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VISIT PORTLAND / 15
DAY
1
ONLY HAVE THREE HOURS
ARRIVE
BE WELCOMED at our Visitor Center at
Ocean Gateway, get your bearings, and
gather information about your interests
in the area. Relax after your travels by
soaking up the ocean air at the waterside
Moongarden. Stroll along the shore
enjoying the vistas from the East End Trail,
maybe even taking a dip in the cool
Atlantic water at East End beach. [p. 5]
GET ACCLIMATED! Food, beer, wine,
history, art, coffee, architecture, light
houses, and more—no matter your interest,
there is a tour to experience. [p. 21-22]
AFTERNOON
GET TO A LIGHTHOUSE!
The six lighthouses here all have unique
aspects that make themmust-sees. [p. 52]
EAT A LOBSTER! It seems every pub,
restaurant, seaside shack, food truck, and
cart has a succulant take on our most
famous of seafood. Boiled, baked, on a
roll or in mac & cheese, there are no bad
choices. Pack one to go or ship it to have
when you get home. [p. 35, 39-43]
EVENING
INDULGE—Luxuriate with a James Beard
Award-winning meal, pub hop through
the city, taste various desserts, or enjoy a
late-night breakfast. The culinary scene’s
reputation is fairly earned. [p. 39-43]
CATCH A LIVE SHOW! See a Broadway
show, local theatre, symphony, ballet,
opera or dance to musical legends.
Regional faves headline outdoor concerts,
intimate venues, and local pubs.
[p. 20-21, 44-47]
What to do if it's your first—and possibly only—time in Greater Portland.
While there are six distinctive lighthouses
guarding Portland Harbor, Portland Head
Light in Cape Elizabeth is the one to see.
Beyond its iconic status, it also has the
distinction of being the oldest lighthouse
in Maine, commissioned by George
Washington in 1787. Located in Fort
Williams Park, it also has an accessible
museum, and is surrounded by extensive
walkways and sweeping views that make
this an enjoyable visit. [p. 52]
Guided tours give you the flavor of the
region. Choose a tour based on your
interests—from historical sites to breweries
there are knowledgeable leaders who
share your enthusiasm for the subject. To
create your own self-guided tour, pick up
brochures and talk to specialists at the
Visitor Information Center, and use the
business listings in this guide. But in case
you have more time for your visit, guided
tours tend to be more informative.
Lobster is not hard to find in Greater
Portland, but when on a tight timeline,
it’s fastest to grab a lobster roll. The
quintessential Maine on-the-go meal is
easily located at a nearby eatery.
Traditionally served on a hot dog bun,
it’s generally comprised of a couple of
claws and tails of lobster meat, a dollop
of mayonnaise or drawn butter, with
a dash of paprika. But also try some
contemporary versions of this classic
Maine staple.
PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: AMY TOLK/VISIT PORTLAND; BITE INTO MAINE; CFW PHOTOGRAPHY
ITINERARY