Visit Portland, Maine
A coastal city that feels like a secret you can’t wait to share.
From James Beard–recognized restaurants and buzzing waterfront bars to island-hop ferry rides, lighthouse sunsets, and year-round festivals—Portland is the small city with a big energy you’ll keep coming back to.
World-class food, walkable cobblestone streets, and ocean air—everything within 15 minutes.
World-Class Restaurants
Dock-to-dish dining and inventive kitchens on every block.
Portland’s food scene punches far above its size: James Beard Award winners, cozy oyster bars, wood-fired everything, and bakeries that attract early-morning lines. Eat your way from the Old Port to the East End in a single evening stroll.
- Fresh-off-the-boat seafood served on working piers.
- Craft breweries, cideries, and natural wine bars within walking distance.
- Vibrant brunch spots, from classic diners to minimalist cafes.
Insider tip: Book dinner in the Old Port, then stroll down to the working waterfront for golden-hour harbor views.
Old Port bistros blending local catch with modern coastal cuisine.
Raw bars shucking oysters within view of the boats that brought them in.
Neighborhood bakeries where you’ll want to line up early for still-warm pastries.
Vibrant Nightlife
Cozy bars, live music, and waterfront energy after dark.
Follow the glow of string lights down cobblestone streets to cocktail lounges, brewpubs, and venues where you’re steps from the harbor and never far from live music.
- Old Port bars and speakeasies with craft cocktails and local spirits.
- Brewery taprooms pouring hazy IPAs, sours, and classic lagers.
- Intimate venues and outdoor stages hosting local and touring bands.
Perfect night: sunset on the Eastern Prom, dinner in the Old Port, then a nightcap in a hidden bar you’ll be texting friends about later.
Neighborhoods to explore after dark:
Old Port for cobblestones and cocktails · East Bayside for breweries · Arts District for galleries, theaters, and late-night bites.
Outdoor Adventures
Ocean, islands, and trails—minutes from downtown.
Hop a ferry to nearby islands, bike along the Eastern Prom, paddle Casco Bay, or snowshoe wooded trails—Portland puts year-round adventure within easy reach.
Morning run on the Eastern Promenade, mid-day ferry to Peaks Island, golden-hour walk along the Western Prom—no car required.
Within 15 minutes of downtown:
- Eastern Promenade Trail with sweeping harbor views.
- Kayaking, sailing, and harbor cruises on Casco Bay.
- Winter sports at nearby parks and wooded preserves.
Summer means long days on the water; fall brings blazing foliage just outside the city; winter offers quiet, snowy trails; spring arrives with salty breezes and first patio days.
Iconic Lighthouses
Postcard-perfect views just beyond the city streets.
Portland is home to some of New England’s most photographed lighthouses—rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and that classic white tower framed by pines and rocky coastline.
- Portland Head Light in nearby Cape Elizabeth—an essential sunrise or sunset stop.
- Bug Light Park for harbor views, picnics, and ship-spotting.
- Spring Point Ledge Light with its granite breakwater walkway.
Many lighthouse parks are an easy drive or rideshare from downtown—ideal for a quick escape between meals and gallery stops.
Best time to go
Golden hour for softer light, fewer crowds, and dramatic skies.
What to bring
Layers (ocean breezes are real), a camera, and a thermos of coffee from a downtown cafe.
Ready to fall in love with Portland?
Use this guide as your starting point—then wander. The best Portland moments happen a few streets off the map.
Bookmark this page, share it with your travel crew, and build a weekend that feels like you.