Things to do in Portland

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Portland

Types of activities

Where to stay

Portland Travel Guide

Portland Head Light showing a sunset, general coastal views and rocky coastline

Bradbury Mountain State Park featuring a small town or village, fall colors and landscape views

Fort Williams Park featuring rocky coastline and general coastal views as well as an individual femail

Mother\'s Beach which includes a sandy beach, rugged coastline and a house

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What to do in Portland

Popular places to visit

State Theatre

The beautiful mix of architectural styles, from Art Deco to Moorish, makes this newly renovated performing arts venue one of New England’s best.

Portland Museum of Art

Maine’s largest and oldest art institution showcases three centuries of American art and European masters in its architecturally impressive museum complex.

East End Beach

Swim in the Atlantic Ocean, stroll along the sand-and-pebble shoreline or enjoy a picnic with unbeatable views at Portland’s public beach.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is the only caisson-style light station in the USA that visitors can walk to. Located on the breakwater at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland.

University of Southern Maine

Explore the campus of University of Southern Maine during your stay in Portland. Stroll along the seaside or attend a sporting event in the area.

Eastern Promenade

Built on an old rail corridor along the easternmost portion of Portland’s peninsula, this waterfront trail offers stunning views of the harbor and Atlantic Ocean.

Victoria Mansion

Visit the remarkably preserved 19th-century manor house, located in downtown Portland. Get an authentic impression of life during that era.

Built in 1807 this is the last remaining maritime signal tower left in the USA. Local merchants paid the owner a yearly fee and he would watch for the different merchant ships to come into Portland Harbor then would raise the flag of the merchant the ship belonged to so they would know their ship had arrived.

Portland Observatory

After visiting Portland Observatory, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Portland. Stroll along the area's waterfront or experience its great live music.

Wadsworth-Longfellow House

As you tour this historic brick home, trace three generations of Maine family history and learn about the cultural and political impact of its family members.

Thompson's Point

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Thompson's Point during your travels in Portland. Stroll along the waterfront or attend a sporting event in the area.

Areas of Portland

Downtown Portland

Downtown Portland is known for its captivating waterfront views, and with sights like Cross Insurance Arena and Wadsworth-Longfellow House, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Portland.

Old Port

Explore the cobblestone streets in Portland’s historic district, which combines a wealth of history with a thoroughly modern city experience.

Landscape of Fore river and Portland Harbor and Downtown in Maine

Back Cove

While Back Cove might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Hadlock Field and Portland Exposition Building.

West End

If you're spending some time in West End, Victoria Mansion and Portland Fire Museum are top sights worth seeing.

East Bayside

While visiting East Bayside, you might make a stop by sights like Maine Jewish Museum and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Charles Q. Clapp House which includes heritage elements and a house

Portland Arts District

The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Portland Arts District. A stop by Wadsworth-Longfellow House or Cross Insurance Arena might round out your trip.

Westbrook

Frequently asked questions

Is Portland worth visiting?

Famous for its walking trails and culture, finding awesome things to do in Portland is easy. Be sure to add State Theatre to your itinerary while here.

How do I spend a day in Portland?

Higgins Beach and East End Beach are two awesome places to begin your vacation adventures. Remember to explore the shopping and dining options in Portland while you're in town too.

What is the top tourist attraction in Portland?

State Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in Portland and deserves a place on every must-do list of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Portland?

Three days will be enough time to tick off popular city highlights, such as State Theatre, Portland Museum of Art and East End Beach. The average stay in Portland is two days. If you have the urge to extend your vacation, South Portland isn't far away.

Is Portland a walkable city?

It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Portland. Several top attractions, including State Theatre and Portland Museum of Art, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Portland's best neighborhoods, Downtown Portland is 0.64 kilometers away from downtown, while Old Port is 0.64 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Portland with kids?

If you are after sights and tours for all of your group, take a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Portland with kids.

What to do in Portland for adults?

Portland Exposition Building and Portland Club are just a few of the things to do in Portland. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.

Are there free things to do in Portland?

From checking out parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Portland. If you need new ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. East End Beach is a top spot for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing activities.