Things to do in Portland

Activities, attractions and tours

Portland Head Light which includes general coastal views, a lighthouse and rugged coastline
Portland Head Light which includes general coastal views, a lighthouse and rugged coastline
Bradbury Mountain State Park featuring a small town or village, fall colors and landscape views
Fort Williams Park featuring rugged coastline and general coastal views as well as an individual female
Mother\'s Beach which includes a sandy beach, rugged coastline and a house

Top things to do by category

Tours & day trips
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History & culture
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Private & custom tours
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What to do in Portland

Popular places to visit

State Theatre showing street scenes as well as an individual female

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.

State Theatre
Portland Museum of Art which includes art and interior views as well as a small group of people

Portland Museum of Art

4/5(2 reviews)

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

Portland Museum of Art
East End Beach showing a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people

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.

East End 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

Enjoy the student vibe at University of Southern Maine as part of your travels around Portland. Stroll along the waterfront or attend a sporting event in the area.

University of Southern Maine
Eastern Promenade featuring general coastal views and a bay or harbour as well as a small group of people

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.

Eastern Promenade
Victoria Mansion showing heritage elements, interior views and a house

Victoria Mansion

3/5(1 review)

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

Victoria Mansion
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

5/5(1 review)

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.

Portland Observatory
Wadsworth-Longfellow House showing interior views, heritage elements and a house

Wadsworth-Longfellow House

3.5/5(2 reviews)

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.

Wadsworth-Longfellow House

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.

Thompson's Point

Areas of Portland

State Street Church

Downtown Portland

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Portland is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Cross Insurance Arena and Fore Street Gallery.

Downtown Portland
Old Port which includes a bay or harbour

Old Port

5/5(5 area reviews)

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

Old Port
Landscape of Fore river and Portland Harbor and Downtown in Maine

Back Cove

When in Back Cove, you can plan a visit to Hadlock Field and Portland Exposition Building, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Back Cove
Bug Lighthouse, Portland

West End

4/5(1 area review)

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

West End
Religious

East Bayside

If you're spending some time in East Bayside, Maine Jewish Museum and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception are top sights worth seeing.

East Bayside
A small piece of the Berlin Wall!

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.

Portland Arts District
Ice Disk, Westbrook, Maine

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 holiday 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 holiday, 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 neighbourhoods, Downtown Portland is 0.64 kilometres away from downtown, while Old Port is 0.64 kilometres away from the centre 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 neighbourhoods, 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.