The drive takes you through the Cascade Mountains and past many scenic lakes and forests. It's about 20 minutes to Cape Elizabeth, and then an additional 50 minutes to Kennebunkport. Newcastles 1807 St. Patricks Church is the oldest Catholic Church in America. Bean flagship store is famously open 24/7/365, making Freeport, Maine, a destination not just for shopping-addicted daytrippers but for night owls, too. The Mountain Division section of the Sebago to the Sea Trail passes near the pond furthest from the highway; take a hike or bike ride on this path before hopping in the pond to cool off. In fact, you dont even need a vehicle for one of our recommended city breaks. Maines Portland Museum of Art boasts a permanent collection of American, European, and local Maine art. Time & distance from Portland: 16 miles, 20-minute drive. 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. The furthest day trip from Portland, Maine is still definitely worth your time! What are some fun must-see places: Cincinnati, MD, OR Beaches, HI, Indoor Amusement Parks, Things to Do in Gatlinburg, WI, Orlando, Texas Beaches. It's a humble city, without pretense, qualities you could easily use to describe Mainers themselves. Learn more about the evidence Americas Stonehenge has yielded to archaeologists and astronomers over the years. Head out onto the water for a wildlife and lighthouse tour (see my suggestions below!). Of course, check with Casco Bay Lines for current information regarding this scenic cruise. Bird watching is a popular activity, as well as swimming, fishing and hiking. Once the holiday season is over, a great option for a day trip from Portland, Maine in the winter is to head just a few minutes north to Freeport and explore the charming town covered in snow, explore the trails at Wolfes Neck Center & Farm and then head back into town for a very cozy meal at Tuscan Brick Oven Pizza. Annual festivals include summers Damariscotta Oyster Celebration and autumns Pemaquid Oyster Festival. In any season it's a lovely place to walk along boardwalk trails through the dunes and seaside forest of the island's the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Click here to read about the best stops to make when driving from Portland to Acadia National Park! Portland is home to a vibrant working waterfront, great small-business shopping, and an incredible art scene. Kayak the calm waters of the harbor, or enjoy the views from the grassy Both are excellent destinations to dedicate a full day to, however, so its entirely up to you! Again, dont forget to pack a picnic and some drinks for these cruises. Some of the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor on a day trip from Portland: If you come to Boothbay Harbor for your day trip, I highly suggest you consider a boat tour. Our getaways over the years brought us to an ancient, peculiar Granite State spot we still cant quite figure out. Turn right in Bath onto Route 127 South, and cross the bridges that connect Arrowsic and Georgetown islands to the mainland. Take a tour, enjoy the trails and visit the 18th century barn. Simply put, Camden Hills State Park is a classic coastal Maine day trip you need to make right now. Since Sebago Lake is the second largest lake in Maine, it covers a pretty big area, and there are a few different towns that surround the lake, which each offer really fun things to do. You can take a nice hike around the park in South Portland where Portland Light is located. Some of the best things to do in Ogunquit on a day trip from Portland: Click here to read my post on everything to do in Ogunquit! Click here to book your Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Spooky Walking Tour in Salem! Below is a list of my favorite day trips from Portland, Maine, and the destinations are organized by shortest to furthest distance from Portland. 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. Find all the transport options for your trip from Portland to Acadia National Park right here. The 150 foot long sandy stretch is named for its location in front of the historic 1914 Colony Hotel. See the history of the industry at the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site, and try some at restaurants such as the Shuck Station or the Newcastle Publick House. Bath is a small town located on the Kennebec River at the center of Maines Atlantic coast. The trail to Bald Peak is lined with lowbush blueberries near the mountaintop. In addition to self-guided castle tours and equestrian opportunities, the quirky former estate of self-made millionaire Thomas Plant offers 28 miles of hiking trails and dining with a spectacular view of the lake and mountains at the Carriage House Restaurant. Bean campus is home to Discovery Park, where events including a free summer concert series are held. Stop in Owls Head on your way there or back to visit the lighthouse (its worth the extra stop!). Visit the Gendron Franco Center where there are regular French-themed events. Get on the water aboard an early 1900s ship with Portland Schooner Co., or try your hand at lobstering with Lucky Catch Cruises. Our day to the Maine State Museum was perfect. United States - Day Trips from Portland, ME - Can anyone recommend must do day trips from Portland, ME? Climb to the top via the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway, take the auto road, or enjoy a hike. Lewiston, Maine is located in the Maine Lakes Region alongside the Androscoggin River. Is Portland Maine worth visiting? . Theres actually so much to do in Conway that you probably cant experience it all in a day, but it definitely makes for a great day trip to get some fresh mountain air. 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. Weve picked blueberries here for hours in the past and always came away with full tubs. Here is the info on Ucar Share: Two public boat launches, a city dock and two marinas serve the town. 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. That's a total of $200 a year, or about $17 a month on average. Located on Penobscot Bay, the deepwater Camden Harbor is home to several tall ships and schooners that offer cruises of the bay, sailing tours and fishing excursions. Maines Bradbury Mountain State Park is located just north of Portland and is open to visitors year round for outdoor recreation opportunities. Bring your own picnic and hop on board the Casco Bay ferry for a relaxing harbor tour. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art was founded in the 1950s by a student working within the famous Perkins Cove artists colony. Bend, Oregon. Boating opportunities include sailing or boat tours aboard historic windjammers and schooners. North America. 6. E-bikes are so much fun to ride, and allow you to pack more into your schedule than just walking. 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." 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. She's been with TripSavvy since 1998. Home to Bowdoin College, which was founded in 1794, Brunswick is brimming with history. Day 1: Getting to know Portland Arrive at Portland's. 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. The unique sand dune formation was formed by an Ica Age glacier. Hobbs: it'll be the best you've ever tasted. Three things make this historic Brunswick mill a worthwhile day trip: antiques, a flea market and a great restaurant. Over two hundred miles of trails can be explored including motor roads, hiking trails, and carriage roads. One of the Maine coast's best-kept secrets, the island of Georgetown is super-accessible (it's connected to the mainland by a bridge), but it feels like a world all its own. 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! Getting There: From Portland, drive north on I-295, then follow Route 1 through historic and scenic towns like Bath and Wiscasset, and you'll be in Rockland in just over an hour and a half. Walk the streets of downtown to visit the shops and eateries. There are so many options in Boothbay, and the views are incredible. It's about a 40-minute train ride and tickets start at $9 each way. Screw Auger Falls 5. 11 hours 20 minutes. Top sights: Largest Cities in New Mexico, New Mexico Ruins, Where to Stay near Bryce, Bangor, Maine wedding venues, Lansing. Getting There: Enjoy a picturesque drive on Route 302 northwest from Portland to Sebago Lake State Park. The bus takes beer lovers from venue to venue on an all-inclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Portland's craft breweries. Places to visit near me: Things to Do in Vermont, Things to do in Virginia, Long Beach Restaurants, Restaurants in Louisville, Southampton. 630 miles. Rental cars are not in close proximity to the station, but you can get a cab. With lovely lighthouses, a booming food scene, and romantic streets to wander, you'll wonder why you haven't visited soonerand you'll start to plan your next visit immediately! Sebago Lake is one of the best options for day trips from Portland, Maine if youre looking for a peaceful day. Maines Deer Isle and adjacent Little Deer Isle are Atlantic islands located south of Bangor. Reserve a table for lunch or dinner or just come in for a drink; see their website for full details on the different entertainment options and special events held here. Explore the coast for the best of Maine lobster, to see the many historic lighthouses, and charming coastal towns. 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! This peculiar site isstill a mystery after 4,000 years! Of course, the star of the show here is the half-mile Casco Bay Trail with access to tidal pools, rocky coastline and several scenic overlooks along the way. Walk along the paths in the waterfront park. Click here to book your 5-hour bike tour (with a lobster roll!) But if you love history, consider this tour by a local historian to get even more out of your experience. 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. How to Travel from Portland to Freeport by Train, Bus, and Car, The Most Charming Towns to Visit on the Maine Coast, The 5 Best Fall Day Trips From Portland, Maine, Old Orchard Beach: Maine's 7-Mile Sandbox. The Maine State Aquarium is located in Boothbay Harbor. Tours of the studio depart from the museum. The Freedom Trail is one of the best things to do in Boston for history buffs (and anyone who wants to appreciate the countrys earliest years). Eat fresh lobster at Stoney Brook Lobster Pound. Top attractions like the Salem Witch Museum and The Witch House offer visitors a glimpse of the hysteria that gripped the settlement and its horrible repercussions. Explore and enjoy a leisurely day trip to see more of natural Maine at your own pace. Truly a year-round destination, Kennebunkport offers things to do both outside and in. The kids loved it. The lighthouse and adjoining keepers corners are now owned by the town of Cape Elizabeth. Bus operators. Click here to read my post on the best things to do in New England in the fall! Ogunquit is best known for having one of the longest stretches of sandy shoreline in all of Maine, so if youre looking for a beach day without having to go far, this is one of the best places for that in Maine. With this service you rent by the hour, but you do need to sign up to use the service. During your day trip, youll want to consider booking a tour on the Millie B, where youll get to take in the spectacular views of the region, and maybe even spot a loon or two. A Minnesota man will appear in federal court in Boston this week after he was indicted for allegedly engaging in abusive sexual contact while he was a passenger on a cruise ship that was traveling . Click here to read my perfect Acadia National Park itinerary! Visit the home of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the underground railroad member who wrote Uncle Toms Cabin. This moderately difficult hiking trail is perfect all year but mid-July is when wild Maine blueberries are ready for picking! Distance From Boston: 3 hours and 45 minutes (but always allow extra time for traffic) Maine's beaches have refreshing, clear water that is perfect for cooling off on a hot day. That trend is likely to continue into 2023. Perfect For: Lazy Drives Hiking Coastal Day Trips Biking Families Combining With a Trip to Americas Stonehenge (see above). The performing arts also excel at Bates College, Lewistons Public Theater and the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra. The jury is still out regarding who exactly built this site. Youll also be able to see Mount Battie and Curtis Island Lighthouse during either sail. It's a pretty good service and we use it all the time. The drive to Camden on US Route 1 is like several Portland day trips in one, taking in some quintessential Maine coastal towns along the way. Travel Tip: Want to ensure you'll see a moose while you're visiting Maine? However, if you want to take day trips to the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, the wine country, or Mount Hood, or explore the Oregon coast, a car is necessary. This comes at no extra cost to you. Portland is a wonderful city in its own right, but its also centrally-located to some other amazing places. 8. Who made them? 7 Congress Square, Portland, Maine 04101, Phone: 207-775-6148. In the winter months, snowmobiles are allowed on the Switch Back Trail, Link Trail and Snowmobile Trail. Today, Mile Beach and Half Mile Beach are among Maines longest and widest white sand beaches, and enjoyed by outdoor recreationists, as well as the endangered least tern, who uses the beachs rare sand dunes for nesting and feeding. Trail Distance/Elevation Gain: 4.6 miles round-trip/1,984 feet. ), but its definitely worth a full-day visit, or even a whole weekend. Ride Bus in Portland: Tri Met. Walk around the lake on the Outer Loop Trail inside Sebago Lake State Park. Danny Mejia is a record-setting long-distance runner who moved to Portland nine years . Travel Tip: Try to align your trip with Apple Saturdays, a Sabbathday Lake fall tradition featuring cider pressing, apple arts and . Your email address will not be published. Getting around Portland, OR by bus is cheap and accessible. Again, Bald Peak Trail is good any time of year, even if you dont make it for the free mid-July harvest! Whale Watch tours from Gloucester head out to Stellwagen Bank, a national marine preserve thats only 12 miles offshore. 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. It is also close to the waterfront, with great views of the islands, bay, and shops in the port. A great tour option for your day trip from Portland, Maine is the Lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals Tour. Kennebunkport sit on Maines southern coast alongside the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. More secluded is the Goose Rocks Beach, located in a quiet, residential area. It's the oldest lighthouse in Maine. Tour guides will also help you spot shore birds and other wildlife during the cruise. Nubble Lighthouse is one of the most iconic in all of Maine, and most people only get to see it from a viewing point across the way from the island it sits on. Note: Check for current information regarding all departures aboard Casco Bay Lines. Abol Bridge Can you beat this view of Katahdin? Public transportation requires taking a bus or the Amtrak Downeaster train to Boston, then switching to a local bus or MBTA train to Gloucester. 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. Take a self-guided tour through the grounds and enjoy the peace and quiet of this wooded spot. Even though its such a short drive away, youll definitely feel like youre in a different world. In downtown Camden, enjoy shopping for antiques, browsing upscale boutiques, and eating fresh seafood, especially lobster, straight from the working harbor. Youll find this collection of Maine facts, oddities, artifacts and displays worth the drive from Portland. Portland to Mount Rainier National Park Directions: Google Maps. If you want to explore Maine on a drive, make a game of finding Maine towns with names inspired by faraway places. The 5,7000 acre park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails, and views of Lake Megunticook from the 800 foot tall Maiden Cliff. Click here to book your vintage boat ride tour in Lake Winnipesaukee! Perfect For: History Buffs Winter/Rainy Day Trips Families, Where: Located next to the Blaine House in Augusta. The park is home to Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the east coast of the United States. A: The best Day Trips in Portland according to Viator travelers are: Morning Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from 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. The 136-acre Aldermere Farm, managed by the Maine Coast Heritage trust, educates the public on sustainable farming, and runs farm tours and other educational programs. The area is home to the 90-acre Fort Williams Park where youll find the Portland Head Light. 3. Camden has some gorgeous vessels you can climb aboard, and youll have the opportunity to admire the landscapes from a unique perspective out on the water. But if youre willing to stay in Portland, and head out for fun tours that will feel like day trips, this is an excellent option if you dont have a car! Mount Agamenticus also combines easily with visits to Americas Stonehenge (see above) in New Hampshire. Birders, kayakers, and boaters are drawn to the islands for their natural beauty. Click here to book your Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester! and continue eight miles to Maine Route 35. Click here to book your Windjammer Daytime Sailing Tour in Camden! Dont miss the giant sacrificial table, carved with a channel to collect and drain blood from offerings. For more information, please refer to ourPrivacy Policy. The quirky Desert of Maine is among the most popular attractions. We uncover a variety of attractions nearby from hikes and Mainelandmarks to mysterious megaliths in the woods. Destinations Africa Morocco Asia China India Travel Tip: Be sure to stop into the oldest store in the country while you're in Moultonborough to buy snacks and souvenirs. Past exhibits at PMA include Portraits by Richard Avedon, a Nan Goldin retrospective, and the Art Books of Henri Matisse. Alternatively, you can take a train from New York to Portland via Boston, Back Bay, North Station, Boston, Portland, and Ptc O/B in around 8h. Turn left and continue approximately one mile to either the Sebago to the Sea Trail or Johnson Field parking areas. The small community of 3,000 year round residents include several artists, drawn to the islands world famous Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. The Amtrak station is about 3.5 miles from the beach, where there are many places to stay. Taste the local beer at these awesome breweries: Visit the cute shops in Market Square. Distance From Portland: 2 hours and 30 minutes. Click here to book your Culinary Walking Tour in Kennebunkport! Ogunquit Performing Arts and the Ogunquit Playhouse offer year round theater and live music performances. Best Mid-Range Hotel for Portland, Maine: Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay Located in the heart of the action, this comfortable hotel has a bar/lounge, indoor pool, and all of the comforts of home. 15 Best Things To Do (2023), 75 New England Bucket List Things You Must Do. as you can in a day! Every good Maine road trip needs a day (or weekend) at the beach. You can hike or drive to Mount Battie for classic views of Camden and her harbor. Getting There: Your GPS is your globetrotting best friend on this day trip: Use it to navigate from destination to destination. 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. We joined a classic Maine windjammer cruise to sail for 4 days out in the Penobscot Bay, an inlet famous for secluded offshore islands and lobster fishing. While this is a great destination year-round, I think its especially enjoyable in the fall season to really take advantage of the fall foliage views. And with packing all that into only 1.5 hours, it allows you spend the rest of your day trip exploring the town. 1. Most day trips from Portland, Maine on this list are less than 2 hours away, with the longest being 2 hours and 30 minutes away. 12 hours 20 minutes. Accessible via bridge, the islands retain a charming 1950s rural neighborhood feel. 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. We briefly turn our attention to a rather curious destination located in New Hampshire, too. 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. Whatever the season (or weather!) The Farnsworth Art Museum and its Wyeth Center showcase American works including famous scenes painted by the prominent Maine family of artists: N.C., Andrew, and James Wyeth. The Kennunkport Christmas Prelude is one of the best Christmas festivals in New England, and Ogunquits Christmas by the Sea event will fill you with all kinds of holiday cheer. We arent collectors, but winter getaways from Portland often brought us here for something to do. Some of the best things to do in Portsmouth, NH on a day trip from Portland: If youre looking to see as much of Portsmouth as you can, as well as take in some of the best water views, I recommend checking out this bike tour through town and the local islands. Total drive time is just about 45 minutes. At the 1850s Skolfield-Whittier House guided tours shed light on what upper middle class life was like in the 19th century. Foodies, beer fans, and shopaholics will love browsing the town's independent boutiques and galleries. stay at Portland . It's a beacon of light perched on the dramatic craggy coast of Cape Elizabeth. Visitors often spot a lot of different wildlife and a variety of birds while on the mountain and can sign up for whale watching tours off the Atlantic coast as well. Click here to book your Puffin Tour in Boothbay Harbor! I love Kennebunkport because theres so much to do, but its also a small town thats easily manageable for a day trip. This is a great place for picnics and the park even features a warming hut for winter visitors. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Grab a bite to eat and take a detour on your day trip to Camden Hills State Park. Photo Credit: Serena Folding Portland summers, though short and sweet, are sunny, warm, and come with lots of activity on the water -- aim for July or August. You wont miss the carpetof blueberry bushes on the way to the top; theyre heavily concentrated in natural clearings. Learn more through geological dioramas, ancient stone lithics, wildlife displays, information on past and present industries, antique vehicles and more. The 41-acre Two Lights State Park is home to twin lighthouses built in 1828. Click here to book your full-day private fall tour from Portland! Trails range from easy to difficult, and several are open to cyclists, riders on horseback and skiers, as well as hikers. Acadia National park is one of the top ten most visited parks in the United States. SALE: SUBSCRIBE AND GET 1 YEAR FOR $21.99 $5. The best time to see the fall foliage in Maine is mid-September through the end of October. Kayak out to Thatcher Island to see the lighthouse. Lewiston was founded by French speaking Canadians who immigrated to work textile mills and shoe factories in the early 1800s. What to Eat: Bangers & Brews, Spork, Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails. This is also a great destination if youre traveling with children, as there are lots of kid-friendly activities such as the Conway Scenic Railroad, roller coaster rides at Cranmore Mountain Resort and the Kahuna Laguna Water Park. 207-536-5611 Home; Private Tours; Cruise Ship Shore Excursions; . Chebeague Island is the largest and home to a 9-hole golf course. Rangeley Lake in Maine is located in the Northwestern corner of the state, and is a beautiful destination to consider. 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 Where:We recommend Bald Peak Trail, located off US Highway 302 between Bridgton and Fryeburg, Maine. Between the charming downtown, beautiful waterfront restaurants and amazing opportunities to tour the waters and see wildlife, youre sure to have a great day in Boothbay Harbor. Carriage trails throughout the island make for excellent cross country skiing in the winter. Was it native peoples or, based on Phoenician script found here, a group from much further away? This is the only bridge of its kind in the entire world. Mt Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River. Happy planning! Therefore if you click on any of the Amazon links within our site and you make a purchase we do receive a nominal commission from Amazon at no extra cost to you. 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. Get some sweet treats to bring home (or eat on the drive!) The Best Day Trips from Portland Under 1 Hour Away Multnomah Falls. Go to AllTrails to learn more about their free app; its full of trail maps, including this one, which work offline. Of course, the views from the easy hiking trails are the real draw here. A day trip to Mount Agamenticus is also easily combined with visits to Cape Neddick and Nubble Lighthouse. The areas Abbe Museum exhibits Native American artifacts and teaches guests about the cultural history of the region. Bethel, Maine sits just east of the Vermont border outside of the White Mountain National Forest. Perfect For: Hiking Swimming in Summer Picnics Canoeing and Kayaking Fishing. This quiet spot was our place to go for a refreshing swim in summer. Maines Boothbay Harbor is located along the rocky Atlantic coast about one hours drive north of Portland. If you're looking for a summertime day trip that combines a nice beach and an active town, both classic New England style and modern hotspot, Provincetown is the perfect choice! 375 Seguinland Road, Georgetown, ME 04548, Phone: 207-371-2303. Any time of year, visit the shops on Fore Street and Exchange Street, find fresh seafood at the Harbor Fish Market, and try a Maine potato donut at the favorite Holy Donuts. For an inexpensive escape, Portlanders head to Peaks Island. Visit the Boothbay Region Art Foundation or visit during a Boothbay Art and Crafts Show, which takes place on summer weekends. See their website above for trail information. Insider travel recommendations, In-depth reviews of our favorite places: UT, Indianapolis, From Kansas City, Mackinac Island, Chattanooga, RI, From Chicago, Sacramento, Nantucket, Girls Getaways, Santa Barbara, PA.