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Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine

Best 5 Things to do in Portland, Maine

Portland is an offbeat destination which will provide you with the best of adventure and beauty. Here are the top 5 things to do in Portland, Maine.

By Cruise Booking Team

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In Portland, you will find a perfect blend of artistic and outdoor adventures, where the style and sophistication remain genuine. A proud history and maritime culture make this city a tourist’s favourite in Maine. From a sailing trip to exquisite boutiques and independent restaurants, there are plenty of things to do in this city, but we have picked the 5 best things to do in Portland, Maine.

5 Best Things to do in Portland, Maine

1. Take a ferry ride to Peaks Island

Peaks Island boasts of natural beauty, history, and laid-back living. The place attracts many day trippers, who can rent cottages and enjoy some alone time here. You can take a ferry ride from Portland to end up on Peaks Island. The quaint island has a little population. You can eat fresh seafood at one of the local cafes, relax on the beautiful beach fronts, or check out the World War II history museum. If you are looking for some activity, then you can get on a kayak or take a bike ride along the scenic pathways.

2.Witness the Portland Museum of Art

If history and art intrigues you, then this is the place to be. This particular museum is one of the popular sites in the city. You can spot a collection of over 18,000 pieces, ranging from paintings and pottery to sketches and sculptures. The exhibits include American, European, and even local Maine works. The museum is relatively small, more like a boutique museum, and you can witness Andy Warhol and Claude Monet, and significant collections of paintings by Wyeth, Homer, and Edward Hopper.

3. Culinary tour in Old Port

When in Portland, you have to walk down the cobblestone streets in Old Port. With boutiques and art galleries on either side, you can try some authentic cuisine of the place in world-famous restaurants here. In summer, this place is packed with tourists for a sail with Portland Schooner Co., to visit the neighboring Casco Bay Islands, or to stroll the working harbor. The red-bricked buildings and fishing piers make this historic district fun to explore any time of the year!

Also, Read: 5 Best Beaches in Maine to Visit In 2023

4. See the lighthouses

There are some historical lighthouses in Portland, each one has its own charm, and you must see them. The Portland Breakwater Lighthouse is small and is unique for its design, looking like a 4th-century Greek monument. You can take a tour of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and the most impressive is the Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park where you can spend a couple of hours strolling along the pathways to check out Maine’s oldest lighthouse from every angle.

5. Admire the magnificence of Victoria Mansion

Built around 1860, this mansion-turned-museum impresses tourists with its vintage look and captivating history. It is grand with balconies and wall paintings, tinted-glass skylight, beautiful draperies, and splendid furniture. Take a tour inside with knowledgeable guides. The mansion had modern amenities such as hot and cold water and a central heating system. This is the best way to travel back in time when in Portland.

Conclusion

If you are fond of art and history, love to explore cultures, and wish to spend a laid-back vacation, then a visit to Portland, Maine, is highly recommended. The city has something to offer every tourist and will allow you to distress and get away from all the unwanted noise. This place is unlike any tourist spot and rests assured of taking back some amazing memories. So, take the list of the top 5 things to do in Portland, Maine and set out on a journey to remember. Also, check out CruiseBooking.com for your cruise plan!

Header Image by nick7634 at Freepik

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