Bend, Oregon. Ranger led programs include guided hiking or cycling tours and boat cruises, birding programs, hawk and falcon programs, and nighttime starry sky programs. Then Poland and Norway. This is a guided tour that last about two hours, and is a casual cruise around town, as well as the surrounding islands. Getting There The Casco Bay Ferry is the best and least expensive way for most people to get to Peaks Island. My hope is to inspire you to have an unforgettable Northeast adventure of your own, and show you just how beautiful this little corner of the world truly is. 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. Here are my tips for a fun and easy visit with kids. The kids loved it. Continue to China and Palermo before looping back south to Portland. Approximately 5.5 miles from Bridgton (and just past Moose Pond) turn left on Mountain Road; parking for Bald Peak Trail is approximately 1.7 along this road. 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. Distance From Portland: 2 hours and 30 minutes. Tours of the studio depart from the museum. Go to AllTrails to learn more about their free app; its full of trail maps, including this one, which work offline. Turn left and continue approximately one mile to either the Sebago to the Sea Trail or Johnson Field parking areas. This is one adventure you can even enjoy without ever leaving your car. Now that you know all about the best day trips from Portland, Maine, youre armed and ready to plan your own perfect day. 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. 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. Rangeley Lake in Maine is located in the Northwestern corner of the state, and is a beautiful destination to consider. Located on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Port is now home to locally owned boutique shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Amtrak spent $400,588 on goods and services and products in Maine in FY17. A great tour option for your day trip from Portland, Maine is the Lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals Tour. Peaks Island, Maine is reached with a short ferry trip from Portland. 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. See their website above for trail information. Augusta is also a good place to grab a bite after your history lesson; head downtown to Riverfront Barbeque and Grill, get comfort food at Downtown Diner or, for a treat, check out Cushnoc Brewing Co. The areas Abbe Museum exhibits Native American artifacts and teaches guests about the cultural history of the region. 1. 1. Buy the big bag of popcorn at E.W. Click here for more information on customized and luxury private day tours from Portland! Rent a kayak and head out onto the water. 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. With a day, I would recommend doing Ocean Path (walking from Sand Beach to Otter Cliffs), one hike (Great Head or Gorham are both great choices), and then heading into downtown Bar Harbor for dinner before driving home. Damariscotta itself, and Newcastle, sit opposite each other across the Damariscotta River, separated by a bridge. This is the perfect tour for staying aboard and enjoying the scenic ride. It's a humble city, without pretense, qualities you could easily use to describe Mainers themselves. 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. ), but its definitely worth a full-day visit, or even a whole weekend. Even though its a splurge, the price is very fair for a private tour, especially in such a gorgeous area. Perfect For: Coastal Hikes Birdwatching Family Day Trips Snowshoeing/Cross-Country Skiing Combining With Cabot Mill (see above). The Wolfes Neck Center is an educational farm offering tours, classes, and kayak or bicycle rentals for use along their trails. Take a walking tour with a certified Maine Guide to learn more about the town. The scenic area is a popular summer destination for swimming, boating and fishing. Click here to book your Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley tickets in Boston! Once theres snowfall, Bethel is among Maines best destinations for alpine or Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and aprs ski fun. Ogunquit Performing Arts and the Ogunquit Playhouse offer year round theater and live music performances. 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. Whatever the season (or weather!) 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. Portland is home to a vibrant working waterfront, great small-business shopping, and an incredible art scene. Grab some snacks, Maine whoopie pies and other delicious baked goods at Gemmes General Store. The Kennunkport Christmas Prelude is one of the best Christmas festivals in New England, and Ogunquits Christmas by the Sea event will fill you with all kinds of holiday cheer. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Michel Hersen and Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com. Click here to book your boat tour in Newburyport! With that, lets jump into the best day trips from Portland, Maine! For more information, check out our full article on how to get to Freeport from Portland. Charming cottages and New England homes line the shore. 2023, Is Lubec, Maine Worth Visiting? Even if you just make the crossing to have lunch and ice cream, you'll feel like you've enjoyed a daycation with Portland in view. This spot is pure perfection! Best things to do in Marblehead on your day trip from Portland: Click here to read my post on all the best things to do in Marblehead! Places to visit near me: Things to Do in Vermont, Things to do in Virginia, Long Beach Restaurants, Restaurants in Louisville, Southampton. Click here to read my post on the best things to do in New England in the fall! The 150 foot long sandy stretch is named for its location in front of the historic 1914 Colony Hotel. BUS, CAR, PLANE, TRAIN, + FERRY SERVICE . Do day trips to Kennebunkport, Freeport, Bar Harbor, Salem, etc. In fact, this is our most versatile day trip from Portland, taking in classic Maine scenery from the mountains to the coast. Where to go near me: Traverse City, Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Things to Do in Wyoming, Things to do in Delaware. Destinations Africa Morocco Asia China India Maines Bradbury Mountain State Park is located just north of Portland and is open to visitors year round for outdoor recreation opportunities. Grab a famous cannoli from Mikes Pastry. 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. If your schedule allows, see if you can also do lunch at Jordan Pond House inside the park overlooking the mountains. It's about a 40-minute train ride and tickets start at $9 each way. Home to Bowdoin College, which was founded in 1794, Brunswick is brimming with history. Bring a big thermos of coffee on a chilly day and stay warm inside during your cruise. Technically speaking, there are over 4,600 islands off the coast of Maine.This includes the largest actual island (Mount Desert Island) to tiny ledges that can only be considered islands during a very low tide.There are a fair few that fall right in the middle, perfect for exploring no matter what your budget might be. Perfect For: Hiking Swimming in Summer Picnics Canoeing and Kayaking Fishing. Walk the streets of downtown to visit the shops and eateries. And actually this region is home to several lakes, and covers a lot of ground, so youll have lots of options when it comes to towns to visit, activities on the water and places to eat. Climb to the top via the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway, take the auto road, or enjoy a hike. 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! 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. Explore Chandler Hovey Park and Marblehead Lighthouse. If you live in Portland or are new to the city, and are looking to get out and explore more of the region, or if youre planning a longer stay and are wondering what your options are for day trips from Portland, Maine, this post is all about the absolute best options to give you plenty of ideas. Make this road trip from Portland, Maine and solve the mystery yourself. 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. Click here to book this boat tour out to Nubble & Boon lighthouses! Note: Where applicable, check with each entity for revised opening/closing hours and other information. 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! Interpretative displays and lighthouse lenses are on exhibit. Portland, Maine's central coast location makes day trips along the Atlantic coast and into Maine's lake and mountain regions easy and accessible. It does take 2-2.5 hours to connect to Portland via I-95 N. However, if your one day in Portland ME falls as part of a wider New England road trip itinerary then this might work better with your schedule anyway. Tour guides will also help you spot shore birds and other wildlife during the cruise. Also located within Cabot Mill is the Frontier bar and restaurant. Do a little shopping for unique finds at the Old Country Store in Moultonborough. 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. Here youll find man-made stone structures and standing slabs aligned with particular lunar and solar events. 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. The performing arts also excel at Bates College, Lewistons Public Theater and the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra. Perfect For:Maine Coastal Road Trips Autumn Foliage Picnics Legendary Views Family Day Trips. Enjoy hikes throughout the area, ski resort attractions, and historic adventures. The small island is easily explored by bicycle, with just a 4-mile long circumference. stay at Portland . Our getaways over the years brought us to an ancient, peculiar Granite State spot we still cant quite figure out. The park spans 47,000 acres, most of which are located on Mount Desert Island, off Maines Atlantic coast. The drive will take a minimum of 11 hours and 20 minutes without stopping en route. Cool down at the swimming holes at Small Falls. The spooky fun reaches its peak in October, when the city hosts a month-long slate of Haunted Happenings. Annual festivals include summers Damariscotta Oyster Celebration and autumns Pemaquid Oyster Festival. 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. 3. Whale Watch tours from Gloucester head out to Stellwagen Bank, a national marine preserve thats only 12 miles offshore. Click here to book your Culinary Walking Tour in Kennebunkport! This is the only bridge of its kind in the entire world. Click here to book your Kennebec River Cruise! Things to do near me today: Sarasota, From Boston, OR, NC, From Houston, NJ, GA. Freeport, Maine is best known as a shopping destination, a favorite of New Englanders seeking deals among the hundreds of brand-name outlets. We briefly turn our attention to a rather curious destination located in New Hampshire, too. Click here to book your North End Foodie Tour in Boston! The pretty white stunner was built in 1791 and renovated in 1831. The bus takes beer lovers from venue to venue on an all-inclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Portland's craft breweries. Travel Tip: Try to align your trip with Apple Saturdays, a Sabbathday Lake fall tradition featuring cider pressing, apple arts and . Travel Tip: Be sure to stop into the oldest store in the country while you're in Moultonborough to buy snacks and souvenirs. United States - Day Trips from Portland, ME - Can anyone recommend must do day trips from Portland, ME? Weve done these day trips from Portland in all types of Maine weather; take our advice and bring a long sleeve top in summer! Click here to book your bike tour in Portsmouth! Acadia National park is one of the top ten most visited parks in the United States. Marginal Way, photo by Melissa Moore. What are some popular things to do: Poconos, NY, TN, MI, OC, All Inclusive, Family weekend getaways, NJ, NC, VA, TX. I love Kennebunkport because theres so much to do, but its also a small town thats easily manageable for a day trip. 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. Take a self-guided tour through the grounds and enjoy the peace and quiet of this wooded spot. From snow-covered mountains to massive gorges to beautiful beaches, Oregon has it all. That trend is likely to continue into 2023. 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. Bar Harbor, Maine, Phone: 207-288-3338 The local economy is still primarily sustained by lobstering. Cross the footbridge for views of town and the water. Ogunquit is best known for having one of the longest stretches of sandy shoreline in all of Maine, so if youre looking for a beach day without having to go far, this is one of the best places for that in Maine. 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. Drive or hike up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for an awesome view of Camden Harbor from above. Walk along the waterfront to admire the gorgeous sailboats. Im the creator and writer behind New England Wanderlust, and my passion is sharing my knowledge on the very best things to do and see in New England, and beyond. 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. Now a National Historic Landmark, the home and museum hosts Tea with Harriet each month. Head out onto the water for a wildlife and lighthouse tour (see my suggestions below!). Ride along Seashore Avenue, and explore the islands backside, facing the open Atlantic ocean. 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. Free guided tours from naturalists are available year-round; see the website above for further information. Area beaches include the Popham Beach State Park and the beaches at Reid State Park, or explore the Kennebec River. If you drive the entire "world tour," you'll be in the car for about five-and-a-half hours without stops. Where: Otter Ponds are located at the southern end of Sebago Lake on Maine Route 35 between Windham and Standish. Youll find a dense bank of bushes practically overhanging the top of Pleasant Mountain. 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! The second-largest lake in Maine is also one of its deepest and clearest. It's a beacon of light perched on the dramatic craggy coast of Cape Elizabeth. Travel Time: 35 minutes. 15 Best Things To Do (2023), 75 New England Bucket List Things You Must Do. Turn right in Bath onto Route 127 South, and cross the bridges that connect Arrowsic and Georgetown islands to the mainland. 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. Wells is a quiet coastal community and one of the oldest towns in Maine. 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! Oregon Coast Day Trip: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. Explore the cute downtown and visit the shops. 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. 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. 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. Chebeague Island is the largest and home to a 9-hole golf course. Get some sweet treats to bring home (or eat on the drive!) 15. 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. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the US for a reason, it is beautiful! 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! The easiest, and also one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine is Kennebunkport. 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. Bath is a small town located on the Kennebec River at the center of Maines Atlantic coast. Airlines Delta United Airlines JetBlue Airways Train operators MTA Explore the shops & restaurants along Dock Square. 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. 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. Tumbling down a staggering 620 feet, the stunning Multnomah Falls is the tallest of all the waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge region-and it also happens to be one of the easiest and most popular day trips from Portland, Oregon! 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. 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! Simply put, Camden Hills State Park is a classic coastal Maine day trip you need to make right now. However, we really recommend the Bailey Island Cruise aboard a Casco Bay ferry. Get on the water aboard an early 1900s ship with Portland Schooner Co., or try your hand at lobstering with Lucky Catch Cruises. Hood, within a short driving distance from the city, to smaller towns like McMinnville and Eugene. At the top of FY17, Amtrak hired 38 Maine residents. At just over 200 acres in size, Wolfes Neck Woods State Park features several different ecosystems and great opportunities for spotting ospreys. According to these estimates, my monthly transportation expenses (excluding my existing commuting costs) will now total $67, saving . How to Get Around During Your Road Trip to Maine Since you're planning a Maine road trip, you'll obviously need a car while you're here. at one of the towns many bakeries. Boston has so many amazing tour options led my local experts that share tons of tips and knowledge. In short, a day trip to Cabot Mill is perfect for everyone! We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. 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. Answer 1 of 5: Hi, we will be making our first trip to Maine 6/30-7/5. 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. Find all the transport options for your trip from Portland to Acadia National Park right here. Over two hundred miles of trails can be explored including motor roads, hiking trails, and carriage roads.