Portland is the largest city in Maine (by population) and its importance as a major city on the New England coastline is undeniable.

Today, visitors flock to this beautiful city on the sea to enjoy everything Portland has to offer. Here you can learn about the rich history of the port and its inhabitants. Tour the many lighthouses that guide ships along the shore. And of course, enjoy the food and drink that’s unique to Portland.

When planning a trip to Portland you want to make sure not to miss anything. This list has the best things to do in Portland Maine. It will help fill your itinerary and make sure you’re not overlooking anything.

Best Things to Do in Portland Maine

Portland Head Lighthouse

When you think of Portland Maine chances are it’s an image of the Portland Head Lighthouse that comes to mind.

This picture-perfect lighthouse has been helping boats navigate the New England waters since it was built in 1791.

Today, you can visit the lighthouse and learn about its history and purpose in the museum.

As you stand at the Portland Head Light, with the waves crashing against the cliffs, its importance and power are clear.

No wonder it’s one of the best things to do in Portland.

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Portland Head Light is one of the most popular places to visit in Portland Maine

Visit the Portland Head Lighthouse and walk the trails with views of the rocky coastline

Did you know that Portland is an easy day trip from Portsmouth New Hampshire?

Victoria Mansion

Step back in time at the Victoria Mansion.

Built during a time of decadence, the home is preserved nearly exactly as it was when the original homeowners, the Morses, lived there.

Unlike the majority of lavish homes from the mid-1800s, Victoria Mansion is nearly unchanged with the same painted walls and 90% of the furnishings.

Victoria Mansion is open seasonally, during the spring/summer and from Thanksgiving to New Year.

Bug Light

Bug Light may be small but it’s mighty.

This important lighthouse, with its unforgettable size, sits at the end of the breakwaters protecting the harbor.

Known formally as the Portland Breakwater Light it got its nickname from its notable height of only 26 feet.

Compared to others around town, it’s hard to forget this bug. In the area surrounding the light is Bug Light Park visitors can relax and even fly a kite – a favorite activity here.

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Portland Maine Bug Light breakwater lighthouse.

Go to the Bug Light Park and visit the cute Bug Light

Kites flying at Portland Bug Light Park in Maine.

The Bug Light Park is a popular place to fly kites of all shapes and sizes

Portland Museum of Art

Portland Museum of Art is the heart of Portland’s Art District. With over 17,000 art objects the museum is a center of culture for the city.

As the oldest art institution in the US, its collection includes works by some of the greatest American artists like Winslow Homer, Marsden Hartley, Mary Cassat, and George Bellows.

So in terms of American art, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Portland.

The museum is open most days until 6pm but closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Free admission on Fridays from 4-8pm.

Beaches

Portland has various types of beaches along its miles of shoreline.

So of course visiting the beach is one of the best things to do in Portland.

At Old Orchard Beach there’s a pier high above the water where restaurants, shops and entertainment venues are open from late spring through early fall.

At Crescent Beach and Scarborough Beach you’ll find more of a traditional beach experience. They both have pristine beaches with soft sand and grassy dunes.

Enjoy some beach time at Old Orchard Beach in Portland

Peaks Island

Peaks Island is a perfectly quaint island to the east of Portland.

Taking the ferry over, you’ll slow things down and enjoy the quiet side of Portland on Peaks Island.

There’s a small-town vibe throughout the island with cute shops and places to eat.

You can rent a kayak or hike the trails around the island. History buffs will want to check out Battery Steele and the Military Reservation which were important during WWII.

Peaks Island is seriously one of the best things to do in Portland.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

When you venture out to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse it will feel like you’re in the middle of the water.

Especially since you’ll have to walk the 950-foot-long breakwater to reach it. But once there, the view is awesome.

That’s why getting out to Shore Point Ledge Lighthouse is definitely one of the best things to do in Portland.

Its caisson-style design is unique to the lights placed out in the water rather than on land. You’ll be able to visit the lighthouse and learn all about its important form and position.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse Portland Maine.

You can walk the breakwater for a closer look at Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

Allagash Brewing Company

At Allagash you’ll enjoy the best beer in Maine.

Built on the traditional brewing process in Maine, Allagash creates Belgium-style craft beers. Some of their beers are fermented in oak barrels in honor of the ways of the past.

Visitors to the brewery can sample Allagash beers in the Tasting Room.

If you’re hoping to nosh on something with your beer, Bite Into Maine food truck is there to get you something to eat too.

Take a Boat Tour

As a city on the water’s edge, one of the best things to do in Portland Maine is to take a boat tour.

This way you can explore the city from a different perspective.

The many lighthouses are major attractions for visitors, but the best way to see them is from a boat.

There are different tours to choose from. You can sail on a schooner or sail along with fishermen as they haul in their catch.

Other boat rides will take you from land to sea and back again.

Get out on the water with a boat tour in Portland

Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine

One of the best things to do in Portland with kids is to visit the Children’s Museum and Theatre.

Exhibitions and performances are designed to let kids be kids. Here they are encouraged to touch, build, create and explore.

The museum and theatre is perfect for children of all ages and abilities. Specifically, Play Your Way are days geared towards families affected by autism.

The Children’s Museum and Theatre is typically closed to the public Mondays and Tuesdays.

Eat Lobster

Maine lobster is famous around the world and when in Portland why not try some of the most delicious seafood?!

When I visited the Portland Head Lighthouse I found Cousins Maine Lobster food truck onsite so of course I bought a lobster roll.

And yes, it was as delicious as it looks in the photo below.

When you want to enjoy a lobster meal in Portland you have plenty of choices. Some of the best lobster in Portland can be found at The Highroller Lobster Co., DiMillo’s on the Water, Scales, Street & Co., and Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier to name a few.

Maine lobster roll – a popular and tasty meal in Portland

Final Thoughts Portland Maine Things to Do

There you have it, 10+ best things to do in Portland Maine. As you can see, this wonderful East Coast city has so much to do. Your itinerary will be full of art, history, fun and adventure. Oh, and of course a lighthouse or two. And delicious seafood!