Below are directions to find the two major sections of our city by car. If youre looking to get out on the water, this boat tour out to Nubble and Boon lighthouses is an excellent choice. Once you get to Boston, I always recommend you park your car for the day and explore on foot, but a trolley tour will allow you to see more sites without having to worry about getting around a historic city in your own car. Of course, the views from the easy hiking trails are the real draw here. The drive is 3-hours one-way, but if your only opportunity to get to Acadia National Park is by taking a day trip, its definitely worth it! 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. Overlooking the park is Griffith Head, a rocky outcropping with views of the Seguin Island lighthouses. One of my favorite small waterfront towns in all of Maine is Boothbay Harbor, and this makes for one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine. 11 hours 20 minutes. If the Portland Museum of Art's rich collection inspires you to seek out even more art treasures, then plan a day trip to the coastal city of Rockland. Portlands Old Port district is a trip back in time to the early 19th century where brick buildings line the Fore River, cobblestones pave the streets, and fishing piers remain as they were hundreds of years ago. Its no wonder that Rockport has been used in a lot of movies! The iconic lighthouse operated until 1989, when it was decommissioned by the US Coast Guard. Where: Otter Ponds are located at the southern end of Sebago Lake on Maine Route 35 between Windham and Standish. We are staying downtown at the Westin and will not be renting a car. With over 150 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of carriage roads, and 27 miles of historic motor roads, Acadia spans varying terrain and offers something for the casual visitor, or the serious outdoor enthusiast. 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) Where:We recommend Bald Peak Trail, located off US Highway 302 between Bridgton and Fryeburg, Maine. Perkins Cove has its own town little town, so be sure to budget time to explore it. Mt Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River. Getting There: The Casco Bay Lines ferry, which runs year-round at least 14 times each day, is the most popular option though you can also use the Portland Sea Taxi or Fogg's water taxi. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. You can also connect to Portland from Boston via the Downeaster train. We joined a classic Maine windjammer cruise to sail for 4 days out in the Penobscot Bay, an inlet famous for secluded offshore islands and lobster fishing. 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. We even include our very favorite Portland day trip for picking wild Maine blueberries on a quiet mountaintop between Bridgton and Fryeburg. This is the shortest day trip from Portland and one of my favorite ways to spend a warm summer weekend. 528 Hallowell Road, Pownal, ME 04069, Phone: 207-688-4712, Top Rated: Last minute places for couples: Charleston WV, Pensacola, Baton Rouge, Colorado Springs, Dayton OH, Dauphin Island, Provincetown, New Orleans, Philadelphia, UT, AZ, From NYC, CO. Brunswick, Maine is a charming New England college town thats been designated as a Main Street Community for its walkable downtown. Explore the cute downtown and visit the shops. Again, Bald Peak Trail is good any time of year, even if you dont make it for the free mid-July harvest! Oregon Coast Day Trip: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. Danny Mejia is a record-setting long-distance runner who moved to Portland nine years . 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. 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. Below is a list of my favorite day trips from Portland, Maine, and the destinations are organized by shortest to furthest distance from Portland. 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. We briefly turn our attention to a rather curious destination located in New Hampshire, too. This is a walking tour, so youll also get to see some charming streets in the North End for a well-rounded day trip to Boston. Provincetown, MA P-Town, as it's better known, is a splurge to get to for a day trip. Two companies, Cape Ann Whale Watch and 7 Seas Whale Watch, guarantee sightings (or a future trip is free). The kids loved it. Admire the most painted building in the U.S. Motif 1. 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. Hike the lighthouse trail to pass by eight lighthouses, join in on a walking tour with the Deer Isle Historical Society, and shop the local galleries. The Mountain Division section of the Sebago to the Sea Trail passes near the pond furthest from the highway; take a hike or bike ride on this path before hopping in the pond to cool off. Travel Tip: If you skip China and Palermo, you'll return to Portland via Route 26 South and pass by two unique Maine attractions you may want to add to your itinerary: Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village and the Maine Wildlife Park. 7 Congress Square, Portland, Maine 04101, Phone: 207-775-6148. From haunted tours, to fun street fairs, to a picture-perfect New England streets covered in leaves, this is one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine you can take during the autumn season. Maines Bradbury Mountain State Park is located just north of Portland and is open to visitors year round for outdoor recreation opportunities. 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. If the city is your base, you're in luck: within short drives are the first foothills of the Western mountains, quaint fishing villages and miles of rolling farmland. Portland is blessed with a pretty prime geographic location - drive two hours in any direction and you might find yourself at the coast, on a snow-capped stratovolcano, in the heart of wine country, at a rock climbing crag, soaking in a hot spring or even closing in on other major cities like Seattle, Washington. 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. Explore the coast for the best of Maine lobster, to see the many historic lighthouses, and charming coastal towns. By VacationIdea Staff on October 2, 2022 - Updated. 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. Simply put, Camden Hills State Park is a classic coastal Maine day trip you need to make right now. 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. Boston has so many amazing tour options led my local experts that share tons of tips and knowledge. Fun day trip ideas: Ohio, From San Francisco, From NYC, Texas, Florida. Click here to rent your e-bikes in Gloucester! Click here to book your Culinary Walking Tour in Kennebunkport! We easily spent a few hours here and you just might do the same. It provides access from . The spooky fun reaches its peak in October, when the city hosts a month-long slate of Haunted Happenings. 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. At the 1850s Skolfield-Whittier House guided tours shed light on what upper middle class life was like in the 19th century. Of course, check with Casco Bay Lines for current information regarding this scenic cruise. 8. Choose the Mailboat Run which serves four islands in the bay. 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. Note: Where applicable, check with each entity for revised opening/closing hours and other information. Here is the info on Ucar Share: In the winter months, snowmobiles are allowed on the Switch Back Trail, Link Trail and Snowmobile Trail. According to these estimates, my monthly transportation expenses (excluding my existing commuting costs) will now total $67, saving . The end of the trail is capped with an old fire tower; this is where views to New Hampshire and even more blueberries await. From snow-covered mountains to massive gorges to beautiful beaches, Oregon has it all. The Portland Head Light is a historic 1791 lighthouse that sits within the Fort Williams State Park in Cape Elizabeth, on Portland Head. We provide private and luxury sightseeing tours for individuals, couples and large groups featuring the Portland and Kennebunkport areas of Maine along with destinations along the midcoast. From prehistoric times to modern history, discover what contributed to the unique heritage of Maine. That makes Sebago Lake State Park and its beaches a perfect place to cool off on a summer day. Walk along the shore at Good Harbor or Wingaersheek Beach. 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. Art Museum, Maine Historical Society/Longfellow House, etc) but for all practical purposes you will need a car if you'd like to get outside the city to visit lighthouses, charming coastal villages, etc all within 30 minutes drive. Visit the Marine Maritime Museum for an overview of Maines culture and history, including 400 years of boat building in Bath. Happy planning! Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 20 minutes. With lovely lighthouses, a booming food scene, and romantic streets to wander, you'll wonder why you haven't visited soonerand you'll start to plan your next visit immediately! We uncover a variety of attractions nearby from hikes and Mainelandmarks to mysterious megaliths in the woods. Cool down at the swimming holes at Small Falls. If your schedule allows, see if you can also do lunch at Jordan Pond House inside the park overlooking the mountains. What are some fun must-see places: Cincinnati, MD, OR Beaches, HI, Indoor Amusement Parks, Things to Do in Gatlinburg, WI, Orlando, Texas Beaches. The small coastal village is located in Penobscot Bay halfway between Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport. ), then you may enjoy this walking tour of the movies filming locations in Salem. Bridal Veil Falls. Peaks Island is a great day trip from Portland, Maine. Mostly known as a summer destination, Lake Winnipesaukee is also a very scenic fall day trip because the amazing foliage colors. Simply put, Camden Hills State Park is a classic coastal Maine day trip you need to make right now. 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. Maine Road Trip Day 1: Spend Time in York Beach or Ogunquit. The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village was established in 1783, and is located between New Gloucester and Poland. The ride is only about 15 minutes each way, and riding the ferry was a unique experience for my family. Ogunquit Performing Arts and the Ogunquit Playhouse offer year round theater and live music performances. Walk around one of the many waterfront parks. Waterfront view from hotel Dec 09, 2022 Maine Celtics & decent close hotel Nov 24, 2022 Thanksgiving Day Nov 16, 2022 What section of Portland to stay Nov 11, 2022 Staying in Portland or staying nearby and driving to Portlan Nov 06, 2022 Construction Nov 02, 2022 Way Too Long Trip Report Portland Area/Acadia-Plus Some Tips Oct 24, 2022 Homers 1883-1910 studio in Prouts Neck, Maine is now owned by the museum and open to the public. 1st trip to Maine Need feedback and . Time & distance from Portland: 16 miles, 20-minute drive. Visit all the waterfalls at Dianas Baths. The unique sand dune formation was formed by an Ica Age glacier. 3. Click here to read my post all about the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor! . There are two bodies of water here, each split by a decommissioned railroad line passable on foot; swimming is best furthest from the highway. 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. Ranger led programs include guided hiking or cycling tours and boat cruises, birding programs, hawk and falcon programs, and nighttime starry sky programs. Click here to book your Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley tickets in Boston! Visit the shops and restaurants downtown. Over 200 artists make their home in Boothbay Harbor, and their work can be seen throughout town in local shops, galleries, and museums. Lake trout, crappie, small mouth and large mouth bass, and perch all frequent the coves, inlets and rocky underwater islands. Click here to book your Kayak Tour on Sebago Lake! Maines Deer Isle and adjacent Little Deer Isle are Atlantic islands located south of Bangor. Shave two hours of drive time off the route by returning to Portland after you see Paris. Grab some snacks, Maine whoopie pies and other delicious baked goods at Gemmes General Store. The name refers to the sandbar that connects the island to the mainland at low tide. New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. 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. Getting There The Casco Bay Ferry is the best and least expensive way for most people to get to Peaks Island. Gloucester isn't just America's oldest fishing port: It is still very much a working fishery made even more famous as the filming location for the National Geographic TV program, "Wicked Tuna." Screw Auger Falls 5. Distance From Portland: 2 hours and 30 minutes. Between the charming downtown, beautiful waterfront restaurants and amazing opportunities to tour the waters and see wildlife, youre sure to have a great day in Boothbay Harbor. Camden is a beautiful coastal town that has a really great Main Street with shops and restaurants, a really lovely waterfront park, lots of opportunities for sailing, an amazing state park with an incredible view point, and lots of coastal charm at every turn. Free points of interest close to me: West Virginia, Santa Cruz, Sister Bay, Houghton, Issaquah. Get lost in the charming residential side streets. Required fields are marked *. Another great option if you love lighthouses is this cruise along Kennebec River, where youll get to see 7 lighthouses, and also learn about the local maritimes and ship-building history. This quiet spot was our place to go for a refreshing swim in summer. Hike the trails at Hackers Hill Preserve. I think Salem is a great town to explore year-round, but of course, theres something extra fun and special about it in the fall season. This is the perfect day trip, no matter what the weather has in store for you. 2023, Is Lubec, Maine Worth Visiting? Distance: 0.5 miles. Unlock What Makes This Coastal Community A Must-Do Destination. Each tour is different based on the season, but it lasts for 2.5 hours, and youll get the inside scoop from a local on all the best foods to eat in town. Weve picked blueberries here for hours in the past and always came away with full tubs. 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. Some of the best things to do in Conway on a day trip from Portland: You may also enjoy:The best places to go apple picking in New Hampshire! Even though youre coming from a city, Boston is always a good idea (at least, thats just my opinion!). A great option for a day trip from Portland, Maine is Conway, NH, which is located in the White Mountains region. Some of the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor on a day trip from Portland: If you come to Boothbay Harbor for your day trip, I highly suggest you consider a boat tour. Portland is home to a vibrant working waterfront, great small-business shopping, and an incredible art scene. Take a scenic drive along the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway. The Best Day Trips from Portland Under 1 Hour Away Multnomah Falls. Gloucester is packed with maritimes history, and also has lots of waterfront to explore. For an inexpensive escape, Portlanders head to Peaks Island. More secluded is the Goose Rocks Beach, located in a quiet, residential area. The 1791 lighthouse and award-winning museum, located in the former keepers quarters, are open year round. This spot has great views over the Androscoggin River and also serves as a film and music venue, gallery and cafe. 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