What to Do in Portland, Maine

There are endless things to do in Portland, Maine whether you’re visiting for a day or a long weekend. From breweries to some of the best restaurants on the East Coast and all the activities in between here are some of my favorite things to do in Portland, Maine for an amazing trip.

What To Do In Portland Maine

Check out my list below for all the places to eat, where to drink, what to do and the best sights to see.

Good Food in Portland Maine

Best Restaurants Portland Maine

Here’s some of the best restaurants to enjoy in Portland, Maine. It’s quite the foodie spot. Of course, you’ll find lots of seafood and even oyster carts right on the street. But beyond seafood, there’s delicious pizza, Belgian-style fries, donuts and more to enjoy.

Eventide Oyster Co.

A raw bar with, of course, lots of oyster options, plus other raw seafood and classic New England fare with an upgrade like the Brown Butter Lobster roll. It’s a smaller spot with limited reservations for groups of 6-10 so plan to walk in as close to opening as you can to get on the list.

Address: 86 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101

The Honey Paw

The Honey Paw is a noodle bar with other small plates. The Beef Boat Noodle is a must. They also offer limited reservations, but suggest trying to walk-in. I highly recommend trying to visit during Happy Hour and save room for their soft serve ice cream dessert.

Address: 78 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101

Duckfat

They have both a restaurant and a smaller location at a brewery. They serve Belgian-style fries fried in duck fat for an indulgent savory dish along with some unique dips like truffle ketchup. I recommend getting multiple dips like the horseradish mayo and rotating special fry sauce.

We enjoyed Duckfat’s location at Oxbow Brewing at 43 Washington Ave, which offers a smaller version of their menu. The original location offers salads, soups, sandwiches and some apps.

Address: 43 Middle Street, Portland, Maine 04101

Twelve

The executive chef at Twelve previously worked in New York City at Eleven Madison Park where he led the team to receive the award of “World’s Best Restaurant,” so you know you’re having an amazing meal heading into Twelve. The entire staff are masters of their expertise.

You’ll experience Modern New England fine dining in a historic waterfront setting with dishes like a New York Strip, crudo and Parker House rolls.

Address: 115 Thames St, Portland, ME 04101

Central Provisions

Central Provisions offers a unique and eclectic dining experience with small plates and cocktails in their rustic setting.

They offer brunch, lunch and dinner with a regularly rotating menu with categories including raw, cold and hot. Central has been noted for many years as one of the best restaurants in the city.

Address: 414 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101

Fore Street Restaurant

Fore Street offers a locally-sourced and handcrafted menu of meat, game and vegetables.

Address: 288 Fore Street Portland, Maine 04101

Hot Suppa

Southern dishes are offered at this all-day brunch spot that is worth the wait. You’ll find grits, fried green tomatoes, biscuits and gravy, fried chicken and waffles on the menu and more.

Address: 703 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102

Mr. Tuna

Mr. Tuna is a sushi stand that specializes in hand-rolls. It was one of my favorite bites in Maine.

Address: 83 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101

OTTO

Pizza! They offer pizza by the slice. Makes a perfect stop for a quick bite with unique options as well as the traditional pepperoni slice. You can find Buffalo Cauliflower, Scallion & Blue Cheese pizza and Butternut Squash, Ricotta & Cranberry as well as option loaded with meat, like Hot Honey, Cup & Char Pepperoni & Goat Cheese. YUM.

Address: 576 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, however there are multiple locations.

Best Bakeries in Portland Maine

Standard Baking Co.

Find pastries galore and freshly baked cookies! It’s a great spot for coffee, freshly baked slow-fermented and naturally leavened breads and pastries, plus other breakfast items like scones, sticky buns and croissants.

I also recommend trying anything with blueberry when they’re in season in Maine.

Address: 75 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

Two Fat Cats Bakery

An amazing name, plus amazing desserts and sweets. You’ll find pies, cakes and so much more. They’re known for their whoopie pies so get the traditional one and a seasonal flavor too.

Address: 195 Lancaster St, Portland, ME 04101

Holy Donut

Here you’ll find potato donuts that are dense and filling with loads of flavors to choose from. Order at least half a dozen. I still DREAM about these donuts!

They recently rolled out nationwide shipping and I just might have to bite the bullet and do that because I enjoyed them that much.

Address: 177 Commercial St. Portland ME 04102, with several locations in Portland and Maine

the best lobster in Portland, Maine

Portland Lobster Co.

I recommend Portland Lobster Co. for your quintessential lobster dining experience. It’s a casual, seaside lobster shack with live music and fast service considering the crowds that are there.

When you arrive you’ll place your order for food and then if you want to dine-in you’ll put your name in for a table. They time it well so that you’re seated shortly before your food is ready.

The lobster is fresh and you get a hearty portion for the price. I thought the sides were pretty great as well and the live music made it an entertaining spot. It’d be fun for a group too.

Address: 180 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

What to do in Portland: Drink Good Beer & Spirits

It’s so easy to brewery & distillery hop in Portland. They offer brew bus tours if you’re really committed. But you could also just choose one neighborhood or area and hop around the breweries in that area. Here’s some of the best we enjoyed:

Oxbow Brewing

This brewery had a massive space for drinkers and was home to a Duckfat window so you can enjoy some awesome fries while drinking.

Address: 49 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101

Shipyard Brewing Co.

This one had some board games and video games so you can stay entertained while imbibing. It would also make a good spot for the colder months.

Address: 27 Hancock St, Portland, ME 04101

Root Wild Kombucha

Not a traditional brewery, but you can get fresh kombuhca on tap and take a break from the alcohol.

Address: 135 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101

Maine Craft Distilling

This is such a cute spot with something for everyone. They have an indoor and outdoor space plus a kitchen serving up more than your usual bar fare. We actually stopped here because they make their own rum which Ryan loves.

They also can their own cocktails, so kind of like a White Claw, but a million times better, tbh.

Address: 123 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101

Sweetgrass Winery & Distillery

We visited their cozy tasting room in Old Port. For $5 you can choose 4 samples! No better deal in the city.

Address: 324 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101

Water Activities in Portland Maine

Go sailing, kayaking or paddle boarding. There are endless ways to enjoy the ocean and water in Portland. If you’re visiting during the summer I think it’s a non-negotiable to get in or on the water in some way.

Portland Schooner Co.

Portland Schooner Co. is the top choice for sailing.

Portland Paddle

Portland Paddle is the #1 choice for kayaking and SUP offering tons of options, including a sunset excursion.
It does get a little cooler on the water, so plan to wear an extra layer the what you have on land to stay warm.

Visit East End Beach

East End Beach is Portland’s only public beach so there’s usually a good crowd during the summer months. It’s a pebble and sand beach so make sure you’ve got some sandals for walking.

You can sunbathe and play in the water. The water isn’t going to be super warm because you’re still in New England but it’s refreshing on a hot summer day. You can also launch your kayaks and paddle boards here.

Walk the Eastern Promenade

Before or after enjoying the beach and the brews, walk along the Eastern Promenade. The Eastern Promenade Trail runs 2 miles long and takes you on a route alongside the harbor.

From the beach you can take this trail back to downtown Portland or use that as your starting point.

Admire Lighthouses both Big and Small

Portland Headlight

Actually located in Cape Elizabeth, is said to be the most photographed lighthouse in the United States. After taking in the view, explore the surrounding Fort Williams area.

Portland Breakwater Light

Often referred to as the Bug Light Lighthouse given its smaller size. It’s only 26-feet tall.

Explore Casco Bay Islands

If you’re in Portland longer than a day or two then I highly recommend checking out the Bay’s Islands. You can take the Casco Bay Lines shuttle for a quick ride across the bay to the small islands. There is something for everyone on the islands with shopping, restaurants, kayaking and lots of relaxing.

The islands include Bailey Island, Peaks Island, Cliff Island, Chebeague, Great Diamond, Little Diamond, Diamond Cove and Long Island. You could spend an entire day island hopping. Visit Portland has a guide to the vibe of each island.

Discover Old Port

Hop over to Old Port and wander up and down the streets. The architecture alone is worth admiring and there are plenty of shops and more to enjoy.

Enjoy the Nightlife

While Portland is a smaller city, there’s a pretty bustling nightlife, especially in the warmer months.

Arcadia National Bar

We had fun at Arcadia National Bar which served good craft beer and had pinball, arcade games and board games. Plus, there was a TV live streaming a kitten rescue room so you could watch little kitties playing. Too cute!

Top of the East

We also enjoyed the views at Top of the East which was more upscale with great views of the city. It’s actually located in the Westin Portland which is where we stayed during our trip.

Have you ever visited Portland, Maine? If you have any additional recommendations let me know below!

Want to see more of Maine? Read this 10 – Day New England Road Trip Travel Guide next.

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