Portland is one of the best getaways in the Northeast United States, and it’s perfect for a girls’, mother-daughter, solo, or romantic trip. So here are some of my favorite pictures of Portland, Maine, USA to inspire your travel plans!
The Ultimate Portland, Maine, Travel Guide
This charming city is full of accommodation options for every budget and preference. So whether you want an incredible vacation home or a stunning hotel, I’ve got the perfect option for you.
My top recommendations for Portland, Maine, are to visit the Portland Head Light, go on a schooner cruise, explore the Old Port, have a picnic at the Eastern Promenade, do a craft brewery tour, and go on a food tour.
Here are my top pictures of Portland, Maine, USA to inspire your next trip!
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Recommended Tours in Portland
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland, Maine worth visiting?
Yes! After just one visit, Portland is one of my favorite cities in the Northeast United States! There are so many public parks and outdoor spaces, I felt very safe as a female traveler, and the city’s food and beer scenes are fantastic.
Is Portland, Maine beautiful?
Yes! Portland, Maine is one of the best getaways in the Northeast.
June – August is Portland’s peak tourism season. These are the driest months of the year, and daytime temperatures rarely go above the high 70s. It’ll be in the 50s at night, so bring layers. Summer is also when most of the city’s festivals, art exhibits, and regattas take place. Tourist numbers and hotel prices will be at their highest during these months, so book your tours and accommodation in advance to save some money and ensure availability.
Portland is the perfect place to visit in September – November if you want to avoid the crowds and peep some Fall foliage. Two of the city’s renowned foodie events – Harvest on the Harbor and Portland Beer Week – are held during these months. Temperatures will drop to the 50s in the day and 30s at night, and these are the rainiest months of the year. Vacation home rentals and hotels lower their prices significantly in these months, but some activities and boat tours don’t operate in the Fall.
December – February is Portland’s off-season because daytime temperatures are below freezing, and it’s in the low teens at night. Snow is common, and the city hosts some incredible snow activities, such as ice fishing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and sledding. Many tours, attractions, and restaurants close or reduce their hours during the winter. If you can brave the cold, then you can score some great accommodation deals.
March – May is Portland’s shoulder season. It won’t start feeling like Spring until May when daytime temperatures will finally reach the high 60s. Rain is common in these months, so bring rain gear and warm clothes. The rain will bring beautiful Spring flowers to the city and surrounding area. Mid-April is the start of the whale-watching season, so boat tours will resume. Tourist numbers and prices will also still be relatively low during these months.
Is Portland, Maine a good place to live?
Yes. Portland consistently ranks as one of the safest and best small cities to live in in the U.S.
If you’re visiting, Portland, Maine, is a very walkable city. Some of the neighborhoods are too far apart to walk between them, and the beaches are further from the city, but public transportation and rideshares are easy to find and use.
Why is Portland, Maine a good place to live?
Portland consistently ranks as one of the safest and best small cities to live in in the U.S.
If you’re visiting, give yourself at least 3-4 days to explore Portland. This will give you plenty of time to experience the historic downtown, enjoy the food scene, and take a day trip.
What is there to do in Portland, Maine for 2 days?
If you only have two days in Portland, then prioritize these activities:
1. Visit the Portland Head Light
2. Go on a schooner cruise
3. Explore the Old Port
4. Have a picnic at the Eastern Promenade
5. Visit the Portland Observatory
6. Do a craft brewery tour
7. Spend a day at Willard Beach (if it’s warm enough)
8. Walk out to the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
9. Take a ferry to Peaks Island
10. Visit the Historic Victoria Mansion
11. Go on a food tour
What food is Portland, Maine known for?
The Best Restaurants in Portland, Maine:
My Favorites: Eventide Oyster Co. (Oyster Bar, $$$), Central Provisions (Small Plates, $$$), Fore Street Restaurant (New American, $$$$), Duckfat (Cafe, $$).
Fine Dining: Hugo’s (Farm-To-Table, $$$$), Grace (American, $$$$), The Corner Room Italian Kitchen & Bar (Italian, $$$).
Seafood: J’s Oyster ($$), The Highroller Lobster Co. ($$), Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier ($$).
Craft Beer: The Great Lost Bear (Gastropub, $$), The King’s Head (Pub, $$), Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub (Brewpub, $$).
Brunch: Bayside American Cafe ($$), The Front Room ($$), The Sinful Kitchen ($$).
Waterfront Dining: Portland Lobster Company (Seafood, $$), DiMillo’s On The Water (Seafood, $$), Saltwater Grille (Seafood, $$$).
How many days do you need for Portland, Maine?
Give yourself at least 3-4 days to explore Portland. This will give you plenty of time to experience the historic downtown, enjoy the food scene, and take a day trip.
How Safe Is Portland, Maine?
I felt very safe during my entire trip to Portland. But, as with any destination, you need to take precautions to keep yourself safe. Don’t walk by yourself at night, stay in a secure and well-located hotel or vacation home, use slash-proof, lockable, and RFID-protected bags and purses, and always have a charged cell phone with you.
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This post is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post of pictures of Portland, Maine USA are entirely my own. Some of the links in this post of pictures of Portland, Maine USA are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this post of pictures of Portland, Maine USA.