Discover 7 Fun Things To Do In Portland Maine

Portland Maine is an increasingly popular location for a small-town waterfront getaway. Settled near Casco Bay, the Portland area offers something fun and intriguing to do from Summertime to the cold weather days of winter.

Whether you’re searching for a place full of historic buildings and intriguing art exhibitions or outdoor activities along the stunning waterways, a visit to Portland will surely check every box you have on your vacation to-do list.

1) Take The Party To The Water With Maine BayCycle

Maine BayCycle has the first paddle party boat in Portland Maine making it one of the most interesting attractions in the area. There are 10 pedal stations on the party boat and five extra seats for passengers.

You can join a public paddle party or book a private tour of Casco Bay with up to 14 of your friends. Bring along your favorite drinks and snacks to load up the coolers and connect your smartphone to the Bluetooth speakers to set the tone for a party like no other.

With daylight and sunset cruises available, these paddle boat tours are some of the most exciting ways to see Portland Maine from a fresh vantage point.

Contact us today to set up a tour while you visit Portland!

2) See Unparalleled Waterfront Views At Fort Williams Park

One of the best ways to capture the natural beauty of Maine in Portland is to visit Fort Williams Park. The park is 90 acres and offers some of the best opportunities to have fun with your family and friends in the great outdoors.

Some of the things you can do at the park include:

• Having a picnic

• Fly kites

• Walk pathways

• Explore the rocky beach

• Visit the Children’s Garden

• Walk the Cliffside Loop

• Tour the Arboretum

Fun Fact: The park is also home to Maine’s oldest lighthouse, the Portland Head Light on the rocky shores of Cape Elizabeth. Explore the unusual shoreline of quartzite and dark grey phyllite. Peer out over the water to catch a glimpse of four other lighthouses along the bay!

3) Visit A Portland Museum While You’re In Town

Whether you want to learn the history of Portland Maine or you love to see the different art styles displayed in various cities, you’re sure to find a museum that speaks to you while visiting downtown Portland. The Portland Museum of Art is a popular location in town due to its extensive collection of American, European, and Contemporary art.

There are customizable tours available for 10 or more visitors and the museum hosts activities and offers amenities for families of all sizes and likes. Looking for a different museum experience? Check out one of these other Portland museums:

• Tate House Museum

• Portland Fire Museum

• Museum of Beadwork

Pro Tip: Check the website for your museum of choice to look at their calendar of events to ensure you don’t miss out on any activities or events, especially if you’re bringing the kids along!

4) Get The Best Of Portland In One Place

Commercial Street is one of the greatest places in Portland to experience the best of the area in one spot. Commercial Street supports Maine’s tourism industry with an exciting variety of retail shops, fine dining restaurants, live music, and guided tours, all with stunning waterfront views of the bay.

The Eastern Promenade Trail is within walking distance if you’d like to explore the area further. Here are some of the best places to shop for souvenirs, gifts, and more:

• The Blue Lobster

• Ports of Call

• Shipwreck and Cargo

Pro Tip: Save up for your shopping trip to this iconic Portland street! The souvenirs and gifts found in these boutiques are high quality and therefore more expensive than you might find elsewhere in town.

5) Take A Day Trip To Peaks Island

Hop on the ferry from Portland to enjoy a day trip to Peaks Island! Once known as the Coney Island of Maine, and a WWII outpost, this island is now a small town neighborhood in Portland. There are 14 departures to the island throughout the day and it only takes 17 minutes to reach your destination once you board the ferry.

Some fun things to do on the island:

• Rent a golf cart or bike to tour the island

• Discover the Battery Steele historical landmark

• Explore the back shore of the island and Carin Beach

Enjoy the food scene at these iconic restaurants:

• Unruly Girls’ Peaks Cafe

• Island Lobster Company

• The Cockeyed Gull

Fun Fact: If you’re looking for a place to get a treat and do some shopping, Down Front ice cream shop has amazing sweet treats and offers a wide selection of clothing, souvenirs, gifts, and more!

6) Enjoy Food, History, And More In Old Port

Old Port is located in the heart of Portland and is known for cobblestone streets lined with brick buildings and a rich history just waiting to be discovered by visitors. The food in this area is also one of the reasons so many visit this part of Portland. With tons of restaurants, there’s something delicious for everyone.

Here are some of our favorite spots to grab food in the area:

• Duckfat

• The Holy Donut

• Central Provisions

Pro Tip: Looking for sweet treats but have dietary restrictions? The Holy Donut is known for Maine potato doughnuts and offers gluten-free and vegan options!

7) Visit The Giant Pinecone

In the heart of Deering Oaks Park lies an eight-foot-long pinecone fashioned out of 140 recycled steel shovels, representing the state flower of Maine, the white pinecone.

The installation is strategically placed at the base of towering pine trees for the ultimate whimsical art installation.

Fill Your Day With Fun In Portland

Portland, Maine is full of fun and waterfront excitement for all! Now that you know some of the most exciting places to see and things to do in Portland, be sure to book a ride on Maine BayCycle’s party boat to get your visit started on the right foot.

Join us for an unforgettable experience on the water, where laughter and good times await! We pride ourselves on providing each guest with a safe and exciting experience, so don’t wait – reach out to us today to secure your tour and make your Portland visit truly memorable!