Plan Your Trip
Maximize your Maine vacation
Before the oysters, ferry rides, waterfront walks, and late-night dinners, there’s the part where you have to plan your trip to Portland, Maine. Discover everything you need to prepare for your visit, including transportation information, maps, parking, accessibility details, travel tips, and guides to navigating the city and coast with a lot less guesswork.
special deals & packages
Say yes to doing more when you’re in Portland with these special offers on hotels, tours, restaurants, shopping, and more.
Trip Planning Resources
Where the Harbor Sets the Tone
Getting Around & Parking
Transportation
Point yourself toward Portland, Maine, and we’ll help with the details. From how to get to and from Portland, Maine, to how to get around and where to park, you’ll find everything you need to know to navigate the city of the sea.
Getting Here by Foot
Walking Map
Some of Portland’s best discoveries are a few steps apart. Explore the city on foot with digital walking maps that lead through historic streets, waterfront neighborhoods, local landmarks, and plenty of places worth getting pleasantly sidetracked along the way.
Articles. Itineraries. Inspiration.
Stories from the City of the Sea
Discover local favorites, seasonal travel ideas, coastal itineraries, and lots of fun things to do across Greater Portland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Your Trip to Greater Portland, Maine
This collection of frequently asked questions can help you navigate the practical side of planning your trip to Portland, Maine.
What is the best time of year to visit Portland, Maine?
Greater Portland is lively and vibrant in all seasons. Spring starts in March when we watch the cherry blossoms and flowers burst to life. The summer months of June, July, and August are the warmest and great for getting outdoors and exploring our water activities. In September and October, you can watch the colors of the leaves change and experience fall fairs, harvests, and more. Greater Portland comes alive with annual events, art and culture, and festive shopping over the holiday season from November into the New Year. For those looking to enjoy winter sports and snow activities, ski resorts open in early November and go through April. And our region stays open year-round with restaurants, shops, and lots more activities any time of year.
How many nights should I spend in Portland, Maine?
While our thriving downtown seaport of Portland, Maine is easily walkable and only 3+ miles from end to end, you’re still going to want to spend a few days getting to see all Greater Portland (and beyond) has to offer. From sandy beaches to landmark lighthouses, there are plenty of things to do to keep you and your whole party busy. We recommend at least 2-3 nights visiting Portland, Maine, and our charming area towns. If you want to see even more of the Pine Tree state from the Maine Beaches to Downeast & Acadia, we suggest a few more days to explore places like Bangor (2 hours from Portland) or Bar Harbor (3 hours from Portland).
What is the best way to visit Maine?
Situated adjacent to Interstate 95, Greater Portland is convenient to get to for travelers coming from any direction. Portland is only two hours from Boston and four from New York City. Visitors from around the world can fly into the Portland International Jetport with direct flights to most major destinations across the globe. At the Portland Transportation Center is the Concord Coach Lines and the Amtrak Downeaster train that runs from Boston to Brunswick. You can also hop in the car and take a road trip. Portland, Maine is a walkable city when you’re downtown and ride shares are easily available. We recommend venturing to our area towns while you’re here, so it is recommended to use public transportation with the Metro or bring or rent a car.
Is Maine expensive to visit?
Maine can be a very affordable place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors, local landmarks, arts and culture, and the historic coastal charm without breaking the bank. One of the best things about visiting Greater Portland is that you can customize your experience to your taste and your wallet — start with our list of 25 free things to do in Greater Portland.
What is there to do on a trip to Portland, Maine?
There are many must see + do Maine attractions that should not be missed when you visit the region. From our sandy shores to our rocky shores, there is so much to see and do. Take a tour to visit the most photographed lighthouse in the United States, Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth. You don’t want to miss the Working Waterfront and the hustle and bustle of an active fishing port. The Old Port is home to shops, restaurants, craft beer + wine, schooners, trolley tours, and more. Taste-test a famous Maine lobster dinner or lobster roll, and visit our nearby coastal towns and beaches.
What are the must see + dos in Portland, Maine?
Portland, Maine is renowned for its picturesque blend of lobsters and lighthouses, nestled along a rugged coastline dotted with sandy beaches. This region boasts a vibrant history rooted in fishing, agriculture, and distinctive architecture. Visitors can explore an active waterfront and a bustling wharf, catch a ferry to the scenic Casco Bay islands, or marvel at iconic lighthouses like Portland Head Light, Bug Light, and Spring Point Ledge Light. A big city in a small package, you can cover a lot of ground without going too far, with everything accessible within a four-mile-long peninsula in Downtown Portland.
What is the best part of Maine to go to?
Maine offers a wealth of diverse experiences, from the serene beaches of its picturesque coastline to the bustling energy of vibrant cities like Portland and its neighborhoods, to the rugged beauty of the northern wilderness. Whether you’re drawn to the peaceful shores, the cultural richness of urban settings, or the adventurous appeal of the outdoors, Maine provides an array of opportunities to explore and enjoy across our surrounding towns and regions.