Things To Do In Portland, Maine - The Ultimate List
135+ Things to do in Portland, Maine - The Ultimate List
Look no further for the most helpful list of things to do in Portland Maine on your next visit. Here, you will find a list of 135+ things to do including restaurants, views, bars, music venues and more.
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Hit The Water
Kayak Rentals
Rent a Kayak from Portland Paddle on the Eastern Promenade and visit Ram Island Ledge Light Station in Casco Bay.
Ferry Tours
Take a Ferry out to Cushing Island to visit Fort Levett with Casco Bay Lines.
On the back side of Long Island, visit Shark Cove. A white sandy beach with public access from 9-4pm!
Check out Casco Bay through the eyes of the mail carrier tour - hop on the mail boat to check out Little Diamond, Great Diamond, Long, Cliff and Chebeague Islands.
Lobster Tours
Take a Lucky Catch Cruise and catch your own lobster.
Sailboat Cruises
Calendar Island Sailing Co. offers daily cruises during the summer around Casco Bay on their gorgeous Alden-Boothbay Challenger yacht. They even offer the option of a private, catered charter.
Experience an acoustic sunset sail, a yoga sail, or a wine sail on The Maine Sailing Adventures gaff rigged cutter.
Kids Activities
Take A Train Ride
Ride the Narrow Gauge Rail in Portlands Eastern Promenade on a 3 mile round trip journey from May through October. Tickets go on sale in September for the Polar Express train ride - as the train takes its passengers to the North Pole!
Planetarium
Rainy Day? Visit the almost daily shows at the University of Southern Maine Planetarium, from dinosaur shows, astronomy presentations and more!
Museums
A must visit with your family is the Children's Museum and Theater of Maine located in downtown Portland, with immersive presentations, shows and activities. Babies under 17 months play for free. A new museum is opening at Thompson's Point in late 2020 or early 2021.
The world's only Cryptozoology Museum is located in our very own Portland Maine at Thompson's Point. The Museum of secret and mysterious animals. Think Bigfoot, Yeti, Mermaid and more!
Seasonal Events
An incredibly fun event each Spring in Portland is the STRIVE Rocks Weekend at the Cross Insurance Arena. Bounce houses, petting zoo, face painting, games galore. A great Spring activity!
Old Port District
Splash around when in season with the Maine Duck Tours leaving off the waterfront on Commercial Street in Portland's Old Port neighborhood.
While you're walking down exchange street in Portland's Old Port, make sure to grab a handmade donut from Holy Donut. Their not so secret ingredient, local Maine potatoes! Freshest before noon each day!
Learn about Portland as a fire engine takes you across the cobblestone streets and through the Old Port teaching you about the history of this waterfront city. Tours last approximately 50 minutes!
Comic Shop Stop
For the young at heart, this Casablanca Comics on Congress Street in Portland has been here for over 30 years.
Active Play
Looking to jump around? Get Air - Portland has activities for all ages like dodgeball and slamball and kid friendly courts, too!
Grab a Chai latte at Greenlight Studio while your children explore in this kid friendly playspace. Including a climbing wall, slide and play farmers market. Bring socks!
Spend an evening bowling with your family and having dinner and cocktails on a beautiful rooftop deck at Bayside Bowl.
Try and escape the Escape Room, a real life adventure center where you play an interactive game with friends.
Sporting Events
October through April, make sure to check out our Maine Mariners hockey team.
From November to March make sure to grab a ticket for our Boston Celtics G-League team, our very own Maine Red Claws.
A must visit between April and September, our AA Affiliate for the Boston Red Sox, our Portland Sea Dogs.
Food Tours
With so many food options to consider in Portland Maine, try one of these Maine Foodie Tours to help you decide where to eat. These walking tours of Portland can last up to 3 hours and include a sampling of some of Maine's favorites.
Interactive Arts
Take your child to the Oak Street Studio where they have toddler drawing classes, interactive child music events, summer camp, and birthday parties. Children of all ages are welcome.
Paint all sorts of really cool pottery as a family at Color Me Mine.
Spend your Saturday morning at The Theater For Kids At Portland Stage. Children from ages 4-10 can participate in interactive theater performances.
Looking for some time for just Mom and Dad? Drop your kids off at Art Camp where they will learn about art, dance, and theater.
If your kids love creating things with their hands take them to a class a Portland Pottery.
Enjoy The View
Bicycle Rentals
Rent a bike from Allspeed in Portland and explore the city, make sure to check out the Eastern Promenade and it's views of Casco Bay.
Scenic Trails
While visiting on your rental bike, check out the East End Beach, at the bottom of the hill from the Eastern Promenade.
On the opposite side of town, ride down Munjoy Hill across town to visit Western Promenade. Views of the working waterfront as you pass the historic old brick estates.
Guided Tours
See the scenery on The Scenic Route Maine Tours family owned, and operated tour company sharing with you, everything to love about the charming city of Portland.
Listening
Live Music
For the young at heart, check out Reggae Sundays at Jones Landing on Peaks Island. Accessible by the Casco Bay Lines Ferry.
Catch one of your favorite bands at The State Theater.
See a local musician at One Longfellow Square.
See live music at Thompson's Point outdoor arena after visiting all the Point has offer for food, activity, and beverage.
Chance into The Silverhouse Dive Bar for a crazy night of Karaoke.
Art and History
Museums
Make sure to visit the Portland Museum of Art to see which exhibits are being presented and which collections are coming up for display.
Historic Homes
Victoria Mansion is one of the oldest homes in Portland, Maine. It is completely restored to its original glory with lots of rich historic antiques and ornate decor.
Local Art
First Friday Art Walk is a wonderful evening event on the first Friday of every month that provides an opportunity to view local art and explore Portland.
Mecca Galleries are where the students of Maine College of the Arts exhibit their work for public viewing.
Observatory
Stop by the Portland Observatory for breathtaking views and fascinating history at America’s last standing maritime signal tower.
Historic Tours
Take A Walk Through Time In Portland history Tour and become an expert on the City.
Ghost Tours
Scare up some ghosts on a Spirits Alive Tour of Eastern Cemetery.
Theater
Join the Portland community for a night of live entertainment and fun by attending a Portland Stage production.
Activities
Hike (Or Bike) The Trails
The loop around Back Cove is 3.6 miles with a combination of cement, dirt, crushed rock around the tidal cove area off Casco Bay. Bring your bike or running shoes.
Rent A Mountain Bike
Rent a Mountain Bike at Gorham Bike & Ski and explore Presumpscot River Trails.
Stick To Your Fitness Routine
Head to Evo Rock and Fitness, grab an adult day pass and scale the climbing surfaces, heights up to 42 feet!
CrossFit and visiting from out of town? You have 3 choices for your drop in workout, CrossFit MF, CrossFit Casco Bay or CrossFit Beacon.
Locally owned and operated, intense and affordable group classes at Dynamics Fitness. Check the schedule for the next Boot Camp!
Here for the weekend and need to get your spin on? You have a few choices in Portland at Rêve Cycling Studio, Cyclebar Portland, and Jibe Cycling.
Relax
Treat Yourself To A Spa Visit
Lose sense of gravity at the Float Harder Relaxation Center.
All of this delicious food and drink, you have to hit the spa at the Portland Regency for your Spa Treatment of choice.
If you're in town for your wedding, bring your bridal party to Akari located in the Press Hotel.
Visiting Portland with your significant other? Consider getting a couples massage at Artné Spa at the Westin Portland Harborview.
Treat yourself to a facial and mud bath at Nine Stones Spa.
Do your feet hurt from exploring Portland? Stop by Soakology for a foot soak and some reflexology.
Back pain from carrying luggage and traveling? Get one of the best massages in Portland at The Spa At The Francis.
Strike A (Yoga) Pose
Stretch it out at The Portland Yoga Studio.
Eat and Drink
Award Winning Restaurants
Hit up Ishi Ishi for OG Ramen before heading to a concert.
Stop by Howie's Pub after work for some onion rings and the coldest beer in Portland.
Grab a few cheeseburgers at A&C Grocery for a picnic on the Eastern Prom.
Grab a Vanilla Shake with a hamburger and fries at Black Cow Burger and Fries.
Share a half chicken at Drifter's Wife for dinner accompanied by a bottle of organic white wine.
Daily small batch BBQ that comes off the grill at 5pm is a must to experience on Munjoy Hill. Terlingua combines daily made smoked meats, with caribbean, south-west and mexican flavors. Get the smoked BBQ Board and thank us later.
A menu that changes daily, farm and sea to table authentic Italian Cuisine. Dinner begins each day at 5pm at Solo Italiano on Commercial Street!
Visit Rose Foods for an amazing breakfast for two and pick up the Fisherman's Feast. An assortment of freshly made bagels, all types of fish they carry, Nova, Rose Lox, Pastrami Nova and Sable with all the accoutrements including tomatoes, capers, onions, cucumbers and dill.
Since 1988, locals have been having their pints at Maine's Original Brew Pub, Gritty's.
Join the beer club and get your own mug at Novare Res Bier Cafe, Portland's acclaimed beer garden.
Have the Brother's Gimlet or try to find the secret speakeasy at Blyth and Burrows.
Have some sherry and a Spanish Bar at Chaval.
Play some cribbage, have a few beers, and some sweet potato fries at Ruski's Tavern.
Head over to Mash Tun for the best pork tacos in town.
Nightly specials and seasonally rotating menus available. Enjoy your night out at the Back Bay Grill.
UNION Restaurant is an ideal spot for brunch. Try the benedict.
If you enjoy the experience of a chef's tasting menu, you have to try the one at David's Restaurant.
Hot Suppa is the best breakfast in Portland, Maine. The corned beef hash is a must try.
Have a lunch on the fountain patio at Yosaku. They have the perfect bento box.
Central Provisions has acclaimed small plates and is well known as one of the best restaurants in Portland.
Deciding whether to split a few tapas like Kanom--Krok Quail Eggs and Gaeng-Kua Local Mussels or keeping your big plate of Woon-Sen Pad Thai to yourself is a big decision at Boda.
If you have a few hours to spare, you must try this 19 item tasting menu at Vinland, local, organic and 100% gluten free food.
Local 188 has been offering classic Spanish fare and an incredible bar scene for over twenty years.
Always wanted to try a pizza covered in mashed potatoes, bacon and scallions? Tell all your friends that you ate at Otto's Pizza.
Street and CO takes reservations up to 2 months in advance. If you're planning a visit to Portland, make sure you call ahead!
Stop by Salvage BBQ for a rack on St. Louis style ribs.
East Ender has a house smoked brunch burger that's to die for.
Figgy's Takeout and Catering has the best cast iron skillet fried chicken you've ever had.
Visit Bonobo for a Taleggio pizza made with taleggio cheese, smoked tomatoes, leeks, arugula, and smoked tomato sauce.
Have some fun trying the Queso Fundido at El Corazon.
See the gold dragon and try some dumplings at Bao Bao.
Eventide Oyster CO. Brown Butter Lobster Roll in a steamed bun melts in your mouth and is a must try.
Schulte & Herr potato pancakes with homemade applesauce and sour cream or with house-cured lox, horseradish sauce, capers, & cornichons takes lunch to the next level.
The Corner Room caprese plate is the perfect compliment to a nice Italian wine.
Stop at Front Room for their Steak and Egg brunch before exploring the town.
The Grill Room Porterhouse for two makes an amazing date night.
The Drunken Noodle at Saeng Thai is the best rainy day lunch around.
Sichuan Kitchen offers savory sichuan-style ribs that melt in your mouth.
Enjoy beautiful views of the Portland wharf while sampling delicious pan roasted halibut at Scales.
Huong's Vietnamese RestaurantGrab one of the amazing baked goods in Portland's only 100% gluten free bakery, Bam Bam Bakery. My favorite is the almond horn!
Be a scenester while trying a hipster cocktail at LFK.
Meet a friend for lunch at Blue Spoon and share a Cassoulet.
Visit Fore Street Restaurant where hardwood and apple wood fires cook and flavor the seafood, meats, game, and vegetables their menu offers.
Head to Isa Bistro and try the Grilled Octopus accompanied by their seasonal Shrub.
Have a big experience trying Lobster chips and a bottle of Champagne at Little Giant.
Indulge in excellent Neapolitan-style pizza whose crust is crispy and charred crust yet fluffy and chewy at Tipo.
If you love sushi you will love the Omakase chef's tasting menu at the best sushi restaurant in Maine, Miyake.
Taste the best pork buns at the Japanese street food hub, Pai Men Miyake.
Do some Dim Sum at Empire Chinese Kitchen. Or try the Pastrami Egg Roll.
Have the best Lobster Wontons of your life at The Honey Paw.
Catch your favorite sporting event while enjoying Jumbo Wings and a local craft brew at Binga's Stadium.
Have you ever had a burger with a macaroni and cheese bun? Try the Mac N' Stack at Nosh Kitchen Bar.
Maine's best Fish and Chips live at Bull Feeney's Irish Pub. Enjoy dinner here, and catch some live music at this classic Irish Themed watering hole.
Throw some darts, have a few drinks, and enjoy fresh popcorn at Rosie's Restaurant and Pub.
If you haven't been to Duckfat, you've got to go. They cook their paninis and fries in duck fat making this foodie destination one of the most satisfying meals of your life.
Hit up Taco Escobarr for avocado fries and gangster burritos.
Go Greek at Emilitsa where the Ouzo is pouring and the Moussaka is out of this World.
Have a blast at The Backyard Boogie with a DJ on Monday's at The Portland Zoo.
You must head up to the Top of the East - Rooftop Bar and Lounge at the Westin Portland Harborview hotel. Take the elevator up and order an Ethereal Moose.
Grab a homemade sausage sandwich and a craft beer at The Thirsty Pig.
A must try is the Green Eyes cocktail, made with gin, green chartreuse, egg white and lime, helping the Portland Hunt and Alpine Club be named one of the Best Cocktail Bars in America by Thrillist.
Craft Beer Scene
Bissell Brothers Brewing CO was recently voted the best brewery in the Country. It's a must visit in Portland, Maine.
Goodfire Brewery in just a few short years has become one of the most respected craft breweries in Portland, Maine. The Prime IPA is a must try.
Lone Pine Brewery produces delicious and very drinkable beers, especially their Diamond unicorn beer which is a magical experience.
Allagash Brewery is celebrated as one of the best breweries in the World. The Allagash White is incredible especially when served with a wedge of lemon.
Bunker Brewing CO is a wonderful small brewery with great beer and even better service. The Machine Czech Pilz is a Bunker staple.
Liquid Riot Bottling CO is an awesome distillery that makes an Old Port Rye Whiskey that really captures the flavor of Portland.
Rising Tide Brewing CO is a great local brewery famous for their Maine themed ales.
Shipyard Brewing CO is a classic Portland stop that has been brewing great beer since 1994.
Oxbow Blending and Bottling is an awesome venue that offers great beer and lots of live music events.
Fore River Brewing Company makes classic ales offered in a family friendly environment.
The Maine Brew Bus is an awesome ride to all the Portland breweries. Experience the best of the local beer scene while making friends and being driven around.
Sebago Brewing Company is a wonderful family restaurant with lots of classic dishes, especially their French Onion Soup.
Austin Street Brewing Company has a Pale Ale to die for.
Foundation Brewing Company is known for its mature brewing style and eccentric flavors.
Urban Farm Fermentory and Gruit Brewing Co. makes some of the best kombucha and cider in Maine.
Geary Brewing CO. is the classic maine brewerie with the lobsters on the bottles.
Battery Steele Brewing makes beer as smooth as its name.
Root Wild Kombucha makes four packs of uniquely flavored kombucha.
Brewery Extrava produces traditional belgium beer with a modern twist.
Definitive Brewing Company produces a number of very delicious craft milk stouts.
Shopping
Haberdashery
Pickup some used bean boots at Haberdashery before an afternoon exploring the city.
Portland Flea
Choose some vintage prints at Portland Flea for all to take home with you.
