One Day In Portland, Maine

*UPDATED IN 2023*

Portland is one of those really cool small cities that you want to visit as many times as you can. Portland, like much of Maine, has a great mix of artistic and outdoor adventures that charms you and keeps you coming back for more. While the lighthouses, blueberries, and lobster are all amazing, there is so much more to Portland! So, what should you do with one day in Portland, Maine?

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When Should I Go?

Portland is beautiful at any time of year, but I suggest spring or fall.

Being a small city in Maine, Portland sees a lot of snow in the winter. Crowds will be heaviest in the summer. It’s probably best to go in spring or fall if you are looking to avoid large crowds. However, if crowds don’t bother you, Portland is gorgeous in summer!

Let’s get to it – what should you do with one day in Portland, ME? Prepare your stomach for tons of food, kombucha, and beer. And prepare your wallet for all the cute shops in Old Port!

1. Grab Breakfast At The Holy Donut –

I’m not overexaggerating when I say that I get The Holy Donut every single chance I get. These are my favorite donuts – EVER. Every person that I take to Portland, Maine, agrees that there is something so special about potato donuts. Yep, that’s right, these are potato donuts. They add mashed potatoes to their donuts, giving them an awesome texture that melts in your mouth.

I highly recommend Maple Bacon, Blueberry With Blueberry Glaze (seasonal), Honey Lavender, and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt. But, honestly, I’ve never met a Holy Donut flavor that I didn’t love!

The Holy Donut| 177 Commercial Street| 207.331.5655

2. Walk Around Old Port –

After you finish those amazing donuts, get out and walk around a bit in Old Port. This is Portland’s cobblestoned downtown area that is known for its historic feel and fishing piers.

I suggest you do some shopping while in Old Port. It’s packed with shops and boutiques that are known for their variety of local and artisan goods. Some of my favorites are Earthbound Trading Co, Simply Scandinavian, and Pinecones + Chickadees.

But honestly, if you find the number of shops overwhelming, there is an option for you when it comes to Old Port! There is a shopping tour – it’s called In The Know, and they offer different tours for different styles at a very affordable prices. Find out more here.

3. Get Out On The Water –

Lucky Catch Cruises –

There are several options when it comes to getting out onto the water around Portland, Maine. You can check out…

This is a 90 min tour offers you a glimpse into one of Maine’s biggest industries – lobster fishing! These tours are run by a tight-knit company of lobstermen and their friends and crew. The short journeys are designed to offer a first-hand glimpse into the daily routine of catching lobster. Find out more here.

The Mailboat Run On Casco Bay Lines –

Hop on the Mailboat Run! Where this working mailboat will take you around the bay in 2-3 hours. It’s a local favorite way to experience Casco Bay – this true working boat carries passengers, mail, and freight to Little Diamond, Great Diamond, Long, Cliff, and Chebeague Islands. Year-round availability. *Currently not running because of the pandemic but check back soon for availability. Find out more here.

The Casco Bay Lines offers so many options in terms of getting out on the water. They have a sunrise, sunset, moonlight, and even music cruises. *most are currently suspended because of the pandemic but will hopefully be operating soon.

Or Check Out Portland Paddle –

Spend an afternoon stand-up paddle boarding or rent a kayak to check out the bay yourself. You can go it alone or take a guided tour. I would love to do a Sunset Kayak Tour with them someday!

4. Take A Whale Watching Tour –

There are several options when it comes to Whale Watching Tours in Portland. The most popular is…

Odyssey Whale Watch-

Odyssey Whale Watching does not have its own parking
The boat leaves from Long Wharf
Reservations are recommended and can be made here.
You may be able to spot – Humpbacks, Finbacks, Minkes, North Atlantic White-Sided Dolphins, Harbor Porpoises, Basking sharks, Ocean Sunfish, Sea Turtles, as well as countless seabirds on your explorations
Snacks and beverages are available onboard
No smoking is allowed on board
Odyssey is not handicap accessible
Pets and strollers are prohibited
Bring extra layers – the temperature can drop between 15-20 degrees while out at sea
Take Dramamine before your departure if you may get seasick

5. Explore Fort Williams Park –

This is where you will find one of the six lighthouses in Portland, the most famous, Portland Head Light. But there is more to Fort Williams Park than just Portland Head Light.

Fort Williams was an active US Army Fort in operation from 1872 to 1964. Walk through what remains of the fort while taking in the breathtaking sight of Portland from a distance. Find out more about Fort Williams Park here.

6. Portland Head Light –

You can’t go to Fort Williams Park or Portland, Maine, without checking out Portland Head Light. This lighthouse dates back to 1791 and is Maine’s oldest lighthouse. It overlooks the entrance from the ocean into Casco Bay, which is Maine’s largest shipping harbor.

I’ve visited this lighthouse every season, and it is always incredibly beautiful. If you visit in the summer, you can check out the small museum located inside the base of the lighthouse. Or you can just wander around and take in all of the beautiful views and watch the lobster boats. Find out more here.

But something you absolutely CANNOT miss in the summer months is…

7. Get A Lobster Roll From Bite Into Maine Food Truck –

I don’t say this lightly, I’m pretty much a lobster roll connoisseur at this point, but Bite Into Maine has one of the best lobster rolls I’ve ever had.

The Maine Style with mayo and chives was my favorite, but the Connecticut Style with warm butter drizzled over tender lobster is excellent too.

Trust me, it’s worth the wait because the line will surely be wrapped around the park. It really is worth the wait. Take your lobster roll and go sit at one of the picnic tables by the lighthouse and enjoy a sunny summer afternoon.

Check Out: The Best Lobster Rolls In Maine

8. Now That You’ve Had Lunch, How About Some Beer? –

Portland has a booming craft beer scene, and if you are a beer fan (raises hand), you should take advantage.

Allagash Brewery –

50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103
Of course, you’ve gotta check out Allagash Brewery while in Portland. You’re probably familiar with their most famous brew, Allagash White.
Cost: $5 will get you a tour and a generous sample. Find out more here.

Shipyard Brewing –

86 Newbury Street, Portland, ME 04101
Chances are you’ve heard of Shipyard Brewing. Their PumpkinHead is one of my favorite fall beers, but that’s not all Shipyard offers. Right now, they have limited indoor seating and a small food menu. The Smashed Blueberry and Melon sound amazing! Find out more here.

In Old Port – Liquid Riot –

250 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Have a creative drink with a great view of the heart of Old Port. What’s not to love? Also, this is a fun place to hang out – with live music and arcade games. This makes for a great night out. Find out more here.

In SoPo (South Portland) Foulmouthed Brewing –

15 Ocean St, South Portland, ME 04106
Foulmouthed is known for its assortment of creative beers and upscale farm-to-table pub food. The beer on tap is on a constant rotation. I love that most of their menu items and brews fit the name and our foulmouthed. For instance, the Oh Sh!T It’s The Fuzz sounds awesome and is described as sour with peaches and apricots. I’m a huge fan of sours! Find out more here.

9. Or If You Aren’t Into Beer – How About Some Kombucha? –

Urban Farms Fermentory –

200 Anderson St, Portland, ME 04101
I absolutely loved this place. In a funky taproom decorated with dried herbs and eccentric furnishings, you can try kombucha, mead, cider, and Jun (a fermented green tea brewed with honey). I got a flight and the blueberry mead was my absolute favorite. This is one of my favorite spots in Portland. Find out more here.

Root Wild Kombucha –

135 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
I loved the aesthetic at Root Wild Kombucha. It has a simplistic approach to Kombucha, but I absolutely loved their flavor pairings. Mint Melody and Pineapple Jalapeno were two of my favorites. Find out more here.

And now that you’ve had your fill of Kombucha, it’s probably time to add a little food. Portland is a foodie town, and there is no shortage of options for dinner…

10. Try The Fries At Duck Fat –

If you aren’t super hungry and just don’t want to miss these fries, Duck Fat has you covered. They’ve got a specific menu for Fries and Snacks. They also have poutine, which is one of my favorite things ever. Check out their menu here. If neither of those does anything for you, then try the more classic…

Duck Fat| 43 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101| (207) 774-8080

11. Late Lunch/Early Dinner At Eventide Oyster Co –

If you want seafood, then Eventide is gonna be your jam! They offer oysters, shellfish, and of course, their legendary Brown Butter Lobster Roll. They also offer New England Clam Chowder and Maine Lobster Stew for those colder days in Maine. Check out their menu here.

Eventide Oyster Co| 86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101| (207) 774-8538

12. Take In A Portland Sea Dogs Game –

Hadlock Field is the home of the Sea Dogs, Portland’s minor-league baseball team. Baseball fans who really love the game, and watch up-and-coming players, will love this place. Red Sox fans will, too (Yep, I’m a Sox fan). In 2003 the Red Sox became affiliated with the Sea Dogs, and a copy of the Green Monster was installed here. Find tickets here.

If You’ve Got More Time:

Take In A Sunrise At Portland Head Light
Walk Around The Arts District
Portland Schooner Co
Check Out The Eastern Promenade
The Portland Observatory
Bug Light Park
Drive A little Further To Two Lights State Park
Eat Lobster At The Lobster Shack At Two Lights

Staying Longer?

Where Should I Stay?

Portland, Maine, has a ton of options. Whether you are looking to use those hotel points, stay in a more unique boutique hotel, a quaint B&B, or even an Airbnb, this city has you covered!

To Use Those Hotel Points:

The Embassy Suites By Hilton

1050 Westbrook Street, Portland, ME 04102-1915
Cost: $$ Rooms generally run around $293 per night.
Find out more here.

Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront

65 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101-4703
Cost: $$$ Rooms generally run at about $493 per night
Find out more here.

For a Unique Boutique Hotel:

Blind Tiger

163 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04102
Cost: $$ Rooms generally run somewhere in the mid-$400 range
In the historic west end, you will find a refined inn in an 1823 Federal-style mansion with a billiards room and free breakfast!
Find out more here.

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

20 Milk St, Portland, ME 04101
Cost: $$ Rooms generally start somewhere around $292 per night
This hotel is located in Old Port and housed inside a 19th-century armory. How cool! Enjoy the cozy bar, Armory Lounge, and the farm-to-table eatery, eighteen95 Restaurant, in this cozy historical gem.
Find out more here.

For That Charming B&B Feel:

The Inn On Carleton

46 Carleton Street, Portland, ME 04102
Cost: $ Rooms generally run around $400 per night
This is a beautifully restored 1869 townhome done as a Victorian-era B&B. It’s just minutes from downtown and offers special packages to suit your needs. These include a romance package and business rates.
Find out more here.

The Chadwick Bed & Breakfast

140 Chadwick Street, Portland, ME 04102
Cost: $$ Rooms generally run at about $300 per night
This is the #1 Bed & Breakfast in Portland, Maine. Each room in this house built in 1891 has its own special charm. The stunningly landscaped grounds are just as beautiful as the gourmet breakfast offered every morning.
Find out more here.

Check Out This Hostel –

The Black Elephant Hostel

33 Hampshire Street, Portland, ME 04101
Cost: has gone up quite substantially at around $400 per night
Reopening for the season on April 29th, this has been voted Portland’s favorite budget-friendly accommodation. In case you aren’t familiar with hostels – they are accommodations that are designed with a more social feel in mind. Most commonly, you will find people between the ages of 18-35 at hostels, but they are for everyone! Hostels provide you with a sense of community, but you aren’t likely to find a mint on your pillow in one.
Find out more here.

On A Budget? Check Out This Budget Friendly Option –

Inn At St. John

939 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
Cost: Around $109 per night
Known as one of the Best Portland, Maine Hotels! The Inn At St. John is one of Portland’s few independently owned and operated hotels. You can tell that a great deal of thought goes into every detail of the Inn, from the decor to the complimentary breakfast.
Find out more here.

Mapping Out One Day In Portland, Maine:

Portland has so much to offer, and there is something for everyone! Whether you are visiting breweries and taking in a minor league game or visiting the lighthouse and eating lobster rolls. Portland has a magic all its own. You just can’t go wrong by visiting charming Portland, Maine. Have you been to Portland? What was your favorite thing about the city?

When Should I Go?