Portland, ME Things to Do and Attractions
One of the most successful revitalized warehouse districts in the country, Portland's historic Old Port district is a must-visit. This delightful seaside village combines a sophisticated and bubbly entertainment district with an old world working
One of the most successful revitalized warehouse districts in the country, Portland's historic Old Port district is a must-visit. This delightful seaside village combines a sophisticated and bubbly entertainment district with an old world working waterfront where lobstermen still haul in their daily catches.
Visitors can walk down quaint cobblestone streets lined with beautiful brick buildings dating back to the 19th century, popping in and out of art galleries, trendy boutiques, cafes and coffee houses. Those who wish to get out on the water and explore the islands of Casco Bay can catch a ferry, charter or tour boat to Peaks Island, Great Diamond Island or Cushing's Island. After a day of shopping and sightseeing, visitors will find a happening nightlife scene in Old Port, ripe with good food, intoxicating spirits and live entertainment.
Founded in 1882, the Portland Museum of Art is a treasure trove of over three centuries of art and architecture. Maine's largest and oldest public art institution, the museum is set in downtown Portland's trendy Arts District. Heralded by the Boston
Founded in 1882, the Portland Museum of Art is a treasure trove of over three centuries of art and architecture. Maine's largest and oldest public art institution, the museum is set in downtown Portland's trendy Arts District. Heralded by the Boston Globe as "one of the best medium-size museums in New England," the museum is home to the most significant collection of European art north of Boston.
Housed in three architecturally stunning buildings, the Portland Museum's structures are masterpieces of post-modern, Beaux Arts and Federal period design. Visitors can roam from gallery to gallery to see the museum's collection of more than 17,000 objects spanning from the 18th century to present. Highlights include works by such European masters as Degas, Monet, Renoir and Picasso and well-renowned American artists including Winslow Homer, Marsden Hartley, Rockwell Kent and Andrew Wyeth.
The Portland Museum of Art offers several sophisticated spaces for group functions including the intimate Glass Gallery and the spacious and contemporary Great Hall. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM with extended hours Friday until 9 PM. Admission is $4 for children ages 6-17, $10 for adults and $8 for seniors. Admission for children under 6 is free. Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more people with reservations.
Celebrating Portland's colonial roots, the Tate House is the only pre-Revolutionary home open to the public in region. Built in 1775 for Naval Captain George Tate and his wife Mary, this elegant Georgian townhouse features fine period furnishings,
Celebrating Portland's colonial roots, the Tate House is the only pre-Revolutionary home open to the public in region. Built in 1775 for Naval Captain George Tate and his wife Mary, this elegant Georgian townhouse features fine period furnishings, lush landscaping and an 18th century herb garden. The house is also one of only two residences in Maine to feature a rare clerestory within its gambrel roof. On one-hour guided tours, visitors learn about the Tate family, Captain Tate's roll in the mast trade and detailed background on what life was like during the 18th century.
Private functions can be accommodated across the street from the Tate House Museum at the Means House. The Means House is home to the Tate House's museum shop, administrative offices and reception rooms. Featuring beautiful Federal-style detailing, the Means House can accommodate groups of up to 75 people.
Tate House Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, June to October, from 10 AM to 4 PM. The museum is also open the first Sunday of every month from 1 to 4 PM. The museum shop is open year-round. Admission is $2 for children ages 6-12, $7 for adults and $5 for seniors.
A Portland gem, Victoria Mansion is one of the finest examples of 19th century American architecture and design in the country. Built between 1858 and 1860 for hotelier Ruggles Sylvester Morse, this Italianate villa, also known as the Morse-Libby
A Portland gem, Victoria Mansion is one of the finest examples of 19th century American architecture and design in the country. Built between 1858 and 1860 for hotelier Ruggles Sylvester Morse, this Italianate villa, also known as the Morse-Libby House, preserves the legacy of the opulent homes and lavish living of the wealthiest Americans during the pre-Civil War era.
Visitors to Victoria Mansion can take guided tours through the finely preserved estate and admire the Victorian architecture and original interiors that are accented by stained glass windows and murals. Highlights of the tour include a stop at the soaring entryway, Turkish smoking room, flying staircase and intricately carved marble fireplaces.
Groups can meet amidst the luxurious style of a bygone era at Victoria Mansion, which can accommodate up to 100 people. Group tours are included with booked functions.
Victoria Mansion is open Monday through Saturday, May to October, from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. Admission is $3 for children ages 6-17, $13.50 for adults and $12 for seniors ages 62 and older. Advanced reservations are required for groups of 10 or more people. Discounted group rates are available.
A highlight of Portland's international cuisine scene, Bull Feeney's restaurant celebrates the region's immigrant history with hearty Irish fare and famous Maine seafood. At home in Portland's historic Old Port district, Bull Feeney's warm and
A highlight of Portland's international cuisine scene, Bull Feeney's restaurant celebrates the region's immigrant history with hearty Irish fare and famous Maine seafood. At home in Portland's historic Old Port district, Bull Feeney's warm and welcoming interior features an old-fashioned pot belly stove, four fireplaces, several themed rooms and two bars. With a turn-of-the-century pub atmosphere, Bull Feeney's is known for its spirits, which include the best imported and local craft beers along with Maine's largest selection of single malt scotch and Irish and bourbon whiskeys. Menu highlights include traditional Irish specialties such as Shepherd's Pie along with local favorites such as the classic Maine lobster roll.
A festive atmosphere for events, Bull Feeney's offers several private rooms and can accommodate groups of 10 to 170 people. Bull Feeney's is open daily from 11:30 to 12:30 AM. Entrees range from $11 to $20. Reservations are recommended.
A Portland institution, DiMillo's is one of the largest floating restaurants in the country. With every table offering beautiful views, this car-ferry-turned-restaurant rises and falls with the tide twice a day. Famous for its seafood, patrons can
A Portland institution, DiMillo's is one of the largest floating restaurants in the country. With every table offering beautiful views, this car-ferry-turned-restaurant rises and falls with the tide twice a day. Famous for its seafood, patrons can start off with a cup of New England clam chowder and then move on to a world-famous Maine lobster. Other menu highlights include the crab-stuffed haddock and the filet Oscar, an eight-ounce filet of tenderloin topped with asparagus, fresh Maine crab meat and Barnaise sauce. An unforgettable experience, patrons can also stroll the ship's decks before dinner or sip a post-meal cocktail amidst breathtaking views of the Portland Harbor.
For group functions, DiMillo's offers a unique taste of the region and breathtaking views. The restaurant features several private rooms and offers a number of banquet menus. DiMillo's Floating Restaurant is open daily from 11 AM to close. Entrees range from $18 to $49. Reservations are recommended.
Serving up a delectable fusion menu, Walter's is the toast of the Old Port District. A trendy Portland hotspot since 1989, Walter's creative cuisine combines flavors from around the globe. Exposed brick walls, high ceilings and an open kitchen add a
Serving up a delectable fusion menu, Walter's is the toast of the Old Port District. A trendy Portland hotspot since 1989, Walter's creative cuisine combines flavors from around the globe. Exposed brick walls, high ceilings and an open kitchen add a contemporary flare to this eclectic eatery. Menu items fuse Asian, Caribbean, Mediterranean and local influences to create specialties such as the pan-seared sea scallops and the Maine lobster risotto, which combines Maine lobster meat with shiitake mushrooms, sweet corn and English peas in a marjoram scented-risotto.
Walter's offers a private function room that can accommodate up to 26 people. The restaurant serves lunch Monday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and dinner daily from 5 PM to close. Entrees range from $17 to $28. Reservations are recommended.
Visitors to Portland should take time out to enjoy a stroll through the quaint Boothbay Railway Village. This 10-acre re-created historic New England village features a working narrow gauge coal-fire steam train, historic structures, old fashioned
Visitors to Portland should take time out to enjoy a stroll through the quaint Boothbay Railway Village. This 10-acre re-created historic New England village features a working narrow gauge coal-fire steam train, historic structures, old fashioned shops and one of the finest presentations of antique vehicles in New England.
With more than 50 vintage cars on display, including a 1916 Model T Speedster and a 1940 Cadillac convertible limo, the village is also a fascinating look back at the history of automobiles. Village visitors can take an exciting spin on Boothbay's steam train, pay a visit to the village toy shop, stop in at the historic firehouse exhibit to view a collection of horse-drawn firefighting equipment, or simply enjoy the day relaxing at the village's scenic duck pond and gardens.
The Boothbay Railway Village is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $5 for children ages 3-16 and $9 for adults.
Located downtown in the lively Arts District and right next door to the Portland Museum of Art, the Children's Museum of Maine is Portland's place for families. Welcoming nearly 100,000 people per year, the museum offers three floors of interactive
Located downtown in the lively Arts District and right next door to the Portland Museum of Art, the Children's Museum of Maine is Portland's place for families. Welcoming nearly 100,000 people per year, the museum offers three floors of interactive exhibits that excite and ignite the imagination. Wandering wide-eyed from one themed exhibit to the next, children can get into costume and put on a show at the Dress Up Theater Exhibit, milk a replica cow at the Oakie Acres Exhibit or haul in traps at the Lobster Boat Exhibit. For very little ones, the museum's Toddler Park is a soft-play area especially reserved for children under 3.
The Children's Museum of Maine is open Monday through Saturday, Memorial Day to Labor Day, from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. From Labor Day to Memorial Day, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Admission is $8 per person. Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more people with advanced reservations.
Guests who stop by Len Libby Chocolates in nearby Scarborough are in for a treat literally. A candy maker in Portland for decades, former owner Len Libby sold his shop in 1949 to Fernand Hemond, who promised to uphold the 87-year-old tradition of
Guests who stop by Len Libby Chocolates in nearby Scarborough are in for a treat literally. A candy maker in Portland for decades, former owner Len Libby sold his shop in 1949 to Fernand Hemond, who promised to uphold the 87-year-old tradition of fine candy making that made Libby a well-known name.
Today, guests to Libby can pick up everything from classic treats such as creamy peanut butter cups and saltwater taffy to inventive delights such as blueberry popcorn made with Maine blueberries. Visitors can take the tour of the chocolate shop to see how candies are prepared and packaged. Also popular is Lenny the Moose. At 1,700 pounds, this all-chocolate moose is a life size version of Maine's iconic animal.
Len Libby Chocolates is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Serving as home to animals that were injured, orphaned or human dependent and cannot survive on their own, Maine Wildlife Park has over 25 different regional species. Mountain lions, coyotes, black bears and porcupines are just the beginning of the
Serving as home to animals that were injured, orphaned or human dependent and cannot survive on their own, Maine Wildlife Park has over 25 different regional species. Mountain lions, coyotes, black bears and porcupines are just the beginning of the many intriguing inhabitants of this unique sanctuary. Visitors can explore the grounds, learn about how the animals came to live at the park and even buy feed to give to the bears, deer and ground birds. Beyond the animals, the park also features wetland trails, a game trail and a tree trail for exploring.
The Maine Wildlife Park is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Admission is $5 for children ages 4-12, $7 for adults and $5 for seniors ages 61 and older. Guided tours of the park are available for an additional $1.50 per person. Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more people.
Adventure seekers will not want to miss the chance to get out on the open sea for an exciting whale watching excursion in Portland. Passengers on Odyssey Whale Watching excursions depart from Long Wharf near downtown and cruise up to 20 miles out to
Adventure seekers will not want to miss the chance to get out on the open sea for an exciting whale watching excursion in Portland. Passengers on Odyssey Whale Watching excursions depart from Long Wharf near downtown and cruise up to 20 miles out to nearby whale feeding grounds. Here, thanks to a nearly perfect sightings rate, guests can see humpbacks, finbacks, North Atlantic white-sided dolphins, ocean sunfish and sea turtles in their natural habitat. A terrific way to learn about these fascinating sea creatures, Odyssey also features a naturalist on board to answer questions along the way.
Odyssey Whale Watching offers unforgettable private events at sea and can accommodate up to 85 people. Cruises run weekends only, late May to June; daily, July to September 7; and Wednesday and weekends, September 8 to September 30. Cruises leave at 10 AM and return at 3 PM. Tickets cost $35 for children ages 12 and under, $40 for youths ages 13-17, $45 for adults and $40 for seniors ages 60 and older. Group rates are available.
Perched atop Munjoy Hill, the Portland Observatory is the only remaining historic maritime signal station in the United States. Entrepreneur turned sea captain Lemeul Moody established the historic observatory in 1807. From the tower's heights, Moody
Perched atop Munjoy Hill, the Portland Observatory is the only remaining historic maritime signal station in the United States. Entrepreneur turned sea captain Lemeul Moody established the historic observatory in 1807. From the tower's heights, Moody could use his powerful telescope to identify incoming vessels and signal the town merchants and ship owners.
Today, visitors to the Portland Observatory enjoy entertaining and informative guided tours that take them up the 103 wooden steps of the 86-foot-tall tower to the observation level overlooking Casco Bay. Interactive exhibits are on-site to tell the tale of the tower's history and preservation.
A symbol of the city, the Portland Observatory is a spectacular venue for small private functions of up to 48 people. Guided tours run daily, Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend, from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. Sunset tours run Thursday evening, August and September, from 5 to 8 PM. Admission is $4 for children ages 6-16 and $7 for adults.
Maine's first house museum and the oldest structure on the Portland peninsula, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House dates all the way back to 1786. Located downtown, the home stands as a tribute to the life and times of one of America's greatest literary
Maine's first house museum and the oldest structure on the Portland peninsula, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House dates all the way back to 1786. Located downtown, the home stands as a tribute to the life and times of one of America's greatest literary legends: renowned poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Born in 1807, Longfellow became a national literary figure by the 1850s and is best remembered for classic poems such as "Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie" and "Paul Revere's Ride."
Today, the three-story brick structure that served as his childhood home is filled with original 19th century furnishings and artifacts belonging to the Wadsworth and Longfellow families. Several of the home's rooms are on display including the parlor where the family did most of its entertaining, and the summer dining room, where Longfellow wrote "The Rainy Day." After the tour, visitors can admire its secluded Colonial Revival garden located in the backyard.
The Wadsworth-Longfellow House is open Monday through Saturday, May 1 to October 31, from 10:30 AM to 4 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Admission is $3 for children, $8 for adults and $7 for seniors and students.
