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VISIT PORTLAND / 15
PHOTO: CHRIS LAWRENCE
ARRIVE
HELLO FROM GREATER PORTLAND!
Our Visitor Center at Ocean Gateway has
friendly locals to answer your questions,
help you get your bearings, and provide
information about the region. Unwind after
your trip here by soaking up the ocean air at
the waterside Moongarden or stroll the water-
front on the East End Trail—even cooling off
with a refreshing dip in the Atlantic at East
End beach. [p. 5]
LOSE YOURSELF BY A LIGHTHOUSE!
The six lighthouses here all have unique
aspects that make themmust-sees. Find a
coastal perch and unplug from the world. [p. 41]
AFTERNOON
LOBSTER LUNCH! Boiled, baked, on a roll,
in bisque, or mac & cheese—it seems every
pub, restaurant, seaside shack, food truck,
and cart has a innovative take on Maine’s
most famous seafood. Catch one yourself,
pack one to go, or savor the succulent treat
at a cliffside picnic table with crashing surf
as a background melody. [p. 32-40]
WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD!
Food, beer, wine, history, art, coffee, architecture,
lighthouses, andmore—nomatter your interest,
there is a tour, guided by a local’s knowledge
and perspective, to enhance your experience
andmake you feel right at home. [p. 20-22]
EVENING
PALATE PLEASING—The culinary scene’s
reputation is well deserved and ever
expanding. Discover the newest top pick,
savor a James Beard Award-winning meal,
enjoy a late-night breakfast, or explore
Washington Avenue’s burgeoning ethnic
restaurant and craft brewery & distillery
scene. [p. 32-40]
LIVE FROM PORTLAND! Catch a ballet,
Broadway show, the symphony, opera, or the
artistry of a modern dance company.
National and regional performers headline
outdoor stages, intimate clubs, and local
pubs. [p. 18-20, 42-45]
What to do if it's your first—and possibly only—time in Greater Portland.
DAY 1
DAY-BY-DAY-BY-DAY
ITINERARY
ONLY HAVE
3 HOURS
See a lighthouse! There are six to choose
from in Portland Harbor. Portland Head
Light in Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth,
has the distinction of being the oldest
lighthouse in Maine. A cliffwalk offers
sweeping views. Commissioned by George
Washington in 1787, its iconic status makes
it the lighthouse not miss. [p. 41]
Lobster isn’t hard to find in Greater
Portland, but when on a tight timeline, it’s
fastest to grab a lobster roll—a toasted hot
dog bun heaping with lobster meat, a dollop
of mayonnaise or drawn butter, and a dash
of paprika. [p. 37-40]
Create a self-guided tour or take a guided
tour based on your interests—beer, history,
art, architecture, food…whatever—to give
you the flavor of the region. [p. 20-22]
Families explore the granite
breakwater at Spring Point
Ledge Lighthouse