Ultimate Guide to Eco-Wellness in Portland, Maine

Sustainable Vacations You Can Feel Good About: Body, Mind, and Soul

Portland, Maine’s tourism scene is grounded in something more profound than just comfort or luxury—it’s shaped by a commitment to community, the environment, and a sense of well-being that’s both personal and collective.

Across the city, hotels, restaurants, experiences, and wellness spaces are weaving sustainability into their everyday operations. Some buildings are LEED-certified or use renewable energy; others source food from nearby farms and fisheries, compost their kitchen scraps, or tend rooftop beehives. It’s not about trends—it’s about responsibility and a genuine connection to the place they call home.

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Photo Credit: Capshore Photography

Wellness shows up in quiet ways, too: yoga studios that meet you where you are, salt cave meditations, and spa treatments rooted in the rhythms of the natural world. You’ll find spaces that invite rest and reflection, not just activity. It’s less about escape and more about grounding.

Perhaps what’s most distinct is how Portland’s tourism industry stays local—intentionally. The chefs, innkeepers, artists, and guides are committed to their partnerships with neighbors, support small producers, and welcome visitors with a spirit that feels genuinely personal. In Portland, tourism isn’t just about serving guests—it’s about sustaining the people and the place together.

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Planning Your Eco-Wellness Getaway: Getting There

Driving to Greater Portland

From New York City, NY // 5.25 hours (about 315 miles)

From Boston, Massachusetts // 1.45 hours (about 108 miles)

Airport Closest to Portland, Maine

Portland’s International Jetport: Portland Westbrook Maine (PWM) All major airlines supported

Portland’s vibrant streets are highly walkable, especially in areas like the Old Port and Arts District, making it easy to explore on foot. For destinations further afield, readily available bus, taxi and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer convenient and quick transportation options throughout the city.

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Maine Sustainability Tips

Portland, Maine, champions sustainable living through smart transportation, abundant greenspaces, and a focus on community wellness. The city encourages alternatives to driving, supporting EV cars and numerous charging stations across town, including at parking garages and Payson Park. Their fantastic bike trails network, managed by Portland Trails, offers scenic routes for cycling and walking, reducing reliance on cars.

Portland also prioritizes community well-being, providing access to parks and health initiatives. The One Climate Future plan highlights efforts to build complete neighborhoods and foster an inclusive approach to sustainability, benefiting all residents.

Learn more about Portland’s sustainability initiatives and EV charging options here.

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Where Eco-Luxury Meets Maine’s Coastline

Nestled in picturesque Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Inn by the Sea defines eco-luxury, weaving sustainability into every thread of its guest experience. As a proud member of the Beyond Green collection, the Inn meticulously adheres to over 50 rigorous sustainability indicators, all of which are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It isn’t just a label; it’s a profound commitment to environmental stewardship.

Their dedication to sustainability is evident in their efforts on Green Building and Renewable Energy. The property proudly holds Silver LEED certification, showcasing features such as construction with recycled materials, water-saving dual-flush toilets, and efficient heat exchangers that minimize energy consumption. Further shrinking its carbon footprint, the Inn harnesses the sun’s power with on-site solar panels.

The Inn’s commitment extends to its stunning grounds through sustainable landscaping and wildlife conservation. The property is thoughtfully landscaped with indigenous plants, which foster local biodiversity and naturally reduce water consumption. Beyond aesthetics, they’ve actively restored crucial habitats for the endangered New England cottontail rabbit and maintain a certified Monarch Watch butterfly waystation, vital for pollinator health. In an innovative twist, even goats are part of the team, tackling invasive Japanese knotweed and eliminating the need for harsh chemicals.

Educational Programs & Community Engagement are core to Inn by the Sea. Guests can explore local ecosystems through beach ecology walks, garden tours, and wildlife programs, including children’s “Bug’s Life Garden Tours” and “Animal Encounters.” Beyond environmental education, the inn champions animal welfare by fostering shelter dogs from the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. For six years, they’ve housed, cared for, and helped adopt over 170 rescues.

Culinary Sustainability is a highlight at their Sea Glass restaurant. The menu champions local and seasonal ingredients, actively partnering with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute’s “Out of the Blue” program. This collaboration allows them to feature underutilized, yet delicious, fish species, simultaneously supporting marine biodiversity and local fishermen. Imagine savoring a dish knowing it directly contributes to healthier oceans and local livelihoods

Inn by the Sea’s unwavering dedication to sustainability has garnered significant Recognition & Awards. They proudly received the 2025 GIFTTS Pineapple Award for Sustainability from Preferred Hotels & Resorts and were recognized as one of USA Today’s 10 Best Eco-Friendly Resorts. These accolades underscore their leadership in sustainable tourism. By seamlessly blending luxurious comfort with profound environmental responsibility, Inn by the Sea offers guests an exceptional experience that truly honors Maine’s breathtaking natural beauty and champions a more sustainable future for the tourism industry.

PRO TIP: MAKE SURE TO TAKE A DIP IN THE POOL AND TAKE IN THE SPECTACULAR VIEWS FROM CRESCENT BEACH.

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SUSTAINABLE FOOD + DRINK: A TASTE OF MAINE’S HEART

Housed in the former Portland Press Herald building, The Press Hotel blends boutique luxury with the soul of Maine’s journalistic history. Each thoughtfully designed guest room channels a 1920s newsroom vibe, featuring vintage-style desks, ample natural light, and curated local artwork. From cozy king rooms to spacious suites—like the Penthouse with its rooftop terrace and vintage Royal typewriter—the hotel invites guests into a space that’s as inspiring as it is comfortable.

Wellness and sustainability are woven throughout, from Frette linens and deep soaking tubs to a 24/7 fitness center with Peloton bikes and LEED-certified design. Rooftop beehives, locally sourced materials, and partnerships with Maine artisans and farmers reflect a deep commitment to the environment and the community.

THE PRESS HOTEL + UNION

Anchoring the hotel is UNION, a modern and welcoming restaurant led by Executive Chef Christian Bassett. With a menu driven by an “altogether local” philosophy, UNION celebrates Maine’s seasonal bounty in creative, flavorful ways. Signature dishes include truffle beet pot roast, roasted Casco Bay cod with littlenecks and soy broth, and duck pâté with apricot mostarda.

Morning offerings like lemon-ricotta pancakes and a pork belly BLT on a grilled English muffin are just as memorable. A chef-curated tasting menu rounds out the experience for those looking to dive deeper.

The Press Hotel and UNION offer a stylish, deeply rooted taste of Portland—where storytelling, design, and local flavor come together with purpose.

PRO TIP: UNION FEATURES A UNIQUE TWIST ON SCALLOPS WRAPPED IN BACON WITH CRISPY TASSO HAM AND SEARED LOCAL SCALLOPS, TOPPED WITH PEARLS MADE FROM HONEY COLLECTED FROM THE ROOFTOP HIVES.

LUKE’S LOBSTER PORTLAND PIER

At Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier, a meal is more than something to eat—it’s a glimpse into Maine’s coastal way of life, where fishing isn’t just an industry but a tradition passed down through generations.

Situated on Portland’s active working waterfront, the restaurant gives guests a front-row seat to the rhythms of the harbor. You might watch one of the lobstermen who supplies Luke’s haul in crates of fresh catch just steps from where you’re sitting.

“I like to let people know more about what they are eating and the environment around them. So many people who visit here have never seen lobster or crab up close, and it’s great to give them an introduction,” -Rosie Train

Among the team welcoming you is Rosie Train, one of the restaurant’s managers and a lifelong part of Maine’s fishing community. Her father, Steve Train, is a seasoned lobsterman based on Long Island, Maine. Working year-round aboard his boat, Steve hauls 800 traps daily and is a strong advocate for Maine’s working waterfront and the long-term sustainability of the lobster industry.

Rosie brings that deep-rooted knowledge and care into her role at Luke’s—bridging sea and table with warmth, intention, and authenticity. On many days, you’ll find her engaging with guests or introducing curious young visitors to local marine life at the touch tank.

Inside the restaurant on the Portland Pier, the menu stays true to the region’s roots, offering signature lobster, crab, and shrimp rolls served Maine-style. Chilled meat is topped with just a touch of lemon butter, a hint of mayo, and Luke’s secret seasoning—all tucked into a buttered, split-top bun toasted to golden perfection. Each bite is clean and flavorful—designed to let the freshness of the seafood shine. For a heartier twist, the lobster BLT layers sweet lobster meat with thick-cut bacon, crisp lettuce, and tomato, finished with a swipe of herbed mayo on toasted bread—a rich, smoky-sweet take that balances indulgence with freshness.

Classic whole steamed lobsters, New England clam chowder, fried haddock, and steamed Maine clams round out the offerings, giving guests a wide variety of ways to experience Maine’s bounty. All seafood is sourced directly from Maine and Canadian fishermen and co-ops, with Luke’s operating its processing facility in Saco to ensure quality and connection every step of the way. Their environmental commitments go deep. The restaurant is powered by 100% renewable energy, incorporates solar power, and continually works to reduce its carbon footprint.

Allagash Brewing Company

Founded in Portland, Maine, in 1995 by Rob Tod, Allagash Brewing is widely recognized for its award-winning beers. However, the brewery’s influence extends far beyond its craft, demonstrating how a business can champion community engagement, sustainability, and employee well-being.

Allagash’s dedication to its community is a core tenet. The company annually donates 1% of all sales to local nonprofits, contributing to a wide array of efforts like combating food insecurity, improving healthcare, supporting LGBTQ+ rights, and preserving clean water. Furthermore, employees receive 16 hours of paid volunteer time annually, fostering a culture of civic participation. The onsite Allagash Beer Garden extends this commitment, serving as a welcoming “third space” for connection, relaxation, and work, inviting everyone to feel a sense of belonging.

Sustainability is deeply embedded in Allagash’s operations. Over 600 onsite solar panels generate approximately 18% of the brewery’s electricity. Water conservation is paramount, with a highly efficient usage of 3.4 gallons of water per gallon of beer produced—significantly below the industry average.

The brewery also diverts an impressive 98% of its waste from landfills through composting, recycling, and creative reuse. Allagash actively supports local agriculture, brewing with over 1.6 million pounds of Maine-grown grain in 2024 alone.

Connect with Nature: Get Outdoors + Embrace the Calm

Nestled along the tranquil Saco River, The Ecology School at River Bend Farm offers breathtaking views and a profound connection to nature. It offers numerous avenues for public engagement, inviting individuals and groups to connect with nature, sustainability, and community through its programming.

Community Events and Workshops: Throughout the year, The Ecology School hosts a variety of public events. These include educational workshops, seasonal festivals, and collaborative events with local organizations. For example, the school has partnered with Maine Beer Company for community pizza nights, where a portion of the proceeds supports environmental education initiatives. Additionally, the school collaborates with North Spore to offer mushroom-themed weekends featuring foraging, cultivation, and cooking activities.

Family and Youth Programs: Families can participate in day and overnight camps designed to foster a love for the outdoors and environmental stewardship among children. These programs offer hands-on experiences that explore Maine’s diverse ecosystems, engage in outdoor games, and introduce participants to the science of ecology.

Adults interested in deepening their understanding of ecology and sustainability can attend retreats and workshops. Programs such as the Teacher Institute for Watershed Science and Conservation offer immersive experiences that combine ecological education with practical applications.

During your stay, you can select dorm or yurt accommodations and eat in the large dining hall the features foods from local farms and producers. Relax on the grass outside overlooking the river and take in the views of the greenhouses and gardens.

Sustainable Self-Care

Astraea Wellness Spa, located at Portland’s Longfellow Hotel, offers a tranquil escape rooted in holistic wellness. Signature treatments include the Seaweed Leaf Wrap and Mindful Dreams Massage, both designed to restore balance and calm.

Guests can also enjoy the Grounding Earth Session, combining breathwork, reflexology, and massage for deep relaxation. The spa’s private infrared sauna suite features an invigorating cold water plunge shower, enhancing circulation and recovery.

With a serene meditation room, vibro-acoustic Mind-Sync chairs, and a commitment to organic products and personalized care, Astraea is a peaceful retreat in Portland’s historic West End. Stop in the boutique to pick up a luxurious body product from their bespoke selection

The Seaweed Mask at Adeline Wellness Spa at the Westin pictured above is another way to find your way to rejuvenation in Portland. The Adeline Wellness Spa offers a serene escape in downtown Portland. Enjoy personalized massages, rejuvenating facials, and seasonal treatments.

Astraea Wellness Spa, located at Portland’s Longfellow Hotel, offers a tranquil escape rooted in holistic wellness. Signature treatments include the Seaweed Leaf Wrap and Mindful Dreams Massage, both designed to restore balance and calm.

Guests can also enjoy the Grounding Earth Session, combining breathwork, reflexology, and massage for deep relaxation. The spa’s private infrared sauna suite features an invigorating cold water plunge shower, enhancing circulation and recovery. With a serene meditation room, vibro-acoustic Mind-Sync chairs, and a commitment to organic products and personalized care, Astraea is a peaceful retreat in Portland’s historic West End. Stop in the boutique to pick up a luxurious body product from their bespoke selection.

save the bees

the honey exchange

The Honey Exchange on Stevens Avenue isn’t just a store; it’s a vibrant community hub for bees and beekeepers. Founded by Phil and Meghan Gaven, this family-run spot offers beekeeping supplies, local honey, and beeswax products. It’s also a welcoming center for bee education. Their outreach programs bring the world of honeybees to life for students and groups, highlighting pollinators’ vital role.

They even help maintain hives for local partners, including rooftop hives at Union Restaurant at The Press Hotel, ensuring bee populations thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper or just curious, The Honey Exchange makes learning about bees approachable and inspiring.

Art therapy and creative expression

Creative Portland

In Portland, Maine, the arts aren’t just a feature of the city — they’re part of the fabric. At the heart of it all is Creative Portland, a nonprofit organization that works quietly and steadily to ensure the city’s creative community is visible, supported, and connected.

One of their most recognizable efforts is the First Friday Art Walk. It’s a monthly ritual — studios and galleries throw open their doors, musicians and street performers spill onto the sidewalks. The whole downtown buzzes with people meandering from show to show. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s been part of the city’s rhythm for years.

Creative Portland also runs a city gallery on Free Street, where local artists are regularly featured in themed, juried shows. Past exhibitions have explored themes such as resilience and acceptance — ideas that resonate beyond the walls of a gallery. The organization makes a point of inviting fresh voices into the conversation, regularly issuing open calls for new artists.

Public art is another big focus. A standout project has been the installation of artist-designed bus shelters across Portland — a combination of beautification and urban placemaking. These colorful shelters don’t just provide a place to wait for the bus; they bring artwork into everyday life. In warmer months, Creative Portland organizes free concerts — often timed with First Friday — to spotlight local musicians and performers.

If you’re new to Portland, or even if you’ve been around a while, the Creative Portland app is a helpful pocket guide. It maps out murals, performance venues, and cultural landmarks — a great way to get a sense of the city’s creative footprint.

If you’re new to Portland, or even if you’ve been around a while, the Creative Portland app is a helpful pocket guide. It maps out murals, performance venues, and cultural landmarks — a great way to get a sense of the city’s creative footprint.

Your Green Escape in Greater Portland

Terrarium

Step into Terrarium, nestled in downtown Portland, and discover a serene oasis for plant lovers and city dwellers alike. This cozy shop and workshop space specializes in handcrafted terrariums—those enchanting miniature gardens that bring a slice of nature right into your home. Whether you’re looking for a beautifully pre-made glass garden or all the bits and bobs to build your own, Terrarium has you covered. They also host excellent hands-on workshops where you can learn to create your own lush, self-contained ecosystem.

Locally owned and operated by the duo Anna and Rob Sinnott, Terrarium opened its doors in a charming old brick building in the summer of 2022. Rob, with his horticulture background from Southern Maine Community College, brings the green thumb, while Anna’s two decades in restaurants and event planning ensure a warm, welcoming vibe. Together, they’ve crafted a space where you can unwind, enjoy a drink and a snack, and let your creativity bloom as you design something extraordinary.

Pop in anytime- walk-ins are welcome. If you’re coming with a larger group, reservations are recommended. Terrariums start at just $28, which includes all the necessary instructions and materials. Do you have a favorite jar? Bring it along—pricing is based on volume. The shop offers a vast selection of plants in various sizes and can help you pack your terrarium for travel.

Just a heads-up: outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, though pre-approved celebratory desserts are welcome. Plan to spend about an hour on your build, and you’ll leave with your very own piece of sustainable, living art.

Sailing Maine’s Heritage into the Future

Portland Schooner Co.

Portland Schooner isn’t just offering boat rides—they’re keeping Maine’s maritime legacy alive. By restoring and sailing historic wooden schooners, they connect locals and visitors alike to the state’s seafaring roots. Their fleet includes the Bagheera, Wendameen, and Timberwind—all Maine-built and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Most recently, they brought the 99-foot Ruth back to life, now cruising Casco Bay on scenic lighthouse sails.

These wind-powered schooners offer two-hour trips that are both relaxing and rooted in tradition. Every voyage is a chance to experience authentic sailing aboard beautifully restored vessels. Portland Schooner Co.’s commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability helps preserve a proud part of Maine’s working waterfront.

Joyful Movement for Everybody in Portland, Maine

Ashley Flowers Yoga

Ashley Flowers Yoga, based in Portland, Maine, offers a truly welcoming and joyful approach to yoga that welcomes everyone, regardless of their experience level. Ashley’s philosophy, “Yoga is for everyone,” shines through in her diverse class offerings. You’ll find traditional sessions alongside one-of-a-kind experiences like goat yoga, serene stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga, and deeply relaxing restorative yoga in a salt cave.

Imagine finding your flow amidst the playful presence of friendly goats at Smiling Hill Farm in Westbrook – that’s Ashley’s goat yoga, designed for a lighthearted and fun connection. For a unique twist on relaxation, she partners with SaltMind™ Studio to lead restorative yoga and Yoga Nidra sessions inside a therapeutic salt cave, where the atmosphere naturally deepens your calm and mindfulness.

Ashley is genuinely committed to making yoga accessible and inclusive. She is a pleasure to be with. Her teaching focuses on creating a safe and inviting space that encourages exploration, self-awareness, and pure joy in every practice. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or have years of experience, you’ll feel at home.

Explore Portland’s Natural Gems

Just minutes from the bustling Old Port, the Fore River Sanctuary invites you into peaceful wetlands and woods, leading to Jewell Falls, Portland’s only natural waterfall. This gem is part of the Portland Trails network, a fantastic nonprofit organization that maintains over 70 miles of trails in and around the city.

For iconic city views, the Back Cove Trail gracefully circles a tidal basin, ideal for a run, bike ride, or stroll. It connects seamlessly to the Eastern Promenade, where expansive lawns and historic forts meet a winding trail hugging the beautiful Casco Bay.

 Discover Beyond the City Limits

Venture a bit further to Falmouth and discover Mackworth Island, a charming state park. Its gentle loop trail winds through spruce forests and along rocky shores, providing stunning ocean vistas.

South of the city, Scarborough Marsh is a haven for paddlers and birdwatchers, boasting a vast saltwater estuary teeming with wildlife. Or, for a quieter forest walk near the sea, explore Robinson Woods in Cape Elizabeth.

Get the Portland Trails Map.

Wellness, Slow Travel, and Eco-Friendly Business Checklist // Visit Portland

Offers a personalized approach to wellness woven into the stay, emphasizing natural, unhurried, and restorative experiences. Includes activities like waterfront yoga, biking, massages, collaboration with Blackrock Farm, and a floating sauna.

Provides accessible, well-paced walking tours of Portland. Focuses on historical stories, encourages slowing down and engaging in conversations about the city’s past, including marginalized communities.

Offers an authentic Maine experience on a private island in Casco Bay. Provides oceanfront homes and island rentals, promoting a slower and more peaceful experience away from the city.

Offers private charter experiences on historic Maine-built wooden vessels. Provides tailored trips for small to medium groups, including dining, island stopovers, and transportation around Casco Bay.

5. Portland Museum of Art

Offers mindfulness sessions in the galleries, self-guided slow looking, and an Art & Medicine program for wellness and healing through art experiences.

Features full-service spa amenities, including saunas, steam rooms, a Jacuzzi, a fitness center, and personal training sessions. Offers various treatments and a private spa lounge for groups.

Provides sea kayaking lessons, guided tours, and paddling programs. Aims to inspire a sense of wonder for the natural world and make kayaking accessible to all, promoting environmental stewardship.

Offers boutique hospitality with luxury lofts in historic buildings in Portland’s Old Port. Focuses on slow travel and local immersion with curated art and handcrafted furniture.

Provides a Maine coast experience focused on slowing down and enjoying simple pleasures. Offers activities like yoga, hiking, tennis, a spa, and an eco-conscious package with 4ocean.

Offers eco-friendly camping on an island, with compostable dishware, solar power, and a focus on slow travel and disconnecting in a historic fort setting.

Offers a place to slow down and reconnect in the Mahoosuc Mountains. Provides outdoor activities, a spa, and a focus on sustainability with a goal of net-zero emissions.