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How far to Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park?
Three great options, any of which will take approximately 3.5 hours to arrive in Bar Harbor, or Acadia National Park.
- 159 miles (highway295-95;exit 113 through Belfast & Ellsworth)
- 162 miles (coastal)
- 174 miles (highway)
Where are the lighthouses? Do I need a car to get to them? Can I go inside?
There are no lighthouses in Portland. They are located in South Portland (Bug Light & Spring Point Light), and Cape Elizabeth (Portland Head Light, Ram Island Ledge Light, Cape Elizabeth Lights East & West).
The only lighthouse in the Portland area that is open to the public is Spring Point Light. Their calendar of open dates can be found at http://www.springpointlight.com/. Although not directly on the South Portland Bus route, both Spring Point Light and Bug Light can be accessed easily on foot by taking the bus to the Southern Maine Community College.
Our most famed lighthouse is the second oldest in the United States, Portland Head Light (http://www.portlandheadlight.com/), and sits in Fort Williams Park. Unfortunately it is not on a public bus route, though you can take the South Portland Bus to approximately one mile from the lighthouse. (Cottage & Pillsbury) The walk is quite lovely, walking past stately seaside properties and under historic deciduous trees. The lighthouse is not seen from the street, but the entrance to the Fort Williams Park is marked very well. The park is open daily, dawn until dusk, and offers plenty of parking. (GPS: 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth)
While at the Portland Head Light, Ram Island Ledge Light can be seen offshore, and is only accessible by boat.
The Cape Elizabeth lights are located further south. From the Portland Head Light, turn left along Shore Road. At the junction of 77, turn left. A few miles down turn left on Two Lights Road. Drive past Two Lights State Park and drive to the end of the road. Along the way you'll pass the Cape Elizabeth lights. They are not publicly accessible, although can be photographed. If you're hungry, check out the Lobster Shack at Two Lights, located at the end of the road. They are a local favorite, and the most rustic lobster restaurant experience near Portland.
Where can I rent a cottage in Portland on the water?
Unfortunately the working waterfront and historic business district do not allow for any cottage developments in Portland City limits. The closest communities offering water-side cottage rentals to Portland are located in Cape Elizabeth (Inn by the Sea), Old Orchard Beach, and Windham (Sebago Lake Lodge & Cottages). Portland does offer a number of charming Inns, Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels, and Extended Stay properties that can be viewed on this website.
Where do cruise ships dock?
The primary port of call for ships is Ocean Gateway or Pier 2, located 2 blocks east of the Old Port (less than 500 yards). Easily accessed at the port: visitor information, taxis, and 1 block from the METRO (city bus). This facility can accommodate both large and small ships.
Occasionally ships will dock at the Portland Ocean Terminal or Pier 1, located at the edge of the Old Port.
Where can I rent a car in Portland?
Most car rental agencies are located at the Portland International Jetport (PWM), just 5 miles from downtown Portland. However, Enterprise has an office located at 1 Marginal Way, roughly ½ mile from the City center. And Hertz has an office located at Warren Avenue, Portland, approximately 4 miles from the City center.
Can I exchange money in Portland?
It is best to exchange money before you leave home as money exchanges are generally performed by banks, but only for account holders. If you will be flying in to Boston and travelling to Portland by car, train, or bus, you can exchange currency at Logan Airport's terminal E (BOS) Travelex.com offers other exchange service locations, all in Massachusetts.
Are there shops on the wharves?
There are a few shops located on the wharves as Portland's waterfront is rather industrial, with fishing boats, tug boats, ferries going to the Casco Bay Islands, container ship traffic, etc. A few shops worth mentioning while exploring the wharves are Sea Bags, Harbor Fish Market, the Comedy Connection (www.mainecomedy.com), and The Porthole Restaurant. Commercial Street serves up a cornucopia of shopping options to meet many of your needs and is the main street along the wharf area. Don't forget to go up a few streets to explore the Old Port, an area of town that burned down in 1866 and today offers a splendor of Victorian Era brick buildings that are home to several independent boutiques, souvenir shops, pubs, and fine restaurants. But don't stop here, Portland's Arts District offers up dozens of artisan shops, galleries, museums, and of course, more great architecture!