Portland, ME

Travel Guide

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

The largest city in Maine is a gateway for island hopping in summer, skiing in winter and a thriving cultural center year-round.

Renowned for the many outdoor adventures that are nearby, Portland, Maine, also offers visitors a large downtown arts district and a vibrant food culture.

Kick off your exploration in the Old Port. This historic district with cobblestone streets and converted Victorian warehouses contains many boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Visit the late 18th-century Portland Head Light lighthouse. Although the tower isn’t open to the public, you can still explore the small museum in the former Keepers’ Quarters, which is open seasonally.

Portland’s creative side is seen in its many downtown museums and galleries. Discover three centuries of American and European fine and decorative art at the Portland Museum of Art. For music, dance and drama, visit the Merrill Auditorium and the Portland Stage theater.

After a tour of the town and its museums, go kayaking or take a boat cruise to explore coastal and inland waterways. On a warm day, swim in a clear lake, relax on the beach or go whitewater rafting down the Kennebec River. Take a short ferry ride out to the Casco Bay Islands, an archipelago off Portland’s coast. Visit the islands’ beaches, woods and villages. Peaks Island is the bay’s most populated island and has an artistic community. Walk its 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) Peaks Island Loop. In winter, go skiing in Sunday River and Sugarloaf, two skiing resorts within driving distance of the city.

Compact Portland is easy to navigate by car and public transport and on foot. There is a fee for parking in the downtown area, except on Sundays. In winter, check the nightly parking ban to avoid blocking snow plows.

The city is 310 miles (499 kilometers) from New York City and daily flights from there and Washington D.C. go into Portland International Jetport. As the city has a working port and cruise terminals, you can also get there and away by ship.

Where to stay in Portland

State Street Church

Downtown Portland

4.5/5(326 area reviews)

Downtown Portland is known for its captivating waterfront views, and with sights like Cross Insurance Arena and Merrill Auditorium, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Portland.

Downtown Portland
Old Port featuring a bay or harbor

Old Port

4.5/5(473 area reviews)

Cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings, and fishing piers define this district, offering boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Explore Post Office Park, Tommy's Park with its large mural, and stroll the Eastern Promenade Trail to East End Beach.

Old Port
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Back Cove

While Back Cove might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Hadlock Field and Merrill Auditorium.

Back Cove
Victoria Mansion featuring a house, heritage elements and interior views

West End

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Distinguished by its well-preserved Victorian architecture, this downtown Portland neighborhood boasts the scenic Western Promenade park, offering views of the White Mountains, and several historic structures, such as the Gothic House and Morrill Mansion.

West End
Portland which includes a garden

East Bayside

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

Bordered by Franklin Street and Washington Avenue, East Bayside offers a community arts venue, Mayo Street Arts, and the relaxing green space of Kennedy Park. Explore nearby Old Port and Munjoy Hill.

East Bayside
Great piece of history and food, for the Portland area

West Bayside

4/5(2 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in West Bayside and surrounding area, you can visit Merrill Auditorium and Cross Insurance Arena.

West Bayside
Clarion Hotel Portland

Clarion Hotel Portland

2.5 out of 5
1230 Congress St, Portland, ME
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$152 nightly
The price is $168 total per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
$168 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"I like the room and accommodations. The front desk person was a bit brief with me though."

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

Clarion Hotel Portland
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Portland

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Portland

3 out of 5
155 Riverside St, Portland, ME
$128 nightly
The price is $141 total per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
$141 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,045 reviews)
"Property is good . Nice area and convenient"

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Portland
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Portland

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Portland

3 out of 5
340 Park Ave, Portland, ME
$143 nightly
The price is $158 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$158 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,223 reviews)
"A Good place to stay , clean and well run . The breakfast start time could be 6:00 am instead of 6:30 ."

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Portland
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Weldon Hotel

The Weldon Hotel

4.5 out of 5
54 York St, Portland, ME
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Thompson's Point ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (71 reviews)
"The space was so sparkling clean and the layout was super comfortable. We enjoyed our stay very much!"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

The Weldon Hotel
Cozy and Quiet Home One Bedroom Private Bathroom in Portland Maine. NOT KITCHEN.

Cozy and Quiet Home One Bedroom Private Bathroom in Portland Maine. NOT KITCHEN.

2 out of 5
Portland
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Thompson's Point and Maine Mall ...
Perfect for a long weekend
"The property was as described, clean, and in a quiet neighborhood. Conveniently located to many local attractions. Check in and check out process was smooth. Overall enjoyed my stay very much."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Cozy and Quiet Home One Bedroom Private Bathroom in Portland Maine. NOT KITCHEN.
Studio Unit Walkable Everywhere

Studio Unit Walkable Everywhere

Portland
Stay at this vacation home in Portland. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Thompson's Point and Maine Mall are located ...
"Great, comfortable place to stay. The location is super walkable. There are several bars/restaurants very close, and other areas are close enlighten to walk to as well (I.e. Congress Street). Commercial is a bit of a walk, but if you’re like us and love to walk a new area. It’s not that far. The ..."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Studio Unit Walkable Everywhere
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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