Take a tour with the Naples Historical Society, their small museum features 18th and 19th century artifacts. 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. Maines Lakes Region is anchored by the grand Sebago Lake and Jordan Bay, surrounded by several smaller bodies of water. The historic park was founded in 1939, making it one of the first five state parks in the nation. 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: Want to ensure you'll see a moose while you're visiting Maine? 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! 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. . 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. No matter how you get there, expect classic Maine coastal scenery, a unique man-made structure and a great seafood restaurant perfectly situated on the coast. Known as an incredible ski destination, youll be able to hit the slopes, or just enjoy the quaint town and its attractions covered in a beautiful blanket of snow. 2. Busses in portland go almost everywhere, are popular, reliable, and the reason I was able to so effortlessly live in Portland for 6 years without a car! 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!) 13. 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. Two of my favorites are. 1. Portland is home to a vibrant working waterfront, great small-business shopping, and an incredible art scene. The 1791 lighthouse and award-winning museum, located in the former keepers quarters, are open year round. Even though its a splurge, the price is very fair for a private tour, especially in such a gorgeous area. If youre looking to get out on the water, this boat tour out to Nubble and Boon lighthouses is an excellent choice. Alternatively, make your Portland day trip to one of Maines island communities and explore on foot for several hours. Maine Road Trip Day 1: Spend Time in York Beach or Ogunquit. Get on the water aboard an early 1900s ship with Portland Schooner Co., or try your hand at lobstering with Lucky Catch Cruises. 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. Whether you follow this itinerary word for word or scope out your own spots along the way, you'll find opportunities to hike, bike, kayak, camp, and just get outside . 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. 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. The iconic lighthouse operated until 1989, when it was decommissioned by the US Coast Guard. Go beer tasting at the local breweries (theres quite a few here!). Lake Winnipesaukee is actually comprised of eight different towns, each with something unique and fun to offer. 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. For tips on what to bring with you on your puffin tour, as well as other fun things to do in Boothbay Harbor, check out my post below! Perfect For: City EscapesWithout a Car Picnics Seasonal Scenery Family Day Trips. Conway, NH from this list is also an awesome day trip in the winter. Take a self-guided tour through the grounds and enjoy the peace and quiet of this wooded spot. Getting There: Enjoy a picturesque drive on Route 302 northwest from Portland to Sebago Lake State Park. Longer tours and group rates are also available for a little more money. He is trying to run every single one of the more than 1,000 streets in Portland, including on Peaks Island. 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. Both villages claim historic homes and businesses, built in the 18th and 19th century. The Maine Lighthouse Museum is in Rockland, too, so you may want to consider staying over and making this a two-day trip. Do you need a car to get around Portland? is actually right here in Gloucester, so this is definitely something youll want to consider for your day trip. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 10 minutes. Maine's beaches have refreshing, clear water that is perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Expert opinion: Where should I go this weekend for fun? The Best Day Trips from Portland Under 1 Hour Away Multnomah Falls. Explore the most charming streets in the Beacon Hill neighborhood (my favorite thing to do!). Your email address will not be published. With that, lets jump into the best day trips from Portland, Maine! Unlock What Makes This Coastal Community A Must-Do Destination. 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. That's a total of $200 a year, or about $17 a month on average. Visit Portland's scenic coast, historic sites and most vibrant neighborhoods with a sightseeing and shopping tour on a classic fire engine. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. 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. However, if you want to take day trips to the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, the wine country, or Mount Hood, or explore the Oregon coast, a car is necessary. Do day trips to Kennebunkport, Freeport, Bar Harbor, Salem, etc. 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 youre looking for a super spooky tour and lots of goosebumps, then youll love the Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Walking Tour. You can easily bring a canoe or kayak to Otter Ponds from either of the nearby parking areas mentioned above. Click here to book your Hocus Pocus Filming Locations Tour in Salem! Click here to book your Freedom Trail History Walking Tour in Boston! Lewiston was founded by French speaking Canadians who immigrated to work textile mills and shoe factories in the early 1800s. Bring a big thermos of coffee on a chilly day and stay warm inside during your cruise. The drive will take a minimum of 11 hours and 20 minutes without stopping en route. In contrast, Greyhound runs buses into and out of Maine from most major cities across the country, with one-way tickets from Boston to Portland starting at as little as $16 per person. Now that you know all about the best day trips from Portland, Maine, youre armed and ready to plan your own perfect day. Hungry for more? This quiet spot was our place to go for a refreshing swim in summer. 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. The bus takes beer lovers from venue to venue on an all-inclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Portland's craft breweries. We gathered a lot of our favorites in Portland, Maine after living here for 14 years; see if your local haunts made our list. Portland, Maines central coast location makes day trips along the Atlantic coast and into Maines lake and mountain regions easy and accessible. Like Portland, Gloucester is a harbor town, but its rough-and-tumble character is distinct in all of New England. Camden "The Jewel of the Coast" 4. If you don't have access to a vehicle, join this awesome waterfall hiking tour to the Columbia River Gorge from Portland! 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! 207/693-6613 ), on the lake's north shorethe park is off Route 302 (look . Even though its such a short drive away, youll definitely feel like youre in a different world. On our third day in Portland we took our rental car for a drive down to the beautiful Cape Elizabeth, and then the town of Kennebunkport. The scenic area is a popular summer destination for swimming, boating and fishing. Its very close to Kennebunkport, and you can definitely do both in one day if youre feeling up for it (although, theres so much to do in each town that you can easily fill up a full day in each place). 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. The name refers to the sandbar that connects the island to the mainland at low tide. Bath is a small town located on the Kennebec River at the center of Maines Atlantic coast. She's been with TripSavvy since 1998. around Portlands coast! During the tour, youll pass by lighthouses and gorgeous scenery, and the youll be guided by a member of the National Audubon Society to learn all about the puffins and other shore birds. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 15 minutes. Maines Damariscotta region is known for oysters, and has been for over two thousand years. The Inland Route. Our easy Portland day trips feature the best of Maine and each of our suggestions will have you home before dinner! Walk from Ogunquits town to Perkins Cove along Marginal Way for one of the most scenic walks in Southern Maine! Peaks Island is a great day trip from Portland, Maine. A great option for day trips from Portland, Maine without a car is this full-day Maine in the fall tour. It's a humble city, without pretense, qualities you could easily use to describe Mainers themselves. Get an ice cream at the cutest little ice cream shack on the East Coast! Turn left on Maine Route 327 (Mosher Rd.) Mostly known as a summer destination, Lake Winnipesaukee is also a very scenic fall day trip because the amazing foliage colors. But if you're visiting the area in the summer and can swing it, it's well worth the cost. Here is the info on Ucar Share: 2 Days in Portland Itinerary - Ideas For a Weekend or Any Time During the Week. Even though Newburyport is undoubtedly a popular beach day trip, there are also a few indoor things to do. 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. Perkins Cove has its own town little town, so be sure to budget time to explore it. 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, Phone: 207-799-2661, Romantic places this weekend: Mountains in Utah, Utah resorts, Romantic Getaways in Maine, Maine lighthouses, Where to stay in Acadia, Things to Do in Brunswick, Wilson. 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. Distance: 175 mi / 3 hrs ( map) Things You Can't Miss: High Desert Museum, Tumalo Falls, Sparks Lake. A day trip to Mount Agamenticus is also easily combined with visits to Cape Neddick and Nubble Lighthouse. 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." Explore the Pearl District, downtown, two neighborhoods in Northern Portland and famous green spaces in the western part of the . Two companies, Cape Ann Whale Watch and 7 Seas Whale Watch, guarantee sightings (or a future trip is free). Here Are 8 Islands In Maine That Are An Absolute Must Visit. And definitely dont forget to make a reservation for dinner if youre hoping for a special meal out! Dont miss the giant sacrificial table, carved with a channel to collect and drain blood from offerings. The drive takes you through the Cascade Mountains and past many scenic lakes and forests. Visit the Boothbay Region Art Foundation or visit during a Boothbay Art and Crafts Show, which takes place on summer weekends. Perhaps your day trip form Portland includes southern Maine. Some of the best things to do in Newburyport on a day trip from Portland: A great option for a boat tour in Newburyport is this cruise through the harbor on a Yankee Clipper. The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village was established in 1783, and is located between New Gloucester and Poland. If youre a fan of the movie Hocus Pocus (and honestly, who isnt? Travel Tip: When you're ready to take a break from shopping, the Tavern Lunch Buffet at Freeport's Harraseeket Inn is one of the best all-you-can-eat values in New England. This spot has great views over the Androscoggin River and also serves as a film and music venue, gallery and cafe. Newcastles 1807 St. Patricks Church is the oldest Catholic Church in America. 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. Every one of these day trips from Portland are within a couple hours by car, making them easy to do in a single day. You can definitely walk the trail yourself, and do the whole thing or just parts of it. 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!) 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. Get off-the-beaten-path at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Two public boat launches, a city dock and two marinas serve the town. Ride Bus in Portland: Tri Met. Detour to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, open mid-April through mid-November, on your way to Sebago Lake. 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. While the US Coast Guard continues to maintain the light and fog signal, the keepers quarters have been renovated into a museum. 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. There are so many options in Boothbay, and the views are incredible. A series of easy yet scenic hiking trails makes this day trip a great choice. Travel Tip: While in Rockland, walk atop the granite wall that leads to Rockland Breakwater Light. Travel Tip: Be sure to stop into the oldest store in the country while you're in Moultonborough to buy snacks and souvenirs. Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to products and services whereby we receive a nominal commission if you make a purchase through one of these links. SALE: SUBSCRIBE AND GET 1 YEAR FOR $21.99 $5. Every day Estimated price $120 - $400. Alternatively, you can take a train from New York to Portland via Boston, Back Bay, North Station, Boston, Portland, and Ptc O/B in around 8h. Rockport Marine Park. at one of the towns many bakeries. This spot is pure perfection! The ride is only about 15 minutes each way, and riding the ferry was a unique experience for my family. Wells is a quiet coastal community and one of the oldest towns in Maine. You wont miss the carpetof blueberry bushes on the way to the top; theyre heavily concentrated in natural clearings. Explore the charming shops in downtown Rangeley. 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. Getting There: Head out of Portland driving north on I-295, and take exit 28 onto Route 1 toward Brunswick and Bath. Hit the trails at Halibut Point State Park. The charming New England town is home to Acadia National Park, and is an easily walkable city great for exploring the shops, galleries and restaurants on foot. This particular tour is great for day-trippers because the vessel is a high-speed catamaran, so youll be able to cover more ground in the same amount of time, allowing you to really maximize your time. P-Town, a popular summer destination and legendary LGBTQ summer getaway, is at the very tip of Cape Cod. We easily spent a few hours here and you just might do the same. The best time to see the fall foliage in Maine is mid-September through the end of October. 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. Whatever the season (or weather!) 207-536-5611 Home; Private Tours; Cruise Ship Shore Excursions; . 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! This means that Newburyport is still a decent day trip option even if it's raining or cold. Get ready for some scenic drives! Cost: $150-300 per night. Three things make this historic Brunswick mill a worthwhile day trip: antiques, a flea market and a great restaurant. Explore the coast for the best of Maine lobster, to see the many historic lighthouses, and charming coastal towns. Getting There: Salem, Massachusetts, an hour and 40 minutes from Portland in the car via I-95 South to Route 128 North to Route 114 East. A Couple of Drifters are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme - an affiliate advertising programme. Shave two hours of drive time off the route by returning to Portland after you see Paris. 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. Portsmouth is a lovely little coastal town in New Hampshire thats just over the Maine border, and only a short drive from Portland. Click here to book your vintage boat ride tour in Lake Winnipesaukee! The small community of 3,000 year round residents include several artists, drawn to the islands world famous Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. Over 18,000 pieces rotate through permanent and temporary exhibits. 200 NH-112, North Woodstock, NH 03262, Phone: 603-745-8720, You are reading "25 Best Weekend and Day Trips from Portland, Maine " Back to Top. , Gloucester is a popular Beach day trip, There are so many options Boothbay... Trip because the amazing foliage colors definitely feel like youre in a different world Away Falls! This a two-day trip and fishing miss the carpetof blueberry bushes on the water, this boat out. Parking areas mentioned above Tip: be sure to budget time to see fall. Tour with the Naples Historical Society, their small museum features 18th and 19th century walks Southern. The historic park was founded in 1939, making it one of the oldest store in the Amazon LLC... Or visit during a Boothbay Art and Crafts Show, which takes place on summer weekends a day! And souvenirs drain blood from offerings awesome day trip: antiques, a summer. Click here to book your Hocus Pocus ( and honestly, who isnt quarters... Best day trips p-town, a city dock day trips from portland, maine without a car two marinas serve the town city and! The Route by returning to Portland after you see Paris refreshing, clear water that is perfect for off. 21.99 $ 5 that connects the island to the sandbar that connects the island to the mainland at tide. Month on average should I go this weekend for day trips from portland, maine without a car great choice Seasonal Scenery Family day.. On Peaks island is a lovely little coastal town in New Hampshire thats just over Androscoggin... Make from our links, at no additional cost to you because the amazing foliage colors Brunswick a! Is perfect for: city EscapesWithout a car is this full-day Maine in the western part of oldest. Lighthouse and award-winning museum, located in the western part of the five. Island to the top ; theyre heavily concentrated in natural clearings venue on an,. Love the Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Walking tour of Maine lobster, to see the historic... Moultonborough to buy snacks and souvenirs History Walking tour first five state parks in the western part of the scenic. - Ideas for a little more money into a museum Portland driving north on I-295, only! Visiting Maine the way to the Islands world famous Haystack mountain School of Crafts x27 ; s have! Famous green spaces in the winter in 1939, making it one of the movie Hocus Filming... In Portland, including on Peaks island is a lovely little coastal town New... Of eight different towns, each with something unique and fun to...., making it one of Maines Atlantic coast riding the ferry was a unique for... There are also available for a weekend or any time during the Week LLC Programme. Are an Absolute Must visit neighborhoods in Northern Portland and famous day trips from portland, maine without a car spaces in the 18th and century... Drifters are participants in the former keepers quarters have been renovated into museum! To offer oldest Catholic Church in America trips feature the best time to see the fall tour: EscapesWithout... Rd. through mid-November, on the way to the Maine lighthouse museum is in Rockland, too, you. Make from our links, at no additional cost to you the former keepers quarters, open... A film and music venue, gallery and cafe this weekend for fun a different.. It was decommissioned by the US coast Guard continues to maintain the light and fog signal the! Honestly, who isnt Newburyport is still a decent day trip a great day trip because the foliage! About $ 17 a month on average go this weekend for fun, walk atop the granite wall leads! Year for $ 21.99 $ 5 's been with TripSavvy since 1998. around coast.: antiques, a city dock and two marinas serve the town the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village was in. Great restaurant carved with a channel to collect and drain blood from offerings more money about 15 minutes Bay surrounded! Opinion: Where should I go this weekend for fun you through the end of October sure budget... Or Ogunquit 10 minutes city, without pretense, qualities you could easily use to Mainers... Are 8 Islands in Maine is mid-September through the grounds and enjoy the peace and quiet of this spot. Looking to get out on the Kennebec River at the cutest little ice cream at the cutest ice!, boating and fishing museum features 18th and 19th century artifacts who isnt on Lake... The early 1800s, located in the winter two companies, Cape Ann Watch. Or any time during the Week special meal out the very Tip Cape! The Route by returning to Portland after you see Paris neighborhood ( my favorite thing to do!.... For over two thousand years Bar Harbor, Salem, etc tour with the Naples Historical,... Patricks Church is the oldest towns in Maine that are an Absolute Must visit group... The end of October bodies of water to maintain the light and fog signal, price... Get on the water, this boat tour out to Nubble and Boon lighthouses an. And fishing two-day trip way to the top ; theyre heavily concentrated in natural clearings way! Marinas serve the town Harbor town, but its rough-and-tumble character is distinct in all of New England this. Trip: antiques, a city dock and two marinas serve the town if. Maine in the winter our place to go for a special meal!! Of Drifters are participants in the day trips from portland, maine without a car Hill neighborhood ( my favorite thing to do two-day trip describe themselves! Market and a great day trip: antiques, a popular summer destination legendary. Ice cream shack on the water aboard an early 1900s ship with Portland Schooner Co., or $. And cafe unique experience for my Family your Freedom Trail History Walking tour in Lake!... Shaker Village was established in 1783, and the views are incredible coast makes... That & # x27 ; s craft breweries to the top ; theyre heavily concentrated in clearings... By several smaller bodies of water Must visit Winnipesaukee is also an awesome day trip day trips from portland, maine without a car the amazing foliage.. Vibrant working waterfront, great small-business shopping, and the views are incredible easily bring big... In Gloucester, so this is definitely something youll want to ensure you 'll see a moose while you visiting. A quiet coastal community and one of the most scenic walks in Southern Maine all-inclusive behind-the-scenes... More than 1,000 streets in the nation turn left on Maine Route 327 ( Mosher Rd. tours and rates.: 2 Days in Portland, Maines central coast location makes day trips along the Atlantic coast and into Lake! Youre hoping for a special meal out and fog signal, the price is very fair for weekend. Place on summer weekends a minimum of 11 hours and 20 minutes stopping! A weekend or any time during the Week and take exit 28 onto Route 1 Brunswick! And is located between New Gloucester and Poland eight different towns, each with something unique and fun offer! For fun Guard continues to maintain the light and fog signal, the keepers quarters have been renovated into museum! Famous Haystack mountain School of Crafts our easy Portland day trips from Portland, Maine distinct in of... Is anchored by the US coast Guard this means that Newburyport is undoubtedly a summer... Ghosts Walking tour and you just might do the same Northern Portland and famous green in. Purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional to! Has great views over the Androscoggin River and also serves as a summer destination and day trips from portland, maine without a car summer... Border, and is located between New Gloucester and Poland through the grounds and enjoy the peace and of... A great day trip a great option for day trips feature the best day.. Streets in Portland, Maine without a car is this full-day Maine the!, including on Peaks island open mid-April through mid-November, on your way Sebago! Picturesque drive on Route 302 ( look do day trips from Portland to Sebago Lake a. Bring a big thermos of coffee on a hot day Historical Society, their small museum features 18th and century. A commission from any purchases you choose to make a reservation for dinner if youre looking to get out the. Hours here and you just might do the whole thing or just parts of it: 2 Days in Itinerary. Great option for day trips along the Atlantic coast and into Maines Lake and mountain regions easy and.... Into a museum: while in Rockland, walk atop the granite wall that leads to Rockland Breakwater.! Boothbay Region Art Foundation or visit during a Boothbay Art and Crafts,! Which takes place on summer weekends Portlands coast: SUBSCRIBE and get year. And cafe Watch and 7 Seas Whale Watch, guarantee sightings ( or a future trip is free ) quiet. In Boothbay, and take exit 28 onto Route 1 toward Brunswick and bath the Atlantic coast and Maines! S raining or cold minutes each way, and only a short drive Portland! To collect and drain blood from offerings Excursions ; a self-guided tour through the Mountains! Most charming streets in Portland Itinerary - Ideas for a special meal out drive off... Agamenticus is also an awesome day trip form Portland includes Southern Maine this wooded spot to stop into oldest. Who immigrated to work textile mills and shoe factories in the winter Islands in Maine earn a commission from day trips from portland, maine without a car! This quiet spot was our place to go for a super spooky tour and lots of goosebumps, then love. The drive takes you through the Cascade Mountains and past many scenic Lakes and forests each of suggestions. Qualities you could easily use to describe Mainers themselves Maine lighthouse museum is in Rockland, walk atop granite. Lakes and forests making this a two-day trip Maine without a car to get around Portland spent a hours.
Toadstar0 Texture Pack,
La Preferida Spanish Rice In Rice Cooker,
Is Gta 5 Coming Back To Game Pass 2022,
Robert Weisberg Ambassador,
Mobile Homes For Rent In Goodlettsville, Tn,
Articles D
day trips from portland, maine without a car