Welcome to Portland, Maine!
Neighborhoods
The West End, a charming historic neighborhood in Portland, Maine, with tree-lined streets, carries itself with an air of sophisticated nonchalance.
On the western side of Portland’s peninsula, The West End is renowned for its Victorian architecture and its casual-chic atmosphere. In addition to its iconic historic architecture, The West End is renowned for its location and walkability.
21 locals recommend
West End
The West End, a charming historic neighborhood in Portland, Maine, with tree-lined streets, carries itself with an air of sophisticated nonchalance.
On the western side of Portland’s peninsula, The West End is renowned for its Victorian architecture and its casual-chic atmosphere. In addition to its iconic historic architecture, The West End is renowned for its location and walkability.
The Old Port is a quaint historic district with cobblestone streets and brick buildings housing clothing boutiques, gourmet food stores, and souvenir shops. It’s also a nightlife hot spot where pubs, breweries, and cocktail bars draw young crowds, and a lively dining scene includes stylish New American restaurants and traditional seafood spots by the waterfront. Ferries depart to Casco Bay Islands from the pier.
223 locals recommend
Old Port
The Old Port is a quaint historic district with cobblestone streets and brick buildings housing clothing boutiques, gourmet food stores, and souvenir shops. It’s also a nightlife hot spot where pubs, breweries, and cocktail bars draw young crowds, and a lively dining scene includes stylish New American restaurants and traditional seafood spots by the waterfront. Ferries depart to Casco Bay Islands from the pier.
The laid-back East End, also known as Munjoy Hill, is popular for walks and relaxation along the grassy Eastern Promenade, with views over Casco Bay. Other landmarks include the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum and the Portland Observatory, an 1807 signal tower.
9 locals recommend
East End
The laid-back East End, also known as Munjoy Hill, is popular for walks and relaxation along the grassy Eastern Promenade, with views over Casco Bay. Other landmarks include the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum and the Portland Observatory, an 1807 signal tower.
Old Port Food Scene
A mix of classic lobster rolls spots, farm to table, and high end offerings.
Central Provisions
414 Fore StAmazing and interesting small plates and drinks.
Reservations a must! Pro tip: If you don't have reservations, you can go get in line for walk-in tables. Line starts early, we suggest arriving at 4:30-4:45. The hostess will begin assigning tables. If you don't like the time you get, let a few people go ahead of you for later dining options.
92 locals recommend
Fore Street Restaurant
288 Fore StReservations a must! Pro tip: If you don't have reservations, you can go get in line for walk-in tables. Line starts early, we suggest arriving at 4:30-4:45. The hostess will begin assigning tables. If you don't like the time you get, let a few people go ahead of you for later dining options.
Seafood at its best - but even the bar is by reservation. Use the same trick as Fore Street to get a walk in table.
138 locals recommend
Scales
68 Commercial StSeafood at its best - but even the bar is by reservation. Use the same trick as Fore Street to get a walk in table.
Amazing Italian - reservations strongly recommended. This place is always busy.
23 locals recommend
Solo Italiano
100 Commercial StAmazing Italian - reservations strongly recommended. This place is always busy.
Low key place with lobster and live music. No reservations, you order your food and then see a hostess for a seat.
131 locals recommend
Portland Lobster Co
180 Commercial StLow key place with lobster and live music. No reservations, you order your food and then see a hostess for a seat.
Duckfat
43 Middle StThe name says it all - pure indulgence
The best lobster roll in town - waits can be 90-120 minutes in busy season. Try lining up before the open for lunch, much easier to get a table.
272 locals recommend
Eventide Oyster Co.
86 Middle StThe best lobster roll in town - waits can be 90-120 minutes in busy season. Try lining up before the open for lunch, much easier to get a table.
A new twist on Asian Fusion - we recommend the strong paw and the honey soft-serve ice cream.
67 locals recommend
The Honey Paw
78 Middle StA new twist on Asian Fusion - we recommend the strong paw and the honey soft-serve ice cream.
The Holy Donut
Pro-tip:
Order online so easy pickup and skip the lines!!
West End Local Spots
Local breakfast, lunch and dinner spots ranging from cafes, pizza, and speciality restaurants.
Breakfast or lunch 5 minute walk away if you are staying with us at Park Street.
64 locals recommend
Ohno Cafe
87 Brackett StBreakfast or lunch 5 minute walk away if you are staying with us at Park Street.
OTTO
576 Congress StBest Pizza in town - location in both the West End and East End
Little Tap House
106 High StLocal pub fare - 10 minute walk from our Park Street location
Bao Bao Dumpling House
133 Spring StOpen for dinner, a short walk from Park Street.
Southern style brunch spot located on Congress Street. Very popular among the local crowd.
152 locals recommend
Hot Suppa
703 Congress StSouthern style brunch spot located on Congress Street. Very popular among the local crowd.
Smalls
28 Brackett StreetSightseeing
Portland Schooner Co.
Maine State PierSail aboard a historic yacht
Lucky Catch Cruises
170 Commercial StReal lobster boat tour
Portland Paddle
1 Eastern PromenadeKayaking tours and rentals
Victoria Mansion
109 Danforth StBeautiful museum that showcases the splendor of the gilded age
Portland Museum of Art
7 Congress SqPortland Harbor Museum
12 Captain Strout CircleEast End Spots
The Shop by Island Creek Oysters
123 Washington AveMust try if you love oysters !
Oxbow Blending & Bottling
49 Washington AveBrewery Spot
Terlingua
40 Washington AveThe best tacos on the East Side
Root Wild Kombucha
135 Washington AveIf you love Kombucha - stop here !
Hardshore Distilling Company
53 Washington AveLocal Spirits - fun atomosphere
Maine Craft Distilling
123 Washington AveIncredibly Fun spot for craft drinks and live music.
Après
Craft hard seltzer - put this on you brew tour
Popular place with lots of outdoor space and regular food trucks in the summer season
138 locals recommend
Rising Tide Brewing Company
103 Fox StPopular place with lots of outdoor space and regular food trucks in the summer season
Next door to rising tide - another hot spot on the craft brewing tour
70 locals recommend
Austin Street Brewery
115 Fox StNext door to rising tide - another hot spot on the craft brewing tour
Craft Distillery - dog friendly outdoors plus includes a craft dog cocktail offering!
Three of Strong Spirits
35B Diamond StCraft Distillery - dog friendly outdoors plus includes a craft dog cocktail offering!
Belleflower Brewing Company
Woman owned small batch brewing
Lone Pine Brewing Company
219 Anderson StMaker of Portland Pale Ale and many many other options
Dog Friendly Portland
Uncommon Paws
21 Exchange StreetLocal owned pet supply - the place to buy a lobster dog toy.
East End Beach
Eastern Promenade TrailDog friendly - dogs are allowed before 9am and after 5pm
Beaches
From Willard Beach on South Portland’s Simonton Cove, enjoy a classic Maine vista of a lighthouse, an island, and moored boats bobbing in a cove.
Although small, at four acres, this Portland beach offers typically calm waters and tidepools to explore. In season, changing rooms and bathrooms open and sometimes a concession stand sells snacks.
From the north end of Willard Beach, walk along Spring Point Shoreway trail. The path starts at the nearby campus of Southern Maine Community College and continues for one and a half miles to Bug Light Park.
135 locals recommend
Willard Beach
From Willard Beach on South Portland’s Simonton Cove, enjoy a classic Maine vista of a lighthouse, an island, and moored boats bobbing in a cove.
Although small, at four acres, this Portland beach offers typically calm waters and tidepools to explore. In season, changing rooms and bathrooms open and sometimes a concession stand sells snacks.
From the north end of Willard Beach, walk along Spring Point Shoreway trail. The path starts at the nearby campus of Southern Maine Community College and continues for one and a half miles to Bug Light Park.
Come to East End Beach for a bit of sand and the bonus of one of Portland’s most popular walking trails. Overlooking Casco Bay on Portland’s East End, this beach is a modest swath of about 300 yards long, attracting swimmers and sunbathers. Off-season, watch happy dogs run freely.
93 locals recommend
East End Beach
Eastern Promenade TrailCome to East End Beach for a bit of sand and the bonus of one of Portland’s most popular walking trails. Overlooking Casco Bay on Portland’s East End, this beach is a modest swath of about 300 yards long, attracting swimmers and sunbathers. Off-season, watch happy dogs run freely.
It’s well worth traveling eight miles south of Portland to Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth. One of the best beaches near Portland, Crescent State Beach Park delivers a classic Maine day of sea, sand, and salty air.
Grass-covered dunes edge the beach, a mile-long swath of sand with relatively mild surf for swimmers. Waves break, seagulls fly overhead, and lifeguards patrol in season
124 locals recommend
Crescent Beach State Park
109 Bowery Beach RdIt’s well worth traveling eight miles south of Portland to Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth. One of the best beaches near Portland, Crescent State Beach Park delivers a classic Maine day of sea, sand, and salty air.
Grass-covered dunes edge the beach, a mile-long swath of sand with relatively mild surf for swimmers. Waves break, seagulls fly overhead, and lifeguards patrol in season
Get your feet wet at Scarborough Beach State Park, one of the Portland area’s many fine beaches. Located 12 miles south of Portland, Scarborough Beach’s 2,500-foot-long shore draws strollers.
Scarborough Beach State Park
Get your feet wet at Scarborough Beach State Park, one of the Portland area’s many fine beaches. Located 12 miles south of Portland, Scarborough Beach’s 2,500-foot-long shore draws strollers.