Portland, Maine Area Attractions

Maine offers unspoiled landscapes, beautiful vistas, succulent lobster, stately lighthouses, outdoor adventures, exceptional shopping, and more. You can find these pleasures, from the Casco Bay region of Greater Portland to Freeport, all within a 15 mile radius surrounding the state's largest city - Portland.

Originally called Machingonne (Great Neck) by the Native Americans who first inhabited it, the Portland peninsula was established by the British in 1632 as a trading and fishing settlement. Industry grew and Portland's waterfront became a mecca for shipping and trading companies. The Phoenix, the mythical bird that rises from the ashes, aptly symbolizes Portland's legendary rebirth after the Great Fire of 1866 leveled the city for the fourth time. Almost completely rebuilt during the Victorian era, Portland has maintained much of its 19th century architecture and flavor.

Renewed interest in exporting, the prominent fishing industry and the redevelopment of Portland's working waterfront have revitalized Maine's largest metropolitan center. With constant attention to landmark preservation, Portland has successfully incorporated the character of the past into a modern urban environment.

Read a recent NY Times article on Portland Maine.

A Few Things to Do & See in the Portland Area:

Fort Williams Park & Portland Head Light
1000 Shore Road
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
(207) 799-2661

Portland Head has long protected Portland and the adjacent area. Cape Elizabeth residents were deeply committed to American independence from British rule. In 1776, the new Town of Cape Elizabeth posted a guard of eight soldiers at Portland Head to warn citizens of coming British attacks. Learn more.

Portland Observatory
138 Congress Street

Since 1807, the Portland Observatory has offered spectacular views of Portland’s busy harbor and served as a beloved symbol of the city’s rich maritime heritage. Named a National Historic Landmark in 2006, the Portland Observatory is the only known remaining historic maritime signal tower in the United States. Learn more.

Fort Preble & Spring Point Ledge Light
South Portland, on the Southern Maine Community College Campus

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse was constructed to mark a dangerous ledge which is now covered by the breakwater. Numerous ships had struck the ledge and local ship owners had petitioned the Lighthouse Board for many years before funds were made available for construction. Learn more.

Portland Breakwater Light "the Bug Light"
Bug Light Park, South Portland, near the Southern Maine Community College Campus

Built in 1875, this was modeled after an ancient Greek monument, built in the 4th century BC. The cast-iron, cylindrical light has Corinthian columns and charming Greek roof edge adornments called palmettes. It's dubbed "the bug" because of its small size. Learn more.

Victoria Mansion
109 Danforth Street
(207) 772-4841

One of the most important historic house museums and collections of the mid Victorian period anywhere in America. Built 1858-1860, the Mansion's intact interiors were designed by Gustave Herter and still boast over 90% of the furnishings he designed for the original owner Learn more.

Longfellow House
487 Congress St
Phone: 774-1822
Web: mainehistory.org

Faithfully restored to the 1850s, the Longfellow House was the childhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Built in 1785-86 by the poet's grandfather, General Peleg Wadsworth, the house is one of the oldest brick structures on Portland's peninsula. Learn more.

Portland Museum of Art
Seven Congress Square
Portland, Maine 04101
(207) 775-6148

Explore the Museum's collection of fine and decorative arts dating from the 18th century to the present housed in three architecturally significant buildings. Experience works by Winslow Homer, Marsden Hartley, Rockwell Kent, and Andrew Wyeth. Learn about 19th-century architecture in the newly restored Federal-era McLellan House and Beaux-Arts Galleries. See European masters including Degas, Monet, Renoir, and Picasso. Learn more.

Gulf of Maine Research Institute
350 Commercial Street
Portland, ME 04101

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) catalyzes solutions to the complex challenges of ocean stewardship and economic growth in the Gulf of Maine bioregion. Learn more.

Shipyard Brewing Co.
86 Newbury St
Portland, Maine 04101
(207) 761-0807

Maine's premier microbrewery located on Portland's historic waterfront.
 

Staying in Maine a few days longer? Other places to visit include:

  • Freeport, Maine & L.L. Bean - (15 minutes from Portland) Freeport is a beautiful coastal Maine village with over 200 upscale outlets, designer shops, eclectic boutiques, B&B’s, hotels, great restaurants & casual cafes. Home to world-famous L.L.Bean and to numerous outdoor adventures.
  • Fryeburg Fair - (about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Portland) Maine's Blue Ribbon Classic starts Sunday October 3 - October 10. About 300,000 attend the fair annually.
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island - (About 3 hours from Portland) Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island is the state’s sole national park. This 35,000-acre park is graced with natural scenic beauty. Within its boundaries you will find 120 miles of hiking trails and 27 miles of carriage trails. Acadia National Park is best known for its pine-covered forests and rugged coastline, not to mention Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the United States Eastern Seaboard.
  • Baxter State Park -(About 4 hours from Portland) The largest of Maine’s state parks is Baxter State Park. It encompasses approximately 375 square miles and is home to Maine’s highest peak, Mt. Katahdin.

Links for Portland, Maine

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