consider portland your home base

LIGHTHOUSES, SIGHTSEEING, TOURS, AND SHOPPING

Portland, Maine is the ideal central location while you’re visiting Maine. With easy access to nature, landmarks, and islands it is easy to navigate your way in and out of the city. Travel up Maine’s scenic rocky coast—exploring parks, beaches, and other attractions before returning to our urban center. You’ll never be too far from your home base.

day one | Portland

Hop on a bike for a 5 Lighthouse Bike Tour with Summer Feet Cycling. Cycle 13-20 miles along the coast from Portland to Cape Elizabeth to see the iconic Portland Headlight, among others. Lunch is a lobster roll overlooking Casco Bay. Then it’s time to shop and enjoy the plentiful food options in the Old Port.

day two | Maine’s South Coast

Head south out of Portland to visit Maine’s South Coast (aka Beaches) region. There you will find striking spots to photograph or sit and stay awhile. Visit the Scarborough Marsh a 3,000 acre estuary just fifteen minutes south of Portland. Bike or walk the trails and see if you can spot some local wildlife. Head further south and you will hit Old Orchard Beach. In the Summer, OOB’s pier is lined with food stalls and arcades. You’re going to want to get your hands on our famous pier fries. If you want to keep going, you can head down to York (about 50 minutes from Portland) and visit Sohier Park in York Beach, which is the perfect place to view Nubble Lighthouse. This picturesque and often-photographed lighthouse features a charming, Victorian keeper’s house with gingerbread trim and a lantern with miniature cast iron lighthouses on its railing.

Day three | Maine’s Mid-coast

By now we have spent some time on the coast—hopefully you’ve gotten to tour beaches, take long scenic walks, and biked to your heart’s content. Now, it’s time to try out some Inland adventures. The towns along Route 26 to the north-west of Portland include Gray, Poland Springs and New Gloucester. In Gray (approx. ½ hour from Portland), the Maine Wildlife Park serves as a home for animals that can no longer survive on their own. Residents include a bald eagle, moose, fox, bobcat, black bear and mountain lion. Visit one or more of the historic sites at Poland Spring including The Maine State Building (from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair) and Poland Spring Preservation Park (the original source of Poland Spring water.) 

Day Four | portland (again)

Now, that you have taken a lap and have been able to fully enjoy what the region has to offer, why not take a day to relax closer to “home”. You could spend weeks exploring all there is to do in Portland. From elegant meals to boutique shopping to world-class theater and art exhibits you last day will let you squeeze in everything you wanted to on your trip. Learn more.

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From family vacations to wedding weekends, and everything in between, we have the travel plan for your picture perfect vacation. Whether you’re interested in our art & culture scene, food + drink, or outdoor adventures—we got your back. Safe travels! Learn more.