Things to Do in Portland, ME - Portland Attractions
Things to Do in Portland
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Allagash Brewing Company, Old Port, Breweries, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Allagash Brewing Company, Old Port, Breweries, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Portland.
Trolley Toursfromper adult$48
Dining Experiencesfromper adult$54
Historical Toursfromper adult$49
Private Sightseeing Toursfromper group (up to 5)$650
Cultural Toursfromper adult$49
Ghost Toursfromper adult$30
Beer & Brewery Toursfromper adult$89
Private Sightseeing Toursfromper adult$8
Sailingfromper adult$93
Private and Luxuryfromper adult$67
Neighborhoods
Historic waterfront district with cobblestone streets and quaint architecture, featuring a vibrant mix of shops, galleries, and dining with a focus on local seafood.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Mailboat cruise provides a scenic journey through a diverse archipelago, revealing local island life, historic lighthouses, and picturesque homes with early morning departures for sunrise views.
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History Museums
Art Museums
Art museum with an extensive collection including European masterpieces and works by Renoir and Monet, plus special exhibitions and an outdoor sculpture garden.
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Bodies of Water
Tranquil coastal escape with serene ferry rides to nearby islands, scenic lighthouse views, and inviting coastal roads. Features charming dining spots and local hospitality.
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Speciality Museums
Biking Trails
Scenic trail with views of Casco Bay and a mix of activities from picnicking to biking. Historical markers dot the path, with grassy areas and benches for relaxation.
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Speciality Museums
Scenic train journey through coastal landscapes with historical narratives, comfortable seating, and the unique opportunity to sound the train horn. Kid and pet-friendly.
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Other Top Attractions around Portland
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- Sadiegirl2014Litchfield, CT116 contributionsHad a great time visiting the brewery. I love that each beer selection can be purchased in 4 oz, flight sizes. We reserved a table on a Friday night to enjoy trivia. The atmosphere was great in January so I can only imagine what is like in the summer with open patios.Written January 11, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- kghudsonHouston, TX471 contributionsBeautiful shopping experience and a beautiful fall day. Lots of quaint shops and local galleries and vendors. Tons of restaurants and a typical northeast seaport. Must do if in the area!Written October 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ken GBloomfield, CT69 contributionsA terrific and inexpensive way to see the islands and get a feel for what living there is like. Boat was no frills: no food, but plenty of seats and a bathroom. Bring your favorite food. Watching the crew load and unload the cargo is interesting. We saw them deliver a washer and dryer, mail, a lot of Amazon, and a pickup truck.Written October 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Gary WWakefield, MA371 contributionsI have visited Newport, Blithwold and other Christmas decorated venues and I can say without reservation that the designers at Victoria Mansion outdid themselves. The theme was "stories" and each room embodied the theme of a different story. The one that stood out more then the reset was the Hansel and Gretel room! However, all were great. We went to see a Dickens Actor and then on a tour of the mansion. I was not expecting the quality and creativity I encountered. It was fantastic. Huge trees hanging from a 20ft ceiling are just one of the highlights. Santa hiding behind the Night Before Christmas Tree ( you can only see him in the mirror!). I could go on and on. I wish there were more! Each designer deserves an award!Written January 3, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Angela GStoneham, ME15 contributionsInteresting collection of themed exhibits. Not a world class museum but worth visiting. Was able to enjoy the collections in less than two hours.Written December 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NHjoSaco, ME14,914 contributionsWe took a winter walk in East Promenade and saw some great views of Casco Bay, including the islands and Fort Gorges. It was a clear and crisp late December day.Written December 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Judy L2 contributionsIf you go to Portland, this should be on your list. This was my favorite thing we did in the city - so interesting, run well, free parking, and great views. Very knowledgeable and nice docents. Peg was THE BEST!Written September 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NHjoSaco, ME14,914 contributionsAlthough it was December, it wasn't very cold. The views of Casco Bay, the islands, Gorges Fort, and etc. were wonderful. No food trucks, though.Written December 31, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- meri2009Portland, ME15 contributionsGreat Diamond Island is a 400 acre island a few miles off the coast of Portland, Maine. It is very easy to get to; simply take a ferry to either the Stateside Dock (Western part of the Island) or to the Diamond Cove Dock (the part of the Island that is almost entirely owned by residents who are in a HOA).
The ferry leaves from Portland and takes about 25 minutes to get to the Island.
But this is where the "easy' part of the experience ends.
What many visitors don't realize is that the Diamond Cove part of the Island is locked down tighter than a virgin on prom night. There is a sign on the dock telling people that they can only walk down Diamond Ave. On the short walk, they are, of course, welcome to spend lots of money at the two restaurants (Diamond's Edge and Crown Jewel) and go to the "general store" at the Crown Jewel and the market at Diamond's Edge.
There is also a little museum of Ft. McKinley on Diamond Ave. that closes at 2:00.
But the kicker is that no one can see the glory of the Ft. McKinley structures, since most were sold long ago and turned into condos and houses. The ramshackle Ft hospital building is visible from Diamond Ave. through the trees. The other military structures that have not been converted are tucked away on private roads.
There are lots of little beaches/shoreline areas, but a daytripper visitor may not approach. In fact, there are signs all over the place telling visitors, essentially, to go home and that they are not welcome. Which is within the rights of the HOA residents.
However, what you will not find is any signage indicating where the Inn at Diamond Cove is. Even if you do not want to stay overnight, there is a lovely restaurant. This is the passkey to walking around the Island. Invited guests (this is the particular phrase on the get lost signs) are allowed to walk the streets of the Diamond Cove side and go to the beaches. This includes guests of the Inn for meals or lodging.
BUT... there is no way for the residents to know who are trespassing mainlanders in their isolated enclave and who are guests of the Inn and Inn restaurant. So they glare. And refuse to say hello when greeted.
We walked down to the Pleasant Cove beach (covered in sea glass and pottery and interesting rocks) and were met with hostility from afar. We were able to walk around other beautiful trails and some old fort buildings in peace and quiet.
Of course, there nothing that any resident watchdog can actually do to get rid of people, because there are no police on the Island, and the residents also don't actually know who is with the Inn or the guest of a person who owns or rents a house in Diamond Cove.
My advice is be polite, be quiet, explain that you are a guest of the Inn, and don't encroach on people's lawns. This way you may get in a nice walk without being smoldered by laser looks from socially isolated Diamond Cove homeowners.
In an interesting twist, the Diamond Cove dock sign implies that the whole Island is off-limits generally. This is not true. If you bike or walk down Diamond Ave., after a few minutes, you will come to a gate. Go through the path to the other side.
YAY! You are now on the Western side, which plays by the normal rules: you may use the streets, go to the beaches/shoreside, and go on the playground. There is also a community center and although we did not go to it, I heard that it is nice and welcoming.
If you are going to the Island for the day, you can get off at either dock; it is a short bike or walk between both areas of the Island. There is plenty to explore, and it is a little adventure that is really great for kids. If you eat at the Inn restaurant, your adventure will be much better, because you will have legal (although not welcoming) access to all the roads and beaches on the Diamond Cove side.
Well, "legal" is a hazy word here. I have not been able yet to figure out the relationship between the businesses at Diamond Cove and the Diamond Cove home owners association. Staff at the businesses reported to me that the Association is "powerful" and everyone walks a delicate line, but that residents are usually fairly decent to visitors.
From about four hours before dead low tide onward, you can walk across the sandbar that connects Great Diamond to Little Diamond. (This is accessed from the Western side of the Island).
Little Diamond, like the Diamond Cove part of Great Diamond, also suffers from the disease
of inhospitality, but there is nothing to prevent a little hop across a cool sandbar.
If staying or eating at the Inn at Diamond Cove is not for you, there is an inn on the Western side, too.Written August 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Don MGreenville, SC3 contributionsNice minor league park. Seats have a great view of the field. The Usher staff is very helpful and friendly. Food was fine-typical ball park food. If you like minor league baseball like I do, I highly recommend Hadlock Field and Sea Dog baseball.Written August 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- clostridium gretaniDenver, CO5 contributionsIt was just a trip to check Maine off as a state I want to visit in my short time here in New England. I'm glad I visited. I had never ridden an old train, especially one that had a long history that wrestled sharing its time with progress (development of automobiles). And I thought that this part of Portland will be very crowded. I'm surprised it wasn't even though it was a tourist spot. Though the train ride was short (tour was 40 minutes long only), it cemented for me a little of what Maine is. I loved the salty smell of the air the moment I first arrived.Written August 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Odyssey200118643 contributionsIf you’re going to Portland Maine for any amount of time be sure to include a visit to Commercial Street in the Old Port part of town. There are countless restaurants and bars to enjoy and shopping for everyone regardless of taste or budget. Lots to see and do right on Commercial Street or go up a block or two and walk along the quaint cobble stone streets with dozens of restaurants, bars and shops to see and enjoy. For a real treat take one of the ferry boat rides or tours from Casco Ferry Terminal right on Commercial Street. Big thumbs up.Written June 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
- January24 ºFColdest month7 days of rainLess busy
- February26 ºF7 days of rainLess busy
- March34 ºF8 days of rainModerately busy
- April44 ºF8 days of rainModerately busy
- May54 ºF9 days of rainVery busy
- June63 ºF10 days of rainVery busy
- July69 ºFHottest month10 days of rainVery busyBusiest month
- August68 ºF9 days of rainVery busy
- September61 ºF8 days of rainModerately busy
- October50 ºF9 days of rainModerately busy
- November40 ºF9 days of rainWettest monthLess busy
- December30 ºF9 days of rainLess busyLeast busy month
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members 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.