Perfect Day Trip to Portland, Maine: The Best 1-Day Itinerary

A One Day Itinerary for Portland, Maine: History, Food, and Lighthouses

Planning a day trip to Portland, Maine? Here’s the perfect one-day Portland itinerary covering the downtown area, history, and lighthouses.

Adventuring Dreamers contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using a link on this page, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Please read my privacy policy to learn more about affiliate links and how I keep this blog sustainable.

A day trip to Portland, Maine, is an ideal getaway for anyone on the East Coast looking to have a quick escape to a beautiful, historic New England town. Just a couple of hours from Boston and a few more hours away from New York City, this town is filled with adventures just waiting to happen.

There’s no place quite like Portland, Maine. 

I recently discovered this when I planned a quick trip over to the coastal city by happenstance. A few months ago, I found out that a Canadian musician my mom loves was going on tour and would be visiting limited U.S. cities. The only date and city that made sense for us to go was in Portland in October. So, on a whim, I orchestrated a little family vacation for my mom, sister, and me to see the show.

It was just a quick little trip, with the primary motive being to see the concert at Merrill Auditorium. But since none of us had been to Maine before, we decided to stick around for just one day and explore the town. I am so glad we did.

In just a single day, you can learn about the history of one of the U.S.’s oldest cities. Relish the culinary delights of Portland’s downtown restaurants. And admire the charming lighthouses that pepper the landscape.

Portland is one of the most unique towns in the U.S., and even if you’ve only got a day to explore, it’s absolutely worth the visit.

Day Trip to Portland, Maine Itinerary

This day trip to Portland, Maine, itinerary covers everything you need to know to enjoy the absolute best trip to this beautiful New England town. In this guide, we’ll go over all the details from what to do, what to eat, and how to get from place to place. Let’s get into it!

When To Arrive in Portland

This day trip to Portland, Maine, itinerary was built with the intention that you have a full day to spend in town. 

I’ve curated a list of activities starting first thing in the morning and going deep into the night. 

To use this Portland day trip itinerary to its fullest extent, try to arrive in Portland no later than 9 a.m. This will give you enough time to grab breakfast and then head over to your first activity.

Morning in Portland

Coffee & Breakfast

Is there a better way to begin a day of exploration than with a delicious coffee and a delectable donut? Me thinks not. Begin your day on the right note by grabbing a cup of coffee and savoring a legendary donut from The Holy Donut.

The café has been crafting unique potato donuts — yes, made out of potatoes! — from scratch every morning since 2010. The Holy Donut opens bright and early at 7 a.m., so it’s a superb choice for any early birds looking to get a sugar rush and a little extra exploration in before the day officially begins. 

For the rest of us who like to sleep in (hello, it’s me), the café is conveniently located on Commerical Street, just a couple of blocks away from the first activity on our day trip to Portland itinerary. So, feel free to grab a moist Apple Cinamon or Fresh Lemon donut as late as 9 a.m. before trotting down the street to start your adventure.

The Holy Donut services over 35 original flavors to choose from, including eight vegan options, like Old Fashioned, Toasted Coconut, and Cinnamon Sugar!

The Holy Donut: 177 Commercial St. Portland, ME 04102

Walk Through Time in Portland Tour

We started our morning in Portland with a guided walking tour through Portland’s downtown area. It was a great way to get familiar with the area, learn about the history of the port, and gain some insider tips on the best restaurants and speakeasies in town. 

We did the Walk Through Time in Portland Tour, which took us through the Old Port, around Downtown, and throughout the waterfront areas. Even though our tour guide, James, was “from away” (Portland’s term for anyone who doesn’t have family dating back three generations in the state), he migrated to Portland over 30 years ago and had plenty of local tips to offer our group. 

We learned a lot about the history of Portland and even got an exclusive VIP peak into the historic Customs Building!

The tour starts at 10 a.m. and lasts about 2.5 hours, ending just in time for lunch in the historic downtown Portland area.

Click here to read a full review of my experience with the Walk Through Time in Portland Tour.

---

---

Afternoon in Portland

Lunch

As a vegetarian, I can’t tell you which restaurant serves the best lobster rolls. Luckily for you, Portland is frequently named one of the top foodie places in the country, and you probably can’t go wrong with any restaurant downtown when it comes to fresh seafood. 

However, if you’re a veg-head like me and are looking for vegetarian and vegan options, I recommend grabbing a bite at Green Elephant.

Located on the corner of Congress Street and High Street, Green Elephant serves exquisite pan-Asain cuisine, all vegan or vegetarian. Packed with tons of veggies and flavor, every dish here is absolutely delightful. I recommend trying the spring rolls or pad thai.

Green Elephant: 608 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101

Portland Museum of Art

If you dined at Green Elephant, the restaurant will put you right across the street from the Portland Museum of Art, aka the PMA.

The PMA boasts an extensive collection, housing over 18,000 pieces of art.

Within this collection, you’ll encounter familiar names like Andy Warhol and Claude Monet, as well as lesser-known artists such as Yasuo Kuniyoshi and Eliot Porter.

Wandering through the exhibition halls of this magnificent structure can easily consume hours of your time. But to make the most of your day trip to Portland, I recommend limiting yourself to one to two hours, so you have time to complete the rest of the itinerary before the day is over.

To make the most of your visit, consider focusing on the specific works that genuinely captivate you.

Admission for adults is priced at $18, while individuals aged 21 and under can enjoy free entry.

Portland Museum of Art: 7 Congress Sq, Portland, ME 04101

Adventurer’s Note: The museum offers free admission to everyone on Fridays from 4-8 p.m. So, if your day trip falls on a Friday, I recommend adjusting this itinerary a bit to take advantage of Free Fridays.

Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Longfellow Bookstore

Only a 5-minute walk from the PMA is the historic Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Longfellow Bookstore.

This old brick house stands out from the surrounding industrial buildings of newer Portland and is a testament to the past. The house is the former 19th-century residence of the renowned poet and intellectual Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow. And it’s been a landmark of the Maine Historical Society for over a century. 

Admission is priced at $15 per person, and self-guided tours are available until 3:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Advanced booking is necessary.

If you’re doing both the PMA and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, I recommend only spending an hour at PMA and arriving at the Wadsworth-Longfellow House by 2:30. This will give you enough time to explore both museums before the cut-off time.

Even if you opt not to explore the Wadsworth-Longfellow House museum during your day in Portland, Maine, be sure to take a peek inside the bookstore.

Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Longfellow Bookstore: 489 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101

Adventurer’s Note: If you prefer, guided tours are exclusively offered on weekdays at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Shopping on Exchange Street

Exploring the Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow House will put you about a 5-minute walk from Exchange Street and the rest of Portland’s downtown shopping area. I highly recommend setting aside some time during your day trip to explore the many artisan shops that dot the cobblestone streets.

From unique boutiques to metaphysical shops to bookstores to artists’ studios, the shopping district has something for everyone.

My favorite shop was The Maine Souvenir Shop — which is not your average souvenir store by far. They carry an extensive inventory of typical souvenir items like magnets, stickers, and t-shirts, but with a twist. Most of their stuff is created by local artists, including the shop owner, and has its own fun personality. It’s very different from your typical souvenir shops filled with mass-produced junk.

The Maine Souvenir Shop: 2 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101

Self-Guided Lighthouse Tour

More than the shopping or the food, Portland, Maine, is known for its historic lighthouses. I saved visiting the lighthouse for the afternoon because, if you time it right, you’ll be able to catch stunning views of the lighthouses at sunset. 

You have two options when it comes to visiting the lighthouses — guided tours or self-guided tours. I’d recommend saving guided lighthouse tours for a more extended trip. But for just a quick day trip to Portland, I’d recommend doing a self-guided tour so you can have complete control over your schedule.

Start With the Portland Head Light

George Washington ordered the creation of the Portland Head Light in 1791, and Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette dedicated it. It’s Maine’s oldest lighthouse and Portland’s most famous lighthouse.

The lighthouse remains operational to this day. A glance over the edge shows why — below the beautiful lighthouse lays a perilous bed of rocks waiting for a misguided ship.

The lighthouse is at Fort Williams Park, a 90-acre park on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Next to the lighthouse tower is a charming keeper’s house, part of which has been transformed into a museum dedicated to the lighthouse’s history. The park also offers picnic areas and hiking trails.

For the most breathtaking views of the lighthouse, be sure to follow the cliff-side trail. It’s a short 5-minute walk that will take you to vista views of the lighthouse and the rugged coastline.

The Portland Head Light is a terrific first stop on your self-guided lighthouse tour because, from the base of the lighthouse, you’ll be able to view all the lighthouses in the area:

• Spring Point Ledge Light, built in 1897, sits to the North. 
• Ram Island Ledge Light, built in 1905 and now powered with solar energy, sits directly in front of Portland Head Light. 
• Halfway Rock Light Station, built in 1871, is beyond Ram Island, approximately 10 miles out, and visible on clear days. 
• Cape Elizabeth Light, built in 1874, is to the South.

These five lighthouses make up all the major lighthouses in the Portland area. Since you can see all lighthouses from the Portland Head Light, you now have a choice — you can either hang out at Fort Williams Park and enjoy the amenities or leave to explore the other lighthouses listed above in person.

Portland Head Light: Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

Spring Point Ledge Light

Even if you decide to spend most of your time at the Portland Head Light, I recommend at least making the drive over to the Spring Point Ledge Light. It’s only about 15 minutes away by car.

This lighthouse is much smaller than the Head Light, but the views here are simply incredible.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse stands as the sole caisson-style light station — a lighthouse built on a metal or concrete structure — in the United States accessible to visitors on foot. 

The walk involves balancing — and occasionally jumping — across a narrow stone path. It’s a quick walk with breathtaking views. And it’s definitely worth the trip.

Spring Point Ledge Light: 2 Fort Rd, South Portland, ME 04106

Evening in Portland

Dinner

Perhaps it’s the fact that I’m from the Southwest originally and lived in Phoenix, Arizona, for 10 years, but there’s something incredibly intriguing about eating Mexican food in the United States’ most northeastern state. 

Taco Escobarr is a vibrant tavern boasting a fantastic selection of tacos and margaritas, creating a delightful atmosphere that serves as an ideal launching point for your evening. 

At this point, there are only a few more hours left in this one-day Portland itinerary, and there’s a whole evening planned. So be sure to fuel up on tacos and chips and salsa and get ready to party in the Portland style.

Taco Escobarr: 548 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101

Grab a Pint at a Local Brewery

Portland, which is home to 70+ local breweries, is the craft beer capital of the United States.

In fact, Maine stands out with one of the highest brewery densities per capita in the country. It’s an ironic fact, considering that Maine was the birthplace of prohibition, banning alcohol decades earlier than the rest of the U.S. in 1851.

Portland, Maine, boasts some of the finest craft beer in the entire country. So, if you’re a fan of craft beer, it would almost be a crime to skip the local breweries in Portland.

Head over to Industrial Way, where you’ll discover a cluster of five breweries conveniently situated within walking distance: 

• Allagash Brewing Company
• Foundation Brewing Company
• Austin Street Brewery
• Battery Steele Brewing
• Definitive Brewing Company

It’s the perfect place to hop from one brewery to another, sampling a diverse array of offerings from Portland’s top breweries.

Please remember to drink responsibly!

Sneak Into a Speakeasy

Remember how I said that Maine was the first state to introduce prohibition? Well, what do we now know happens when the government tries to get in between people and their liquor? They go underground!

Nowadays, speakeasies are a legal and fun way to pay tribute to partiers of generations past. Portland does a great job of remembering the history of its illegal speakeasies by being host to a group of secret clubs hidden throughout the downtown area.

Blyth & Burrows

On Exchange Street, you’ll find the front entrance of Blyth & Burrows, a delightful cocktail bar spanning two levels in an old brick building.

This establishment prides itself on an array of signature cocktails, complemented by a “small plates” menu, perfect for those seeking delectable nibbles.

But this dignified restaurant and lounge is just the front to the speakeasy in the back.

Inside the cocktail lounge is a bookcase that conceals a secret staircase. 

This secret bar in the back is smaller and much less formal. It has a more intimate and sort of “unfinished” vibe, kind of like what a speakeasy from days of old would be like. And just like the front of the house, the speakeasy in the back also boasts a full bar.

The establishment’s name, Blyth & Burrows, pays homage to Commander Blythe of the HMS Boxer and Lieutenant Burrows of the USS Enterprise. These brave individuals lost their lives in a naval battle off the coast of Maine during the War of 1812, and they rest side by side in Eastern Cemetery in Portland. A special mural at the rear of the cocktail bar serves as a tribute to this historic battle.

Blyth & Burrows: 26 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101

Lincolns Speakeasy

Lincolns Speakeasy offers the best deals on drinks in town — that is if you can find the entrance.

Located down the stairwell of Market Street Eats, Lincolns gets its name from how everything is only $5. It’s cash only though, so make sure to make a pitstop at an ATM on your way over.

The atmosphere here is friendly and warm. It’s a great place to hang out for the evening while sipping on some of the most affordable cocktails in town.

Market Street Eats: 36 Market Street Main Floor, 36 Market St 3rd Floor, Portland, ME 04101

Pie North

This speakeasy gets its name because it’s located on the top floor of a pizza pie restaurant. Pie North. Get it?

Pie North is an 80s arcade-themed speakeasy decorated to the brim with nostalgia. Infusing retro-inspired musical decor with classic arcade games, they’ve crafted a distinct and entertaining ambiance that’s truly one-of-a-kind in Portland.

Pat’s Pizza: 30 Market St, Portland, ME 04101

Getting to Portland, Maine

If you’re doing a day trip to Portland, Maine, you’re probably already close by or are visiting Portland as part of a longer New England road trip. Either way, you’ve got options on how to get into the city.

Driving to Portland, Maine

The journey to Portland, Maine, is an easy day trip from Boston, Massachusetts, since the towns are only about two hours away from each other.

The scenic drive from Boston to Portland is a picturesque journey covering 107 miles. As you follow the coastline, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the ocean and rugged cliffs.

A day trip to Portland is an essential excursion for any Boston resident seeking a break from the city and a taste of New England’s coastal allure. It’s equally appealing for visitors to Boston who wish to explore another enchanting New England city!

It’s also worth the drive to Portland from other areas of the Northeast. For instance, I visited Portland from Manhattan to see a concert at Merrill Auditorium. Although NYC is a little far for a day trip, since it’s only a five-hour drive from the Big Apple, Portland was the perfect little weekend getaway.

Train to Portland, Maine

The train is another excellent option for traveling to Portland. Opting for the Amtrak Downeaster offers an excellent choice for travelers looking to relax and savor the picturesque landscapes.

This train journey spans approximately 2.5 hours from Boston, with ticket prices ranging from $3 to $30.

As the train meanders along the route, you’ll be treated to a changing panorama, from sandy beaches to expansive, rolling green fields. And it’s an absolute dream if you travel in the fall when the leaves are changing color.

The ride itself is both comfortable and hassle-free, ensuring passengers can unwind and relish the journey with ease and peace of mind.

Flying to Portland, Maine

If driving or training are not feasible options, then flying into Portland might be your best bet.

All major airlines offer flights to Portland. The city’s primary airport, Portland International Jetport (PWM), is a mere couple of miles from the city center. 

To reach your destination within the city, you have several transportation options. Taxis, ride-sharing services, rental cars, and the METRO bus system are readily available. 

The Greater Portland Transit District METRO operates Route #5, providing bus service from the airport to downtown Portland.

Alternatively, if you’re flying from overseas, you might discover better flight options through Boston Logan International (BOS). However, then, you’ll either need to drive or take a train from Boston to Portland.

How To Get Around in Portland, Maine

The downtown Portland area is very walkable. In fact, once you’ve parked your car, you won’t need it again until you’re ready to leave the Old Port area. 

But, if you want to see the lighthouses or other notable attractions outside of the city center, then you’ll also need some sort of transportation on wheels. This could either mean a car or public transportation.

Here are some transportation options while in Portland, Maine:

Biking

While the city center is very walkable, you’ll need some other mode of transportation to get you to farther attractions like the lighthouses. 

If you’re up for the adventure, Portland boasts numerous well-marked bike lanes in and around the city. Many hotels offer bike rentals for day use, and there are public bikes for rent as well, making it easy to pedal your way around and see the sights. 

However, keep in mind that biking is a slower mode of transportation. So, if you choose this option, you might need to adjust your itinerary to give you ample time to arrive at each destination. 

Public Transportation

Portland offers a convenient bus service, providing reliable access across the entire city. 

Since your stay in Portland is limited to a single day, the most straightforward way to pay for rides is with cash. So having some loose change on hand is advisable. Each journey typically falls within the range of $1 to $4, and you’ll need to have the exact amount.

It’s easy to get around town on the bus — or METRO as they call it — and some locals don’t even have cars. In fact, our walking tour guide mentioned how he’s been living in Portland without a car since 2007 and just takes the bus anywhere he needs to go.

Ride-Share

Like any popular city or town, you’ve always got the option of using Uber or Lyft. A trip with a ride-share service is obviously going to be pricier than a bus ticket. But it can also be quicker and more convenient, especially since you’ve only got a day in town. It’s also less than the cost of a rental car.

If you’re planning on drinking and are not staying somewhere within walking distance of the brewery, then ridesharing is also a responsible decision that will keep you and those around you safe.

Car 

The easiest way to get around Portland is by car. Navigating in Portland is very straightforward, and parking is easy peasy, albeit a bit pricey, depending on where you go.

You’ve got lots of options for parking, from paid lots to on-street parking to garages. We opted for metered parking because it was the most affordable at only $2.50 per hour. We tried a parking lot first, but it was a little on the pricier side — $15 for the first hour and $5 per hour after that!

Adventurer’s Note: On-street parking in Portland is complimentary from 6 p.m. until 9 a.m., Monday through Saturday, as well as all day on Sundays and major holidays. Check out the PassportParking App to ensure a hassle-free parking experience.

Where To Stay in Portland, Maine

The best place to stay in Portland depends on the mode of transportation you’re using to get around town. 

Portland hotels are pretty pricey. In fact, a survey by Cheaphotels.com¹ showed that Portland was the second most expensive city for hotels in the United States, following behind Nantucket, Massachusetts. And when we did our tour through the Customs House, the gentleman guiding the tour joked that hotels in the area were so expensive that he could probably get $250 a night by renting out the 12-square-foot safe hidden in the building.

Because of how expensive Portland hotels are, I recommend staying in an Airbnb or VRBO instead. 

The Cozy BnB

We stayed in a lovely Airbnb in Scarborough hosted by Steven. The Airbnb name is Rustic Suite near downtown Portland and Beaches, and I highly recommend it. The BnB is exactly as it’s listed on the site. It’s incredibly cozy, very clean, and comfortable.

The place is honestly such a vibe. It’s a bit of an odd layout as a studio apartment with the master bed in the front and then an add-on room in the back that creates a family room/TV space. There’s a futon by the TV for a second bed. And there’s a super fun loft area with two more twin beds overlooking the family room.

We were much more comfortable here than we would have been in a hotel, and it allowed us to see the surrounding neighborhood of one of the U.S.’s oldest towns. 

The stay was only a 10-minute drive from downtown. 

And it’s pet-friendly. My husband stayed at home with our dogs on this particular trip, but I know I’ll be showing him Portland sometime soon, and this place will be the first place I try to book — especially since I know we can bring our dogs here.

Hotels

If vacation rentals aren’t your style or you’d like to stay closer to the downtown area, here are a few highly recommended hotels in Portland, Maine:

Luxury: The Press Hotel

For a combination of history and luxury, enjoy a stay at the Press Hotel. 

The building has been in Portland for over a century, and the name of the hotel comes from the Portland Press Herald newspaper that used to live there. 

Thirteen years ago, the newspaper moved to another building, and the old office space was turned into an independent luxury boutique hotel that is an esteemed member of the Autograph Collection.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Portland, this pet-friendly 4-star hotel offers rooms adorned with refined details and distinctive features, including a rotating art gallery. 

While it might be on the pricier side, a single-night stay here will ensure that your day trip to Portland is nothing short of unforgettable.

Mid-range: The West End Inn

Consider the charming West End Inn for a mid-range lodging option. Located in the downtown area, it offers convenient access to prominent attractions, including the Victorian Mansion, just a half-mile away. This delightful inn enhances your stay with a delectable breakfast menu and entertaining themed dinner nights.

Budget: Holiday Inn Portland-by the Bay

Holiday Inn Portland-by the Bay may be more budget-friendly, but it doesn’t skimp on the impressive views, hospitable staff, and valuable amenities like parking and e-bikes! Besides, who needs luxury living when you’ve got an entire city to explore?!

Hostel: Black Elephant Hostel

Colorful, funky, and fun, the Black Elephant Hostel is everything one could wish for when it comes to budget accommodations. 

Black Elephant Hostel is the first and only hostel in Portland, Maine, and it was created with the mission of uniting a melting pot of people and cultures and bringing hostel culture to this historic New England town. 

Spending More Than One Day in Portland, Maine?

Got more time to spend in Portland, Maine? Here are a few more things to do in Portland to fill up the rest of your itinerary:

Victoria Mansion

The Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House, was built between 1858 and 1860 as a summer residence for Ruggles Sylvester Morse and his wife, Olive.

Designed by the architect Henry Austin of New Haven, CT, this remarkable summer home is widely acclaimed as one of the finest exemplars of the Italian Villa style in America.

In 1940, the house was rescued from an uncertain future and has served as a public museum since 1941. Today, Victoria Mansion proudly preserves over 90% of the original interiors, including almost all of the original wall paintings by the Italian-born artist Giuseppe Guidicini.

Victoria Mansion: 109 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04101

Portland Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay

Embark on a unique voyage alongside the Portland coast while relishing a leisurely journey upon a traditional, locally crafted dinghy during this Portland Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay. 

The adventure will begin near the Maine State Pier, where you’ll board the ship and wait for the sails to unfurl and the wind to carry you across the water. You’re even invited to partake in the experience by helping raise the sails or taking a turn at the ship’s wheel. 

This family-friendly excursion caters to both children and adults, providing an uncommon outlook on Portland that most visitors never encounter.

Portland, Maine Black History Walking Tour

On this walking tour of Maine’s Black History, discover the enduring history of Maine’s Black community, which, although small, stretches back over four centuries. 

Unearth the stories of national leaders, laborers, skilled workers, activists, and more who tirelessly advocated for freedom and equality, shaping the state’s trajectory. 

From renowned figures like Frederick Douglass to lesser-known Black Yankees, Portland’s history runs deep. Explore the historically Black enclave within Portland’s East End neighborhood under the guidance of a knowledgeable local. Gain insights into notable landmarks such as the Abyssinian Meeting House, Green Memorial Church, Portland Observatory, and more. 

This small-group experience, limited to 15 travelers, ensures an engaging and personalized exploration.

Visiting Portland, Maine: FAQ

We’ve now gone over the perfect day trip to Portland itinerary, discussed the best ways to travel in the city, and sparked a few ideas of where to stay at the end of your adventure. 

Now, let’s make sure you’re completely prepared for your trip by going over a few frequently asked questions.

Best Time To Visit Portland, Maine?

Any time of year can be the best time of year to visit Portland, Maine, depending on the experience that you’re looking for.

Summer offers the warmest weather and extended daylight hours, perfect for extensive outdoor activities. Maine isn’t exactly a beach destination, especially for those of us used to warmer weather. July and August peak at around 79°F, which, to me, is a little too chilly for swimming in the ocean. But if you like cooler water, then it might be the perfect temperature for you. 

Either way, Portland could be a great place to escape the heat of other places (looking at you, Arizona) during those hot summer months.

The fall is one of the best times to visit Portland, Maine. Maine is one of the most beautiful places to see the colors change, and you’re looking at brisk 59°F temperatures — the perfect degree to wear a sweater and sip a warm pumpkin spice latte.

Winter presents a picturesque scene if you’re fortunate enough to visit during a snowfall, though it’s never guaranteed. Temperatures can plummet below freezing, dipping as low as 14°F, limiting your outdoor adventures. Additionally, be mindful that certain attractions may be closed during the winter months.

Is Portland, Maine, Worth a Day Trip?

As you’ve seen in this itinerary, there are plenty of things to do in Portland, Maine, to fill up a day trip. From some of the best food in the country to fascinating historical monuments to gorgeous lighthouses and seaside views, spending a day in Portland, Maine, is definitely worth the trip.

How Much Time Do You Need in Portland, Maine?

If you want to see everything that Portland, Maine, has to offer, then you’ll want to plan for 3-5 days in town. This will give you ample time to reveal the town’s history, see all the picturesque lighthouses and dramatic views the area has to offer and explore the many, many breweries in town.

However, if you don’t have 3-5 days to spend in town, the above one-day in Portland, Maine itinerary will help you get the most out of Portland with the time you have available.

What To Do in Portland, Maine With 3 Hours?

If you don’t have a full day to spend in Portland and you want to explore this Maine city in just three hours, I’d recommend only doing the following:

• Grab a bite at The Holy Donut.
• Wash it down with a cocktail from Blyth & Burrows.
• Take a look around Exchange Street.
• See the Portland Head Light.

This quick 3-hour itinerary will cover most of Portland’s most iconic sights.

Final Thoughts on a Day Trip to Portland, Maine

This itinerary showcases how much history, diversity, and excitement the little town of Portland really has to offer. Once you’ve explored this charming New England town, you’ll be so glad you took the time to do a day trip to Portland. You’ll probably even want to come back again and dive deeper into this eclectic town!

Dotted with historic lighthouses, filled with a wealth of historic landmarks, and coated with a thick icing of culture, a day trip to Portland, Maine, is one for the bucket list. This carefully crafted day trip itinerary for Portland ensures you make the most of the city’s finest attractions, offering a memorable experience that captures the essence of this splendid little town.

Additional Resources:

Are you stopping by New York on your East Coast trip? Check out the 72 Best Things To Do In NYC At Night.

Booking.com