2 Days in Portland Itinerary - Ideas For a Weekend or Any Time During the Week. Grab some snacks, Maine whoopie pies and other delicious baked goods at Gemmes General Store. Travel Tip: On your return drive to Portland, make a stop at the outlet stores just across the Piscataqua River Bridge in Kittery, Maine. Acadia National park is one of the top ten most visited parks in the United States. Kennebunkport sit on Maines southern coast alongside the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. Ride Bus in Portland: Tri Met. Getting There: The Casco Bay Lines ferry, which runs year-round at least 14 times each day, is the most popular option though you can also use the Portland Sea Taxi or Fogg's water taxi. The small community of 3,000 year round residents include several artists, drawn to the islands world famous Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. Rent a kayak and head out onto the water. Click here to book your Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Spooky Walking Tour in Salem! 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. Gloucester isn't just America's oldest fishing port: It is still very much a working fishery made even more famous as the filming location for the National Geographic TV program, "Wicked Tuna." Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 10 minutes. Portland summers, though short and sweet, are sunny, warm, and come with lots of activity on the water -- aim for July or August. Youll also pass by Boon Lighthouse, which can only be seen by boat, and also get a quick taste of nearby Ogunquit by passing through Perkins Cove. This Windjammer tour is an awesome option, and they have two types of tours: one is a day sail, and the other is a sunset sail if you want to end your day out on the water. The bus takes beer lovers from venue to venue on an all-inclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Portland's craft breweries. Walk along the waterfront to admire the gorgeous sailboats. Tour guides will also help you spot shore birds and other wildlife during the cruise. Enjoy the views at the Height of Land Overlook. 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. Bar Harbor is the largest city on Maines Mount Desert Island. Explore the Pearl District, downtown, two neighborhoods in Northern Portland and famous green spaces in the western part of the . Sebago Lake is one of the best options for day trips from Portland, Maine if youre looking for a peaceful day. Even if you just make the crossing to have lunch and ice cream, you'll feel like you've enjoyed a daycation with Portland in view. Cast your line for chance to catch largemouth bass, pickerel or trout. The beaches here are uncrowded, as is the island's quirky Umbrella Cover Museum. Travel Tip: Want to ensure you'll see a moose while you're visiting Maine? A recent survey by the Leading Hotels of the World found that Italy is currently leading the pack for bookings this year. Click here to book your Windjammer Sunset Sailing Tour in Camden! Its no wonder that Rockport has been used in a lot of movies! Take a tour with the Naples Historical Society, their small museum features 18th and 19th century artifacts. Next up: Naples. Keep in mind that this is a fall-specific tour, and its not available year-round. Drive or hike up to Cathedral Ledge View Point. This is one adventure you can even enjoy without ever leaving your car. From the cobblestone streets of the Old Port to a scenic fall boat ride along the coast in Freeport. Portland offers METRO Bus services, . The local economy is still primarily sustained by lobstering. Yes, you can, but just keep in mind that it will be a long day and youll have to carefully plan what sights you really want to see and be strategic. 8. 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. Day 1: Portland Iconic Classics Sterling Coffee Powell's City of Books Lunch at Deschutes Brewery Portland Art Museum Snack at Salt & Straw McMenamins Happy Hour Day 2: Gardens, Breweries, and a Waterfall International Test Rose Garden Portland Japanese Garden Alberta Arts District Multnomah Falls Breweries Food Truck Dinner Day 3: Day Trip! Hi there! No matter how you get there, expect classic Maine coastal scenery, a unique man-made structure and a great seafood restaurant perfectly situated on the coast. Wells, Maine. Rockport Marine Park. Once theres snowfall, Bethel is among Maines best destinations for alpine or Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and aprs ski fun. Peaks Island is a great day trip from Portland, Maine. One great tour to consider on your day trip from Portland, Maine is a Freedom Trail Walking Tour. Its definitely my most favorite town in the North Shore region of Massachusetts, and probably one of my all-time favorite destinations in all of New England. Maine's beaches have refreshing, clear water that is perfect for cooling off on a hot day. This moderately difficult hiking trail is perfect all year but mid-July is when wild Maine blueberries are ready for picking! This company offers customized and private luxury tours throughout Maine, and if youre looking to get around the state from Portland and dont have access to a car, its worth reaching out to them to plan your perfect day trip. However, we really recommend the Bailey Island Cruise aboard a Casco Bay ferry. Youll see both New Hampshire and the Atlantic from the Big A hike. 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 Trail Distance/Elevation Gain: 4.6 miles round-trip/1,984 feet. In Paris, Maine, there is no Eiffel Tower, but you can dine at Maurice Restaurant Francais. A longer route, which hugs the coast along Maine before heading inland, takes you a little further at 300 miles. 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. Overlooking the park is Griffith Head, a rocky outcropping with views of the Seguin Island lighthouses. You can hike or drive to Mount Battie for classic views of Camden and her harbor. Popular destinations include the Peaks Island House, open in the summer months and overlooking Casco Bay, and the Cockeyed Gull, which offers casual fine dining year round. Start out from Portland on Route 114 North, and set your GPS first for Denmark. WITHIN HOURS Find places 1 hour 1-1/2 hours 2 hours 2-1/2 hours 3 hours 3-1/2 hours 4 hours 4-1/2 hours 5 hours 6 hours 50 miles 100 miles 150 miles 200 miles 250 miles 300 miles 350 miles 400 miles from me Mt Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River. Explore the shops & restaurants along Dock Square. There are so many options in Boothbay, and the views are incredible. Distance from Portland to Mount Rainier: 138.0 mi (222 km) Drive time from Portland to Mount Rainier National Park: About 2 hours 23 minutes. 3 days in Portland, Maine is the perfect amount of time. 2023, Is Lubec, Maine Worth Visiting? Lake trout, crappie, small mouth and large mouth bass, and perch all frequent the coves, inlets and rocky underwater islands. The town also offers uncrowded beaches, a tidal river teeming with wildlife, a working fishing harbor, a desert, and Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park with broad views of Casco Bay from rocky beaches and high bluffs. Knowing this ensures you'll see leaves at their peak, so keep reading to plan your seven day Maine fall foliage road trip! I love visiting this little town because its both a gorgeous place packed with beautiful, colonial-style homes and quaint side streets, but also has a charming downtown, a waterfront park and even the stunning Plum Island to explore. Portland is blessed with a pretty prime geographic location - drive two hours in any direction and you might find yourself at the coast, on a snow-capped stratovolcano, in the heart of wine country, at a rock climbing crag, soaking in a hot spring or even closing in on other major cities like Seattle, Washington. Newcastles 1807 St. Patricks Church is the oldest Catholic Church in America. At the top of FY17, Amtrak hired 38 Maine residents. Augusta is also a good place to grab a bite after your history lesson; head downtown to Riverfront Barbeque and Grill, get comfort food at Downtown Diner or, for a treat, check out Cushnoc Brewing Co. Please see our Disclaimer for full information. If you like to shop, be sure to hit up Newbury Street and Copely Place. Boston is one of my all-time favorite cities because of its deeply-rooted history, gorgeous architecture, amazing restaurants and charming streets. In short, a day trip to Cabot Mill is perfect for everyone! Led by a local expert, youll hear stories about the towns history, as well as be able to stop for some awesome photo opportunities. If so, consider a brief detour inland for a drive or hike to Mount Agamenticus. Getting there: From Boston's South Station, take the Amtrak Northeastern Regional line to Providence. With a depth of over 300 feet, its a popular lake for fishing and outdoor recreation. Shave two hours of drive time off the route by returning to Portland after you see Paris. 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. 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. But Freeport isn't just shopping. Expert opinion: Where should I go this weekend for fun? Visit the Fifth Maine Regiment Hall Museum and the Civil War Memorial. Buy the big bag of popcorn at E.W. Pretty much any destination in New England is wonderful to visit in the fall, but one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine in the fall is Salem, MA, especially during the month of October. For even more history, head across the Kennebec River to Fort Western. Peaks Island is the most populous, yet perfect for exploring by bicycle. 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. 1. The 5,7000 acre park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails, and views of Lake Megunticook from the 800 foot tall Maiden Cliff. Best things to do on a day trip to Rangely Lake from Portland: For something really fun and special (and a bit of a splurge thats totally worth it), consider booking a seaplane tour over the region. With this service you rent by the hour, but you do need to sign up to use the service. Answer 1 of 5: Hi, we will be making our first trip to Maine 6/30-7/5. Although not open to the public, the site was made famous by Edward Hoppers 1929 painting, Lighthouses at Two Lights. Maine Road Trip Day 1: Spend Time in York Beach or Ogunquit. Ready for a winter cruise through Casco Bay? Kim Knox Beckius is a Connecticut-based travel writer, author, photographer, and editor. Drivers will take US Highway 1 north just beyond Brunswick to Route 24 toward Harpswell. it helps to know which day trips from Portland, Maine are worth the journey. Settled in 1623 and remarkable for its preserved architecture and waterfront attractions like the living history museum Strawbery Banke, Portsmouth is a picture-perfect New England city at the intersection of what's vibrant and new and what's old and still cool. Some of the best things to do on a Lake Winnipesaukee day trip from Portland: One of the most fun tours to take in Lake Winnipesaukee is a ride in an antique boat! Your email address will not be published. Youll get recommendations for places to eat during the rest of your visit, and get to sample some amazing treats along the way like meats, cheeses, baked goods, drinks and pizzas. A great option for day trips from Portland, Maine without a car is this full-day Maine in the fall tour. 200 NH-112, North Woodstock, NH 03262, Phone: 603-745-8720, You are reading "25 Best Weekend and Day Trips from Portland, Maine " Back to Top. McMenamins Edgefield is a 74-acre property sitting atop farmland near the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area a mere 20-minutes from downtown Portland. Im the creator and writer behind New England Wanderlust, and my passion is sharing my knowledge on the very best things to do and see in New England, and beyond. This peculiar site isstill a mystery after 4,000 years! Technically speaking, there are over 4,600 islands off the coast of Maine.This includes the largest actual island (Mount Desert Island) to tiny ledges that can only be considered islands during a very low tide.There are a fair few that fall right in the middle, perfect for exploring no matter what your budget might be. For tips on what to bring with you on your puffin tour, as well as other fun things to do in Boothbay Harbor, check out my post below! Once you get to Boston, I always recommend you park your car for the day and explore on foot, but a trolley tour will allow you to see more sites without having to worry about getting around a historic city in your own car. We prefer more technical hikes, but the views over Megunticook Lake in summer and autumn make this trail worthy of a mention. 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. The Amtrak station is about 3.5 miles from the beach, where there are many places to stay. Some of the best things to do in Camden on a day trip from Portland: One of the best things to do in Camden, though, is to head out on a sailing tour. Take in the sensational views and feel the rush of the falls on this famous day trip from Portland. The spooky fun reaches its peak in October, when the city hosts a month-long slate of Haunted Happenings. 1st trip to Maine Need feedback and . Head out onto the water for a wildlife and lighthouse tour (see my suggestions below!). Walk the streets of downtown to visit the shops and eateries. Getting There: You'll get to enjoy a scenic drive of about an hour and 40 minutes on Route 25 getting to Moultonborough. This is the shortest day trip from Portland and one of my favorite ways to spend a warm summer weekend. Just northwest of Portland, Maines Sebago Lake spans over 28,000 acres. Maines Damariscotta region is known for oysters, and has been for over two thousand years. Click here to book your Culinary Walking Tour in Kennebunkport! Visit the Bush Family Legacy exhibit at White Columns. Located on New Hampshire's Seacoast region right along the border with Maine, Portsmouth is a must-see in New England and an eminently doable day trip. Choose the Mailboat Run which serves four islands in the bay. Time & distance from Portland: 16 miles, 20-minute drive. 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. Destinations Africa Morocco Asia China India The park is home to Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the east coast of the United States. The unique sand dune formation was formed by an Ica Age glacier. Turn left on Maine Route 327 (Mosher Rd.) 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. It's the oldest lighthouse in Maine. 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. 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. Feel like a kid again at Weirs Beach, and ride the roller coasters, play arcade games and go kart. Bus operators. This means that Newburyport is still a decent day trip option even if it's raining or cold. 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. Also, during your weekend getaway, this is one of the best things to do in Portland, Maine for free as admission is free to the public on Fridays from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Do day trips to Kennebunkport, Freeport, Bar Harbor, Salem, etc. One the water activities are the top attraction here, be it fishing, boating or sightseeing. Hike the trails at Hackers Hill Preserve. I think Salem is a great town to explore year-round, but of course, theres something extra fun and special about it in the fall season. In the spring and summer months, enjoy fishing, canoeing and kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking or golf. Click here to book your Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley tickets in Boston! Get great views of picture-perfect lighthouses and architecture from high up on the engine, and listen to live narration as you tour the city. Or even must do's in the vacinity of Portland. Portsmouth is a lovely little coastal town in New Hampshire thats just over the Maine border, and only a short drive from Portland. Travel Tip: Be sure to stop into the oldest store in the country while you're in Moultonborough to buy snacks and souvenirs. I love Kennebunkport because theres so much to do, but its also a small town thats easily manageable for a day trip. 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. This spot has great views over the Androscoggin River and also serves as a film and music venue, gallery and cafe. Public transportation is difficult but possible. Turn left and continue approximately one mile to either the Sebago to the Sea Trail or Johnson Field parking areas. Want to explore more of the North Shore & Cape Ann, MA? Click here for more information on customized and luxury private day tours from Portland! Photo Credit: Serena Folding Combining Portland day trips makes sense and well recommend a few excursions to roll into one. Here youll find man-made stone structures and standing slabs aligned with particular lunar and solar events. Climb to the top via the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway, take the auto road, or enjoy a hike. Click here to book your Windjammer Daytime Sailing Tour in Camden! 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. Amtrak spent $400,588 on goods and services and products in Maine in FY17. Along the paths that head inland, youll see old Native American trails, remnants of concrete war bunkers, and reach Island Avenue, home of the Peaks Island shops, restaurants and cafes. Annual festivals include summers Damariscotta Oyster Celebration and autumns Pemaquid Oyster Festival. Who made them? Rangeley Lake in Maine is located in the Northwestern corner of the state, and is a beautiful destination to consider. The best way to get from Portland to Acadia National Park without a car is to bus and Amtrak Thruway which takes 5h 39m and costs . The small island is easily explored by bicycle, with just a 4-mile long circumference. Ogunquits town is also very quaint and easily walkable, and packed with adorable shops and great restaurants. For an inexpensive escape, Portlanders head to Peaks Island. Hobbs: it'll be the best you've ever tasted. Stroll through the walkable downtown area for shopping and dining. Especially in the summer because of traffic and crowds. 630 miles. Below Ive also listed two options for companies that will drive you around Maine in a private tour if it works in your budget, and well as one tour in Portland that will feel like an escape. Operating from July through Labor Day, the 1-hour trips cost $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 4-12. The drive takes you through the Cascade Mountains and past many scenic lakes and forests. Get off-the-beaten-path at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Grab a famous cannoli from Mikes Pastry. Drive to the top of Quill Hill for more amazing birds eye lake views. Gloucester is also home to wonderfully scenic beaches, and, of course, the seafood is as fresh as can be. We plan on spending much of our time in Portland, but will also be making a quick trip up to Freeport and the Casco Bay. Foodies, beer fans, and shopaholics will love browsing the town's independent boutiques and galleries. A picnic, cold drinks and a dip in the ponds was our antidote to steamy days and we always had it to ourselves. United States. Take a walking tour with a certified Maine Guide to learn more about the town. Home to Bowdoin College, which was founded in 1794, Brunswick is brimming with history. The pretty white stunner was built in 1791 and renovated in 1831. There are a few different tour options available, including a narrated history tour, a Parker River National Wildlife Refuge tour, as well as a sunset cocktail cruise if you want to end your day out on the water. The L.L. Alternatively, make your Portland day trip to one of Maines island communities and explore on foot for several hours. The historic park was founded in 1939, making it one of the first five state parks in the nation. Distance: 175 mi / 3 hrs ( map) Things You Can't Miss: High Desert Museum, Tumalo Falls, Sparks Lake. Getting There: Your GPS is your globetrotting best friend on this day trip: Use it to navigate from destination to destination. Portland, Maine's central coast location makes day trips along the Atlantic coast and into Maine's lake and mountain regions easy and accessible. Enjoy hikes throughout the area, ski resort attractions, and historic adventures. Even though its a splurge, the price is very fair for a private tour, especially in such a gorgeous area. 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! 2. The end of the trail is capped with an old fire tower; this is where views to New Hampshire and even more blueberries await. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. If you don't have access to a vehicle, join this awesome waterfall hiking tour to the Columbia River Gorge from Portland! 740 miles. Getting There The Casco Bay Ferry is the best and least expensive way for most people to get to Peaks Island. Weve done these day trips from Portland in all types of Maine weather; take our advice and bring a long sleeve top in summer! Dont forget to check out more local road trip ideas when you have more time to explore the area. In all honestly, getting outside of Portland to explore the local areas without a car is very difficult, and sometimes not even possible. Peaks Island Just a ferry ride away. Gloucester is a great day trip from Portland, Maine to consider, and is also only about 15 minutes from Rockport, so you can easily combine the two into one trip if you wanted. And since these two towns are so close to one another, you could easily combine them into one festive day trip. Bath is a small town located on the Kennebec River at the center of Maines Atlantic coast. Approximately 5.5 miles from Bridgton (and just past Moose Pond) turn left on Mountain Road; parking for Bald Peak Trail is approximately 1.7 along this road. With over 150 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of carriage roads, and 27 miles of historic motor roads, Acadia spans varying terrain and offers something for the casual visitor, or the serious outdoor enthusiast. Even though its such a short drive away, youll definitely feel like youre in a different world. Bird watching is a popular activity, as well as swimming, fishing and hiking. at one of the towns many bakeries. Accessible via bridge, the islands retain a charming 1950s rural neighborhood feel. 3. Perfect For: Hiking Swimming in Summer Picnics Canoeing and Kayaking Fishing. Or get a full Cape Elizabeth to Portland (Maine) flight plan. The small coastal village is located in Penobscot Bay halfway between Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport. Here you can get up close to invertebrates at the touch tank, learn about the lifecycle of lobsters, and Atlantic sea life. Hungry for more? Chebeague Island is the largest and home to a 9-hole golf course. 2023. Click here to book your Kayak Tour on Sebago Lake! Serious hikers can choose from 20 trails throughout the park for even more stunning vistas in every direction. That's a total of $200 a year, or about $17 a month on average. 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. Rockland's Center for Maine Contemporary Art, opened in 2016, will beckon to you with its exhibitions of work by the best living artists with ties to Maine, displayed in a Toshiko Mori-designed building. Explore Plum Island and the scenic trails at. The Appalachian Trail passes just north of Bethel on its way to Canada. Visit the Boothbay Region Art Foundation or visit during a Boothbay Art and Crafts Show, which takes place on summer weekends. Each tour is different based on the season, but it lasts for 2.5 hours, and youll get the inside scoop from a local on all the best foods to eat in town. Marblehead has an awesome historic district with beautiful houses to admire, cute little shops and cafes, plenty of waterfront to explore and is even home to some Hocus Pocus filming locations! Grab a trail map and cover the four miles of paths through the park. We gathered a lot of our favorites in Portland, Maine after living here for 14 years; see if your local haunts made our list. Where: Wolfes Neck Woods State Park is located 11 miles southwest of Brunswick via Pleasant Hill Road, or 4.8 miles south of Freeport. The scenic area is a popular summer destination for swimming, boating and fishing. 1. Quick Weekend Trips: Utah lakes, Mountains in Maine, Waterfalls in Maine near me, Maine Breweries, Things to Do in Ogunquit. Maines Boothbay Harbor is located along the rocky Atlantic coast about one hours drive north of Portland. 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. Its up to you to make your own trip from Portland and see this mysterious site for yourself. Getting around Portland, OR by bus is cheap and accessible. Be sure to stop at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray on the way. Everyone needs a quick getaway and we have you covered! Of course, check with Casco Bay Lines for current information regarding this scenic cruise. Portsmouths downtown is so charming, and has a lot of really great shops, restaurants, cafes and breweries, as well as waterfront walkways, and even a small little lighthouse just outside of town. Getting to see it from a boat tour that departs from Kennebunk is a real treat! Again, Bald Peak Trail is good any time of year, even if you dont make it for the free mid-July harvest!
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day trips from portland, maine without a car