Enjoy the trails at the park, or visit the Cape Elizabeth Greenbelt, a trail system that spreads through town, surrounding the inland waterways. Travel Tip: Want to ensure you'll see a moose while you're visiting Maine? The spooky fun reaches its peak in October, when the city hosts a month-long slate of Haunted Happenings. 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! Do a little shopping for unique finds at the Old Country Store in Moultonborough. We lived here for 14 years and made a lot of quick escapes from the city in search of things to do. Stroll through Bearskin Neck and visit all the shops. Get an ice cream at the cutest little ice cream shack on the East Coast! You can take a nice hike around the park in South Portland where Portland Light is located. 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. Marblehead is another amazing day trip from Portland, Maine. Do day trips to Kennebunkport, Freeport, Bar Harbor, Salem, etc. Take a tour, enjoy the trails and visit the 18th century barn. Amtrak spent $400,588 on goods and services and products in Maine in FY17. Theyll take you to some off-the-beaten path places, and youll meet with food artisans to sample locally-caught lobster, chowder, Maine whoopie pies, the absolute best ice cream in town, and so much more. Birders, kayakers, and boaters are drawn to the islands for their natural beauty. Chebeague Island is the largest and home to a 9-hole golf course. 2 Days in Portland Itinerary - Ideas For a Weekend or Any Time During the Week. This quiet spot was our place to go for a refreshing swim in summer. The L.L. About 15 minutes from downtown Portland, Portland Head Light is one of the most world's most photographed lighthouses. Maines Damariscotta region is known for oysters, and has been for over two thousand years. Bath is a small town located on the Kennebec River at the center of Maines Atlantic coast. 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." Fill a day in Glouchester touring Hammond Castle, popping in and out of artist studios on Rocky Neck, and touring Cape Pond Ice, which manufactures the ice used aboard the city's fishing vessels. Rangeley Lake in Maine is located in the Northwestern corner of the state, and is a beautiful destination to consider. Conway, NH from this list is also an awesome day trip in the winter. Turn left on Maine Route 327 (Mosher Rd.) Even though its a splurge, the price is very fair for a private tour, especially in such a gorgeous area. 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. The park spans 47,000 acres, most of which are located on Mount Desert Island, off Maines Atlantic coast. Cool down at the swimming holes at Small Falls. Two companies, Cape Ann Whale Watch and 7 Seas Whale Watch, guarantee sightings (or a future trip is free). 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! From the cobblestone streets of the Old Port to a scenic fall boat ride along the coast in Freeport. 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. Get ready for some scenic drives! A timeline guides visitors through the lighthouses 200 years of operations. 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. Enjoy the views at the Height of Land Overlook. Youll see both New Hampshire and the Atlantic from the Big A hike. The kids loved it. 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. 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! Bar Harbor is the largest city on Maines Mount Desert Island. It requires taking a bus or the Amtrak Downeaster train all the way to Boston, then switching to a local bus or train to Salem. Rome2rio . Admire the most painted building in the U.S. Motif 1. You can hike or drive to Mount Battie for classic views of Camden and her harbor. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. A Couple of Drifters are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme - an affiliate advertising programme. At over 6,200 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the northeast. The trail to Bald Peak is lined with lowbush blueberries near the mountaintop. Portland offers METRO Bus services, . We provide private and luxury sightseeing tours for individuals, couples and large groups featuring the Portland and Kennebunkport areas of Maine along with destinations along the midcoast. Start out from Portland on Route 114 North, and set your GPS first for Denmark. For an inexpensive escape, Portlanders head to Peaks Island. Ranger led programs include guided hiking or cycling tours and boat cruises, birding programs, hawk and falcon programs, and nighttime starry sky programs. Learn more through geological dioramas, ancient stone lithics, wildlife displays, information on past and present industries, antique vehicles and more. A picnic, cold drinks and a dip in the ponds was our antidote to steamy days and we always had it to ourselves. Some of the best things to do in Newburyport on a day trip from Portland: A great option for a boat tour in Newburyport is this cruise through the harbor on a Yankee Clipper. Click here to book your boat tour in Newburyport! 15 Best Things To Do (2023), 75 New England Bucket List Things You Must Do. New England in particular really requires a car to get around, and public transportation between towns isnt great, unless youre going from one city to another. In the mountain regions youll find freshwater lakes, panoramic views, and local shopping and dining. Click here to read my perfect Acadia National Park itinerary! Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 10 minutes. While Portland also has a lot of that, I still think Boston is one of the best day trips you can take because the two destinations are different enough to make it worth your while. Every good Maine road trip needs a day (or weekend) at the beach. Walk along the waterfront to admire the gorgeous sailboats. McMenamins Edgefield is a 74-acre property sitting atop farmland near the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area a mere 20-minutes from downtown Portland. Trail Distance/Elevation Gain: 4.6 miles round-trip/1,984 feet. 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. If the city is your base, you're in luck: within short drives are the first foothills of the Western mountains, quaint fishing villages and miles of rolling farmland. This comes at no extra cost to you. Again, dont forget to pack a picnic and some drinks for these cruises. Click here to book your Kennebec River Cruise! To explore out on the water, hop aboard a whale watch tour, enjoy a fishing or lobstering outing, take a sailing cruise or rent a canoe or kayak. The Best Day Trips from Portland Under 1 Hour Away Multnomah Falls. Danny Mejia is a record-setting long-distance runner who moved to Portland nine years . Getting There: You'll get to enjoy a scenic drive of about an hour and 40 minutes on Route 25 getting to Moultonborough. We gathered a lot of our favorites in Portland, Maine after living here for 14 years; see if your local haunts made our list. Visit the Fifth Maine Regiment Hall Museum and the Civil War Memorial. 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. Boating of all sorts is an option, too. The 5,7000 acre park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails, and views of Lake Megunticook from the 800 foot tall Maiden Cliff. Explore the shops & restaurants along Dock Square. Grab some snacks, Maine whoopie pies and other delicious baked goods at Gemmes General Store. The local economy is still primarily sustained by lobstering. 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. Travel Tip: If you're visiting Salem with kids during the warm-weather months, they'll love the old-school arcade and amusements at waterfront Salem Willows Park. Provincetown, MA P-Town, as it's better known, is a splurge to get to for a day trip. Kayak out to Thatcher Island to see the lighthouse. Cabot Mill Antiques is a great place to simply browse and the Waterfront Flea Market is filled with an impressive amount of memorabilia, knickknacks and collectibles. SALE: SUBSCRIBE AND GET 1 YEAR FOR $21.99 $5. Click here to read my post all about the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor! 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. 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. The unique sand dune formation was formed by an Ica Age glacier. Salem has a less campy side, too, with attractions like The House of the Seven Gables that celebrate its literary heritage and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, which tells the story of Salem's seafaring past. Bring a big thermos of coffee on a chilly day and stay warm inside during your cruise. 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. The town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine is located south of Portland on the Atlantic coast. Visit the Boothbay Region Art Foundation or visit during a Boothbay Art and Crafts Show, which takes place on summer weekends. To get around Gloucester faster and easier, a great option for your day trip is to rent e-bikes! 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. And actually this region is home to several lakes, and covers a lot of ground, so youll have lots of options when it comes to towns to visit, activities on the water and places to eat. Kim Knox Beckius is a Connecticut-based travel writer, author, photographer, and editor. We prefer more technical hikes, but the views over Megunticook Lake in summer and autumn make this trail worthy of a mention. ), but its definitely worth a full-day visit, or even a whole weekend. It's the oldest lighthouse in Maine. Perfect For:Wintry/Rainy Days Shopaholics Collectors Foodies Music/Film Buffs Combining With Wolfes Neck Woods State Park (below) and a drive to Bailey Island (see directly above), Where:Located on Main Street in downtown Brunswick. 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. Trails range from easy to difficult, and several are open to cyclists, riders on horseback and skiers, as well as hikers. It's about 20 minutes to Cape Elizabeth, and then an additional 50 minutes to Kennebunkport. 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. Whatever the season (or weather!) Accessible via bridge, the islands retain a charming 1950s rural neighborhood feel. The best option is to drive because the train will take you three hours one-way, but if you dont have access to a car, this is a great option! Get on the water aboard an early 1900s ship with Portland Schooner Co., or try your hand at lobstering with Lucky Catch Cruises. If you live in Portland or are new to the city, and are looking to get out and explore more of the region, or if youre planning a longer stay and are wondering what your options are for day trips from Portland, Maine, this post is all about the absolute best options to give you plenty of ideas. The community offers workshops, a museum and tours. One the water activities are the top attraction here, be it fishing, boating or sightseeing. Photo Credit: Serena Folding In all honestly, getting outside of Portland to explore the local areas without a car is very difficult, and sometimes not even possible. But if you're visiting the area in the summer and can swing it, it's well worth the cost. 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. 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. Kayak the calm waters of the harbor, or enjoy the views from the grassy
207-536-5611 Home; Private Tours; Cruise Ship Shore Excursions; . There are so many options in Boothbay, and the views are incredible. Youll pass over two lakes and get to spot other wildlife as well. Explore Plum Island and the scenic trails at. Rockport Marine Park. To get to the islands, take the mailboat or a ferry from Portland, or board the Bailey Island Cruise to arrive at Cooks Lobster House. Peaks Island is a great day trip from Portland, Maine. 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! . Drivers will take US Highway 1 north just beyond Brunswick to Route 24 toward Harpswell. At the top of FY17, Amtrak hired 38 Maine residents. Best things to do in Marblehead on your day trip from Portland: Click here to read my post on all the best things to do in Marblehead! 11 hours 20 minutes. At the 1850s Skolfield-Whittier House guided tours shed light on what upper middle class life was like in the 19th century. Click here to book your Windjammer Daytime Sailing Tour in Camden! The jury is still out regarding who exactly built this site. Explore the Pearl District, downtown, two neighborhoods in Northern Portland and famous green spaces in the western part of the . Total drive time is just about 45 minutes. The pretty white stunner was built in 1791 and renovated in 1831. Newcastles 1807 St. Patricks Church is the oldest Catholic Church in America. We even include our very favorite Portland day trip for picking wild Maine blueberries on a quiet mountaintop between Bridgton and Fryeburg. What are some fun must-see places: Cincinnati, MD, OR Beaches, HI, Indoor Amusement Parks, Things to Do in Gatlinburg, WI, Orlando, Texas Beaches. 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. My hope is to inspire you to have an unforgettable Northeast adventure of your own, and show you just how beautiful this little corner of the world truly is. Greyhound bus fare between the two coastal cities is about $20 one-way. Turn left and continue approximately one mile to either the Sebago to the Sea Trail or Johnson Field parking areas. 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. The New England born artist is best known for his oils and watercolors depicting coastal living. 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. Sebago Lake is one of the best options for day trips from Portland, Maine if youre looking for a peaceful day. Alternatively, you can take a Concord Coach Lines bus between the two cities for $40 round-trip. Visit the home of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the underground railroad member who wrote Uncle Toms Cabin. The Portland Head Light is a historic 1791 lighthouse that sits within the Fort Williams State Park in Cape Elizabeth, on Portland Head. 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 . Camden "The Jewel of the Coast" 4. A great tour option for your day trip from Portland, Maine is the Lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals Tour. Travel Tip: Be sure to stop into the oldest store in the country while you're in Moultonborough to buy snacks and souvenirs. 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. Boston is one of my all-time favorite cities because of its deeply-rooted history, gorgeous architecture, amazing restaurants and charming streets. Iowa, WI, From New Orleans, ME, FL, Carlsbad, CA, Montauk, FL, Beaches near DC. It requires taking a bus or the Amtrak Downeaster train all the way to Boston, then switching to a local bus or train to Salem. Another great destination in New Hampshire that also makes for an awesome day trip from Portland, Maine is Lake Winnipesaukee, which is also the states largest lake. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 30 minutes. Click here to rent your e-bikes in Gloucester! Hi there! From natural wonders like Cannon Beach and Mt. 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. In the winter months, snowmobiles are allowed on the Switch Back Trail, Link Trail and Snowmobile Trail. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 15 minutes. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens View the bay from the top of Mount Battie at the Camden Hills State Park. Unlock What Makes This Coastal Community A Must-Do Destination. Choose Wells as your destination if you want to visit any of the below attractions: Dont forget to check out more local road trip ideas when you have more time to explore the area. Explore Chandler Hovey Park and Marblehead Lighthouse. 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. In fact, you dont even need a vehicle for one of our recommended city breaks. Walk along the shoreline of Ogunquit Beach. 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 Visit the Jones Museum in Sebago, where youll find a unique collection of ceramics and glass. We spent just over 10 days in Maine and focused on a trio of cities - Kennebunkport, Portland and Rockland - as well as some leisurely, unplugged time out on the water. Even though youre coming from a city, Boston is always a good idea (at least, thats just my opinion!). 2023. 630 miles. Just northwest of Portland, Maines Sebago Lake spans over 28,000 acres. You can easily bring a canoe or kayak to Otter Ponds from either of the nearby parking areas mentioned above. Three things make this historic Brunswick mill a worthwhile day trip: antiques, a flea market and a great restaurant. See the 20 trails link directly above for information on each hike and dont forget to look for wild blueberries in mid-July! A Scenic 7 Days Coastal Maine Road Trip Itinerary - Beyond Lobsters & Lighthouses - The Blessing Bucket In this post, I share with you a 7 days coastal Maine road trip itinerary that goes off the beaten path. New Hampshires White Mountains National Forest traverses the border between New Hampshire and Maine. Grab a bite to eat and take a detour on your day trip to Camden Hills State Park. Detour to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, open mid-April through mid-November, on your way to Sebago Lake. Rangelely Lake is also a quiet and peaceful destination, which makes for a wonderful escape from the city. Click here to book your Hauntings & History Walking Tour in Salem! Screw Auger Falls 5. Now a National Historic Landmark, the home and museum hosts Tea with Harriet each month. 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. 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. Drive or hike up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for an awesome view of Camden Harbor from above. The small coastal village is located in Penobscot Bay halfway between Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport. Portland summers, though short and sweet, are sunny, warm, and come with lots of activity on the water -- aim for July or August. Is Portland Maine worth visiting? Click here to book your Windjammer Sunset Sailing Tour in Camden! Overlooking the park is Griffith Head, a rocky outcropping with views of the Seguin Island lighthouses. Public transportation is difficult but possible. 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. It does take 2-2.5 hours to connect to Portland via I-95 N. However, if your one day in Portland ME falls as part of a wider New England road trip itinerary then this might work better with your schedule anyway. Located just over an hour's drive from Boston, Portsmouth was incorporated into the colony of New Hampshire in 1653 and served as the seat of government and a bustling shipping hub for many years. Ogunquits town is also very quaint and easily walkable, and packed with adorable shops and great restaurants. Where: Otter Ponds are located at the southern end of Sebago Lake on Maine Route 35 between Windham and Standish. The Appalachian Trail passes just north of Bethel on its way to Canada. Click here to book your full-day private fall tour from Portland! 207 772 6828 info@portlandmaine.com 549 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04101 Get a Guidebook Kennebunkport and Ogunquit are excellent options for days trips from Portland, Maine in the winter because of their holiday celebrations. Year-round, The park's trails are open year-round to hikers and in the winter to snowshoes and cross-country skiers. Portland, Maine's central coast location makes day trips along the Atlantic coast and into Maine's lake and mountain regions easy and accessible. Note: Check for current information regarding all departures aboard Casco Bay Lines. And since these two towns are so close to one another, you could easily combine them into one festive day trip. This is the perfect day trip, no matter what the weather has in store for you. This tour is about 2.5 hours, and takes you out to Eastern Egg Rock to see a puffin colony. 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 . Perhaps your day trip form Portland includes southern Maine. Your email address will not be published. Perfect For: Coastal Hikes Birdwatching Family Day Trips Snowshoeing/Cross-Country Skiing Combining With Cabot Mill (see above). Rockport is one of the best destinations for day trips in Maine if youre looking to see one of the most charming and unique towns along the Massachusetts coast. Galleries are located throughout town and the streets are often alive with outdoor art fairs in the summer months. Take in the sensational views and feel the rush of the falls on this famous day trip from Portland. Home to Bowdoin College, which was founded in 1794, Brunswick is brimming with history. Visiting this megalithic monument comes with an especially strong recommendation. 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. Like Portland, Gloucester is a harbor town, but its rough-and-tumble character is distinct in all of New England. Even though its such a short drive away, youll definitely feel like youre in a different world. Art Museum, Maine Historical Society/Longfellow House, etc) but for all practical purposes you will need a car if you'd like to get outside the city to visit lighthouses, charming coastal villages, etc all within 30 minutes drive. And definitely dont forget to make a reservation for dinner if youre hoping for a special meal out! This 28,771-acre lake in Casco and Naples, Maine, is also a popular spot to fish for lake trout, bass, perch, and other species. Cool places to go near me, luxury spas, golf: Wichita, CT, CA, Corpus Christi, Best aquariums in the US, Hartford, NM, GA, NC, UT resorts, NM, LA, MI, DE, PA lakes. 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. Continue to China and Palermo before looping back south to Portland. Youll also be able to see Mount Battie and Curtis Island Lighthouse during either sail. Where:All cruises leave from Casco Bay Ferry Municipal Terminal on Commercial Street in Portland. Time & distance from Portland: 16 miles, 20-minute drive. Some of the best things to do on a Kennebunkport day trip from Portland: A really great tour option in Kennebunkport if youre a foodie is a culinary walking tour. And with e-bikes, youll be able to ride some of the bikes through all of Cape Ann since youll have them for 8 hours, allowing you to see even more of this gorgeous region. 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! Known as an incredible ski destination, youll be able to hit the slopes, or just enjoy the quaint town and its attractions covered in a beautiful blanket of snow. Foodies, beer fans, and shopaholics will love browsing the town's independent boutiques and galleries. 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. One of the best tours in Salem is this Hauntings & History walking tour, and you can select either a day option, or a night option if you want to increase the spooky factor. 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. Everyone needs a quick getaway and we have you covered! Acadia National park is one of the top ten most visited parks in the United States. Mostly known as a summer destination, Lake Winnipesaukee is also a very scenic fall day trip because the amazing foliage colors. Portsmouth is a lovely little coastal town in New Hampshire thats just over the Maine border, and only a short drive from Portland. Of course, the views from the easy hiking trails are the real draw here. Lastly, definitely consider this Puffin Tour during your day trip to Boothbay Harbor. Please see our Disclaimer for full information. It's a beacon of light perched on the dramatic craggy coast of Cape Elizabeth. What to Eat: Bangers & Brews, Spork, Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails. We are staying downtown at the Westin and will not be renting a car. 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. Travel Tip: Sit back and relax on a golf cart, and allow Peaks Island Tours to show you this 720-acre island. I love Kennebunkport because theres so much to do, but its also a small town thats easily manageable for a day trip. Keep in mind that this is a fall-specific tour, and its not available year-round. Here Are 8 Islands In Maine That Are An Absolute Must Visit. The area is home to the 90-acre Fort Williams Park where youll find the Portland Head Light. Portland is Maine's largest city, and you won't easily run out of activities to occupy your time, but when you do, these day trips will satisfy your sense of adventure. Romantic weekend getaways near me: Anacortes, Benton City, Cabin Getaways in PA, Cabin Getaways in Ohio, Blaine, Spring Green, Small vacation ideas, Tunquen, SoHo. Perfect For: History Buffs Winter/Rainy Day Trips Families, Where: Located next to the Blaine House in Augusta. is actually right here in Gloucester, so this is definitely something youll want to consider for your day trip. 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. Click here to book your Puffin Tour in Boothbay Harbor! Maines Deer Isle and adjacent Little Deer Isle are Atlantic islands located south of Bangor. How about Ogunquit or Kennebunkport for lunch or dinner? Cruises to Bailey Island feature a two-hour layover, perfect for a meal at the famous Cooks Lobster and Ale House. If the Portland Museum of Art's rich collection inspires you to seek out even more art treasures, then plan a day trip to the coastal city of Rockland. Our easy Portland day trips feature the best of Maine and each of our suggestions will have you home before dinner! This is a great place for picnics and the park even features a warming hut for winter visitors. 1st trip to Maine Need feedback and . Alternatively, make your Portland day trip to one of Maines island communities and explore on foot for several hours. Lake Winnipesaukee is actually comprised of eight different towns, each with something unique and fun to offer. Peaks Island, Maine is reached with a short ferry trip from Portland. Gloucester is packed with maritimes history, and also has lots of waterfront to explore. If you like to shop, be sure to hit up Newbury Street and Copely Place. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 45 minutes. Getting There: Head out of Portland driving north on I-295, and take exit 28 onto Route 1 toward Brunswick and Bath. Explore the coast for the best of Maine lobster, to see the many historic lighthouses, and charming coastal towns. Carriage trails throughout the island make for excellent cross country skiing in the winter. 2. Public transportation is difficult but possible. There are also a good amount of of kids activities here, including mini golf places, and lots of opportunity to get out onto the lake. 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 In fact, this is our most versatile day trip from Portland, taking in classic Maine scenery from the mountains to the coast. This is one adventure you can even enjoy without ever leaving your car. Although not open to the public, the site was made famous by Edward Hoppers 1929 painting, Lighthouses at Two Lights. Day 1: Getting to know Portland Arrive at Portland's. Simply put, Camden Hills State Park is a classic coastal Maine day trip you need to make right now. A great option for a day trip from Portland, Maine is Conway, NH, which is located in the White Mountains region. More secluded is the Goose Rocks Beach, located in a quiet, residential area. Bethel is home to the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum, The Ski Museum of Maine, Maggie Rings Nature Park, and the Bethel Recreational Pathway for cyclists. Turn right in Bath onto Route 127 South, and cross the bridges that connect Arrowsic and Georgetown islands to the mainland. At 5,200 feet, Mount Lafayette in Franconia is among the most scenic in New England. Simply put, Camden Hills State Park is a classic coastal Maine day trip you need to make right now. The 1791 lighthouse and award-winning museum, located in the former keepers quarters, are open year round. Walk from Ogunquits town to Perkins Cove along Marginal Way for one of the most scenic walks in Southern Maine! For all these reasons, its one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine. Shave two hours of drive time off the route by returning to Portland after you see Paris. Tour guides will also help you spot shore birds and other wildlife during the cruise. There is enough to do in Portland proper e.g. The small island is easily explored by bicycle, with just a 4-mile long circumference. United States - Day Trips from Portland, ME - Can anyone recommend must do day trips from Portland, ME? This is a walking tour, so youll also get to see some charming streets in the North End for a well-rounded day trip to Boston. stay at Portland . Free guided tours from naturalists are available year-round; see the website above for further information. 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. For even more history, head across the Kennebec River to Fort Western. Maines Boothbay Harbor is located along the rocky Atlantic coast about one hours drive north of Portland. The Maine State Aquarium is located in Boothbay Harbor. 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. For day-trippers, a Hop-on, Hop-off trolley tour is a great choice to cover more ground, and also learn something along the way. Climb to the top via the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway, take the auto road, or enjoy a hike. 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. Click here to book your Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Spooky Walking Tour in Salem! Drive Away, youll definitely feel like youre in a different world along the coast for the best trips... You spot shore birds and other delicious baked goods at Gemmes General Store while you 're in.. Charming streets right in Bath onto Route 127 south, and take a nice hike the! 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