How to Enjoy Portland, Maine

Whether you are a tourist or live locally to Portland, these ideas of what to do and see will keep you busy and fascinated!

Instructions

1. 

   There is no place more definitive of Portland than the famous PORTLAND HEADLIGHT. Actually it is just outside of Portland, in Cape Elizabeth. There is a park, museum and gift shop. A great place to bring a picnic lunch and watch the ships go by! See http://www.portlandheadlight.com for directions and details.

2. 

   If you are out exploring lighthouses, there is a much lesser-known lighthouse just a short drive from the Portland Headlight. It's called PORTLAND BREAKWATER LIGHTHOUSE. Walk right out and around this lighthouse for a fabulous view of Portland harbor life. There are grassy areas, walkways, and benches to enjoy. See http://www.lighthouse.cc/portlandbreakwater for more information.

3. 

   There's one more lighthouse in Portland that shouldn't be missed. If you've visited two, you might as well visit the third - SPRING POINT LIGHTHOUSE. "There is parking by the Portland Harbor Museum, and the public may walk out on the breakwater to the lighthouse. The lighthouse is closed to the public except during open houses." For more information, visit http://www.springpointlight.org.

4. 

   The VICTORIA MANSION in downtown Portland has gotten rave reviews from my family and friends. I've never visited, but have heard it is amazing to see. It's open every day (except some holidays). See http://www.victoriamansion.org/visit.html for complete information.

5. 

   The PORTLAND MUSEUM OF ART is a fun place to spend the afternoon! Spacious, with a maze of rooms to wander through. The museum has a new section, and an old section, separated by a gift shop corridor. There's also a downstairs area with more to see, including a snack bar.

6. 

   The MAINE MALL in South Portland is an enormous shopping complex surrounded by large stores such as Target, Old Navy, TJ Maxx, and the Christmas Tree Shop. If you feel like shopping, this is the place to head. Their website is http://www.mainemall.com.

7. 

   The OLD PORT in downtown Portland on the harbor is also a great place for shopping and other attractions. Cobblestone streets are filled with 19th century historical buildings. Walk along one of the oldest working ports in the country. Take a scenic cruise to one of the Casco Bay islands. Browse many small stores and novelty shops. Hungry? Choose from countless unique, wonderful restauraunts. At night, the many Old Port bars and restaurants are alive with music and activity.

8. 

   Where to go for lunch? BECKY'S DINER on the Portland waterfront is a local favorite. It's always hopping with activity. The service is fast and friendly, the food is great, and the prices are down to earth! To find out more, visit http://www.beckysdiner.com.

9. 

   Got kids? A pre-teen boy or two, perhaps? They might not be into museums and other cultural attractions. Check out MAINE INDOOR KARTING! It's on the outskirts of Portland, in Scarborough. Loads of fun, and a unique experience kids will remember. Their website is http://www.maineindoorkarting.com.

10. 

    The CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF MAINE is another great place to take kids. Loads of hands-on exhibits! It's located in the arts district of Downtown Portland. See http://www.childrensmuseumofme.org.

11. 

    If the weather is warm, one place to check out is DEERING OAKS PARK. There's a farmer's market every Saturday. The park has a duck pond, foot bridge, and playground. There are also plenty of sports courts and fields. In the summer, there are concerts. More information may be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deering_Oaks.

12. 

    Where to eat dinner? A Maine favorite is DIMILLO'S FLOATING RESTAURANT on the Portland waterfront. The food is authentic Maine cuisine, and the views of the ocean are spectacular. Their website is http://www.dimillos.com/restaurant.