If you don't mind the potential for delays, or want to extend your daytrip into a weekend away, you can also take Amtrak's Coast Starlight or Cascades lines from Portland's Union Station to Eugene, a journey of about 2 hours and 30 minutes if you don't have to wait on a freight train to pass. Our favorite is Blueberry Mountain in Evans Notch. Visit the Boothbay Region Art Foundation or visit during a Boothbay Art and Crafts Show, which takes place on summer weekends. They dont require a huge budget, you wont need to book a hotel and youll be back in time for a meal cooked in your own kitchen. The park spans 47,000 acres, most of which are located on Mount Desert Island, off Maines Atlantic coast. The island was mentioned in John Steinbecks novel Travels with Charley, based on his own visit to the islands Dunhams Point. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. Some of the best day trips in Maine involve only one tank of gas and a lot of gusto. Getting There: Head out of Portland driving north on I-295, and take exit 28 onto Route 1 toward Brunswick and Bath. One the water activities are the top attraction here, be it fishing, boating or sightseeing. Explore the most charming streets in the Beacon Hill neighborhood (my favorite thing to do!). 10 incredible places to visit in Maine on one tank of gas, If you want something a bit lengthier than a day trip, then we recommend checking out those must-visit places in Maine on a road trip. A timeline guides visitors through the lighthouses 200 years of operations. The areas Abbe Museum exhibits Native American artifacts and teaches guests about the cultural history of the region. It doesnt matter where you are in your life, having a bucket list is always a good idea in order to see it all at one point or another. The park is home to Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the east coast of the United States. Turn right in Bath onto Route 127 South, and cross the bridges that connect Arrowsic and Georgetown islands to the mainland. We even include our very favorite Portland day trip for picking wild Maine blueberries on a quiet mountaintop between Bridgton and Fryeburg. The easiest, and also one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine is Kennebunkport. 
If you don't mind the potential for delays, or want to extend your daytrip into a weekend away, you can also take Amtrak's Coast Starlight or Cascades lines from Portland's Union Station to Eugene, a journey of about 2 hours and 30 minutes if you don't have to wait on a freight train to pass. Be clear. The Red Line train takes only 40-45 minutes from the airport to Pioneer Square downtown, without worries about traffic. Get an ice cream at the cutest little ice cream shack on the East Coast! 
Enjoy a day in Bath. Birders, kayakers, and boaters are drawn to the islands for their natural beauty. Best things to do on a day trip to Rangely Lake from Portland: For something really fun and special (and a bit of a splurge thats totally worth it), consider booking a seaplane tour over the region. Menu. Some of the best things to do in Newburyport on a day trip from Portland: A great option for a boat tour in Newburyport is this cruise through the harbor on a Yankee Clipper. The ferry departs about once an hour. Located on a peninsula jutting into Casco Bay, Portland is a rare metropolis in a state filled with small hamlets. Insider travel recommendations, In-depth reviews of our favorite places: UT, Indianapolis, From Kansas City, Mackinac Island, Chattanooga, RI, From Chicago, Sacramento, Nantucket, Girls Getaways, Santa Barbara, PA, Michigan beaches. See the history of the industry at the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site, and try some at restaurants such as the Shuck Station or the Newcastle Publick House. Boat, kayak or swim: with 105 miles of shoreline its not hard to find open water. 12 nature conservancies are located on the island as an effort to preserve its natural biodiversity. Walk along the waterfront to admire the gorgeous sailboats. The small island is easily explored by bicycle, with just a 4-mile long circumference. WebWhat Boston day trips can you do without a car? Click here to book your 5-hour bike tour (with a lobster roll!) Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 20 minutes. At the 1850s Skolfield-Whittier House guided tours shed light on what upper middle class life was like in the 19th century. Hi there! Enjoy the larger outlets, but also make sure you pop into some of the local shops along the way. The 1791 lighthouse and award-winning museum, located in the former keepers quarters, are open year round. The Freedom Trail is one of the best things to do in Boston for history buffs (and anyone who wants to appreciate the countrys earliest years). You'll find a few throughout the state, but if you like to build up a sweat before dunking head to Rattlesnake Flume and Pool in Evans Notch. The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village was established in 1783, and is located between New Gloucester and Poland. Kennebunkport and Ogunquit are excellent options for days trips from Portland, Maine in the winter because of their holiday celebrations. Even with just a day trip from Portland, youll be able to see some incredible coastal landscapes and lighthouses, go on some awesome tours, eat some delicious food and feel like you had a true vacation while only being gone a day. Longfellow Books, 1 Monument Sq, Portland, ME 04101, USA. The most memorable part is the view of Mooselookmeguntic Lake at the Height of Land. For even MORE fun, go to Bullwinkle's which is pictured here. A daily routine is overrated when you live in a place like Maine. Enjoy a walk along the historic waterfront and read the history cards placed along the path. Maine is lucky enough to be home to 36 state parks and one amazing state forest. If this sounds appealing, we recommend checking out the southern Maine lights, which are all close enough that you can drive and see them all in a day. Find recommendations and ideas on the best day trips from Portland, Maine, United States, with pictures, details, and travel tips. Since Sebago Lake is the second largest lake in Maine, it covers a pretty big area, and there are a few different towns that surround the lake, which each offer really fun things to do. Click here to book your vintage boat ride tour in Lake Winnipesaukee! Located on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Port is now home to locally owned boutique shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Drive to the top of Quill Hill for more amazing birds eye lake views. Visit the Sebago Lake State Park, rent a canoe or kayak with the Sebago Trails Paddling Company. Click here for more information on customized and luxury private day tours from Portland! Kids under age 5 ride free of charge. One great tour to consider on your day trip from Portland, Maine is a Freedom Trail Walking Tour. Menu. It's on the edge of the downtown area so it will be a decent walk to the Old Port, but it's better than taking a cab or the bus. Its a hip and laid back place that almost seems too cool for one of New Englands most beautiful towns. Some of the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor on a day trip from Portland: If you come to Boothbay Harbor for your day trip, I highly suggest you consider a boat tour. This is a walking tour, so youll also get to see some charming streets in the North End for a well-rounded day trip to Boston. Blueberry Mountain, Stoneham, ME 04217, USA. The museum has a special focus on the paintings of Winslow Homer (1836-1910). In all honestly, getting outside of Portland to explore the local areas without a car is very difficult, and sometimes not even possible. Weve compiled a list of 10 incredible places to visit in Maine on one tank of gas. Guided tours of the schools campus are offered to the public on Wednesday afternoons. Affordable things to see near me, must-visit beaches near me, cheap weekend getaways: East Coast Beaches, SC, Beaches near Orlando, Last Minute, NH, Houston, Palm Springs, Monterey, From Atlanta, GA, Sedona AZ. There is a small charge per bicycle if you bring your own. This tour often spots moose from above on the lake shorelines, so if seeing a moose in Maine is on your list, this will be a great option. Some of the best things to do in Conway on a day trip from Portland: You may also enjoy:The best places to go apple picking in New Hampshire! Do one more painting exercise to relieve stress. A great tour option for your day trip from Portland, Maine is the Lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals Tour. For more of our favorite swimming holes in Maine. E-bikes are so much fun to ride, and allow you to pack more into your schedule than just walking. Grab some snacks, Maine whoopie pies and other delicious baked goods at Gemmes General Store. WebFrom NYC to Rockland, Maine, the route is roughly 400 miles one way, or about an 7-8 hour drive without stops. The ferry departs about once an hour. If you're not much of a downhill adrenaline seeker, strap on some cross-country skis and make your way to Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Limestone. Im the creator and writer behind New England Wanderlust, and my passion is sharing my knowledge on the very best things to do and see in New England, and beyond. Grab a lobster roll at Roy Moore Lobster Company. Bicycling is a good way to get around Peaks Island. In fact, you dont even need a vehicle for one of our recommended city breaks. WebIf you don't want to rent a car, I would suggest looking at the Inn at St. John for lodging. 25 Best Weekend and Day Trips from Portland, Maine. If you want to do a day trip from Boston on public transportation, I recommend the seaside town of Newburyport by train, the foodie city of Portland, Maine, by train, and the fun Cape Cod town of Provincetown by ferry. Best things to do in Marblehead on your day trip from Portland: Click here to read my post on all the best things to do in Marblehead! From haunted tours, to fun street fairs, to a picture-perfect New England streets covered in leaves, this is one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine you can take during the autumn season. Have an awesome waterfront lunch or dinner at. In the spring and summer months, enjoy fishing, canoeing and kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking or golf. A round-trip ticket cost about $8 per adult (age 14-64) and $4 per child/senior (age 5-13 or 65+) at the time of our visit. This is the home where abolitionist writer Harriot Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin. Sure, its easy to wake up on a Saturday, eat breakfast, and then go about your business, but why not shake things up for the next few weeks and add in these fun day trips to your weekend? Truly a year-round destination, Kennebunkport offers things to do both outside and in. Nubble Lighthouse is one of the most iconic in all of Maine, and most people only get to see it from a viewing point across the way from the island it sits on. Walk from Ogunquits town to Perkins Cove along Marginal Way for one of the most scenic walks in Southern Maine! This Windjammer tour is an awesome option, and they have two types of tours: one is a day sail, and the other is a sunset sail if you want to end your day out on the water. For tips on what to bring with you on your puffin tour, as well as other fun things to do in Boothbay Harbor, check out my post below! If youre willing to stay in Portland and explore the coastline, this awesome bike tour is 5-hours long, and will make you feel like youre away from the city. Pretty much any destination in New England is wonderful to visit in the fall, but one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine in the fall is Salem, MA, especially during the month of October. Both are excellent destinations to dedicate a full day to, however, so its entirely up to you! Two public boat launches, a city dock and two marinas serve the town. See the best places to visit based on your interests. Located on a peninsula jutting into Casco Bay, Portland is a rare metropolis in a state filled with small hamlets. Some of the best things to do in Portsmouth, NH on a day trip from Portland: If youre looking to see as much of Portsmouth as you can, as well as take in some of the best water views, I recommend checking out this bike tour through town and the local islands. Maines Bradbury Mountain State Park is located just north of Portland and is open to visitors year round for outdoor recreation opportunities. Also, if you have a few more day trips weve overlooked, wed love to hear about those, too. Maine is full of wonderful small towns to explore, but Bath is one of our favorites. New England in particular really requires a car to get around, and public transportation between towns isnt great, unless youre going from one city to another. Maines second-largest lake is only an hour from Portland. The island is best known for its arts community, which offers an internationally-renowned art school, two performing arts venues, and a wide variety of art galleries and studios. Portland is the perfect place to start your coastal Maine road trip. New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The best part? Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 15 minutes. This is a private tour for your group, and considering how much ground youll cover, the price for the whole group is very fair! This tour will start at Portland Head Light, and take you out to Camden, Bangor and some of the best sites in Acadia National Park, including to the top of Cadillac Mountain and Bass Harbor Lighthouse. ), but its definitely worth a full-day visit, or even a whole weekend. Many are even more beautiful in the winter, but if you prefer to keep your outdoors exploration comfortable, take a hike in the summertime. Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA. Named the most beautiful mountain town in Maine, Bethel offers year round opportunity for outdoor recreation. Report inappropriate content AudenHoggart Portland, Maine Maine has some of the best skiing in the northeast. Head out onto the water (see my suggestion below!). WebIf you don't want to rent a car, I would suggest looking at the Inn at St. John for lodging. Read 133,744 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Portland to various destinations. Portland, Maines central coast location makes day trips along the Atlantic coast and into Maines lake and mountain regions easy and accessible. Now that Portlands out of the way, use the city as the gateway to a deep dive into Maine, which is best explored by road trip. This tour is about 2.5 hours, and takes you out to Eastern Egg Rock to see a puffin colony. Between the charming downtown, beautiful waterfront restaurants and amazing opportunities to tour the waters and see wildlife, youre sure to have a great day in Boothbay Harbor. Our road trips run the gamut in terms of what youll see and experience, from waterfalls to natural wonders. Tours of the studio depart from the museum. Walk along the paths in the waterfront park. Located on Penobscot Bay, the deepwater Camden Harbor is home to several tall ships and schooners that offer cruises of the bay, sailing tours and fishing excursions. Maine is full of wonderful small towns to explore, but Bath is one of our favorites. In the winter months, snowmobiles are allowed on the Switch Back Trail, Link Trail and Snowmobile Trail. In the warmer months, visit the Colony Beach at the mouth of the Kennebunkport River. Where can I go on one tank of gas in Maine? Rent a golf cart to tour the perimeter. Even though its a splurge, the price is very fair for a private tour, especially in such a gorgeous area. Overlooking the park is Griffith Head, a rocky outcropping with views of the Seguin Island lighthouses. Some of the best things to do in on a day trip to Sebago Lake from Portland: One of the best ways to get out onto the lake for a peaceful afternoon is by renting kayaks and spending a few hours enjoying the views from the peaceful water. Named for the rocky terrain and its history of limestone mining, todays Rockport is a laid back scenic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The 150 foot long sandy stretch is named for its location in front of the historic 1914 Colony Hotel. ), then you may enjoy this walking tour of the movies filming locations in Salem. By VacationIdea Staff on April 3, 2023 - Updated. Hike the lighthouse trail to pass by eight lighthouses, join in on a walking tour with the Deer Isle Historical Society, and shop the local galleries. The downtown area is packed with awesome and unique shops and eateries, theres a big local artist scene here, and everywhere you go, you kind of feel like youre in a postcard. Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. The Old Port Festival, celebrated each June, offers live music, locally made arts and crafts, and food from several area restaurants. 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