Fun for the whole family all within an hour of Portland, Maine
Fall is the perfect time to squeeze in college tours with your teens. New England college campuses in autumn are known for their crisp air and beautiful foliage, with students relaxing or playing catch on the lawn; Maine colleges are no exception. Here is a weekend itinerary to help you navigate touring and traveling, with some added fun for you and your teens as you visit their potential future homes at colleges within an hour of Portland, Maine.
People walking on a brick sidewalk past a storefront with large display windows in Portland, Maine. Photo Credit: Chris Lawrence
Waterfront at DiMillo’s in Downtown Portland, Maine. Photo credit: Andy AustinArrival
If you’re coming from the south, maybe after visiting schools in the Boston area, we recommend taking either the Amtrak Downeaster or Concord Coach Lines to Portland. If you’re coming from farther away, fly right into the Portland Jetport, only about 15 minutes from downtown. Renting a car will allow flexibility and comfort for your family while taking advantage of all Maine has to offer. The easiest place to rent a car is conveniently located near Portland Jetport.
Stay: There are plenty of great places to stay in and around downtown Portland, depending on your family’s needs and budget.
Itinerary
A group of people enjoying a brunch meal at Salt Yard Cafe & Bar in Portland, Maine. Photo Credit: Jamie MercurioDay one
After arriving in Portland and checking into your hotel, head to the Old Port. Here you can grab some breakfast at Becky’s Diner for a classic stack of pancakes and bacon, or the Salt Yard Cafe for their fun, trendy brunch items and signature lattes. After grabbing a bite, enjoy walking around the Old Port and Downtown Portland. You can find memorable souvenirs at shops like The Blue Lobster, grab a sweet treat at The Holy Donut, and explore all that the city has to offer. If you have some extra time and are up for a challenge, The Escape Room is a great place for some real family bonding.
A hand holding a stack of three colorful, glazed donuts against a mural background in Portland, Maine. Photo Credit: The Holy Donut
An aerial view of the University of New England’s campus overlooking Casco Bay and the coastal town of Biddeford, Maine.
Family walking in the Old Port. Photo Credit: Maine Office of TourismFrom Portland, there are plenty of colleges to visit close by: The University of Southern Maine’s Portland campus is roughly 5-10 minutes from downtown, making it a convenient spot and a great school for a student who prefers a more urban setting. The Gorham campus is only 20 minutes west of Portland. If you don’t have a car, the Husky Line on Greater Portland Metro can take you between campuses.
The University of New England’s Portland Campus is 15 minutes from downtown, while their Biddeford Campus is 30 minutes south. UNE is best known for their Health and Marine Sciences and is also great for students who have fallen in love with Portland, Maine.
After visiting these schools, stop at Luke’s Lobster for a classic buttery lobster roll and enjoy a view of Casco Bay. End the night on a sunset sail with Portland Schooner Co. This is the perfect way to see Maine’s ocean up close in fall when it’s too chilly for a swim.
People dining on the outdoor wooden deck at Luke’s Lobster overlooking a harbor with boats in Portland, Maine. Photo Credit: Serena Folding Photography
A hand squeezing a lemon wedge over a fresh lobster roll. Photo Credit: Serena Folding
A sailboat with passengers sailing on Casco Bay during a vibrant sunset in Portland, Maine. Photo Credit: Zoe Zimbaday two
Day two should be saved for the farther-away “Little Ivy” colleges up north. These schools are well respected for their high rank, prestige, excellent academics, and small size. Start your day by grabbing a quick breakfast at PopUp Bagels. Famous for their warm, fresh bagels, and rotating unique cream cheese and butter flavors, this is a place your teen will love and has probably already seen on their social media feed.
A person holding a box of fresh PopUp Bagels in Portland, Maine. Photo Credit: Shado Of A Rose Photography
A scenic road stretches through a forest with vibrant autumn foliage under a blue sky in Maine. Photo Credit: Maine Office of TourismNext, start your journey to the colleges up north. Campuses in Lewiston-Auburn, about 40 minutes from Portland, have a tight-knit culture and strong school spirit. Campuses in Waterville, though a bit farther from Portland, offer easy access to Maine’s outdoors: perfect for any student who’d rather hike after class than walk in the city. Campuses in Brunswick, about 35 minutes northeast of Portland, are as coastal as they are prestigious. Being only a few minutes from Casco Bay, Brunswick campuses are great for any student who has fallen in love with Maine’s coast.
Want to stay the night up North? The Brunswick Hotel is a beautiful place to stay with New England character and is conveniently located only five minutes from campus.
Exterior image of The Brunswick Hotel. Photo Credit: The Brunswick Hotel
A woman bowling at Bayside Bowl in Portland, Maine. Photo credit: Knack FactoryDay Three
On your way back down to Portland, stop and explore Freeport. Here you’ll find an iconic photo spot at the giant L.L. Bean boot, a great meal at Linda Bean’s, and shopping at the Freeport Outlets. Feeling cramped from all that time in the car? Head over to Bradbury Mountain for an easy hike with breathtaking autumnal views. Freeport is roughly 25 minutes north of Downtown Portland, so it is a perfect stop on your way back to your home base. To end your trip with a win, head to Bayside Bowl to compete in a round of bowling and enjoy some delicious food and drinks.
L.L.Bean
College touring can be a stressful time for both students and parents, but a short trip to Maine will allow time to explore colleges for all types of students, while also creating a trip that the whole family will never forget.
About the Author
Lilah Feuer HeadshotLilah Feuer is a senior at Falmouth High School and has grown up in Maine. She is interested in business and marketing, along with exploring new places in Maine and learning more about the people and businesses that make the state special. This summer, she interned at Visit Portland, where she learned more about marketing and Maine’s tourism industry.