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What To Do In Portland, Maine

I first visited Portland, Maine on a family trip to New England a few years ago. Since it has long been a goal of mine to visit all 50 states, I looked at our trip to Boston as the perfect opportunity to check nearby New Hampshire and Maine off that list. I had been told by many people about the beauty of Maine, especially in the summer. So we settled on 3 days in Portland, ME with a day trip to nearby Peaks Island. A trip sure to bring about tons of family fun,

But aside from consuming one’s body weight in lobster rolls, what is there to do in Portland Maine? Granted this isn’t a bustling metropolis like Boston. It’s more of a quaint town. With a population of only 68,313 people, Portland is a much more laid-back place to visit. But there are plenty of fun and accessible things to do in Portland, Maine.

Below I’ll go over some of the best Portland Maine tourist attractions, unique places to visit in Maine, and cool places in Portland.

Best Time To Visit Portland, Maine

The best time to visit Portland, Maine is from June through August. The warm weather is perfect, seldom climbing above 80 degrees. During the summer months, precipitation also dips to its lowest numbers, so you’re likely to have clear skies for your trip. In summer you’ll also find peak festival season if you’re into arts and music.

If you’d like to avoid the crowds (though we visited in August and it was not very crowded) fall is also a great time to travel to Portland. Particularly if you’re looking to take in views of that famous New England fall foliage.

How To Get To Portland Maine

On our trip, we flew into Boston's Logan International Airport and drove up to Maine, which took about 2 hours and 10 minutes. But you can fly into Portland International Jetport (PWM.)

I did fly out of Portland International Jetport and found it to be legitimately the most adorable airport in the world. Instead of benches or rows of airport chairs, they had comfy sofas and super cute rocking chairs. It was a very relaxing way to wait for my flight home to Los Angeles.

Where To Stay In Portland Maine

Here are my top places with accessible rooms and common areas.

Luxury Hotels

The Francis - This 5-star hotel is located in Portland's Bramhall neighborhood, near the Art District, The Francis is a gorgeous historical landmark with a spa and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is situated mere feet from Deering Street Park, Deering Oaks Park, Fitzpatrick Stadium, Victoria Mansion, and the Wadsworth Longfellow House. Accessibility features include Braille signage, auditory guidance, and lowered sink and bathroom grab rails. The property is wheelchair accessible.

Portland Harbor Hotel - Located in Old Port Portland near the waterfront, The Portland Harbor Hotel features a restaurant, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. This 4-star hotel is close to the Wadsworth Longfellow House, Victoria Mansion, and Portland Observatory. The property is wheelchair accessible.

Mid-Range Hotels

Aloft Portland Maine - Located 1.4 miles from East End Beach in Downtown Portland, Aloft Portland offers a fitness center, lounge, and free bike rentals. The hotel also offers an a la carte or vegetarian breakfast. Nearby attractions include Victoria Mansion, Deering Street Park, and the Wadsworth Longfellow House. Accessibility features include auditory guides, Braille signage, bathroom emergency cords, lowered bathroom sinks, raised toilets, bathroom grab rails, and wheelchair-accessible common areas.

Budget Hotels

La Quinta by Wyndham Portland - Located directly off Interstate 295 in central Portland, this hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi access. The Portland Observatory is 2.5 mi from the hotel. The Old Port Waterfront is 2.1 mi away and The Arts District is 1.9 mi away. Accessibility features include Braille signage, raised toilet, bathroom grab rails, and wheelchair-accessible common areas.

How To Get Around Portland Maine

The Greater Portland METRO provides bus service throughout Portland. They also connect to Amtrak Downeaster, Casco Bay Ferry, Portland Jetport, and several other regional transit options.

The easiest way to travel on the bus is with a DiriGo Pass. To load money onto your bus pass is to visit DiriGoPass.org. This gives you the ability to ride METRO, Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit, and South Portland Bus Service. Simply Download the UMO Mobility App, register your DiriGo Pass account, add value, and you’re ready to go. When you board the bus, scan your QR code from your phone, and have a seat.

All METRO buses are accessible and equipped with passenger lifts or ramps that can be used by persons with wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids.

For a schedule, maps, and more at: GPMETRO.ORG

Fun and Unique Things To Do In Portland Maine

If you’re looking for the coolest things to do in Portland, Maine then you’ve come to the right spot. Truth be told I’ve even included some weird things to do in Portland, Maine, like visiting the umbrella cover museum or the International Cryptozoology Museum. Proving Portland, Oregon isn’t the only Portland that should be kept weird.

Portland Observatory

The Portland Observatory is not the traditional dome-shaped observatory that one might expect, but rather a historic maritime signal tower. Built in 1807, it is the last known surviving tower of its type in the United States. Using both a telescope and signal flags, two-way communication between ship and shore was possible several hours before an incoming vessel reached the docks. The tower was designated a National Historic Landmark and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 2006; it is now managed by Greater Portland Landmarks, a local historic preservation nonprofit. It is open to the public as a museum.

Address: 138 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101

2. Merrill Auditorium

Originally known as the Portland City Hall Auditorium, Merill Auditorium was built in 1912 and underwent major renovations in 1997. The theatre features a massive pipe organ. Merrill is home to the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Maine State Ballet, Portland Ballet, and Opera Maine. The 1,908-seat performance space also hosts concerts and comedy performances. For a full schedule of Maine events and tickets check out PortTIX.

Address: 20 Myrtle St, Portland, ME 04101

3. Peaks Island

Maine is filled with great island getaways, places like Desert Island, Bar Harbor, Maine, and Acadia National Park. While those locations are a little far from Portland, you can still have fun with some island hopping by planning a visit to Peak’s Island.

One of my favorite things to do in Portland, ME was to take the ferry to nearby Peaks Island. The ride takes about 17 minutes, but you’ll be transported a world away to this former WWII outpost and former Coney Island of Maine. Peaks Island is not home to artists, retirees, and a substantial summer population. The ocean views alone are well worth the trip. We rented a golf cart and set off to explore the island for a few hours.

Some of the island highlights include:

A visit to the Fifth Maine Museum for a glimpse into the island’s history and to see the newly restored battle flag of the Fifth Maine Regiment of the Civil War.
Grab lunch and take in the ocean views at the Island Lobster Company, Cockeyed Gull, or the Inn on Peaks.
Enjoy the breathtaking views from Backshore or from atop the haunted Battery Steele.

Stroll along Island Avenue, and visit Take a Peak, the Gem Gallery, and the world’s only Umbrella Cover Museum, a truly quirky treat.
Grab a delicious ice cream from Down Front, 50 Island Ave, Peaks Island, ME.

Golf carts can be rented from Mike’s Carts. They offer half-day, full-day, weekend, and weekly golf cart rentals. Golf carts can also be rented hourly with a 2-hour minimum.

4. Arts District

Located roughly at the intersections of Congress, High, Oak, and Park Streets, this neighborhood contains an array of mainstream arts and cultural museums, bohemian art galleries, and performance spaces. Here you’ll find a variety of museums, many of which I’ll cover later on this list. But here are a few other highlights worth mentioning.

If you’re visiting Portland and looking for kid-friendly activities, check out the nearby Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine (250 Thompsons Point Rd, Portland, ME, 04102 phone: 207-828-1234, www.childrensmuseumofme.org. This museum boasts many hands-on exhibits and activities to entertain and educate children including children’s play areas featuring a market, bank, and car repair shop. There are also several Maine attractions like a lobster boat, shipyard, and pirate boat. The entire Museum & Theatre is ADA accessible. There are two accessible parking spaces in front of their yellow front doors and two more next to the outdoor playground.

If you’re interested in Maine’s history, check out The Maine Historical Society (489 Congress Street, 207-774-1822, www.mainehistory.org. This museum traces the more than 300-year history of European settlement in the great state of Maine, as well as presenting exhibits that chronicle Native American societies. The museum is wheelchair-accessible. A wheelchair sidewalk ramp is available at the corner of Congress and Brown Streets.

Another great thing to do in this area is shop for art and jewelry. There are a ton of small art galleries if you’re looking for some unique works by local Maine artists. You’ll find everything from sculptures and paintings to home furnishings and jewelry ranging from sea glass to high-art gemstones.

5. Eastern Promenade

If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors, check out Portland’s Eastern Promenade. It’s Portland’s largest developed park, spanning an impressive 78 acres. The park provides spectacular views of Casco Bay and direct access to the waterfront, which is wheelchair accessible. The Eastern Promenade features an Olmsted-designed landscape, a Multi-Use Trail, Playground, public boating ramp, several memorials, East End Beach, two community gardens, and fantastic sledding areas available in the winter months. There are also plenty of picnic areas and spaces to sit and enjoy the views of the water.

6. Portland Museum

One of the best things to do in Portland, The Portland Museum of Art, or PMA, is the largest and oldest public art institution in Maine. Founded as the Portland Society of Art in 1882, its located in The Arts District in Portland, Maine.

The PMA offers a variety of American, European, and contemporary art, as well as iconic works by local Maine artists. Some of the more notable pieces include works by Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso, Rene Magritte, and Winslow Homer. Works include paintings, sketches, photographs, sculptures, pottery, furniture, and more.

Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. From November through late May, the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Admission costs $15 for adults. Children 14 and younger get in for free. There are also discounts available for students and seniors. The museum offers free admission for all on Fridays from 4-8 pm.

Portland Museum of Art is completely accessible, including the attached McLellan house, via elevators or electric lifts. Accessible restrooms are also available. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a wheelchair, please call in advance of your visit, (207) 775-6148, option 1.

For those with low vision labels and information from select exhibitions are available as large format printouts at the Konkel Family Welcome Center. The PMA also offers an audio guide to the collection. All audio content is fully transcribed and the website for the audio guide is screen-reader friendly.

For the deaf and hard of hearing, live ASL interpretation is available for most online programming and can be provided upon request. Captioning is available for all online programming and select videos on the PMA Vimeo.

Address: 7 Congress Square Portland, ME 04101

7. Old Port

The Old Port is a charming historic district with cobblestone streets and brick buildings housing clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, and gourmet food stores. While very quaint, the cobblestone can prove problematic for some with mobility issues.

The Old Port area is also a nightlife hot spot where pubs, breweries, and cocktail bars draw young crowds. Old Port is also a hub of excellent restaurants including stylish New American restaurants and traditional seafood spots along the waterfront.

If you’re looking to explore one of the nearby islands, this is also where you’ll catch the ferry.

8. A Culinary Walking Tour

While not suitable for those with mobility impairments, this walking tour of Portland is worth mentioning for those who are capable of walking for three hours. The Portland Culinary Walking Tour takes visitors on a tour of Maine’s foodie city. Explore restaurants in Portland, Maine as the tour winds through Old Port. Heads up, as previously mentioned Old Port is largely made up of cobblestone streets which can pose issues for those with mobility issues.

Guests will learn the culinary history of the Port City, meet local culinary artisans, taste, and have the opportunity to take home some of Maine’s local craft beers.

Tours can be modified for guests with gluten, seafood, and nut allergies as well as those with vegetarian dietary preferences.

Click Here For Portland Food Tour Tickets

9. Deering Oaks Park

Designed by City Engineer William Goodwin, Deering Oaks Park opened in 1879 before the invention of the lightbulb. In keeping with Goodwin’s wishes that the park be enjoyed as a natural place and not a formal city park, Deering Oaks was not lit at night for almost a century. William was heavily inspired by a naturalistic style and added features such as a bandstand, Victorian duck house, castle, and playground to complement the beautiful natural surroundings.

Today the park boasts a baseball diamond, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, a playground, a splash pad, and a pond. The park is wheelchair-accessible.

Location: Deering Oaks is located west of downtown Portland and is bordered by Deering Avenue on the west, Forest Avenue on the east, Park Avenue to the south, and Interstate 295 to the north.

10. Lucky Catch Cruises

Looking to do some authentic Maine Lobstering? Check out Lucky Catch Cruises. Guests can join their guide and local lobster fishermen for a memorable excursion on the waters of Casco Bay. Haul up traps or simply take in the incredible views of Portland’s lighthouses, historic Civil War forts, and beautiful Seal Rocks.

Tours last 80-90 minutes. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, but there is seating for those with mobility issues.

Click Here For Tickets On Lucky Catch Cruises

11. Victoria Mansion

Also known as the Morse-Libby House, Victoria Mansion was built as a summer home for Ruggles Sylvester Morse and his wife, Olive. Both local Maine residents, Morse made his fortune operating luxury hotels in New Orleans and returned to Maine to build this glorious summer home. Designed by architect Henry Austin, Victoria Mansion is considered one of the best examples of the Italian Villa style in the United States.

Built near Portland’s earliest gas and sewer lines, the house became an example of posh elegance and modern-day conveniences such as hot and cold running water, central heating, flush toilets, gas lighting, wall-to-wall carpeting, a servant call-bell system, and a 25-foot stained glass skylight.

Victoria Mansion is one of the top sites to see in Portland, Maine. Its gorgeous architecture and stunning original interiors make it one of the most important nineteenth-century homes anywhere in the nation.

Wheelchair users can enter through the gift shop located up the driveway to purchase tickets. You will then be escorted to the back of the house using a ramp and lift. Unfortunately, only the first floor of the mansion is wheelchair-accessible, but there is still plenty to see. Guests who are unable to use the stairs may also view the second-floor rooms and history on an iPad slide presentation.

Tickets are $16 and include a guided tour.

Address: 109 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04101

12. Allagash Brewing Company

If you’re looking for fun activities in Portland, Maine, why not visit the Allagash Brewing Company? Named for a town in Aroostook County, Maine Allagash has won Brewery of the Year, for their size category, at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival. Their founder, Rob, also won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional in 2019.

Allagash is an independent craft brewery. In addition to their signature Allagash White, a Belgian-style wheat beer, you’ll find wild, sour, barrel-aged, and spontaneously fermented beers to try as well.

Their tasting room is a family-friendly environment with a spacious outdoor beer garden. The tasting room is open Monday and Thursday from 11 am to 6 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. The tasting room is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Guests can also choose to visit the cellars for a unique beer-tasting experience. Small groups of guests will sample a wide range of specialty beers in a curated tasting session run by their knowledgeable staff. Guests receive 5 pours over a 1 1/2-hour tasting experience. Tickets are $35 per person. For tickets visit the Allagash Brewing Company website.

Allagash Brewing Company is wheelchair-accessible.

Address: 50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103

13. Old Orchard Beach

If you’re looking for fun things to do near Portland, Maine, consider visiting Old Orchard Beach. Just 25 minutes from Portland, Old Orchard Beach is located on the inner side of Saco Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. The town is a very popular seaside resort, offering a myriad of tourist-oriented businesses, including clam shacks and T-shirt shops. The 7-mile beach features a wooden pier and is lined with many beach residential properties, motels, and bed and breakfasts.

If you’re visiting Portland with kids, you’ll love the seaside amusement park Palace Playland. This amusement park dates back to 1902 and sits on four acres of beachfront property.

For those needing beach wheelchairs, ten wheelchairs are placed at hotels along the water, and at the Old Orchard Beach Recreation Office. Chairs are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. They are free to use.

Address: 11 First Street Old Orchard Beach, Maine 04064

14. Crescent Beach State Park

Located eight miles south of Portland in picturesque Cape Elizabeth, Crescent Beach State Park features sandy oceanfront beaches, wooded areas, saltwater coves, and rock ledges. Opened in 1966, Crescent Beach State Park is a classic saltwater beach park with beautiful sand dunes, ocean breezes, picnic areas, herring gulls, and views of fishing boats and an offshore island.

The park's main feature and namesake is a mile-long, crescent-shaped beach perfect for sunbathing, nature watching, and outdoor recreation.

The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands is committed to providing accessible resources for people with disabilities. Crescent Beach State Park features wheelchair-accessible restrooms, parking, picnic tables, showers, trails, and food service. There are also beach wheelchairs available for use.

Address: 109 Bowery Beach Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

15. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad

My dad is a huge train and railroad enthusiast. We’ve crisscrossed the country as a family by train, so I’m always keen to include a great train experience in my guides. If trains are your idea of fun, then Narrow Guage Railroad needs to be on your list of fun things to do in Portland, ME.

Narrow gauge railroads are a rather unique experience. While most narrow gauge railroads in the US have rails spaced 3 feet apart, Maine developed a system of rails spaced even closer together, a cushy 2 feet. The advantage was that Maine's remote towns, separated by rocky hills, thick forests, and rough topography, could be accessed most efficiently.

When over the years the narrow gauge railcars fell out of fashion, the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum took them in and gave them new life. The Museum is a nonprofit educational organization and popular visitor attraction averaging over 55,000 visitors annually.

The leisurely, daily scenic train ride lasts approximately 40 minutes and travels 1.5 miles (3 miles round trip) along Portland's Eastern Promenade, with splendid views of Casco Bay.) Check out the Main Narrow Guage Railroad website for tickets and information on special rides like the ice cream trains, sunset expresses, and Winter time’s polar express.

The railroad is wheelchair-accessible.

Address: 49 Thames St, Portland, ME 04101

16. See A Vintage Fire Truck

The Portland Fire Museum was built in 1837. Originally a firehouse, schoolhouse, and voting room for Ward 6, the building is listed on the Nation Historic Registry. If you’d like a somewhat peculiar experience in an unusual museum, head to the Portland Fire Museum.

The Portland Fire Museum contains one of the best collections of antique firefighting equipment, photographs, documents, and paintings. The downside, the museum is open for a very limited time. You can explore this uniquely Portland experience only on Wednesdays from 11 am to 2 pm. A $5 donation is suggested.

The museum is wheelchair accessible.

Address: 157 Spring St, Portland, ME 04101

17. Portland Head Light

Located in Fort Williams Park, the Portland Head Light State Park, and the lighthouse are some of the most iconic parts of Portland, Maine. Portland and adjacent areas have long been protected by the Portland Head. Dating back to 1776, the town of Cape Elizebeth posted a guard of eight soldiers to warn citizens of incoming British attacks. Finally, in 1787 money was provided by the General Court of Massachusetts to begin the construction of a lighthouse. The lighthouse was finally lit in 1791, employing the use of 16 whale oil lamps.

The park around Portland Head opened in 1898. The grounds of Fort Williams Park provide numerous walking paths, a cliff walk with sweeping views and a fantastic Arboretum.

Your visit to the Portland Head Light includes a stop at the museum located inside the Keepers’ Quarters. The museum features a variety of lighthouse displays including a collection of lighthouse lenses. There’s also a gift shop offering a variety of Maine-inspired gifts and lighthouse-related tchotchkes.

The lighthouse museum and shop are wheelchair accessible. There is a ramp to the left of the museum entrance. The sidewalks in Fort Williams are steep in parts, but very smooth.

Address: 1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

18. International Cryptozoology Museum

If you’re looking for one of the more odd things to do around Portland, Maine, look no further than the International Cryptozoology Museum. Explore the mystery of Bigfoot, the illusive Loch Ness Monster, the history of mermaids & more. For an extra treat pop in their Cryptostore and pick up a unique souvenir like a sasquatch air freshener or a stuffed coelacanth.

The museum is open seven days a week, from 11 am to 5:30 pm. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

While the museum continues to look for a $100,000 grant to accommodate second-floor access for disabled guests, they are fully accessible on their first floor. If you are disabled, speak to the staff on duty about a fee discount.

Address: 4 Thompson’s Point Road, 106, Portland, ME 04102

19. Enjoy The Lobster

You can’t think of Maine without thinking of lobster. Even McDonald’s offers a lobster roll in Portland. Though I recommend you set your sites a smidge higher and try one of these fantastic restaurants known for their delicious lobster dishes:

Portland Lobster Company: Nothing beats their live music and lobster feast. Located at: 180 Commercial Street, Portland, ME, USA

The Porthole: Their twin lobster dinner features two 1 1/4 lb steamed lobsters, served with a side of mashed potatoes, farm vegetables, a warm roll, and a side of drawn butter. Located at: 20 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME, USA

Boone’s Fish House and Oyster Room: If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience try the incredible lobster bake on their menu that simply can’t be missed. Also, try the lobster bloody Mary cocktail complete with lobster claw. Located at: 86 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, USA

Eventide Oyster Co: For the best lobster roll in Portland, check out Eventide. Located at: 86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101, USA

Bite Into Maine: If you’re looking for some casual food truck lobster you can’t go wrong with Bite Into Maine. It’s one of the most popular food trucks in the state.

DiMillo’s On The Water: Have a hankering for lobster mac and cheese? Head to Dimillo’s. Located at:25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME 04101, USA

20. Wadsworth Longfellow House

The Wadsworth Longfellow House has both historical and literary importance, as it is both the oldest standing structure on the Portland peninsula and the childhood home of the famous American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

American Revolutionary War General Peleg Wadsworth built the house in 1785–1786. It quickly gained notoriety as the first wholly brick dwelling in Portland. Son, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, was born on February 27, 1807. Wadsworth Longfellow spent 35 years living in the famous brick house.

Today, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House is a three-story, brick structure set in the heart of Portland's downtown area. The Home celebrated its centennial as Maine’s first house museum in June of 2002. The house is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

For tickets and tours, visit the Maine Historical Society website.

Vans needing wheelchair access should use the Brown Street sidewalk ramp (at the corner of Congress and Brown). The first floor of the house is wheelchair-accessible. The second floor of the Wadsworth-Longfellow House has some accessibility limitations.

Address: 489 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101

Hope You Enjoy My List of Fun Things To Do In Portland Maine

From the spectacular bay views to the delicious lobster and quaint airport rocking chairs, Portland, Maine is a uniquely charming city. I’m happy I got to check Maine off my list. It’s definitely a great place to go to be one with nature and relax.

Have a place I missed? feel free to drop it in the comments below.

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