Things to do in Portland, Maine
- Portland has one of the highest numbers of restaurants per capita in the United States, a result of its long-standing focus on locally sourced ingredients.
- The city's original name was Falmouth; it was renamed Portland in 1786, two years after the American Revolutionary War.
- Portland is home to the world's only museum dedicated to the study of hidden animals, the International Cryptozoology Museum.
- The city was entirely destroyed four times, most notably by the Great Fire of 1866, which led to the local ordinance requiring buildings to be constructed of brick rather than wood.
- The Portland peninsula was originally a thriving Wabanaki trading site known as Machigonne before European settlement.
About Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine is a historic peninsula city known for its maritime legacy and a high concentration of working waterfronts and culinary institutions. Visitors can explore local history at the Portland Observatory, a unique 1807 signal tower, or tour the ornate interiors of the Victoria Mansion. Families often gather at the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, while outdoor enthusiasts frequent the sweeping coastal views found at Fort Williams Park. The city serves as a regional hub for commerce and arts, anchored by performance spaces like the Merrill Auditorium.
Highlights of Portland, Maine
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
This landmark is the most photographed lighthouse in the United States and sits on the rocky shores of Cape Elizabeth.
Parks
Visitors can explore rugged cliffs, picnic areas, and the iconic ruins of an old fort overlooking Casco Bay.
Museums
This facility offers interactive exhibits and a professional theater program specifically designed for children and families.
Historical places
It is one of the most significant pre-Civil War residential houses in the country, showcasing rare original interiors and art.
Places of interest
This museum preserves the heritage of Maine's unique two-foot gauge railway system with restored historic trains.
Museums
The building stands as the last surviving maritime signal station in the United States, providing a clear vantage point of the harbor.
Venues
This venue hosts a wide array of performances, ranging from symphony orchestras to Broadway tours and local cultural events.
Parks
This elevated promenade offers a scenic view of the Western Waterfront and is surrounded by well-preserved 19th-century architecture.
Top things to do in Portland, Maine
The 49 highest-rated places in Portland, Maine, ranked by travellers.
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Historical places
Portland Head Light is a historic lighthouse commissioned by George Washington in 1787 and completed in 1791. Located in...
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Portland, Maine on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Portland, Maine
July to September, when the weather is ideal for coastal exploration and all seasonal island ferries are in full operation.
3 days, which allows enough time to explore the Old Port, visit local islands, and tour coastal fortifications.
The downtown and Old Port areas are highly walkable, though a car is necessary to reach coastal attractions like Portland Head Light.
Stay in the Old Port for immediate access to restaurants and the waterfront, or Munjoy Hill for quieter residential charm and harbor views.
Mid-to-expensive; lodging prices rise significantly during the peak summer tourist season.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 49 curated attractions in and around Portland, Maine, ranked by traveller ratings.
Portland Head Light is the highest-rated place to visit in Portland, Maine right now.
The largest category is parks, with 14 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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