Portland

Portland is a humble city that is rich in history. Home to a ridiculous number of lobsters and legendary lighthouses, this underrated city never fails to amaze (those who keep their expectations to reasonable levels).

Overview Attractions / Activities Adventurous Activities Food Final Comments

As the most populous city in Maine, Portland is brimming with history, Victorian architecture, and an excellent assortment of lighthouses.

While I would be reluctant to recommend Portland as a primary destination, it is certainly a strong contender should you wish to visit the New England region and especially Acadia National Park.

When you visit, make sure to follow this Portland (Maine) Adventure Guide to maximize your time here.

Recommended Duration of Visit

2 days (ideal), 1 day (doable)

Click for some interesting facts about Portland

Portland (in Oregon) is actually named after Portland in Maine. Portland, Oregon got its name when Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove flipped a coin in 1845. Lovejoy was from Massachusetts and he wanted to name the new settlement Boston. Pettygrove was from Maine and wanted to name the new town Portland. Guess who won?
Portland is the closest transatlantic port to Europe.
American author Stephen King was born in Portland.
Maine provides over 90% of the United States’ lobsters.

Before You Go

Flights / Getting There: Flying directly into Portland is the most efficient strategy. However, if you’re in the Boston area, then driving from there is a viable alternative as well.

Overview

Climate: Portland’s climate intuitively follows the normal pattern of North America. There is one distinction: winters (December, January, February) are very cold. Summers (June, July, August), on the other hand, are very pleasant.

Communication: English is the official language.

Navigation: Traveling by car is, by far, the best way to explore most of what Portland has to offer, especially if you intend to visit Acadia National Park.

Lodging: Lodging, in general, is moderately affordable in a metropolis such as Portland, but it would be cheaper to stay outside the city. This isn’t a popular destination by any means.

Activities Planning: Most attractions are free to visit, but they are far enough apart to necessitate driving.

Generally speaking, the best attractions are all outdoors (the forts and lighthouses).

Special Considerations

Since the best attractions are outdoors, remember to bring plenty of warming clothing during the colder months (Fall and Winter). It can get VERY cold here.

General: N/A

Peak Seasons: Summer is the peak season (for the lakes and weather).

Currency: United States Dollars (USD). Currency Converter.

Things to Do: Attractions and Activities

Attractions are paired up based on similarity and/or proximity. All the names provided are easily searchable on Google Maps.

Dyer Cove: Toward the southern tip of Cape Elizabeth—a small town south of Portland—is Dyer Cove. This tiny and underrated slice of nature features crashing ocean waves and very unique rocks that resemble petrified wood. Nearby, the Two Lights Lighthouse can be seen.

Visitors can stop by for a quick visit or spend quite some time strolling along the rocks.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 60 minutes.

Portland Head Light: Located near Fort Williams—a former military installation—is the historic Portland Head Light. Completed in 1791, it is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. In fact, George Washington gave the order to have it built.

Featuring a sprawling recreational area with picnic tables, an incredible cliffside walk, and picturesque panoramic views, the Portland Head Light is easily one of the best attractions in Portland. Naturally, you can walk right up to the lighthouse.

Cost: Free to Visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.

Make sure to go down the right road (i.e. search “On the Rocks at Two Lights”). There will be signs that show the right path. The lighthouse is inaccessible anyway.

Look for the Fort William entrance. The GPS might take you to the wrong spot otherwise. Once in the park, you can actually drive right up to a nearby parking lot next to the lighthouse.

Fort Preble: Although the fort was active in all major wars from the War of 1812 to World War 2, all that remains are broken fortifications. Regardless, the nearby coastline is stunning. And, of course, there is a lighthouse (Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse) as well.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.

Bug Light: Erected in 1875, the Portland Breakwater Light (a.k.a. Bug Light), modeled after Greek architecture, lies at the end of a 1990-foot (607-meter) long breakwater. While previously surrounded by water, the area has been filled and turned into a park.

Bug Light features views of the harbor, the Portland skyline, and an adjacent Bug Light Park.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes.

The lighthouse lies at the tip of the breakwater (i.e. barrier built out into a body of water to protect from the force of waves).

This lighthouse is actually extremely photogenic, especially if you’re lucky enough to capture a purple skyline around dusk.

Victoria Mansion: Recognized by its brownstone exterior, intricate interior, and opulent furnishings, this mansion is a “detailed portrait of lavish living in 19^th century America.”

In other words, it’s basically some rich asshole’s home. There’s a gift shop in the back. Nuff said.

Cost: For more information, refer to the official Victoria Mansion website. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.

International Cryptozoology Museum: This museum’s sole focus is on cryptozoology (i.e. the study of hidden or unknown animals). In fact, it is the ONLY cryptozoology museum in the entire world.

To be honest, the museum is absolutely ridiculous and hilarious. It is entirely devoid of science, but it’s great precisely because of that reason. The creatures vary from the familiar to the absolutely preposterous. Naturally (or…supernaturally?), it features fan favorites such as Big Foot and Loch Ness monster.

Cost: For more information, refer to the official International Cryptozoology Museum website. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.

This place closes quite early (4:30 pm).

The museum is near some nice restaurants as well.