And with packing all that into only 1.5 hours, it allows you spend the rest of your day trip exploring the town. Go to AllTrails to learn more about their free app; its full of trail maps, including this one, which work offline. A picnic, cold drinks and a dip in the ponds was our antidote to steamy days and we always had it to ourselves. Visit the shops and eateries downtown and along Main Street. Visit Portland's scenic coast, historic sites and most vibrant neighborhoods with a sightseeing and shopping tour on a classic fire engine. Beaches in the area include the freshwater Barret's Cove on Lake Megunticook, and Laite Beach which extends from a grassy park onto the rocky ocean shore. Our getaways over the years brought us to an ancient, peculiar Granite State spot we still cant quite figure out. Sebago Lake is one of the best options for day trips from Portland, Maine if youre looking for a peaceful day. The bus takes beer lovers from venue to venue on an all-inclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Portland's craft breweries. Do day trips to Kennebunkport, Freeport, Bar Harbor, Salem, etc. Get the most from your time and see as much of Maine (and New Hampshire!) 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. For even more history, head across the Kennebec River to Fort Western. The French influence is still felt today, and can be seen in Lewistons Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, built in 1870. Maine's beaches have refreshing, clear water that is perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Best things to do on a day trip to Rangely Lake from Portland: For something really fun and special (and a bit of a splurge thats totally worth it), consider booking a seaplane tour over the region. Visit the home of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the underground railroad member who wrote Uncle Toms Cabin. Abol Bridge Can you beat this view of Katahdin? 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. This is a guided tour that last about two hours, and is a casual cruise around town, as well as the surrounding islands. Explore the bay with a canoe or kayak tour, most of which include a trip to Hog Islands Fort Gorges, built in 1858. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. If youre a fan of the movie Hocus Pocus (and honestly, who isnt? It's a humble city, without pretense, qualities you could easily use to describe Mainers themselves. Even though it still makes me smile a little each time I say it, the single-terminal, 11-gate Portland International Jetport is Maine's biggest airport. Visit the Gendron Franco Center where there are regular French-themed events. Kennebunkport continues to be the summer residence of President George H W Bushs family. That makes Sebago Lake State Park and its beaches a perfect place to cool off on a summer day. Answer 1 of 5: Hi, we will be making our first trip to Maine 6/30-7/5. Explore the islands of Casco Bay and Penobscot Bay or head inland along the rivers. Travel Tip: Want to ensure you'll see a moose while you're visiting Maine? Get an ice cream at the cutest little ice cream shack on the East Coast! Cost: $150-300 per night. Led by a local expert, youll hear stories about the towns history, as well as be able to stop for some awesome photo opportunities. Newburyport in Massachusetts is another one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine. The park is home to Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the east coast of the United States. This particular tour is great for day-trippers because the vessel is a high-speed catamaran, so youll be able to cover more ground in the same amount of time, allowing you to really maximize your time. The 150 foot long sandy stretch is named for its location in front of the historic 1914 Colony Hotel. Our day trips have something for everyone, on any budget. Maines Boothbay Harbor is located along the rocky Atlantic coast about one hours drive north of Portland. In fact, this is our most versatile day trip from Portland, taking in classic Maine scenery from the mountains to the coast. If you prefer to use public transportation, METRO BREEZ bus service between Portland and Freeport is comfortable and affordable, or hop aboard the Amtrak Downeaster for a relaxing ride on the rails. Destinations Africa Morocco Asia China India Getting There: You'll get to enjoy a scenic drive of about an hour and 40 minutes on Route 25 getting to Moultonborough. Enjoy the views at the Height of Land Overlook. Ogunquit is located on Maines Atlantic coast close to the states southern border. Learn more about the evidence Americas Stonehenge has yielded to archaeologists and astronomers over the years. Whether youre excited to head to Boston and relive history and enjoy the amazing culinary scene, or youre looking forward to a quiet day at one of the best lakes in the region, the opportunities for seeing amazing landscapes and taking some awesome tours are endless. Best things to do in Boston on a day trip from Portland: I highly recommend checking out a tour while in Boston, especially if its your first visit, or youre looking to explore something new. 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. Theres so much to do in Acadia that I usually recommend at least 2-3 nights, but you can also see a lot on a day trip. Rockport Marine Park. The scenic area is a popular summer destination for swimming, boating and fishing. The quickest of our two recommended route options from Portland, ME to Burlington, VT spans a distance of 250 miles and will take 6 hours and 20 minutes to drive without stopping. Both villages claim historic homes and businesses, built in the 18th and 19th century. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the US for a reason, it is beautiful! Tours of the studio depart from the museum. Boating opportunities include sailing or boat tours aboard historic windjammers and schooners. If so, consider a brief detour inland for a drive or hike to Mount Agamenticus. This means that Newburyport is still a decent day trip option even if it's raining or cold. Go for a swim or walk on the shoreline of Goochs, Mothers or Colony Beach. Weve picked blueberries here for hours in the past and always came away with full tubs. Youll see both New Hampshire and the Atlantic from the Big A hike. Photo Credit: Serena Folding Distance: 175 mi / 3 hrs ( map) Things You Can't Miss: High Desert Museum, Tumalo Falls, Sparks Lake. at one of the towns many bakeries. Find places to go within a day's drive of me in Portland, ME and plan a day trip near Portland, ME. 7 Congress Square, Portland, Maine 04101, Phone: 207-775-6148. Moultonborough: A Castle and a Realm of Adventures, Denmark, Naples, Poland, Paris, China: A World Tour Without Leaving Maine, Loon Center and Markus Wildlife Sanctuary. Quick Weekend Trips: Utah lakes, Mountains in Maine, Waterfalls in Maine near me, Maine Breweries, Things to Do in Ogunquit. The Maine Lighthouse Museum is in Rockland, too, so you may want to consider staying over and making this a two-day trip. This spot is pure perfection! 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. More secluded is the Goose Rocks Beach, located in a quiet, residential area. Below Ive also listed two options for companies that will drive you around Maine in a private tour if it works in your budget, and well as one tour in Portland that will feel like an escape. Our experts' top picks for a long weekend getaway for couples: Best caves in the U.S., SD, Galena IL, Boise, St. Pete, San Jose, Taos, Fayetteville, Steamboat Springs, NH, East Coast, DE, GA, Little Rock. 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. 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. BUS, CAR, PLANE, TRAIN, + FERRY SERVICE . By VacationIdea Staff on October 2, 2022 - Updated. Our favorite trail here is the Maiden Cliff Trail. For an inexpensive escape, Portlanders head to Peaks Island. Although not open to the public, the site was made famous by Edward Hoppers 1929 painting, Lighthouses at Two Lights. Busses in portland go almost everywhere, are popular, reliable, and the reason I was able to so effortlessly live in Portland for 6 years without a car! 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. While the Visitors Center is located towards the west of the park in North Woodstock, theres plenty to see and do across the span of the range. Its very close to Kennebunkport, and you can definitely do both in one day if youre feeling up for it (although, theres so much to do in each town that you can easily fill up a full day in each place). Every day Estimated price $120 - $400. Alternatively, you can take a Concord Coach Lines bus between the two cities for $40 round-trip. The area is home to the 90-acre Fort Williams Park where youll find the Portland Head Light. 630 miles. Oregon Coast Day Trip: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. But if you love history, consider this tour by a local historian to get even more out of your experience. How do you get round Portland Maine without a car? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Michel Hersen and Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com. What to do near my location, inexpensive, private adults only getaways: Carmel, WA, UT, MN, Chicago, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, Kirkland, Taos, SoCal Camping, West Palm Beach, LA Beaches, Things to Do in Moab. The drive is 3-hours one-way, but if your only opportunity to get to Acadia National Park is by taking a day trip, its definitely worth it! 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. This is a great place for picnics and the park even features a warming hut for winter visitors. In Paris, Maine, there is no Eiffel Tower, but you can dine at Maurice Restaurant Francais. At $55 per person, the tour bus varies which breweries it makes stops at. The community offers workshops, a museum and tours. 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. The small island is easily explored by bicycle, with just a 4-mile long circumference. Walk along the shore at Good Harbor or Wingaersheek Beach. Click here to book your Kayak Tour on Sebago Lake! The L.L. Even though its a splurge, the price is very fair for a private tour, especially in such a gorgeous area. 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. Yes, you can, but just keep in mind that it will be a long day and youll have to carefully plan what sights you really want to see and be strategic. The Wolfes Neck Center is an educational farm offering tours, classes, and kayak or bicycle rentals for use along their trails. We easily spent a few hours here and you just might do the same. But if you're visiting the area in the summer and can swing it, it's well worth the cost. 3. 6. Travel Tip: Try to align your trip with Apple Saturdays, a Sabbathday Lake fall tradition featuring cider pressing, apple arts and . United States. 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. Even with just a day trip from Portland, youll be able to see some incredible coastal landscapes and lighthouses, go on some awesome tours, eat some delicious food and feel like you had a true vacation while only being gone a day. Day 1: Getting to know Portland Arrive at Portland's. Portland, Maines central coast location makes day trips along the Atlantic coast and into Maines lake and mountain regions easy and accessible. Where: Via Mountain Road off US Roue 1, between Ogunquit and York. 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. Walk around one of the many waterfront parks. Along with your kayak rental, youll get a life jacket, as well as a map of the lake so you know the best areas to explore. Choose the Mailboat Run which serves four islands in the bay. Of course, the views from the easy hiking trails are the real draw here. 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. The Best Day Trips from Portland Under 1 Hour Away Multnomah Falls. Boston can easily be done in a day, and while you wont see it all, youll be able to cover a lot of ground, depending on what youre looking to do. Combining Portland day trips makes sense and well recommend a few excursions to roll into one. Enjoy the trails at the park, or visit the Cape Elizabeth Greenbelt, a trail system that spreads through town, surrounding the inland waterways. Where: Otter Ponds are located at the southern end of Sebago Lake on Maine Route 35 between Windham and Standish. 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. Visit the Boothbay Region Art Foundation or visit during a Boothbay Art and Crafts Show, which takes place on summer weekends. The city that brands itself "A Tiny Bit Huge" is just across the Piscataqua River from southern Maine. For many Portland tourists without a rental car, the streetcar will be all you need to see the city. 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, Phone: 207-799-2661, Romantic places this weekend: Mountains in Utah, Utah resorts, Romantic Getaways in Maine, Maine lighthouses, Where to stay in Acadia, Things to Do in Brunswick, Wilson. Head over to Eastern Point Lighthouse and walk almost a half mile out on the breakwater. Youll find this collection of Maine facts, oddities, artifacts and displays worth the drive from Portland. This Portland Maine day trip is easy, with or without a car. In the spring and summer months, enjoy fishing, canoeing and kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking or golf. This moderately difficult hiking trail is perfect all year but mid-July is when wild Maine blueberries are ready for picking! Maines Damariscotta region is known for oysters, and has been for over two thousand years. 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. A 2022 study by Allianz found that demand for Europe travel was up 600 percent, and Rome ranked as the fifth in-demand summer destination. Rent a jet ski or boat to spend the day on the water. New England Coast. Lewiston, Maine is located in the Maine Lakes Region alongside the Androscoggin River. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 30 minutes. The museum has a special focus on the paintings of Winslow Homer (1836-1910). The furthest day trip from Portland, Maine is still definitely worth your time! It's a beacon of light perched on the dramatic craggy coast of Cape Elizabeth. 6. Click here for more information on customized and luxury private day tours from Portland! This comes at no extra cost to you. Grab a trail map and cover the four miles of paths through the park. The pretty white stunner was built in 1791 and renovated in 1831. Hobbs: it'll be the best you've ever tasted. I love visiting this little town because its both a gorgeous place packed with beautiful, colonial-style homes and quaint side streets, but also has a charming downtown, a waterfront park and even the stunning Plum Island to explore. Boston is one of my all-time favorite cities because of its deeply-rooted history, gorgeous architecture, amazing restaurants and charming streets. Ride along Seashore Avenue, and explore the islands backside, facing the open Atlantic ocean. 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. P-Town, a popular summer destination and legendary LGBTQ summer getaway, is at the very tip of Cape Cod. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. This is one adventure you can even enjoy without ever leaving your car. A great tour option for your day trip from Portland, Maine is the Lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals Tour. Affordable things to see near me, must-visit beaches, cheap weekend getaways: East Coast Beaches, SC, Beaches near Orlando, Last Minute, NH, Houston, Palm Springs, Monterey, From Atlanta, GA, Sedona AZ. Drivers will take US Highway 1 north just beyond Brunswick to Route 24 toward Harpswell. If you like to shop, be sure to hit up Newbury Street and Copely Place. Travel Time: 35 minutes. He is trying to run every single one of the more than 1,000 streets in Portland, including on Peaks Island. The small island is home to 12 nature conservancies which protect the land and wildlife habitat. Click here to book your full-day private fall tour from Portland! Marginal Way, photo by Melissa Moore. This company offers customized and private luxury tours throughout Maine, and if youre looking to get around the state from Portland and dont have access to a car, its worth reaching out to them to plan your perfect day trip. This article doesnt focus on cites or towns in Maine our day trips feature actual attractions instead. Climb to the top via the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway, take the auto road, or enjoy a hike. 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. It often gets over-shadowed by the neighboring Salem (more on Salem later in the post, though! 3. 15 Best Things To Do (2023), 75 New England Bucket List Things You Must Do. 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. Tour guides will also help you spot shore birds and other wildlife during the cruise. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 30 minutes. With a depth of over 300 feet, its a popular lake for fishing and outdoor recreation. A longer route, which hugs the coast along Maine before heading inland, takes you a little further at 300 miles. Maine Road Trip Day 1: Spend Time in York Beach or Ogunquit. For everything you get with this tour, I think the cost is very reasonable! Boating of all sorts is an option, too. Take a self-guided tour through the grounds and enjoy the peace and quiet of this wooded spot. Hop aboard the Casco Bay Lines ferry to Peaks Island in just 17 minutes you're on an adorable isle where you can set out to explore on foot or on a rented bike. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cast your line for chance to catch largemouth bass, pickerel or trout. Rangelely Lake is also a quiet and peaceful destination, which makes for a wonderful escape from the city. as you can in a day! The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village was established in 1783, and is located between New Gloucester and Poland. This tour is about 2.5 hours, and takes you out to Eastern Egg Rock to see a puffin colony. Time & distance from Portland: 16 miles, 20-minute drive. 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. Perfect For:Maine Coastal Road Trips Autumn Foliage Picnics Legendary Views Family Day Trips. North America. 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. SALE: SUBSCRIBE AND GET 1 YEAR FOR $21.99 $5. Click here to book your Hauntings & History Walking Tour in Salem! The Portland Head Light is a historic 1791 lighthouse that sits within the Fort Williams State Park in Cape Elizabeth, on Portland Head. If youre looking for a super spooky tour and lots of goosebumps, then youll love the Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Walking Tour. At the 1850s Skolfield-Whittier House guided tours shed light on what upper middle class life was like in the 19th century. Boston has so many amazing tour options led my local experts that share tons of tips and knowledge. You wont miss the carpetof blueberry bushes on the way to the top; theyre heavily concentrated in natural clearings. The eclectic art on view at the Peabody Essex Museum fascinates visitors, too. Grab a bite to eat and take a detour on your day trip to Camden Hills State Park. Click here to book your Culinary Walking Tour in Kennebunkport! Once theres snowfall, Bethel is among Maines best destinations for alpine or Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and aprs ski fun. Bridal Veil Falls. Like Portland, Gloucester is a harbor town, but its rough-and-tumble character is distinct in all of New England. Park facilities include restrooms, drinking water, picnic areas and camping sites for tents or recreational vehicles. The downtown area is packed with awesome and unique shops and eateries, theres a big local artist scene here, and everywhere you go, you kind of feel like youre in a postcard. Below is a list of my favorite day trips from Portland, Maine, and the destinations are organized by shortest to furthest distance from Portland. The Maine State Aquarium is located in Boothbay Harbor. Youll see the famous Bailey Island CribstoneBridge, unique for its design using only stacked granite slabs and no mortar. Hike the lighthouse trail to pass by eight lighthouses, join in on a walking tour with the Deer Isle Historical Society, and shop the local galleries. 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. Note: Where applicable, check with each entity for revised opening/closing hours and other information. Another great option if you love lighthouses is this cruise along Kennebec River, where youll get to see 7 lighthouses, and also learn about the local maritimes and ship-building history. Lewiston was founded by French speaking Canadians who immigrated to work textile mills and shoe factories in the early 1800s. We uncover a variety of attractions nearby from hikes and Mainelandmarks to mysterious megaliths in the woods. You can hike or drive to Mount Battie for classic views of Camden and her harbor. ), but its definitely worth a full-day visit, or even a whole weekend. Please see our Disclaimer for full information. This is the perfect day trip, no matter what the weather has in store for you. From the cobblestone streets of the Old Port to a scenic fall boat ride along the coast in Freeport. Take a scenic drive along the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway. McMenamins Edgefield is a 74-acre property sitting atop farmland near the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area a mere 20-minutes from downtown Portland. The unique sand dune formation was formed by an Ica Age glacier. The L.L. 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. 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. Especially in the summer because of traffic and crowds. 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. . 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 . Or get a full Cape Elizabeth to Portland (Maine) flight plan.
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