Your email address will not be published. For many Portland tourists without a rental car, the streetcar will be all you need to see the city. Now a National Historic Landmark, the home and museum hosts Tea with Harriet each month. Free things to do, beaches near me: Leavenworth WA, Day trips from Las Vegas, Norfolk, Treehouse vacations, San Jose, Mexico, Jacksonville Beaches, WV, Woodstock, IL, Tampa Beaches, IN, Calistoga, Glowing Beaches. Or get a full Cape Elizabeth to Portland (Maine) flight plan. Where: Via Mountain Road off US Roue 1, between Ogunquit and York. The best option is to drive because the train will take you three hours one-way, but if you dont have access to a car, this is a great option! The Inland Route. Time & distance from Portland: 16 miles, 20-minute drive. BUS, CAR, PLANE, TRAIN, + FERRY SERVICE . Newburyport in Massachusetts is another one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine. Tour guides will also help you spot shore birds and other wildlife during the cruise. ), but its definitely worth a full-day visit, or even a whole weekend. We are staying downtown at the Westin and will not be renting a car. If the weather is nice, take a ride to Portland Head Light, technically in Cape Elizabeth, it's just 9 miles south of Portland. Again, dont forget to pack a picnic and some drinks for these cruises. North America. With that, lets jump into the best day trips from Portland, Maine! There are so many options in Boothbay, and the views are incredible. If so, consider a brief detour inland for a drive or hike to Mount Agamenticus. Perfect For: History Buffs Winter/Rainy Day Trips Families, Where: Located next to the Blaine House in Augusta. Click here to book your Puffin Tour in Boothbay Harbor! Perfect For: City EscapesWithout a Car Picnics Seasonal Scenery Family Day Trips. Youll find a dense bank of bushes practically overhanging the top of Pleasant Mountain. The quirky Desert of Maine is among the most popular attractions. The 41-acre Two Lights State Park is home to twin lighthouses built in 1828. Youll head out to Cape Elizabeth, and explore the local lighthouses and dramatic coastline views, and also stop for an amazing lobster roll from a food truck thats included in the tour cost. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Grab some snacks, Maine whoopie pies and other delicious baked goods at Gemmes General Store. Visit the Jones Museum in Sebago, where youll find a unique collection of ceramics and glass. The Appalachian Trail passes just north of Bethel on its way to Canada. Walk along the shoreline of Ogunquit Beach. Bend, Oregon. While this is a great destination year-round, I think its especially enjoyable in the fall season to really take advantage of the fall foliage views. You can easily bring a canoe or kayak to Otter Ponds from either of the nearby parking areas mentioned above. The name, given by the Abenaki tribe, means beautiful place by the sea. Once a fishing village, it is now an artists haven and tourist destination known for its rugged beauty and rocky coastline. Time & distance from Portland: 16 miles, 20-minute drive. Here Are 8 Islands In Maine That Are An Absolute Must Visit. stay at Portland . Located just over an hour's drive from Boston, Portsmouth was incorporated into the colony of New Hampshire in 1653 and served as the seat of government and a bustling shipping hub for many years. This is the only bridge of its kind in the entire world. Camden is a coastal town in central Maine, perfect for outdoor and ocean adventure. How to Get There: Leave Portland via US Highway 302 west to Bridgton. Longer tours and group rates are also available for a little more money. 528 Hallowell Road, Pownal, ME 04069, Phone: 207-688-4712, Top Rated: Last minute places for couples: Charleston WV, Pensacola, Baton Rouge, Colorado Springs, Dayton OH, Dauphin Island, Provincetown, New Orleans, Philadelphia, UT, AZ, From NYC, CO. Brunswick, Maine is a charming New England college town thats been designated as a Main Street Community for its walkable downtown. This quiet spot was our place to go for a refreshing swim in summer. 8. A great tour option for your day trip from Portland, Maine is the Lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals Tour. Photo Credit: Serena Folding The small island is easily explored by bicycle, with just a 4-mile long circumference. During the winter, visitors enjoy cross country skiing, snowshoeing or ice skating on the frozen bodies of water. Portland is home to a vibrant working waterfront, great small-business shopping, and an incredible art scene. Moultonborough is also home to the Loon Center and Markus Wildlife Sanctuary, where a walk along the Loon Nest Trail allows you to view a nesting pair of loons from late spring through early fall. Boston is one of my all-time favorite cities because of its deeply-rooted history, gorgeous architecture, amazing restaurants and charming streets. Ride Bus in Portland: Tri Met. The unique sand dune formation was formed by an Ica Age glacier. For the price, I think this tour offers a lot a fun and spectacular views. From the cobblestone streets of the Old Port to a scenic fall boat ride along the coast in Freeport. Our experts' top picks for a long weekend getaway for couples: Best caves in the U.S., SD, Galena IL, Boise, St. Pete, San Jose, Taos, Fayetteville, Steamboat Springs, NH, East Coast, DE, GA, Little Rock. The mountaintop features a visitor center, an abandoned ski lift and a mysterious grave site. About 15 minutes from downtown Portland, Portland Head Light is one of the most world's most photographed lighthouses. Annual festivals include summers Damariscotta Oyster Celebration and autumns Pemaquid Oyster Festival. Visit all the waterfalls at Dianas Baths. . During this tour, youll pass by two lighthouses, spot seals lounging on the rocks, and also learn all about the local lobstering community, as well as what it takes to haul lobster traps. From haunted tours, to fun street fairs, to a picture-perfect New England streets covered in leaves, this is one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine you can take during the autumn season. Continue to China and Palermo before looping back south to Portland. Homers 1883-1910 studio in Prouts Neck, Maine is now owned by the museum and open to the public. A lot of folks who think Portland is growing too big too fast turn to Bend for solace. The iconic lighthouse operated until 1989, when it was decommissioned by the US Coast Guard. Lewiston was founded by French speaking Canadians who immigrated to work textile mills and shoe factories in the early 1800s. Portland is Maine's largest city, and you won't easily run out of activities to occupy your time, but when you do, these day trips will satisfy your sense of adventure. If you're looking for a summertime day trip that combines a nice beach and an active town, both classic New England style and modern hotspot, Provincetown is the perfect choice! Travel Tip: If you're visiting Salem with kids during the warm-weather months, they'll love the old-school arcade and amusements at waterfront Salem Willows Park. This is a walking tour, so youll also get to see some charming streets in the North End for a well-rounded day trip to Boston. I love Kennebunkport because theres so much to do, but its also a small town thats easily manageable for a day trip. 207/693-6613 ), on the lake's north shorethe park is off Route 302 (look . Bean campus is home to Discovery Park, where events including a free summer concert series are held. To get around Gloucester faster and easier, a great option for your day trip is to rent e-bikes! In any season it's a lovely place to walk along boardwalk trails through the dunes and seaside forest of the island's the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Click here for more information on customized and luxury private day tours from Portland! One great tour to consider on your day trip from Portland, Maine is a Freedom Trail Walking Tour. It's a beacon of light perched on the dramatic craggy coast of Cape Elizabeth. But Freeport isn't just shopping. Stop in Owls Head on your way there or back to visit the lighthouse (its worth the extra stop!). 207 772 6828 info@portlandmaine.com 549 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04101 Get a Guidebook In short, a day trip to Cabot Mill is perfect for everyone! But if you love history, consider this tour by a local historian to get even more out of your experience. E-bikes are so much fun to ride, and allow you to pack more into your schedule than just walking. A Couple of Drifters are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme - an affiliate advertising programme. Chebeague Island is the largest and home to a 9-hole golf course. Take in the sensational views and feel the rush of the falls on this famous day trip from Portland. Distance From Portland: 2 hours and 30 minutes. Bar Harbor, Maine, Phone: 207-288-3338 Mt Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River. If your schedule allows, see if you can also do lunch at Jordan Pond House inside the park overlooking the mountains. This is a private tour for your group, and considering how much ground youll cover, the price for the whole group is very fair! Abol Bridge Can you beat this view of Katahdin? Spend time at the Bowdoin College Museum of Art and its collection of over 20,000 objects, or attend one of the colleges many cultural events. Climb to the top via the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway, take the auto road, or enjoy a hike. We easily spent a few hours here and you just might do the same. How do you get round Portland Maine without a car? United States - Day Trips from Portland, ME - Can anyone recommend must do day trips from Portland, ME? The destinations from this list that offer amazing hiking opportunities as a day trip from Portland would be Acadia National Park, Camden (Camden Hills State Park), Conway, Sebago Lake and Rangely Lake. Turn left on Maine Route 327 (Mosher Rd.) Walk along the shore at Good Harbor or Wingaersheek Beach. The small coastal village is located in Penobscot Bay halfway between Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport. The Boothbay Region Land Trust is home to over 35 miles of hiking trails, while the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens offer a colorful outdoor space in which to relax. Cool places to go near me, luxury spas, golf: Wichita, CT, CA, Corpus Christi, Best aquariums in the US, Hartford, NM, GA, NC, UT resorts, NM, LA, MI, DE, PA lakes. Perfect For:Wintry/Rainy Days Shopaholics Collectors Foodies Music/Film Buffs Combining With Wolfes Neck Woods State Park (below) and a drive to Bailey Island (see directly above), Where:Located on Main Street in downtown Brunswick. 11 hours 20 minutes. Salem's dark history, which stems from the witch trials of 1692-1693, gives this seaside city north of Boston a distinct aura. Youll find this collection of Maine facts, oddities, artifacts and displays worth the drive from Portland. The 136-acre Aldermere Farm, managed by the Maine Coast Heritage trust, educates the public on sustainable farming, and runs farm tours and other educational programs. Cost: $150-300 per night. Most day trips from Portland, Maine on this list are less than 2 hours away, with the longest being 2 hours and 30 minutes away. The Kennunkport Christmas Prelude is one of the best Christmas festivals in New England, and Ogunquits Christmas by the Sea event will fill you with all kinds of holiday cheer. Named for the rocky terrain and its history of limestone mining, todays Rockport is a laid back scenic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The kids loved it. The park is home to Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the east coast of the United States. Some of the best things to do in Newburyport on a day trip from Portland: A great option for a boat tour in Newburyport is this cruise through the harbor on a Yankee Clipper. Mount Agamenticus also combines easily with visits to Americas Stonehenge (see above) in New Hampshire. Serious Wyeth fans can also tour the Olson House, famously depicted in "Christinas World," a half-hour away in Cushing, Maine. Kennebunkport, ME Distance From Portland:40 minutes Visit Portland's scenic coast, historic sites and most vibrant neighborhoods with a sightseeing and shopping tour on a classic fire engine. Cross the footbridge for views of town and the water. Explore the coast for the best of Maine lobster, to see the many historic lighthouses, and charming coastal towns. The historic shipyard is flanked by 19th century buildings, and the Victorian-era shipyard owners home. Weve picked blueberries here for hours in the past and always came away with full tubs. The community offers workshops, a museum and tours. Lake trout, crappie, small mouth and large mouth bass, and perch all frequent the coves, inlets and rocky underwater islands. Click here to book your Hocus Pocus Filming Locations Tour in Salem! Have an awesome waterfront lunch or dinner at. Alternatively, you can take a train from New York to Portland via Boston, Back Bay, North Station, Boston, Portland, and Ptc O/B in around 8h. Boston can easily be done in a day, and while you wont see it all, youll be able to cover a lot of ground, depending on what youre looking to do. Enjoy the trails at the park, or visit the Cape Elizabeth Greenbelt, a trail system that spreads through town, surrounding the inland waterways. The Islands of Casco Bay are visible from Portland, Maine, especially at night when the small towns and villages are lit up. Affordable things to see near me, must-visit beaches, cheap weekend getaways: East Coast Beaches, SC, Beaches near Orlando, Last Minute, NH, Houston, Palm Springs, Monterey, From Atlanta, GA, Sedona AZ. Destinations Africa Morocco Asia China India There are two bodies of water here, each split by a decommissioned railroad line passable on foot; swimming is best furthest from the highway. How to Get Around During Your Road Trip to Maine Since you're planning a Maine road trip, you'll obviously need a car while you're here. We prefer more technical hikes, but the views over Megunticook Lake in summer and autumn make this trail worthy of a mention. The bus takes beer lovers from venue to venue on an all-inclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Portland's craft breweries. 13. Hit the trails at Halibut Point State Park. It requires taking a bus or the Amtrak Downeaster train all the way to Boston, then switching to a local bus or train to Salem. Past exhibits at PMA include Portraits by Richard Avedon, a Nan Goldin retrospective, and the Art Books of Henri Matisse. . Whether you're looking for outdoor recreation or art museums, outlet shopping bargains or unique galleries and boutiques, beaches or historic sites, or even a driving tour, you'll find plenty to entice you within a short radius of Portland. Where to go near me: Traverse City, Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Things to Do in Wyoming, Things to do in Delaware. Walk around one of the many waterfront parks. Youll also be able to see Mount Battie and Curtis Island Lighthouse during either sail. Once theres snowfall, Bethel is among Maines best destinations for alpine or Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and aprs ski fun. Over two hundred miles of trails can be explored including motor roads, hiking trails, and carriage roads. Most day trips from Portland, Maine on this list are less than 2 hours away, with the longest being 2 hours and 30 minutes away. Click here to book your Seaplane Tour in Rangeley Lake! The Old Port Festival, celebrated each June, offers live music, locally made arts and crafts, and food from several area restaurants. Every good Maine road trip needs a day (or weekend) at the beach. Learn more about the evidence Americas Stonehenge has yielded to archaeologists and astronomers over the years. ), then you may enjoy this walking tour of the movies filming locations in Salem. You can take a nice hike around the park in South Portland where Portland Light is located. For an inexpensive escape, Portlanders head to Peaks Island. Get off-the-beaten-path at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Peaks Island, Maine is reached with a short ferry trip from Portland. Click here to book your Kayak Tour on Sebago Lake! Here are my tips for a fun and easy visit with kids. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 10 minutes. Nubble Lighthouse is one of the most iconic in all of Maine, and most people only get to see it from a viewing point across the way from the island it sits on. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Michel Hersen and Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com. Theyll take you to some off-the-beaten path places, and youll meet with food artisans to sample locally-caught lobster, chowder, Maine whoopie pies, the absolute best ice cream in town, and so much more. Operating from July through Labor Day, the 1-hour trips cost $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 4-12. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the US for a reason, it is beautiful! 750 NW Lava Rd #160, Bend, OR 97703, map. Other hiking trails meander through hemlock and pine forest and along the Harraseeket River as well. Visit the Sebago Lake State Park, rent a canoe or kayak with the Sebago Trails Paddling Company. Wells is a quiet coastal community and one of the oldest towns in Maine. At just over 200 acres in size, Wolfes Neck Woods State Park features several different ecosystems and great opportunities for spotting ospreys. Click here to book your Hauntings & History Walking Tour in Salem! Its very close to Kennebunkport, and you can definitely do both in one day if youre feeling up for it (although, theres so much to do in each town that you can easily fill up a full day in each place). Expert opinion: Where should I go this weekend for fun? If youre looking to get out on the water, this boat tour out to Nubble and Boon lighthouses is an excellent choice. This is a great place for picnics and the park even features a warming hut for winter visitors. With a depth of over 300 feet, its a popular lake for fishing and outdoor recreation. Detour to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, open mid-April through mid-November, on your way to Sebago Lake. Taste the local beer at these awesome breweries: Visit the cute shops in Market Square. If you dont have access to a car in Portland, you can take the Amtrak Downeastern train from Portland to Boston for your day trip. Simply put, Camden Hills State Park is a classic coastal Maine day trip you need to make right now. 375 Seguinland Road, Georgetown, ME 04548, Phone: 207-371-2303. Waterfront view from hotel Dec 09, 2022 Maine Celtics & decent close hotel Nov 24, 2022 Thanksgiving Day Nov 16, 2022 What section of Portland to stay Nov 11, 2022 Staying in Portland or staying nearby and driving to Portlan Nov 06, 2022 Construction Nov 02, 2022 Way Too Long Trip Report Portland Area/Acadia-Plus Some Tips Oct 24, 2022 Dont forget to check out more local road trip ideas when you have more time to explore the area. New Hampshires White Mountains National Forest traverses the border between New Hampshire and Maine. The second-largest lake in Maine is also one of its deepest and clearest. Head out onto the water (see my suggestion below!). With a day, I would recommend doing Ocean Path (walking from Sand Beach to Otter Cliffs), one hike (Great Head or Gorham are both great choices), and then heading into downtown Bar Harbor for dinner before driving home. 3. Ogunquits town is also very quaint and easily walkable, and packed with adorable shops and great restaurants. The second largest inland body of water in the state, Sebago Lake is surrounded by the towns of Sebago, Casco, Naples, Raymond, Standish, and Windham. as well as designated free moped & motorcycle parking. Its up to you to make your own trip from Portland and see this mysterious site for yourself. In fact, you dont even need a vehicle for one of our recommended city breaks. In downtown Camden, enjoy shopping for antiques, browsing upscale boutiques, and eating fresh seafood, especially lobster, straight from the working harbor. According to these estimates, my monthly transportation expenses (excluding my existing commuting costs) will now total $67, saving . This is a guided tour that last about two hours, and is a casual cruise around town, as well as the surrounding islands. You wont miss the carpetof blueberry bushes on the way to the top; theyre heavily concentrated in natural clearings. We even include our very favorite Portland day trip for picking wild Maine blueberries on a quiet mountaintop between Bridgton and Fryeburg. The next time you find yourself with a day off with nothing but sunshine and time, do yourself a favor and pay one of these places a visit! This tour often spots moose from above on the lake shorelines, so if seeing a moose in Maine is on your list, this will be a great option. Then Poland and Norway. Romantic weekend getaways near me: Anacortes, Benton City, Cabin Getaways in PA, Cabin Getaways in Ohio, Blaine, Spring Green, Small vacation ideas, Tunquen, SoHo. Go beer tasting at the local breweries (theres quite a few here!). P-Town, a popular summer destination and legendary LGBTQ summer getaway, is at the very tip of Cape Cod. How to Get There: Head out of Westbrook on Maine Route 25 to Gray. Surrounding Maine's legendary retailer, you'll find more than 100 other shops including factory outlets from brand names like Vineyard Vines, Calvin Klein, and Cuddledown. While Portland also has a lot of that, I still think Boston is one of the best day trips you can take because the two destinations are different enough to make it worth your while. Click here to book your vintage boat ride tour in Lake Winnipesaukee! Near me on a budget: Arlington, Park City, Places to Visit in USA, Brattleboro VT, Maine lighthouses, St. Paul, Wyoming vacations, Des Moines, Tallest roller coasters, Train Museums near me, Romantic Getaways St Augustine FL. Walk along the waterfront to admire the gorgeous sailboats. In contrast, Greyhound runs buses into and out of Maine from most major cities across the country, with one-way tickets from Boston to Portland starting at as little as $16 per person. If you drive the entire "world tour," you'll be in the car for about five-and-a-half hours without stops. Camden is a beautiful coastal town that has a really great Main Street with shops and restaurants, a really lovely waterfront park, lots of opportunities for sailing, an amazing state park with an incredible view point, and lots of coastal charm at every turn. The small island is home to 12 nature conservancies which protect the land and wildlife habitat. Galleries are located throughout town and the streets are often alive with outdoor art fairs in the summer months. If youre a fan of the movie Hocus Pocus (and honestly, who isnt? During your day trip, youll want to consider booking a tour on the Millie B, where youll get to take in the spectacular views of the region, and maybe even spot a loon or two. Any time of year, visit the shops on Fore Street and Exchange Street, find fresh seafood at the Harbor Fish Market, and try a Maine potato donut at the favorite Holy Donuts. Art Museum, Maine Historical Society/Longfellow House, etc) but for all practical purposes you will need a car if you'd like to get outside the city to visit lighthouses, charming coastal villages, etc all within 30 minutes drive. Along Maines central coast, the Reid State Park was the first to preserve Maines Atlantic coast beaches. Beaches in the area include the freshwater Barret's Cove on Lake Megunticook, and Laite Beach which extends from a grassy park onto the rocky ocean shore. Get out on the water to enjoy Casco Bay on our ferries and tours! New England Coast. Perfect For: Hiking Swimming in Summer Picnics Canoeing and Kayaking Fishing. Drivers will take US Highway 1 north just beyond Brunswick to Route 24 toward Harpswell. Fun day trip ideas: Ohio, From San Francisco, From NYC, Texas, Florida. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 30 minutes. Do day trips to Kennebunkport, Freeport, Bar Harbor, Salem, etc. If youre looking for a super spooky tour and lots of goosebumps, then youll love the Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Walking Tour. The drive to Camden on US Route 1 is like several Portland day trips in one, taking in some quintessential Maine coastal towns along the way. 3 Best Day Trips from Portland, Maine: Ogunquit, Freeport, and the Kennebunks | Cond Nast Traveler. Over 200 artists make their home in Boothbay Harbor, and their work can be seen throughout town in local shops, galleries, and museums. Learn more through geological dioramas, ancient stone lithics, wildlife displays, information on past and present industries, antique vehicles and more. Enjoy the views at the Height of Land Overlook. Below are directions to find the two major sections of our city by car. The Best Ice Cream On Cape Cod & The Islands (2023), 21 Best Things To Do On Cape Cod For Adults (2023), 25 Best Things To Do In Maine In The Winter (2022-2023 Season), 25 Fun Things To Do In Vermont In The Winter (2023), 21 Best New England Winter Getaways (Even For Non-Skiers!) That trend is likely to continue into 2023. If the Portland Museum of Art's rich collection inspires you to seek out even more art treasures, then plan a day trip to the coastal city of Rockland. The eclectic art on view at the Peabody Essex Museum fascinates visitors, too. Or even must do's in the vacinity of Portland. Maines Damariscotta region is known for oysters, and has been for over two thousand years. Portsmouth is a lovely little coastal town in New Hampshire thats just over the Maine border, and only a short drive from Portland. Rent Jet Skis and head out onto the water. Total drive time is just about 45 minutes. Theres so much to do in Acadia that I usually recommend at least 2-3 nights, but you can also see a lot on a day trip. Its packed with tons of charm, has some great beaches, awesome shops and restaurants and feels like a true escape from city life in Portland. Concord Coach Lines Phone +1 800-639-3317 . Foodies, beer fans, and shopaholics will love browsing the town's independent boutiques and galleries. And be sure to keep reading below for bonus seasonal suggestions, as to find out if a day trip from Portland to Acadia is worth it! Best things to do in Marblehead on your day trip from Portland: Click here to read my post on all the best things to do in Marblehead! Our day trips have something for everyone, on any budget. The proximity of this Maine State Park to the city makes this one of our easiest Portland day trips. The name refers to the sandbar that connects the island to the mainland at low tide. The quickest of our two recommended route options from Portland, ME to Burlington, VT spans a distance of 250 miles and will take 6 hours and 20 minutes to drive without stopping.