day trips from portland, maine without a car

The Wolfes Neck Center is an educational farm offering tours, classes, and kayak or bicycle rentals for use along their trails. North America. If youre looking for a super spooky tour and lots of goosebumps, then youll love the Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Walking Tour. Best Mid-Range Hotel for Portland, Maine: Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay Located in the heart of the action, this comfortable hotel has a bar/lounge, indoor pool, and all of the comforts of home. You wont miss the carpetof blueberry bushes on the way to the top; theyre heavily concentrated in natural clearings. Click here to book your Hocus Pocus Filming Locations Tour in Salem! Mostly known as a summer destination, Lake Winnipesaukee is also a very scenic fall day trip because the amazing foliage colors. Marblehead has an awesome historic district with beautiful houses to admire, cute little shops and cafes, plenty of waterfront to explore and is even home to some Hocus Pocus filming locations! Lewiston, Maine is located in the Maine Lakes Region alongside the Androscoggin River. In all honestly, getting outside of Portland to explore the local areas without a car is very difficult, and sometimes not even possible. The Best Day Trips from Portland Under 1 Hour Away Multnomah Falls. And since these two towns are so close to one another, you could easily combine them into one festive day trip. Turn left on Maine Route 327 (Mosher Rd.) Salem has a less campy side, too, with attractions like The House of the Seven Gables that celebrate its literary heritage and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, which tells the story of Salem's seafaring past. The best way to get from Boston to Portland is to bus which takes 2h 10m and costs $7 - $35. This moderately difficult hiking trail is perfect all year but mid-July is when wild Maine blueberries are ready for picking! Peaks Island, Maine is reached with a short ferry trip from Portland. How about Ogunquit or Kennebunkport for lunch or dinner? Have an awesome waterfront lunch or dinner at. The local economy is still primarily sustained by lobstering. Travel Tip: If watching whales in the wild is on your bucket list, Gloucester is a great place to spot them. Click here to book your Lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals tour in Boothbay Harbor! (www.oregon.aaa.com; tel. 10 Easy Day Trips From Portland, Maine | Day trips, North The Ultimate Fall Foliage Drive from Portland, Maine | by Getting There: Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester is a 35-minute drive from Portland on Route 26 or the Maine Turnpike (take Exit 63). Bus operators. How to Travel from Portland to Freeport by Train, Bus, and Car, The Most Charming Towns to Visit on the Maine Coast, The 5 Best Fall Day Trips From Portland, Maine, Old Orchard Beach: Maine's 7-Mile Sandbox. In Paris, Maine, there is no Eiffel Tower, but you can dine at Maurice Restaurant Francais. Affordable things to see near me, must-visit beaches, cheap weekend getaways: East Coast Beaches, SC, Beaches near Orlando, Last Minute, NH, Houston, Palm Springs, Monterey, From Atlanta, GA, Sedona AZ. Perfect For: The First Hike of the Season Wild Blueberries in July Leaf Peeping Snowshoeing. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 15 minutes. Hi there! Camden "The Jewel of the Coast" 4. Walk along the waterfront to admire the gorgeous sailboats. There are so many options in Boothbay, and the views are incredible. Detour to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, open mid-April through mid-November, on your way to Sebago Lake. Take a tour, enjoy the trails and visit the 18th century barn. The drive to Camden on US Route 1 is like several Portland day trips in one, taking in some quintessential Maine coastal towns along the way. At the 1850s Skolfield-Whittier House guided tours shed light on what upper middle class life was like in the 19th century. . Ready for a winter cruise through Casco Bay? Nubble Lighthouse is one of the most iconic in all of Maine, and most people only get to see it from a viewing point across the way from the island it sits on. Below are directions to find the two major sections of our city by car. Getting There: You'll get to enjoy a scenic drive of about an hour and 40 minutes on Route 25 getting to Moultonborough. Explore the most charming streets in the Beacon Hill neighborhood (my favorite thing to do!). Click here to book your bike tour in Portsmouth! 2 Days in Portland Itinerary - Ideas For a Weekend or Any Time During the Week. Stroll through Bearskin Neck and visit all the shops. Rockport is one of the best destinations for day trips in Maine if youre looking to see one of the most charming and unique towns along the Massachusetts coast. The Best Ice Cream On Cape Cod & The Islands (2023), 21 Best Things To Do On Cape Cod For Adults (2023), 25 Best Things To Do In Maine In The Winter (2022-2023 Season), 25 Fun Things To Do In Vermont In The Winter (2023), 21 Best New England Winter Getaways (Even For Non-Skiers!) Cast your line for chance to catch largemouth bass, pickerel or trout. Best things to do on a day trip to Gloucester from Portland: One of the best places to go whale watching in the entire world (yes, world!) This tour is about 2.5 hours, and takes you out to Eastern Egg Rock to see a puffin colony. Youll see both New Hampshire and the Atlantic from the Big A hike. Rockland's Center for Maine Contemporary Art, opened in 2016, will beckon to you with its exhibitions of work by the best living artists with ties to Maine, displayed in a Toshiko Mori-designed building. Explore the bay with a canoe or kayak tour, most of which include a trip to Hog Islands Fort Gorges, built in 1858. From natural wonders like Cannon Beach and Mt. The next time you find yourself with a day off with nothing but sunshine and time, do yourself a favor and pay one of these places a visit! Boston has so many amazing tour options led my local experts that share tons of tips and knowledge. Or get a full Cape Elizabeth to Portland (Maine) flight plan. as you can in a day! Sebago Lake is one of the best options for day trips from Portland, Maine if youre looking for a peaceful day. Oregon Coast Day Trip: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. Free points of interest close to me: West Virginia, Santa Cruz, Sister Bay, Houghton, Issaquah. There are a few different tour options available, including a narrated history tour, a Parker River National Wildlife Refuge tour, as well as a sunset cocktail cruise if you want to end your day out on the water. Continue to China and Palermo before looping back south to Portland. Visit all the waterfalls at Dianas Baths. Our easy Portland day trips feature the best of Maine and each of our suggestions will have you home before dinner! The Inland Route. Rent a kayak and head out onto the water. Alternatively, you can take a Concord Coach Lines bus between the two cities for $40 round-trip. Click here to rent your e-bikes in Gloucester! Drive to the top of Quill Hill for more amazing birds eye lake views. Then Poland and Norway. 750 NW Lava Rd #160, Bend, OR 97703, map. Concord Coach Lines Phone +1 800-639-3317 . It's the oldest lighthouse in Maine. Explore the islands of Casco Bay and Penobscot Bay or head inland along the rivers. In the winter months, the park is open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. This Windjammer tour is an awesome option, and they have two types of tours: one is a day sail, and the other is a sunset sail if you want to end your day out on the water. Lastly, definitely consider this Puffin Tour during your day trip to Boothbay Harbor. Unlock What Makes This Coastal Community A Must-Do Destination. Some of the best things to do on a Kennebunkport day trip from Portland: A really great tour option in Kennebunkport if youre a foodie is a culinary walking tour. Click here to book your 5-hour bike tour (with a lobster roll!) At over 6,200 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the northeast. Total drive time is just about 45 minutes. Climb to the top via the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway, take the auto road, or enjoy a hike. Kim Knox Beckius is a Connecticut-based travel writer, author, photographer, and editor. Therefore if you click on any of the Amazon links within our site and you make a purchase we do receive a nominal commission from Amazon at no extra cost to you. Camden has some gorgeous vessels you can climb aboard, and youll have the opportunity to admire the landscapes from a unique perspective out on the water. Next up: Naples. Note: Where applicable, check with each entity for revised opening/closing hours and other information. Maine's beaches have refreshing, clear water that is perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Pretty much any destination in New England is wonderful to visit in the fall, but one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine in the fall is Salem, MA, especially during the month of October. Along with your kayak rental, youll get a life jacket, as well as a map of the lake so you know the best areas to explore. For more information, check out our full article on how to get to Freeport from Portland. 3. Located just over an hour's drive from Boston, Portsmouth was incorporated into the colony of New Hampshire in 1653 and served as the seat of government and a bustling shipping hub for many years. Walk the streets of downtown to visit the shops and eateries. Youll pass over two lakes and get to spot other wildlife as well. Is Portland Maine worth visiting? The park is home to Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the east coast of the United States. Located on New Hampshire's Seacoast region right along the border with Maine, Portsmouth is a must-see in New England and an eminently doable day trip. You don't need a car while in Portland because the city is well served by public transportation (light-rail, streetcar, buses). Go for a swim or walk on the shoreline of Goochs, Mothers or Colony Beach. Best Stops To Make Driving From Boston to Portland, Maine, Things To Do In Portland, Maine In The Winter, Best Winter Getaways In New England (Even For Non-Skiers! The French influence is still felt today, and can be seen in Lewistons Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, built in 1870. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the US for a reason, it is beautiful! Over 18,000 pieces rotate through permanent and temporary exhibits. Best things to do in Boston on a day trip from Portland: I highly recommend checking out a tour while in Boston, especially if its your first visit, or youre looking to explore something new. Year-round, The park's trails are open year-round to hikers and in the winter to snowshoes and cross-country skiers. Boating opportunities include sailing or boat tours aboard historic windjammers and schooners. Maines Boothbay Harbor is located along the rocky Atlantic coast about one hours drive north of Portland. Kayak the calm waters of the harbor, or enjoy the views from the grassy Rockport, Maine has the honor of being named one of Americas prettiest towns by Forbes Magazine. This spot is pure perfection! For even more history, head across the Kennebec River to Fort Western. If you dont have access to a car in Portland, you can take the Amtrak Downeastern train from Portland to Boston for your day trip. Turn left and continue approximately one mile to either the Sebago to the Sea Trail or Johnson Field parking areas. At the top of FY17, Amtrak hired 38 Maine residents. 740 miles. Once the holiday season is over, a great option for a day trip from Portland, Maine in the winter is to head just a few minutes north to Freeport and explore the charming town covered in snow, explore the trails at Wolfes Neck Center & Farm and then head back into town for a very cozy meal at Tuscan Brick Oven Pizza. 1st trip to Maine Need feedback and . It requires taking a bus or the Amtrak Downeaster train all the way to Boston, then switching to a local bus or train to Salem. It's about 20 minutes to Cape Elizabeth, and then an additional 50 minutes to Kennebunkport. Visiting this megalithic monument comes with an especially strong recommendation. With a depth of over 300 feet, its a popular lake for fishing and outdoor recreation. Over two hundred miles of trails can be explored including motor roads, hiking trails, and carriage roads. Do some more berry picking, then look over the edge for stunning views! Click here to book your Kennebec River Cruise! Youll get recommendations for places to eat during the rest of your visit, and get to sample some amazing treats along the way like meats, cheeses, baked goods, drinks and pizzas. While the Visitors Center is located towards the west of the park in North Woodstock, theres plenty to see and do across the span of the range. . A great option for day trips from Portland, Maine without a car is this full-day Maine in the fall tour. Airlines Delta United Airlines JetBlue Airways Train operators MTA A Minnesota man will appear in federal court in Boston this week after he was indicted for allegedly engaging in abusive sexual contact while he was a passenger on a cruise ship that was traveling . Click here to book your Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester! We plan on spending much of our time in Portland, but will also be making a quick trip up to Freeport and the Casco Bay. Theyll take you to some off-the-beaten path places, and youll meet with food artisans to sample locally-caught lobster, chowder, Maine whoopie pies, the absolute best ice cream in town, and so much more. Choose Wells as your destination if you want to visit any of the below attractions: The Farnsworth Art Museum and its Wyeth Center showcase American works including famous scenes painted by the prominent Maine family of artists: N.C., Andrew, and James Wyeth. New York City. Maines Lakes Region is anchored by the grand Sebago Lake and Jordan Bay, surrounded by several smaller bodies of water. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art was founded in the 1950s by a student working within the famous Perkins Cove artists colony. 207/693-6613 ), on the lake's north shorethe park is off Route 302 (look . One of the best tours in Salem is this Hauntings & History walking tour, and you can select either a day option, or a night option if you want to increase the spooky factor. 1. Trails range from easy to difficult, and several are open to cyclists, riders on horseback and skiers, as well as hikers. Gloucester is a great day trip from Portland, Maine to consider, and is also only about 15 minutes from Rockport, so you can easily combine the two into one trip if you wanted. The beaches and rocky headlands of the New Hampshire and southern Maine coast are a scenic day trip from Boston. 630 miles. The destinations from this list that offer amazing hiking opportunities as a day trip from Portland would be Acadia National Park, Camden (Camden Hills State Park), Conway, Sebago Lake and Rangely Lake. Expert opinion: Where should I go this weekend for fun? I'm Sam. Perfect For: Coastal Hikes Birdwatching Family Day Trips Snowshoeing/Cross-Country Skiing Combining With Cabot Mill (see above). To explore out on the water, hop aboard a whale watch tour, enjoy a fishing or lobstering outing, take a sailing cruise or rent a canoe or kayak. This is one adventure you can even enjoy without ever leaving your car. Visit the Jones Museum in Sebago, where youll find a unique collection of ceramics and glass. Its definitely my most favorite town in the North Shore region of Massachusetts, and probably one of my all-time favorite destinations in all of New England. Bridal Veil Falls. The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village was established in 1783, and is located between New Gloucester and Poland. Youll need somewhere to come back to after taking these day trips have a look at Hotels.com for accommodation options during your visit. Named for the rocky terrain and its history of limestone mining, todays Rockport is a laid back scenic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Bailey Island Perfect For: Picnics Scenery Seafood Day Trips Without a Car Something to Do With Visiting Friends or Family Combining with Cabot Mill in Brunswick or Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park (both below, respectively) Find places to go within a day's drive of me in Portland, ME and plan a day trip near Portland, ME. This tour will start at Portland Head Light, and take you out to Camden, Bangor and some of the best sites in Acadia National Park, including to the top of Cadillac Mountain and Bass Harbor Lighthouse. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. Whether youre excited to head to Boston and relive history and enjoy the amazing culinary scene, or youre looking forward to a quiet day at one of the best lakes in the region, the opportunities for seeing amazing landscapes and taking some awesome tours are endless. Even though it still makes me smile a little each time I say it, the single-terminal, 11-gate Portland International Jetport is Maine's biggest airport. Public transportation is difficult but possible. It is also close to the waterfront, with great views of the islands, bay, and shops in the port. Youll find a dense bank of bushes practically overhanging the top of Pleasant Mountain. A Couple of Drifters are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme - an affiliate advertising programme. Over 200 artists make their home in Boothbay Harbor, and their work can be seen throughout town in local shops, galleries, and museums. In short, a day trip to Cabot Mill is perfect for everyone! Three things make this historic Brunswick mill a worthwhile day trip: antiques, a flea market and a great restaurant. Gloucester is packed with maritimes history, and also has lots of waterfront to explore. Charming cottages and New England homes line the shore. At the time, we arrived mid-week and pretty much had the entire place to ourselves! Today, Mile Beach and Half Mile Beach are among Maines longest and widest white sand beaches, and enjoyed by outdoor recreationists, as well as the endangered least tern, who uses the beachs rare sand dunes for nesting and feeding. But if youre willing to stay in Portland, and head out for fun tours that will feel like day trips, this is an excellent option if you dont have a car! Of course, the star of the show here is the half-mile Casco Bay Trail with access to tidal pools, rocky coastline and several scenic overlooks along the way. If you drive the entire "world tour," you'll be in the car for about five-and-a-half hours without stops. Travel Tip: If you're visiting Salem with kids during the warm-weather months, they'll love the old-school arcade and amusements at waterfront Salem Willows Park. Travel Tip: Want to ensure you'll see a moose while you're visiting Maine? The town also offers uncrowded beaches, a tidal river teeming with wildlife, a working fishing harbor, a desert, and Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park with broad views of Casco Bay from rocky beaches and high bluffs. The best way to get from Portland to Acadia National Park without a car is to bus and Amtrak Thruway which takes 5h 39m and costs . The Freedom Trail is one of the best things to do in Boston for history buffs (and anyone who wants to appreciate the countrys earliest years). Bar Harbor is the largest city on Maines Mount Desert Island. In any season it's a lovely place to walk along boardwalk trails through the dunes and seaside forest of the island's the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Perfect For:Wintry/Rainy Days Shopaholics Collectors Foodies Music/Film Buffs Combining With Wolfes Neck Woods State Park (below) and a drive to Bailey Island (see directly above), Where:Located on Main Street in downtown Brunswick. Visit the Fifth Maine Regiment Hall Museum and the Civil War Memorial. Travel Tip: While in Rockland, walk atop the granite wall that leads to Rockland Breakwater Light. Longer tours and group rates are also available for a little more money. That's a total of $200 a year, or about $17 a month on average. It saves a little money from having to rent a car for an entire day, as the car rates get a little high in the peak summer months. New England Coast. Click here to book your Windjammer Sunset Sailing Tour in Camden! Some of the best things to do in Camden on a day trip from Portland: One of the best things to do in Camden, though, is to head out on a sailing tour. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 30 minutes. Grab a trail map and cover the four miles of paths through the park. Marginal Way, photo by Melissa Moore. Walk along the paths in the waterfront park. Click here to book your vintage boat ride tour in Lake Winnipesaukee! 6. A lot of folks who think Portland is growing too big too fast turn to Bend for solace. Even though its such a short drive away, youll definitely feel like youre in a different world. Newburyport in Massachusetts is another one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine. This is a private tour for your group, and considering how much ground youll cover, the price for the whole group is very fair! Or even must do's in the vacinity of Portland. In the warmer months, visit the Colony Beach at the mouth of the Kennebunkport River. See the history of the industry at the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site, and try some at restaurants such as the Shuck Station or the Newcastle Publick House. Peaks Island Just a ferry ride away. The Maine State Aquarium is located in Boothbay Harbor. View the bay from the top of Mount Battie at the Camden Hills State Park. There are two bodies of water here, each split by a decommissioned railroad line passable on foot; swimming is best furthest from the highway. Hit the trails at Halibut Point State Park. Best things to do on a day trip to Rangely Lake from Portland: For something really fun and special (and a bit of a splurge thats totally worth it), consider booking a seaplane tour over the region. A 2022 study by Allianz found that demand for Europe travel was up 600 percent, and Rome ranked as the fifth in-demand summer destination. Please see our Disclaimer for full information. Click here to read about the best stops to make when driving from Portland to Acadia National Park! Click here to read my post all about the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor! Simply put, Camden Hills State Park is a classic coastal Maine day trip you need to make right now. At just over 200 acres in size, Wolfes Neck Woods State Park features several different ecosystems and great opportunities for spotting ospreys. Insider travel recommendations, In-depth reviews of our favorite places: UT, Indianapolis, From Kansas City, Mackinac Island, Chattanooga, RI, From Chicago, Sacramento, Nantucket, Girls Getaways, Santa Barbara, PA. You can also connect to Portland from Boston via the Downeaster train. Visit Main Beach, rated among New Englands top ten beaches, embark on a sailing or fishing cruise from Perkins Cove, and enjoy fresh Maine lobster at the towns seafood restaurants. Day 1: Getting to know Portland Arrive at Portland's. One great tour to consider on your day trip from Portland, Maine is a Freedom Trail Walking Tour. Get ready for some scenic drives! While Portland also has a lot of that, I still think Boston is one of the best day trips you can take because the two destinations are different enough to make it worth your while. Perfect For: Hiking Swimming in Summer Picnics Canoeing and Kayaking Fishing. Visit the Bush Family Legacy exhibit at White Columns. Fill a day in Glouchester touring Hammond Castle, popping in and out of artist studios on Rocky Neck, and touring Cape Pond Ice, which manufactures the ice used aboard the city's fishing vessels. Explore the islands of Casco Bay and Penobscot Bay or head inland along the rivers. See their website above for trail information. Get great views of picture-perfect lighthouses and architecture from high up on the engine, and listen to live narration as you tour the city. Even with just a day trip from Portland, youll be able to see some incredible coastal landscapes and lighthouses, go on some awesome tours, eat some delicious food and feel like you had a true vacation while only being gone a day. For day-trippers, a Hop-on, Hop-off trolley tour is a great choice to cover more ground, and also learn something along the way. The quickest of our two recommended route options from Portland, ME to Burlington, VT spans a distance of 250 miles and will take 6 hours and 20 minutes to drive without stopping. We briefly turn our attention to a rather curious destination located in New Hampshire, too. 8. Enjoy hikes throughout the area, ski resort attractions, and historic adventures. Two of my favorites are. Located on Penobscot Bay, the deepwater Camden Harbor is home to several tall ships and schooners that offer cruises of the bay, sailing tours and fishing excursions. On top of that, though, youll find amazing restaurants, a quaint little downtown, a beautiful lighthouse and lots of tour options that get you out onto the water. Especially in the summer because of traffic and crowds. Travel Tip: Try to align your trip with Apple Saturdays, a Sabbathday Lake fall tradition featuring cider pressing, apple arts and . A small gift shop operates seasonally. Every day Estimated price $120 - $400. ), The Best Acadia National Park Itinerary (3, 4 & 5 Day Options!) Keep in mind that this is a fall-specific tour, and its not available year-round. 2. New England in particular really requires a car to get around, and public transportation between towns isnt great, unless youre going from one city to another. Lake trout, crappie, small mouth and large mouth bass, and perch all frequent the coves, inlets and rocky underwater islands. Theres actually so much to do in Conway that you probably cant experience it all in a day, but it definitely makes for a great day trip to get some fresh mountain air. In fact, this is our most versatile day trip from Portland, taking in classic Maine scenery from the mountains to the coast. Here you can get up close to invertebrates at the touch tank, learn about the lifecycle of lobsters, and Atlantic sea life. Time & distance from Portland: 16 miles, 20-minute drive. We do have Ucar share in Portland. If you like to shop, be sure to hit up Newbury Street and Copely Place. It's a pretty good service and we use it all the time. Cruises to Bailey Island feature a two-hour layover, perfect for a meal at the famous Cooks Lobster and Ale House. 13. Shave two hours of drive time off the route by returning to Portland after you see Paris. at one of the towns many bakeries. Ogunquit Performing Arts and the Ogunquit Playhouse offer year round theater and live music performances. Portland, Maine's central coast location makes day trips along the Atlantic coast and into Maine's lake and mountain regions easy and accessible. Moultonborough: A Castle and a Realm of Adventures, Denmark, Naples, Poland, Paris, China: A World Tour Without Leaving Maine, Loon Center and Markus Wildlife Sanctuary. Or just lie in the sun along the sandy beach at bustling Sebago Lake State Park (tel. Walk from Ogunquits town to Perkins Cove along Marginal Way for one of the most scenic walks in Southern Maine! WITHIN HOURS Find places 1 hour 1-1/2 hours 2 hours 2-1/2 hours 3 hours 3-1/2 hours 4 hours 4-1/2 hours 5 hours 6 hours 50 miles 100 miles 150 miles 200 miles 250 miles 300 miles 350 miles 400 miles from me 3 days in Portland, Maine is the perfect amount of time. Click here to book your Puffin Tour in Boothbay Harbor! Difficult as it is to imagine wanting to leave Portland, people do take day trips (sometimes two) from the city to explore the rest of Maine. Youll head out to Cape Elizabeth, and explore the local lighthouses and dramatic coastline views, and also stop for an amazing lobster roll from a food truck thats included in the tour cost. A longer route, which hugs the coast along Maine before heading inland, takes you a little further at 300 miles. Surrounding Maine's legendary retailer, you'll find more than 100 other shops including factory outlets from brand names like Vineyard Vines, Calvin Klein, and Cuddledown. Get out on the water to enjoy Casco Bay on our ferries and tours! Most day trips from Portland, Maine on this list are less than 2 hours away, with the longest being 2 hours and 30 minutes away. Click here to book your Freedom Trail History Walking Tour in Boston! This 28,771-acre lake in Casco and Naples, Maine, is also a popular spot to fish for lake trout, bass, perch, and other species. Newcastles 1807 St. Patricks Church is the oldest Catholic Church in America. Public transportation requires taking a bus or the Amtrak Downeaster train to Boston, then switching to a local bus or MBTA train to Gloucester. 11 hours 20 minutes. Rental cars are not in close proximity to the station, but you can get a cab. The only Basilica in the state of Maine, the cathedral with rose window was modeled after the grand cathedrals of France. The ride is only about 15 minutes each way, and riding the ferry was a unique experience for my family. Chebeague Island is the largest and home to a 9-hole golf course. This peculiar site isstill a mystery after 4,000 years! Walk along the shore at Good Harbor or Wingaersheek Beach. It provides access from . Be sure to stop at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray on the way. Ah yes, the Otter Ponds make for a peaceful day trip just a stones throw from Sebago Lake. Spend time at the Bowdoin College Museum of Art and its collection of over 20,000 objects, or attend one of the colleges many cultural events. Get some sweet treats to bring home (or eat on the drive!) The spooky fun reaches its peak in October, when the city hosts a month-long slate of Haunted Happenings. The Islands of Casco Bay are visible from Portland, Maine, especially at night when the small towns and villages are lit up. Visit the Gendron Franco Center where there are regular French-themed events. Take a scenic drive along the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway. Cost: $150-300 per night. Getting There: From Portland, drive north on I-295, then follow Route 1 through historic and scenic towns like Bath and Wiscasset, and you'll be in Rockland in just over an hour and a half. Again, Bald Peak Trail is good any time of year, even if you dont make it for the free mid-July harvest! Make this road trip from Portland, Maine and solve the mystery yourself. Perfect For: City EscapesWithout a Car Picnics Seasonal Scenery Family Day Trips. Required fields are marked *. For foodies, definitely check out this North End Foodie Tour, which is led by a local culinary expert that knows all the very best spots. Getting There: Head out of Portland driving north on I-295, and take exit 28 onto Route 1 toward Brunswick and Bath. Perkins Cove has its own town little town, so be sure to budget time to explore it. Getting There: Enjoy a picturesque drive on Route 302 northwest from Portland to Sebago Lake State Park. The bus takes beer lovers from venue to venue on an all-inclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Portland's craft breweries. Some of the best things to do on a Lake Winnipesaukee day trip from Portland: One of the most fun tours to take in Lake Winnipesaukee is a ride in an antique boat! Portsmouth is a lovely little coastal town in New Hampshire thats just over the Maine border, and only a short drive from Portland. Its packed with tons of charm, has some great beaches, awesome shops and restaurants and feels like a true escape from city life in Portland. Explore the coast for the best of Maine lobster, to see the many historic lighthouses, and charming coastal towns. Damariscotta itself, and Newcastle, sit opposite each other across the Damariscotta River, separated by a bridge. And be sure to keep reading below for bonus seasonal suggestions, as to find out if a day trip from Portland to Acadia is worth it! Click here to book your Hauntings & History Walking Tour in Salem! Visit the Boothbay Region Art Foundation or visit during a Boothbay Art and Crafts Show, which takes place on summer weekends. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 30 minutes. Dont miss the giant sacrificial table, carved with a channel to collect and drain blood from offerings. She's been with TripSavvy since 1998. Bethel, Maine sits just east of the Vermont border outside of the White Mountain National Forest. Here Are 8 Islands In Maine That Are An Absolute Must Visit. Also located within Cabot Mill is the Frontier bar and restaurant. And be sure to keep reading below for bonus seasonal suggestions, as to find out if a day trip from Portland to Acadia is worth it! While this is a great destination year-round, I think its especially enjoyable in the fall season to really take advantage of the fall foliage views. The museum has a special focus on the paintings of Winslow Homer (1836-1910). Homers 1883-1910 studio in Prouts Neck, Maine is now owned by the museum and open to the public. Bean flagship store is famously open 24/7/365, making Freeport, Maine, a destination not just for shopping-addicted daytrippers but for night owls, too. 1. Youll find this collection of Maine facts, oddities, artifacts and displays worth the drive from Portland. Day 1: Portland. He is trying to run every single one of the more than 1,000 streets in Portland, including on Peaks Island. Best Stops To Make Driving From Boston To Portland, Maine; Best Day Trips From Portland, Maine; New England Bucket List: 75 Things You Must See & Do; 32. Wells, Maine. If the weather is nice, take a ride to Portland Head Light, technically in Cape Elizabeth, it's just 9 miles south of Portland. For an inexpensive escape, Portlanders head to Peaks Island. Bar Harbor, Maine, Phone: 207-288-3338 Distance: 0.5 miles. From prehistoric times to modern history, discover what contributed to the unique heritage of Maine. Ranger led programs include guided hiking or cycling tours and boat cruises, birding programs, hawk and falcon programs, and nighttime starry sky programs. But if you love history, consider this tour by a local historian to get even more out of your experience. Travel Tip: Be sure to stop into the oldest store in the country while you're in Moultonborough to buy snacks and souvenirs. The Old Port Festival, celebrated each June, offers live music, locally made arts and crafts, and food from several area restaurants. And with e-bikes, youll be able to ride some of the bikes through all of Cape Ann since youll have them for 8 hours, allowing you to see even more of this gorgeous region. Where:All cruises leave from Casco Bay Ferry Municipal Terminal on Commercial Street in Portland. Best things to do in Rockport on a day trip from Portland: Want to explore more of the North Shore & Cape Ann, MA?Click here to read my post on the best thing to do in the region! Do day trips to Kennebunkport, Freeport, Bar Harbor, Salem, etc. Also, during your weekend getaway, this is one of the best things to do in Portland, Maine for free as admission is free to the public on Fridays from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. We spent just over 10 days in Maine and focused on a trio of cities - Kennebunkport, Portland and Rockland - as well as some leisurely, unplugged time out on the water. Camden is a coastal town in central Maine, perfect for outdoor and ocean adventure. Kennebunkport, ME Distance From Portland:40 minutes The Portland Head Light is a historic 1791 lighthouse that sits within the Fort Williams State Park in Cape Elizabeth, on Portland Head. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. We prefer more technical hikes, but the views over Megunticook Lake in summer and autumn make this trail worthy of a mention. If your schedule allows, see if you can also do lunch at Jordan Pond House inside the park overlooking the mountains. Spending a day here means walking the beaches at Reid State Park, feasting on lobster with an idyllic view at Five Islands Lobster Co., shopping for locally made Georgetown Pottery, and maybe even staying late to hear live music at the landmark Robinhood Free Meetinghouse. Portland to Mount Rainier National Park Directions: Google Maps. Where to go near me: Traverse City, Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Things to Do in Wyoming, Things to do in Delaware. Popular destinations include the Peaks Island House, open in the summer months and overlooking Casco Bay, and the Cockeyed Gull, which offers casual fine dining year round. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. Moultonborough is also home to the Loon Center and Markus Wildlife Sanctuary, where a walk along the Loon Nest Trail allows you to view a nesting pair of loons from late spring through early fall. Interpretative displays and lighthouse lenses are on exhibit. Gloucester is also home to wonderfully scenic beaches, and, of course, the seafood is as fresh as can be. Youll also listen to authentic stories from the Salem Witch Trials and hear about ghost sightings around Salem. At $55 per person, the tour bus varies which breweries it makes stops at. Peaks Island is a great day trip from Portland, Maine. Rent Jet Skis and head out onto the water. Bend, Oregon. Distance from Portland to Mount Rainier: 138.0 mi (222 km) Drive time from Portland to Mount Rainier National Park: About 2 hours 23 minutes. Day 1: Cruise along Route 1. The mountaintop features a visitor center, an abandoned ski lift and a mysterious grave site. While its a popular destination, it doesnt often feel super crowded, and definitely has a very chill atmosphere. Portland, Maines central coast location makes day trips along the Atlantic coast and into Maines lake and mountain regions easy and accessible. This is a guided tour that last about two hours, and is a casual cruise around town, as well as the surrounding islands. Rockport Marine Park. How to Get There: Leave Portland via US Highway 302 west to Bridgton. Two public boat launches, a city dock and two marinas serve the town. Theres so much to do in Acadia that I usually recommend at least 2-3 nights, but you can also see a lot on a day trip. Maines Damariscotta region is known for oysters, and has been for over two thousand years. If you don't have access to a vehicle, join this awesome waterfall hiking tour to the Columbia River Gorge from Portland! We lived here for 14 years and made a lot of quick escapes from the city in search of things to do. Since Sebago Lake is the second largest lake in Maine, it covers a pretty big area, and there are a few different towns that surround the lake, which each offer really fun things to do. Head out onto the water (see my suggestion below!). This article doesnt focus on cites or towns in Maine our day trips feature actual attractions instead. Both are excellent destinations to dedicate a full day to, however, so its entirely up to you! Serious hikers can choose from 20 trails throughout the park for even more stunning vistas in every direction. Our day to the Maine State Museum was perfect. If youre willing to stay in Portland and explore the coastline, this awesome bike tour is 5-hours long, and will make you feel like youre away from the city. It's about a 40-minute train ride and tickets start at $9 each way. . Explore Chandler Hovey Park and Marblehead Lighthouse. The park spans 47,000 acres, most of which are located on Mount Desert Island, off Maines Atlantic coast. You can take a bus from New York to Portland via Boston, Boston South Buses, Portland, ME, and Ptc O/B in around 7h 55m. Free things to do, beaches near me: Leavenworth WA, Day trips from Las Vegas, Norfolk, Treehouse vacations, San Jose, Mexico, Jacksonville Beaches, WV, Woodstock, IL, Tampa Beaches, IN, Calistoga, Glowing Beaches. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The areas Abbe Museum exhibits Native American artifacts and teaches guests about the cultural history of the region. It requires taking a bus or the Amtrak Downeaster train all the way to Boston, then switching to a local bus or train to Salem. The Maine Lighthouse Museum is in Rockland, too, so you may want to consider staying over and making this a two-day trip. Boston is one of my all-time favorite cities because of its deeply-rooted history, gorgeous architecture, amazing restaurants and charming streets. Near me on a budget: Arlington, Park City, Places to Visit in USA, Brattleboro VT, Maine lighthouses, St. Paul, Wyoming vacations, Des Moines, Tallest roller coasters, Train Museums near me, Romantic Getaways St Augustine FL. During your day trip, youll want to consider booking a tour on the Millie B, where youll get to take in the spectacular views of the region, and maybe even spot a loon or two. Itinerary for Day Three: Day Trip to Cape Elizabeth & Kennebunkport. Click here to book your Windjammer Daytime Sailing Tour in Camden! Bean campus is home to Discovery Park, where events including a free summer concert series are held. Perfect For:Maine Coastal Road Trips Autumn Foliage Picnics Legendary Views Family Day Trips. Rangelely Lake is also a quiet and peaceful destination, which makes for a wonderful escape from the city. Grab some snacks, Maine whoopie pies and other delicious baked goods at Gemmes General Store. Click here to book your boat tour in Newburyport! Mount Agamenticus also combines easily with visits to Americas Stonehenge (see above) in New Hampshire. With that, lets jump into the best day trips from Portland, Maine! Settled in 1623 and remarkable for its preserved architecture and waterfront attractions like the living history museum Strawbery Banke, Portsmouth is a picture-perfect New England city at the intersection of what's vibrant and new and what's old and still cool. The second largest inland body of water in the state, Sebago Lake is surrounded by the towns of Sebago, Casco, Naples, Raymond, Standish, and Windham. Knowing this ensures you'll see leaves at their peak, so keep reading to plan your seven day Maine fall foliage road trip! We arent collectors, but winter getaways from Portland often brought us here for something to do. For many Portland tourists without a rental car, the streetcar will be all you need to see the city. You can easily bring a canoe or kayak to Otter Ponds from either of the nearby parking areas mentioned above. Kayak out to Thatcher Island to see the lighthouse. Bird watching is a popular activity, as well as swimming, fishing and hiking. Visit the shops and eateries downtown and along Main Street. Boston can easily be done in a day, and while you wont see it all, youll be able to cover a lot of ground, depending on what youre looking to do. Another great destination in New Hampshire that also makes for an awesome day trip from Portland, Maine is Lake Winnipesaukee, which is also the states largest lake. Annual festivals include summers Damariscotta Oyster Celebration and autumns Pemaquid Oyster Festival. BUS, CAR, PLANE, TRAIN, + FERRY SERVICE . Explore and enjoy a leisurely day trip to see more of natural Maine at your own pace. Its up to you to make your own trip from Portland and see this mysterious site for yourself. Whale Watch tours from Gloucester head out to Stellwagen Bank, a national marine preserve thats only 12 miles offshore. 207-536-5611 Home; Private Tours; Cruise Ship Shore Excursions; . Your email address will not be published. For all these reasons, its one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine. Below Ive also listed two options for companies that will drive you around Maine in a private tour if it works in your budget, and well as one tour in Portland that will feel like an escape. Lewiston was founded by French speaking Canadians who immigrated to work textile mills and shoe factories in the early 1800s. Get off-the-beaten-path at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Tours of the studio depart from the museum. Your email address will not be published. The 136-acre Aldermere Farm, managed by the Maine Coast Heritage trust, educates the public on sustainable farming, and runs farm tours and other educational programs.

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