written August 29, 2016
Hello!
I need to rent a bicycle built for 2. I would like the telephone number of a bike shop to ensure availability.
Thank you!
Written July 10, 2016
Brads Island Bike Rentals:
Peaks Island, 115 Island Ave, Portland, ME, United States
Phone: (207) 766-5631
Written August 29, 2016
Good Evening, my husband and I will be attending a wedding on September 10th. and cannot find any accommodation, if anybody has a room to rent for a night we would be very grateful! Have a B&B in Nova Scotia so am trustable haha!!If you can't please ask your friends. Can email me at Tks. Jacinthe
Written May 5, 2016
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