Glen's Portland Guidebook
Sightseeing / Things to do
Our favorite local beach - great views, water, and sand. ~10 minutes away in South Portland with limited free parking.
135 locals recommend
Willard Beach
Our favorite local beach - great views, water, and sand. ~10 minutes away in South Portland with limited free parking.
East End Beach
Eastern Promenade TrailThe only public beach on the Portland peninsula!
Great for a day trip - about an hour away in beautiful Phippsburg Maine. Huge beach, lots to explore, and easy (paid) parking. In addition to the beach, check out the nearby forts!
208 locals recommend
Popham Beach State Park
711 Popham RdGreat for a day trip - about an hour away in beautiful Phippsburg Maine. Huge beach, lots to explore, and easy (paid) parking. In addition to the beach, check out the nearby forts!
Great family friendly beach with easy (paid) parking. About 15 minutes away in beautiful Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
124 locals recommend
Crescent Beach State Park
109 Bowery Beach RdGreat family friendly beach with easy (paid) parking. About 15 minutes away in beautiful Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Beautiful small state park on the rocky coast of nearby Cape Elizabeth. Stop at the Lobster Shack before/after visiting for more views and great lobster rolls!
144 locals recommend
Two Lights State Park
7 Tower DrBeautiful small state park on the rocky coast of nearby Cape Elizabeth. Stop at the Lobster Shack before/after visiting for more views and great lobster rolls!
Victoria Mansion
109 Danforth StGreat historic sight only a few minutes walk from our place!
Great way to visit the nearby islands of Casco Bay. I highly recommend taking the "Mail Boat" for an inexpensive half day tours of many islands! Another option is to take the Peaks Island Ferry for the day. Here you can experience the Maine island life by walking the island or renting a golf cart by the hour!
87 locals recommend
Casco Bay Lines
56 Commercial StGreat way to visit the nearby islands of Casco Bay. I highly recommend taking the "Mail Boat" for an inexpensive half day tours of many islands! Another option is to take the Peaks Island Ferry for the day. Here you can experience the Maine island life by walking the island or renting a golf cart by the hour!
Gorgeous state park on the coast with many family friendly trails. Great as part of a day trip in the Freeport area!
123 locals recommend
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
426 Wolfe's Neck RdGorgeous state park on the coast with many family friendly trails. Great as part of a day trip in the Freeport area!
Portland Museum of Art
7 Congress SqA short walk away is the famous Portland Museum of Art!
We love paddling, and Portland Paddle makes it easy right off of East End Beach!
63 locals recommend
Portland Paddle
1 Eastern PromenadeWe love paddling, and Portland Paddle makes it easy right off of East End Beach!
Awesome loop trail in downtown Portland. Around 3 miles, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking!
20 locals recommend
Back Cove Trail
Back Cove TrailAwesome loop trail in downtown Portland. Around 3 miles, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking!
A family-friendly hike that takes about an hour at a laidback pace, the 1.5-mile trail around the island's perimeter offers photogenic views of Portland and busy, boat-filled Casco Bay.
130 locals recommend
Mackworth Island State Park
U.S. 1A family-friendly hike that takes about an hour at a laidback pace, the 1.5-mile trail around the island's perimeter offers photogenic views of Portland and busy, boat-filled Casco Bay.
If there's one "must walk" in Portland, it's the Eastern Promenade. At just over two miles long, the harbor-front trail offers unbeatable views of Casco Bay (and an enticing swim at East End Beach on summer days).
251 locals recommend
Eastern Promenade Trail
Eastern PromenadeIf there's one "must walk" in Portland, it's the Eastern Promenade. At just over two miles long, the harbor-front trail offers unbeatable views of Casco Bay (and an enticing swim at East End Beach on summer days).
Bradbury Mountain is the centerpiece of an 800-acre state park open year-round for diverse activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and snow-shoeing. Closest spot to Portland for a real hike.
124 locals recommend
Bradbury Mountain State Park
528 Hallowell RdBradbury Mountain is the centerpiece of an 800-acre state park open year-round for diverse activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and snow-shoeing. Closest spot to Portland for a real hike.
There's always something going on at Thompson's Point! From concerts, to shopping, ice-skating, eating, and drinking (there's a winery, distillery, and brewery all on site!), it's definitely worth stopping over to see what's going on.
28 locals recommend
Thompson Point
Thompsons PointThere's always something going on at Thompson's Point! From concerts, to shopping, ice-skating, eating, and drinking (there's a winery, distillery, and brewery all on site!), it's definitely worth stopping over to see what's going on.
Want to rent bikes for the day? Gorham Bike & Ski is a great option a few blocks north on Congress St.
25 locals recommend
Gorham Bike & Ski
693 Congress StWant to rent bikes for the day? Gorham Bike & Ski is a great option a few blocks north on Congress St.
A must see! Located in nearby Cape Elizabeth, this beautiful oceanside park houses Portland's most famous lighthouse (The Portland Headlight). It’s the most photographed lighthouse in the country!
229 locals recommend
Fort Williams Park
1000 Shore RdA must see! Located in nearby Cape Elizabeth, this beautiful oceanside park houses Portland's most famous lighthouse (The Portland Headlight). It’s the most photographed lighthouse in the country!
Amazing Children's Museum right here in Portland. Perfect for kids of all ages and an excellent go-to spot for rainy days!
114 locals recommend
Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine
250 Thompsons Point RoadAmazing Children's Museum right here in Portland. Perfect for kids of all ages and an excellent go-to spot for rainy days!
Portland's largest park with lots to do for everyone. Huge playground, splash pad, tennis courts, skating pond, farmer's market, etc. etc. etc.!
87 locals recommend
Deering Oaks Park
Portland's largest park with lots to do for everyone. Huge playground, splash pad, tennis courts, skating pond, farmer's market, etc. etc. etc.!
There’s always something fun happening at Pineland Farms… farm visits, disc golf, family programs, tastings at the Market, winter activities (snowshoeing, cross country skiing, etc.). About 35 minutes north of Portland in New Gloucester, makes a great half (or full) day trip!
66 locals recommend
Pineland Farms
15 Farm View DrThere’s always something fun happening at Pineland Farms… farm visits, disc golf, family programs, tastings at the Market, winter activities (snowshoeing, cross country skiing, etc.). About 35 minutes north of Portland in New Gloucester, makes a great half (or full) day trip!
Visit the Portland Landmarks homepage for a list of self-guided walking tours in and around town.
Greater Portland Landmarks
93 High StVisit the Portland Landmarks homepage for a list of self-guided walking tours in and around town.
Shopping
A must see for shoppers! The LL Bean flagship store is in Freeport, Maine (about 30 minutes away). Located in Freeport Village, there are many other stores and restaurants in a walker friendly shopping district. Check out the LL Bean Outlet store for great deals!
270 locals recommend
L.L. Bean Factory Store
95 Main StA must see for shoppers! The LL Bean flagship store is in Freeport, Maine (about 30 minutes away). Located in Freeport Village, there are many other stores and restaurants in a walker friendly shopping district. Check out the LL Bean Outlet store for great deals!
One of our favorite places for antiquing. Attached Flea Market is also fun! About 30 minutes away in Brunswick, ME.
16 locals recommend
Cabot Mill Antiques
14 Maine StOne of our favorite places for antiquing. Attached Flea Market is also fun! About 30 minutes away in Brunswick, ME.
Trader Joe's
87 Marginal WayYes, we have a Trader Joe's in downtown Portland!
Whole Foods Market
2 Somerset StWe have a Whole Foods too!
Fun flea market style shopping right in downtown. Only open weekends!
41 locals recommend
Portland Flea-for-All
585 Congress StFun flea market style shopping right in downtown. Only open weekends!
Awesome grocery/deli only a 5 minute walk from us on Brackett! Food, drinks, beer/wine, butcher, sandwiches, bakery, and more!
20 locals recommend
Fresh Approach
155 Brackett StAwesome grocery/deli only a 5 minute walk from us on Brackett! Food, drinks, beer/wine, butcher, sandwiches, bakery, and more!
Great shop for gift that are all Made in Maine (duh!). Located in the Old Port Shopping District on Exchange St, surrounded by lots of great local shops!
Lisa-Marie's Made in Maine
35 Exchange StreetGreat shop for gift that are all Made in Maine (duh!). Located in the Old Port Shopping District on Exchange St, surrounded by lots of great local shops!
Food scene
On our corner, Ruski's is a neighborhood favorite amongst the locals (and past guests!). We're so lucky to have them so close :)
38 locals recommend
Ruski's
212 Danforth StOn our corner, Ruski's is a neighborhood favorite amongst the locals (and past guests!). We're so lucky to have them so close :)
For great pizza, I highly recommend Otto's! They have several locations in and around Portland, and I promise you won't be disappointed (and that's coming from a native New Yorker!)
192 locals recommend
OTTO
576 Congress StFor great pizza, I highly recommend Otto's! They have several locations in and around Portland, and I promise you won't be disappointed (and that's coming from a native New Yorker!)
Our favorite bakery! Located just over the bridge in our South Portland neighborhood, you can't go wrong with anything at Scratch. Sourdough bagels, wonderful breads, and amazing pastries of all kinds. The "Almond Bear Claw", only available on Saturdays, is to die for!
164 locals recommend
Scratch Baking Co
416 Preble StOur favorite bakery! Located just over the bridge in our South Portland neighborhood, you can't go wrong with anything at Scratch. Sourdough bagels, wonderful breads, and amazing pastries of all kinds. The "Almond Bear Claw", only available on Saturdays, is to die for!
Modern chinese food in the center of downtown Portland. Be prepared to wait, but it's worth it!
102 locals recommend
Empire
575 Congress StModern chinese food in the center of downtown Portland. Be prepared to wait, but it's worth it!
Phenomenal burritos and other traditional mexican favorites well worth the short trip over the bridge into South Portland.
62 locals recommend
Taco Trio
60 Ocean StPhenomenal burritos and other traditional mexican favorites well worth the short trip over the bridge into South Portland.
One of the top upscale restaurants in Portland. Make reservations!
92 locals recommend
Fore Street Restaurant
288 Fore StOne of the top upscale restaurants in Portland. Make reservations!
Flatbread Company
72 Commercial StGreat sit-down pizza restaurant right on a wharf downtown.
So many breweries to choose from, but make sure Rising Tide is on your list!
138 locals recommend
Rising Tide Brewing Company
103 Fox StSo many breweries to choose from, but make sure Rising Tide is on your list!
A bit off the beaten path, you'll find the home of Allagash Brewing Company! Located on a strip with a couple of other breweries, you'll have a great time all day long!
156 locals recommend
Allagash Brewing Company
50 Industrial WayA bit off the beaten path, you'll find the home of Allagash Brewing Company! Located on a strip with a couple of other breweries, you'll have a great time all day long!
Yes, please! I highly recommend the Dark Chocolate Orange if they have it when you visit!
21 locals recommend
Gorgeous Gelato
434 Fore StYes, please! I highly recommend the Dark Chocolate Orange if they have it when you visit!
Awesome deserts and other baked goods. Limited hours, so be sure to check before heading over!
114 locals recommend
Standard Baking Co
75 Commercial StAwesome deserts and other baked goods. Limited hours, so be sure to check before heading over!
Scales
68 Commercial StConsistently ranked the best seafood restaurant in Portland.
Hot noodles and soup great all year round, but especially in the cooler months!
19 locals recommend
Mi Sen
630 Congress StHot noodles and soup great all year round, but especially in the cooler months!
Ohno Cafe
87 Brackett StGreat coffee and breakfast a very short walk from us!
Boda
671 Congress StThai food with a flair! One of our favorites!
Small dumping house walking distance from us - worth a visit!
63 locals recommend
Bao Bao Dumpling House
133 Spring StSmall dumping house walking distance from us - worth a visit!
Js Oyster
5 Portland PierDid someone say Oysters!?
Great food, drinks, and weekend brunch an easy walk up to Congress Street from us!
142 locals recommend
Local 188
685 Congress StGreat food, drinks, and weekend brunch an easy walk up to Congress Street from us!
Hot Suppa
703 Congress StHighly recommend the brunch at Hot Suppa! An easy walk from us!
CHAVAL
58 Pine StIntimate dining with a European flair!
Fun and casual burger joint with amazing selection of beers on tap. Exciting location on Wharf Street in Old Port.
12 locals recommend
Portland Mash Tun
29 Wharf StFun and casual burger joint with amazing selection of beers on tap. Exciting location on Wharf Street in Old Port.
One of Portland's most popular breweries! "Swish" is an awesome double IPA!
102 locals recommend
Bissell Brothers
38 Resurgam PlOne of Portland's most popular breweries! "Swish" is an awesome double IPA!
Another great brewery downtown - right next to Rising Tide (my fav!)
70 locals recommend
Austin Street Brewery
115 Fox StAnother great brewery downtown - right next to Rising Tide (my fav!)
The. Best. Donuts. My favorite is the Chocolate Sea Salt! Visit them on Park Avenue or Commercial Street!
220 locals recommend
The Holy Donut
194 Park AveThe. Best. Donuts. My favorite is the Chocolate Sea Salt! Visit them on Park Avenue or Commercial Street!
Awesome grocery/deli only a 5 minute walk from us on Brackett! Food, drinks, beer/wine, butcher, sandwiches, bakery, and more!
20 locals recommend
Fresh Approach
155 Brackett StAwesome grocery/deli only a 5 minute walk from us on Brackett! Food, drinks, beer/wine, butcher, sandwiches, bakery, and more!
Luke's Lobster Portland Pier
60 Portland PierNew lobster spot right on one of Portland's Piers!
Arguably one of the best Lobster Rolls on the peninsula!
61 locals recommend
The Highroller Lobster Co
104 Exchange StArguably one of the best Lobster Rolls on the peninsula!
THE best Lobster Roll in the Portland Area. Located (seasonally) within Fort Williams Park (where the famous Portland Headlight is)... makes a perfect afternoon outing!
44 locals recommend
Bite into Maine
1000 Shore RdTHE best Lobster Roll in the Portland Area. Located (seasonally) within Fort Williams Park (where the famous Portland Headlight is)... makes a perfect afternoon outing!
Brand new coffee shop just steps away from our place on Danforth Street! Amazing breakfast sandwiches, coffees, and exotic pastries!
Ugly Duckling Maine
Brand new coffee shop just steps away from our place on Danforth Street! Amazing breakfast sandwiches, coffees, and exotic pastries!
Super lucky to have this amazing new bakery right on our corner! Fresh made bread and pastries - I HIGHLY recommend the chocolate croissants!
ZUbakery
Super lucky to have this amazing new bakery right on our corner! Fresh made bread and pastries - I HIGHLY recommend the chocolate croissants!
A local favorite, this is your traditional diner Maine style! A nice walk from us!
87 locals recommend
Becky's Diner
390 Commercial StA local favorite, this is your traditional diner Maine style! A nice walk from us!
One of our favorite newer breweries in town! I enjoy the Magpie Pale Ale :)
Belleflower Brewing Company
One of our favorite newer breweries in town! I enjoy the Magpie Pale Ale :)
Excellent seafood restaurant nearby on Congress St. with an ever-changing menu and lots of flair.
REGARDS
Excellent seafood restaurant nearby on Congress St. with an ever-changing menu and lots of flair.
Awesome little cafe a very short work from our place. Now open all day with coffee, pastries, sandwiches, salads, small plates, etc. Well worth a visit!
Smalls
Awesome little cafe a very short work from our place. Now open all day with coffee, pastries, sandwiches, salads, small plates, etc. Well worth a visit!
Speakeasy bar and grill less than 15 minute walk away with an extensive bourbon and rum selection.
47 locals recommend
Bramhall
769 Congress StSpeakeasy bar and grill less than 15 minute walk away with an extensive bourbon and rum selection.
Fantastic coffee shop with more seating than Ohno and Smalls. Great baked goods and superb (locally roasted) coffee options.
162 locals recommend
Tandem Coffee and Bakery
742 Congress StFantastic coffee shop with more seating than Ohno and Smalls. Great baked goods and superb (locally roasted) coffee options.