New in Town? Five Things First Timers Must Do in Portland, Maine
New to Portland? Welcome! We’re happy to have you.
One of life’s greatest experiences is stepping foot in Portland for the first time. It's become a quintessential travel location that’s only getting more popular.
But with so much to do and see, it’s understandably hard to decide what to do your first time here. Here’s a five-item itinerary to help visitors to get the most out of their first trip.
Check out a lighthouse
The Portland Head Light on a sunny Saturday morning
The Portland Head Light has become synonymous with the city (and Maine, in general). It’s a sight to see, and a great place to get into the mindset of Portland.
Commissioned by George Washington, Portland Head Light is Maine’s oldest working lighthouse, guiding ships into Portland Harbor to this day. A little farther north is the Spring Point Ledge Light, where visitors can walk the jetty to access one of Portland’s most photogenic areas. Finally, finish up your tour at the Bug Light, where you’ll see the impeccable sight of Portland’s skyline. Each location stands on green space with incredible views of the coves and harbors surrounding Portland.
Grab some seafood
DiMillo's Food Truck, just outside the restaurant
With almost 3,500 miles of coastline in the state, it would be a little sad if we didn’t have quality seafood here. Thankfully, not only is there an abundance of fresh seafood in Portland, but we also have incredibly talented chefs, cooks, shuckers, and fryers who see each plate as a work of art.
While lobster has a deep historical relationship with Maine, other seafood deserves the spotlight as well. With 12 oyster bars, you’re in the right place to slurp around Maine’s tidal pools. Grab a seat at the raw bar at the cozy Eventide Oyster Co., book a table at the high-end gem Scales, or bask in the sunshine on the patio at The Shop By Island Creek Oysters.
You also won’t have any trouble finding unique and interesting dishes that involve clams, mussels, shrimp, tuna, swordfish, pollock, and other salty sea creatures. Snag a table at spots like DiMillo’s On The Water, Luke’s Lobster on the Portland Pier, and the Portland Lobster Company, and you’ll enjoy fresh seafood with beautiful views of Portland’s working harbors. And if you’re allergic to lobster or you don’t eat meat? Grab a lobster-shaped lollipop at any one of the novelty shops in the area!
Attend an event
Nomad duo Guy Meets Girl performing at the Porthole Restaurant & Pub
In addition to being a culinary mecca, Portland is also an artistic hub. Regardless of your tastes, there is a concert or a show for everyone, be it a big production at the Cross Insurance Arena, the humble elegance of the State Theatre, or a more intimate, cozy space like One Longfellow Square. See local improv troupes or check out up-and-coming comics at the Empire Comedy Club.
Portland is also nationally known for its minor league sports teams. Catch rising stars and professional players training for a comeback at the many fields and arenas around the city. You can spend nine innings with the Portland Sea Dogs, sit courtside with the Portland Celtics, watch the puck drop at a Maine Mariners game, or bask in the energy of authentic soccer chants at the Portland Hearts of Pine.
Get out on the water
It's just a short walk down the dock to the Portland Sea Taxi
It's impossible to land in Portland and not feel the itch to get out onto the water. It surrounds the entire town, with coves and rivers running along the coast. For those experienced in water sports, you’ll find that the many islands out in Portland Harbor make for great sightseeing and travel on the pristine Atlantic ocean.
Don’t have a vessel? Portland Paddle over on the East End Beach offers rentals, tours, and lessons that take travelers out to the beautiful Casco Bay. Head out during sunset to watch the sky explode into breathtaking color, or embark on a scavenger hunt of the numerous forts that stand tall on the bay’s many islands.
If you’re looking for a more passive trip out to sea, there are numerous vessels ready to take you out on an unforgettable trip. Organizations like Odyssey Whale Watching and New England Eco Adventures offer whale-watching tours throughout the summer. Casco Bay Lines leads sight-seeing expeditions around the many islands in the harbor, while Casablanca Cruises and On The Rocks Cocktail Cruises offer adult libations during your adventure.
Grab a drink made by a local
A flight of four delicious craft beers at Foundation Brewing Company
Portland has become one of the premier craft beer cities in the United States, and rightfully so. With dozens of breweries to discover, ranging in size from small tap rooms to full-scale restaurants, there is a little bit of Portland in every pint glass. Each neighborhood hosts multiple breweries worth visiting: Allagash, Definitive, Battery Steele, and Foundation in Riverton; Austin Street, Rising Tide, and Lone Pine in East Bayside; Shipyard, Camp Pennant, and Brickyard Hollow in the Old Port, and so many more.
But don’t overlook the quality of wine and spirits in the Port City. Three of Strong Spirits, Batson River Brewing and Distilling, and others offer a variety of exceptional spirits, including rum, bourbon, vodka, and gin. Cellardoor Winery on Middle Street features wines made from grapes grown locally at their Estate Vineyard. The cold-hardy hybrids have adapted to sustain themselves in Maine’s harsh climate, allowing tasters to enjoy Portland from its own soil. Over in the hip part of the East Bayside, Après offers craft seltzers in a large tasting room and a sprawling outdoor area with excellent views of the Back Cove.
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We’re always happy to make recommendations, but ultimately, it’s up to you to build your own experience. We provided the template; now, it’s your turn to fill in the blanks.
Want more specific recommendations? Keep reading our coverage on the best that Portland has to offer.