Are you thinking about traveling to the Northeast, but unsure of which destinations are worth the visit? If so, then you have to add Portland, Maine to your itinerary. There’s a boatload of things to do and places to visit. It’s the perfect destination for relaxing on the coast, delicious seafood, and witnessing beautiful fall foliage. If you only have a weekend to spend in Portland, then this list will give you some ideas of what you can do during your visit. That said, here are some of the best things to do in Portland:
1. Explore the historic district of Old Port
Once you arrive in Portland, you’ll want to explore Old Port, the historic district of the city full of restaurants, cafes, and fish markets. It’s also an area where you can see the fishermen coming in from sea with pounds and pounds of seafood. If you’re craving lobster, this is definitely the place to be. I enjoyed exploring Old Port because of its walkability and wealth of eateries. The food along the coast was pretty expensive, so if you’re looking to save some pennies, opt to go further inland for more choices. There’s also a beautiful park, Fort Allen Park, located at the end of the harbor which is perfect for an afternoon stroll.
2. Try lobster rolls and clam chowder
When in Portland, eat lobster rolls and clam chowder. It’s a given that you can’t visit Maine and not try the fresh lobster. Although lobsters are on the pricier side, it’s definitely worth it, especially if lobsters aren’t your typical, everyday meal. You can also buy them from the supermarket and save a little money that way. Be sure to order some clam chowder as well!
3. Relax at Fort Sumner Park with a city view
While searching for a place to park, we stumbled upon this park by accident. Fort Sumner Park is a small, yet beautiful spot for views of the city. It’s situated on a hill, so the view was expansive and captured so much of Portland. That said, if you’re looking for a great view of the city, be sure to stop at Fort Sumner Park during your trip.
4. Visit Cape Elizabeth
Cape Elizabeth sits at the southern coast of Maine just a few miles outside of Portland. It’s the perfect place to explore if you’re interested in parks, beaches, trails, and lighthouses. As long as the weather allows, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible outside.
5. Watch the sunset at Portland Head Light
By far one of the best things to do in Portland is to visit the iconic Portland Head Light. It’s probably what comes to mind when you think of Maine. The area surrounding the lighthouse was beautiful filled with gardens and walking trails. You’ll want to snap plenty of photos from either side, especially during sunset or sunrise. We opted to visit as the sun was setting, which helped capture the most picturesque views. To learn more about the history of the lighthouse, check out their website here.
6. Admire the Fall Foliage
We traveled to Portland at the end of September just as the leaves started turning all shades of orange, yellow, and red. It was definitely one of the most spectacular sights to see in the area. That said, if your travel dates are flexible, be sure to research the best times to visit in order to see more fall foliage.
7. Try a Holy Donut
Craving a little sweetness in Portland? Head to The Holy Donut, a donut shop known for their potato-based donuts and interesting flavors. My recommendation would be the dark chocolate sea salt flavor, a perfect balance of salty and sweet. This donut shop is very popular so be prepared if you have to wait. Check out more flavors on their website here!🍩😋
There you have it! Although there’s so many more things to do in Portland, I hope this list gave you an idea of where to start. Whether you visit during the summer or winter, alone or with a group, you’re sure to walk away with memorable moments from the Northeast. Let me know in the comment section what ends up being your favorite thing about Portland. Happy wandering! ✈
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my destinations page.