Things To Do
Best Things to See + Do in Greater Portland, Maine
Looking for things to do in Portland, Maine and beyond? Our diverse coastal area is centrally located, where nearby regions welcome visitors with their own distinctive Maine experiences. It’s all at your fingertips. Sea you there…
Uncover Special Deals + Packages
Browse through the special packages and deals offered by participating businesses. Find special deals on tours and attractions to maximize your visit. Enhance your shopping experience and find that perfect gift or souvenir. Don’t forget to enjoy the food scene. Find discounts and happy hour specials.
Featured Events
There’s always something to do in Greater Portland, Maine.
From daily tours to cruises, art exhibitions, music, and live performances.
Browse our Events Calendar and save your favorites.
Always cross-check event time/date with organizer’s website before booking.
Must-see + Do, Day Trips, In + Outdoor Fun – Find it all in Maine
As visitors survey the scenic vistas of this historic city on Casco Bay, gaze at boats that come and go from the waterfront, and watch the activity along the downtown’s cobblestone streets, finding things to do may be the furthest thing from their minds. For those preferring to focus on filling their days with fun activities and enduring memories, Greater Portland delivers. Visitors will find kid-friendly amusements, must-see attractions, day-trips, and nightlife for every taste and style and every family member.
Greater Portland means great getaway, vacation, and long-term stay opportunities each season—from high-octane to low-key, indoor to outdoor, land or sea. This metropolitan city with small town charm is a cultural mecca and wildlife wonderland. It is the home of microbrews and sea cruises, of a world-class food and art + culture scene. Where shopping, sailing, or hitting the beach is at its best.
VISITOR INFORMATION
When you’re in town, stop by our Visitor Information Center to pick-up brochures, Visitor’s Guides, maps of the region, and plenty of pro-tips to help make the most of your stay in Greater Portland.
Plan Your Trip
Plan your trip to Greater Portland Maine. Explore Maine’s local brew scene, a variety of walking tours, history and landmarks, and much more. Love the water… take a sailing excursion or boat tour. Love to shop.. fine unique local shops. Store things of interest like upcoming events and your favorite activities. Then send your trip plan to your family and friends.
On The Blog
Things to Do in Portland, Maine FAQs
Planning a trip to Greater Portland, Maine? Whether you’re drawn by the vibrant arts scene, fresh coastal cuisine, or iconic lighthouses, Greater Portland offers something for every kind of traveler. This FAQ covers everything from top attractions and hidden gems to day trips, dining, and seasonal tips—so you can make the most of your time in Maine’s cultural and culinary capital.
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Q: What towns are around Portland, Maine?
A: The towns surrounding Portland that make for ideal day trips include Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, North Yarmouth, Pownal, Scarborough, South Portland, Westbrook, and Yarmouth. Check out our area towns.
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Q: What islands can you visit from Portland, Maine?
A: Portland is nestled in Casco Bay making island hopping easy and accessible. From Portland, you can reach several islands in Casco Bay, including Peaks Island, Great Diamond Island, Little Diamond Island, Long Island, Chebeague Island, and Cliff Island. These are accessible by ferry via Casco Bay Lines and offer beaches, hiking, kayaking, and small island communities to explore. Some have golf cart rentals and other outdoor activities. Not all islands are equipped with public restrooms and other amenites, so please research your island getaway before the day. You can explore even more island time by checking out smaller islands by water taxi.
Q: What are some good rainy-day activities in Portland, Maine?
A: On a rainy day in Greater Portland you can explore museums + historic sites, go on a guided tour, hop around to local breweries, wineries, distilleries, catch a live performance at one of our music venues, or visit one of the city’s many cozy bookstores and cafés while out window shopping. Indoor attractions often feature family-friendly elements, offering engaging experiences, for the whole fam, regardless of the weather.
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Q: What are the best indoor activities in Maine for adults?
A: For adults looking for indoor things to do in Maine, especially near Portland, options include wine tastings, spa visits, art galleries, live music venues, cooking classes, and exploring local history museums. Many visitors also enjoy indoor food tours, brewery crawls, and workshops offered by Maine makers and artisans. Catch some indoor adventure no matter the weather!
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Q: Where are the best beaches near Portland, Maine?
A: Top beaches near Portland, Maine include Willard Beach in South Portland, Higgins Beach and Scarborough Beach in Scarborough, Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth, and Old Orchard Beach in Old Orchard. These beaches are known for their clean sand, swimmable water, and scenic views, just a short drive from downtown Portland. There is so much sandy beach and rocky shore to cover. Downtown Portland even has its own rocky beach on the Eastern Promenade called East End Beach.
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Q: Where can I find hiking, biking, and walking trails or outdoor adventures near Portland, Maine?
A: Greater Portland is filled with scenic outdoor adventure for all skill levels. For hiking and walking, try Fore River Sanctuary, Back Cove Trail, or Mackworth Island (10 minutes away in Falmouth). For biking, the Eastern Promenade Trail and Greenbelt Walkway in South Portland are local favorites. Or hop on a guided tour through Downtown Portland and Area Lighthouses. Want more adventure? Head to Bradbury Mountain State Park in nearby Pownal for elevated views and great trails, or kayak the Presumpscot River or Casco Bay for a coastal twist. Many trails are dog-friendly and offer seasonal beauty year-round.
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Q: What local sports games can I catch in Portland, Maine?
A: Portland has a thriving local sports scene! Catch a Portland Sea Dogs baseball game at Hadlock Field—an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Love basketball? The Maine Celtics, part of the NBA G League, bring high-energy games to the Portland Expo. Hockey fans can head to Cross Insurance Arena to see the Maine Mariners hit the ice. And for soccer enthusiasts, don’t miss the all-new Hearts of Pine team—Portland’s own pro soccer club bringing exciting matches and hometown pride to the pitch. Whether it’s spring, summer, or winter, there’s always a hometown team to cheer on.
Travel Planning Guides
Receive information to assist you in planning your Maine vacation. Listings include where to stay, where to eat, what to do, maps, and much more… it’s everything you need.
