Explore Portland

Things to see and do

Victoria Mansion: 109 Danforth Street
Located right in the center of Portland, Victoria Mansion was built between 1858 and 1860 as a summer home for Ruggles Sylvester Morse and his wife Olive. This spectacular summer home was designed by the architect Henry Austin of New Haven, CT and is widely considered one of the finest examples of the Italian Villa style in America. Strategically located near the city’s earliest gas and sewer lines, the house was a model of elegance and convenience with hot and cold running water, flush toilets, central heating, gas lights, a servant call-bell system, wall to wall carpeting, and a 25 foot long stained glass skylight.

Old Port Historic District
The cobblestone streets, mix of 19th century brick architecture, fishing piers and hilly streets leading to the water create an authentic port atmosphere while shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and bars lend travel appeal that ranks among the best in New England. From an early morning walk through the quaint streets to experiencing the vibrant nightlife, the Old Port combines a small town feel with elements of a world class city. The location on the southeast side of the Portland peninsula, overlooking the wide mouth of the Fore River, makes for a cozy, scenic and charming oasis that feels like one's own discovery.

Maine's Potter's Market
Our spacious gallery is located in the heart of Portland's Old Port. Since 1978 we've been your source for pottery, from the downright practical to the sublimely decorative.

John Ford Monument
Monument of John Ford listing some of his most famous movies.

Wadsworth-Longfellow House
Within its walls lived three generations of one remarkable family that made significant contributions to the political, literary, and cultural life of New England and the United States. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882), grew up in the house and went on to become one of the most famous men of his time.

Fire Truck Tours in Portland, ME
The tour is a great way of reliving Portland’s past, and the viewing area high up on the fire engine has amazing views and fantastic photo opportunities of Casco Bay. Climb into the fire truck for this fun, quick, and informative Portland tour!

Breweries & Wineries

Rising Tide Brewing Company
Rising Tide Brewing Company is an independent, family-owned brewery that anchors Portland, Maine’s vibrant East Bayside neighborhood. We are guided by creative flavors, quality, consistency, community, and a love of all things outdoors. Rising Tide supports our farmers, using local ingredients in every beer.

Oxbow Blending & Bottling
Oxbow is a small farmhouse brewery located in rural Newcastle, Maine. The brewery is nestled in an enchanted forest among rolling farmlands and winding tidal rivers, of which the ebb and flow provide a constant reminder that the coast is near. The name Oxbow is inspired by the bends in these rivers, the Dyer in particular, which features stunning horseshoe-shaped oxbows where the river covers tremendous ground to travel what could otherwise be a very short linear distance. We employ a similar approach when crafting our beers, taking months or years to create a beverage that is commonly produced in a matter of days.

Shipyard Brewing Company
Shipyard Brewing Company is a family owned brewery – rooted in tradition and brimming with innovation. Our award-winning beer is handcrafted by our team of brewers who learned their art from world-renowned master brewer, Alan Pugsley.

Sebago Brewing Company
Sebago has remained a small, locally owned and operated company since our first pint in 1998. We are active members of each community our brewpubs serve – Portland, Scarborough, Gorham and Kennebunk. We continue to support local farms, fishermen, and produce vendors. Sebago Brewing Company actively supports local charities, volunteer and fundraising efforts throughout the year. We are lucky to call Maine home.

The Maine Brew Bus
Join us for a unique all-inclusive experience showcasing Maine’s booming craft alcohol scene. We offer regularly scheduled and private tours in Greater Portland and Southern Maine on bright green school buses that provide a behind-the-scenes look at Maine’s craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, and more.

Liquid Riot Bottling Company
Liquid Riot Bottling Company was established on the waterfront in Portland’s Old Port, just blocks from City Hall and the location of the Portland Rum Riot, in homage to those that fought for their beverage of choice. As Maine’s first Brewery/Distillery/Resto-Bar, we take all the passion and energy of these past riots and put it into our own liquids, bottled or on tap, made fresh locally for your enjoyment.

Outdoor activities

East End Beach
Portland's only public beach, East End is located at the bottom of the hills of the Eastern Promenade. It is also known as dog beach.

Back Cove Trail
One of the oldest and most popular of the trails in Portland, Back Cove offers great views of the Portland skyline. Ideal for walking, running, biking (road/mountain) and dog walking. There are benches and two water fountains (seasonal) along the trail. Portable toilets are available in the parking areas at Preble Street Extension and Payson Park.

Nelson Memorial Park
The newly renovated Nelson Memorial Park is a popular destination for many Plymouth residents and visitors. It features a playground, picnic area, a new small boat ramp and a bike path that follows the harbor to Hedge Road in North Plymouth. Many visitors enjoy stopping by for the spectacular ocean view.

Deering Oaks Park
Deering Oaks is a 55-acre public park in Portland, Maine, which has a baseball diamond, tennis courts, a playground, and a pond. It 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

Arts

Port City Music Hall
Live music venue in Portland.

Portland Public Library
Portland Public Library (PPL) is the city’s cultural center, serving 675,000 visitors annually at four locations and a bookmobile. Chartered in 1867, PPL is Maine’s oldest and largest public library system and is the most visited cultural institution in Maine. The library offers over 300,000 books, audiobooks, musical recordings, movies, and digital resources, and access to the collections of the world’s great libraries.

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum is dedicated to the preservation and operation of Maine’s two foot gauge railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of the public. Our small museum features exhibits relating to Maine’s narrow gauge railway history, several historic rail cars, activities for children, and a unique gift shop. Visitors may tour the museum only or can purchase a train ticket which includes both a self-guided tour of the museum and a scenic waterfront train ride.

Portland Museum of Art
With an extensive collection and nationally renowned exhibitions, the Portland Museum of Art is the cultural heart of Portland, Maine. The PMA boasts significant holdings of American, European, and contemporary art, as well as iconic works from Maine—highlighting the rich artistic tradition of the state and its artists.

Take a tour

Beaten Path Tours
Beaten Path Tours offers tours twice daily June 15th to November 30th. Weekend tours are offered during April, May and November.

Maine BayCycle
Maine BayCycle is New England's first and only human powered party boat. Bring your friends and your favorite local brews for a 90 minute cruise of the Portland waterfront. Featuring ten pedal stations and seating for five more, Maine BayCycle is a great way to enjoy Casco Bay.

Wicked Walking Tours
Local, professional actors/comedians transform Maine’s dark history into theater & fun. More than a tour...

Get away!

Looking to spend a weekend away? Visit Freeport and get shopping at LL Bean. Interesting in more than shopping. The area is home to parks, beaches and other get aways!

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