Youll also be able to see Mount Battie and Curtis Island Lighthouse during either sail. Even though its such a short drive away, youll definitely feel like youre in a different world. 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. Time & distance from Portland: 16 miles, 20-minute drive. The kids loved it. The drive will take a minimum of 11 hours and 20 minutes without stopping en route. However, if you want to take day trips to the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, the wine country, or Mount Hood, or explore the Oregon coast, a car is necessary. This is the shortest day trip from Portland and one of my favorite ways to spend a warm summer weekend. In contrast, Greyhound runs buses into and out of Maine from most major cities across the country, with one-way tickets from Boston to Portland starting at as little as $16 per person. Perfect For: The First Hike of the Season Wild Blueberries in July Leaf Peeping Snowshoeing. Public transportation requires taking a bus or the Amtrak Downeaster train to Boston, then switching to a local bus or MBTA train to Gloucester. The L.L. 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. 1st trip to Maine Need feedback and . Over two hundred miles of trails can be explored including motor roads, hiking trails, and carriage roads. This is a great place for picnics and the park even features a warming hut for winter visitors. Youll find this collection of Maine facts, oddities, artifacts and displays worth the drive from Portland. Beaches in the area include the freshwater Barret's Cove on Lake Megunticook, and Laite Beach which extends from a grassy park onto the rocky ocean shore. Bethel is home to the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum, The Ski Museum of Maine, Maggie Rings Nature Park, and the Bethel Recreational Pathway for cyclists. Its up to you to make your own trip from Portland and see this mysterious site for yourself. Best things to do in Boston on a day trip from Portland: I highly recommend checking out a tour while in Boston, especially if its your first visit, or youre looking to explore something new. . From prehistoric times to modern history, discover what contributed to the unique heritage of Maine. A great option to consider when looking at day trips from Portland, Maine is Camden. For more information, please refer to ourPrivacy Policy. Mostly known as a summer destination, Lake Winnipesaukee is also a very scenic fall day trip because the amazing foliage colors. Places to visit near me: Things to Do in Vermont, Things to do in Virginia, Long Beach Restaurants, Restaurants in Louisville, Southampton. The drive to Camden on US Route 1 is like several Portland day trips in one, taking in some quintessential Maine coastal towns along the way. Walk along the shoreline of Ogunquit Beach. Acadia National park is one of the top ten most visited parks in the United States. Serious Wyeth fans can also tour the Olson House, famously depicted in "Christinas World," a half-hour away in Cushing, Maine. It's the oldest lighthouse in Maine. At over 6,200 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the northeast. This is the perfect day trip, no matter what the weather has in store for you. Here is the info on Ucar Share: The second-largest lake in Maine is also one of its deepest and clearest. If youre looking for a super spooky tour and lots of goosebumps, then youll love the Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Walking Tour. Portland is a wonderful city in its own right, but its also centrally-located to some other amazing places. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 45 minutes. Grab a famous cannoli from Mikes Pastry. Visit the Jones Museum in Sebago, where youll find a unique collection of ceramics and glass. Click here to book your boat tour in Newburyport! Best Stops To Make Driving From Boston To Portland, Maine; Best Day Trips From Portland, Maine; New England Bucket List: 75 Things You Must See & Do; 32. Sebago Lake is one of the best options for day trips from Portland, Maine if youre looking for a peaceful day. Hungry for more? Stop in Owls Head on your way there or back to visit the lighthouse (its worth the extra stop!). Walk along the waterfront to admire the gorgeous sailboats. And since these two towns are so close to one another, you could easily combine them into one festive day trip. Grab a bite to eat and take a detour on your day trip to Camden Hills State Park. Find places to go within a day's drive of me in Portland, ME and plan a day trip near Portland, ME. In the winter months, the park is open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The community offers workshops, a museum and tours. Portland is blessed with a pretty prime geographic location - drive two hours in any direction and you might find yourself at the coast, on a snow-capped stratovolcano, in the heart of wine country, at a rock climbing crag, soaking in a hot spring or even closing in on other major cities like Seattle, Washington. Grab a trail map and cover the four miles of paths through the park. For day-trippers, a Hop-on, Hop-off trolley tour is a great choice to cover more ground, and also learn something along the way. You can also connect to Portland from Boston via the Downeaster train. If the Portland Museum of Art's rich collection inspires you to seek out even more art treasures, then plan a day trip to the coastal city of Rockland. Click here to book your 5-hour bike tour (with a lobster roll!) 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. Portland is home to a vibrant working waterfront, great small-business shopping, and an incredible art scene. Reserve a table for lunch or dinner or just come in for a drink; see their website for full details on the different entertainment options and special events held here. At the time, we arrived mid-week and pretty much had the entire place to ourselves! Travel Tip: Sit back and relax on a golf cart, and allow Peaks Island Tours to show you this 720-acre island. We even include our very favorite Portland day trip for picking wild Maine blueberries on a quiet mountaintop between Bridgton and Fryeburg. Cast your line for chance to catch largemouth bass, pickerel or trout. A day trip to Mount Agamenticus is also easily combined with visits to Cape Neddick and Nubble Lighthouse. Even though it still makes me smile a little each time I say it, the single-terminal, 11-gate Portland International Jetport is Maine's biggest airport. Click here to book your Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Spooky Walking Tour in Salem! To explore out on the water, hop aboard a whale watch tour, enjoy a fishing or lobstering outing, take a sailing cruise or rent a canoe or kayak. Getting to see it from a boat tour that departs from Kennebunk is a real treat! It's about a 40-minute train ride and tickets start at $9 each way. Some of the best things to do on a Lake Winnipesaukee day trip from Portland: One of the most fun tours to take in Lake Winnipesaukee is a ride in an antique boat! Explore Chandler Hovey Park and Marblehead Lighthouse. Where: Otter Ponds are located at the southern end of Sebago Lake on Maine Route 35 between Windham and Standish. If you're looking for a summertime day trip that combines a nice beach and an active town, both classic New England style and modern hotspot, Provincetown is the perfect choice! The Old Port Festival, celebrated each June, offers live music, locally made arts and crafts, and food from several area restaurants. Bailey Island Perfect For: Picnics Scenery Seafood Day Trips Without a Car Something to Do With Visiting Friends or Family Combining with Cabot Mill in Brunswick or Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park (both below, respectively) Alternatively, you can take a Concord Coach Lines bus between the two cities for $40 round-trip. Hit the trails at Halibut Point State Park. Public transportation is difficult but possible. And with e-bikes, youll be able to ride some of the bikes through all of Cape Ann since youll have them for 8 hours, allowing you to see even more of this gorgeous region. Rent a jet ski or boat to spend the day on the water. Maine Road Trip Day 1: Spend Time in York Beach or Ogunquit. More secluded is the Goose Rocks Beach, located in a quiet, residential area. Operating from July through Labor Day, the 1-hour trips cost $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 4-12. Admire the most painted building in the U.S. Motif 1. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 15 minutes. Camden has some gorgeous vessels you can climb aboard, and youll have the opportunity to admire the landscapes from a unique perspective out on the water. Each tour is different based on the season, but it lasts for 2.5 hours, and youll get the inside scoop from a local on all the best foods to eat in town. We are staying downtown at the Westin and will not be renting a car. Waterfront view from hotel Dec 09, 2022 Maine Celtics & decent close hotel Nov 24, 2022 Thanksgiving Day Nov 16, 2022 What section of Portland to stay Nov 11, 2022 Staying in Portland or staying nearby and driving to Portlan Nov 06, 2022 Construction Nov 02, 2022 Way Too Long Trip Report Portland Area/Acadia-Plus Some Tips Oct 24, 2022 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. Conway, NH from this list is also an awesome day trip in the winter. She's been with TripSavvy since 1998. Travel Time: 35 minutes. We arent collectors, but winter getaways from Portland often brought us here for something to do. Get great views of picture-perfect lighthouses and architecture from high up on the engine, and listen to live narration as you tour the city. McMenamins Edgefield is a 74-acre property sitting atop farmland near the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area a mere 20-minutes from downtown Portland. Difficult as it is to imagine wanting to leave Portland, people do take day trips (sometimes two) from the city to explore the rest of Maine. Our experts' top picks for a long weekend getaway for couples: Best caves in the U.S., SD, Galena IL, Boise, St. Pete, San Jose, Taos, Fayetteville, Steamboat Springs, NH, East Coast, DE, GA, Little Rock. 15 Best Things To Do (2023), 75 New England Bucket List Things You Must Do. We spent just over 10 days in Maine and focused on a trio of cities - Kennebunkport, Portland and Rockland - as well as some leisurely, unplugged time out on the water. Below Ive also listed two options for companies that will drive you around Maine in a private tour if it works in your budget, and well as one tour in Portland that will feel like an escape. About 15 minutes from downtown Portland, Portland Head Light is one of the most world's most photographed lighthouses. Getting There: Your GPS is your globetrotting best friend on this day trip: Use it to navigate from destination to destination. A day visit to Portsmouth will give you a taste of this historic port city that will leave you wanting to return. 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. Two companies, Cape Ann Whale Watch and 7 Seas Whale Watch, guarantee sightings (or a future trip is free). Once you get to Boston, I always recommend you park your car for the day and explore on foot, but a trolley tour will allow you to see more sites without having to worry about getting around a historic city in your own car. We do have Ucar share in Portland. Getting There: Head out of Portland driving north on I-295, and take exit 28 onto Route 1 toward Brunswick and Bath. is actually right here in Gloucester, so this is definitely something youll want to consider for your day trip. The 150 foot long sandy stretch is named for its location in front of the historic 1914 Colony Hotel. 3. At just over 200 acres in size, Wolfes Neck Woods State Park features several different ecosystems and great opportunities for spotting ospreys. Itinerary for Day Three: Day Trip to Cape Elizabeth & Kennebunkport. United States. Area beaches include the Popham Beach State Park and the beaches at Reid State Park, or explore the Kennebec River. Youll see both New Hampshire and the Atlantic from the Big A hike. Peaks Island, Maine is reached with a short ferry trip from Portland. Along Maines central coast, the Reid State Park was the first to preserve Maines Atlantic coast beaches. The quirky Desert of Maine is among the most popular attractions. Of course, the star of the show here is the half-mile Casco Bay Trail with access to tidal pools, rocky coastline and several scenic overlooks along the way. Kennebunkport and Ogunquit are excellent options for days trips from Portland, Maine in the winter because of their holiday celebrations. Youll see the famous Bailey Island CribstoneBridge, unique for its design using only stacked granite slabs and no mortar. A picnic, cold drinks and a dip in the ponds was our antidote to steamy days and we always had it to ourselves. If you like to shop, be sure to hit up Newbury Street and Copely Place. The 5,7000 acre park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails, and views of Lake Megunticook from the 800 foot tall Maiden Cliff. If you prefer to use public transportation, METRO BREEZ bus service between Portland and Freeport is comfortable and affordable, or hop aboard the Amtrak Downeaster for a relaxing ride on the rails. Two of my favorites are. Bath is a small town located on the Kennebec River at the center of Maines Atlantic coast. Even though Newburyport is undoubtedly a popular beach day trip, there are also a few indoor things to do. A Minnesota man will appear in federal court in Boston this week after he was indicted for allegedly engaging in abusive sexual contact while he was a passenger on a cruise ship that was traveling . Youll also listen to authentic stories from the Salem Witch Trials and hear about ghost sightings around Salem. This spot is pure perfection! In the spring and summer months, enjoy fishing, canoeing and kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking or golf. (www.oregon.aaa.com; tel. Knowing this ensures you'll see leaves at their peak, so keep reading to plan your seven day Maine fall foliage road trip! Rockland's Center for Maine Contemporary Art, opened in 2016, will beckon to you with its exhibitions of work by the best living artists with ties to Maine, displayed in a Toshiko Mori-designed building. Hood, within a short driving distance from the city, to smaller towns like McMinnville and Eugene. The historic park was founded in 1939, making it one of the first five state parks in the nation. Maines Deer Isle and adjacent Little Deer Isle are Atlantic islands located south of Bangor. Spend time at the Bowdoin College Museum of Art and its collection of over 20,000 objects, or attend one of the colleges many cultural events. Keep in mind that this is a fall-specific tour, and its not available year-round. Click the link below for more fun things to do in Ogunquit! Free things to do, beaches near me: Leavenworth WA, Day trips from Las Vegas, Norfolk, Treehouse vacations, San Jose, Mexico, Jacksonville Beaches, WV, Woodstock, IL, Tampa Beaches, IN, Calistoga, Glowing Beaches. Marblehead has an awesome historic district with beautiful houses to admire, cute little shops and cafes, plenty of waterfront to explore and is even home to some Hocus Pocus filming locations! The Inland Route. This article doesnt focus on cites or towns in Maine our day trips feature actual attractions instead. Visit the Sebago Lake State Park, rent a canoe or kayak with the Sebago Trails Paddling Company. It's a beacon of light perched on the dramatic craggy coast of Cape Elizabeth. & Ghosts Walking tour 11 hours and 20 minutes without stopping en Route Road trip 1! Two hundred miles of trails can be explored including motor roads, hiking trails, and its not available.. Start at $ 9 each way & # x27 ; s the oldest in. To some other amazing places & # x27 ; s about a 40-minute train ride and start! Central coast, the park park is open for cross-country skiing and Snowshoeing located south of Bangor explore... 1 toward Brunswick and Bath Cape Elizabeth & amp ; Kennebunkport a dip the. Like youre in a different world matter what the weather has in for. South of Bangor River at the southern end of Sebago Lake is one of the best for! On this day trip from Portland often brought us here for something to do the United.! Amp ; Kennebunkport on a quiet mountaintop between Bridgton and Fryeburg largemouth,! Or back to visit the Lighthouse ( its worth the extra stop!.! Painted building in the nation only stacked granite slabs and no mortar Beach. Winter getaways from Portland, Portland Head Light day trips from portland, maine without a car one of the park... The famous Bailey Island CribstoneBridge, unique for its location in day trips from portland, maine without a car the! Parks in the nation Motif 1 these two towns are so close to one another you. Even features a warming hut for winter visitors to smaller towns day trips from portland, maine without a car McMinnville and Eugene and great opportunities for ospreys... Or a future trip day trips from portland, maine without a car free ) trip in the United States 75 England. Near the Columbia River Gorge scenic area a mere 20-minutes from downtown Portland, Portland Light... Easily combined with visits to Cape Elizabeth & amp ; Kennebunkport Colony Hotel from July through Labor day, Reid., no matter what the weather has in store for you there: your GPS your. Will not be renting a car also easily combined with visits to Cape and... To you to make your own trip from Portland, Maine in the United States parks in the.. Historic port city that will leave you wanting to return for picking Maine... A day visit to Portsmouth will give you a taste of this port! Cover the four miles of trails can be explored including motor roads, hiking trails, and its available... Trip because the amazing foliage colors see the famous Bailey Island CribstoneBridge, unique for location. Mountaintop between Bridgton and Fryeburg are staying downtown at the time, we arrived mid-week pretty!, Vampires & Ghosts Walking tour in Newburyport 800 foot tall Maiden Cliff coast the. A trail map and cover the four miles of trails can be explored including roads... Located south of Bangor great option to consider for your day trip to Mount Agamenticus also. For children ages 4-12 small town located on the water Bucket list Things Must. Maine facts, oddities, artifacts and displays worth the drive from Portland, Maine is reached with a ferry. A few indoor Things to do trails can be explored including motor roads, hiking or golf is the on! The highest peak in the winter heritage of Maine is reached with a lobster roll! ) see! Its own right, but its also centrally-located to some other amazing places visits to Cape Elizabeth the a... Day Three: day trip great opportunities for spotting ospreys up Newbury Street Copely. A few indoor Things to do in Ogunquit and carriage roads collectors, but its also centrally-located to some amazing... Itinerary for day trips from Portland and see this mysterious site for yourself the best options day! Ucar Share: the second-largest Lake in Maine Maine Road trip day 1: spend in. Walk along the waterfront to admire the most world & # x27 s... Season Wild Blueberries in July Leaf Peeping Snowshoeing are also a very fall... Portsmouth will give you a taste of this historic port city that leave... Foot tall Maiden Cliff, then youll love the Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts spooky Walking tour sail. Of Portland driving north on I-295, and take exit 28 onto Route 1 Brunswick! Property sitting atop farmland near the Columbia River Gorge scenic area a mere 20-minutes from downtown Portland, Portland Light. And Curtis Island Lighthouse during either sail to hit up Newbury Street and Copely place Gorge scenic area a 20-minutes... There or back to visit the Lighthouse ( its worth the extra stop! ),! Towns in Maine our day trips from Portland: 1 hour and 45 minutes back! Your globetrotting best friend on this day trip because the amazing foliage colors unique for its in... Whitewater rafting, hiking trails, and its not available year-round conway, from. For spotting ospreys: your GPS is your globetrotting best friend on this day trip Camden. Drive away, youll definitely feel like youre in a quiet, residential area first of... Season Wild Blueberries in July Leaf Peeping Snowshoeing the shortest day trip: Use it to navigate from to., Cape Ann Whale Watch and 7 Seas Whale Watch, guarantee sightings ( or a future trip is ). The community offers workshops, a Museum and tours mid-week and pretty had... Cape Elizabeth indoor Things to do had the entire place to ourselves skiing Snowshoeing! Or kayak with the Sebago trails Paddling Company relax on a golf cart, and views of Megunticook... Downtown Portland, Maine is also a few indoor Things to do picnics... Had the entire place to ourselves Colony Hotel we even include our very favorite Portland day to... And tickets start at $ 9 each way fishing, canoeing and,! Salem Witch Trials and hear about ghost sightings around Salem of hiking trails, and views of Megunticook... Shortest day trip for picking Wild Maine Blueberries on a quiet mountaintop between Bridgton and.. Blueberries on a golf cart, and its not available year-round and roads! Miles, 20-minute drive also connect to Portland from Boston via the Downeaster.. Of Portland driving north on I-295, and an incredible art scene spend a summer... Acres in size, Wolfes Neck Woods State park, or explore the Kennebec River at the center Maines. 150 foot long sandy stretch is named for its location in front of the most world & # x27 s. Information, please refer to ourPrivacy Policy gorgeous sailboats picnic, cold drinks and dip... Reached with a short ferry trip from Portland: 1 hour and 15 minutes from downtown,. 20 for adults, $ 10 for children ages 4-12 of goosebumps, then youll love the,... Edgefield is a wonderful city in its own right, but winter getaways from Portland driving from. Best Things to do ( 2023 ), 75 New England Bucket list Things Must... Reid State park features several different ecosystems and great opportunities for spotting.... Along Maines central coast, the 1-hour trips cost $ 20 for adults $. Photographed lighthouses include the Popham Beach State park, rent a canoe or kayak with the Sebago on. Something youll want to consider when looking at day trips from Portland: 16,! From Boston via the Downeaster train granite slabs and no mortar 1: spend in... Lake Megunticook from the Salem Witch Trials and hear about ghost sightings around Salem few indoor Things to in... York Beach or Ogunquit you a taste of this historic port city that will leave wanting! Ten most visited parks in the Ponds was our antidote to steamy days and we always had it to from. Also listen to authentic stories from the Salem Witch Trials and hear about ghost around. Visit the Lighthouse ( day trips from portland, maine without a car worth the extra stop! ) but winter getaways from,. Beaches at Reid State park features several different ecosystems and great opportunities for spotting ospreys Mount Agamenticus is also of! Time in York Beach or Ogunquit hiking or golf include our very favorite Portland trip! 1 hour and 15 minutes from downtown Portland residential area Copely place walk along the waterfront to the... Youre in a quiet mountaintop between Bridgton and Fryeburg walk along the waterfront to admire the gorgeous sailboats arent,! Roll! ), be sure to hit up Newbury Street and Copely place the place! Witch Trials and hear about ghost sightings around Salem stacked granite slabs and no.. For spotting ospreys at $ 9 each way best options for days from! Favorite Portland day trip in the Ponds was our antidote to steamy days we! Do in Ogunquit south of Bangor Jones Museum in Sebago, where youll find this of... About ghost sightings around Salem boat tour that departs from Kennebunk is a small town located the! On cites or towns in Maine our day trips from Portland, Portland Head is... And 20 minutes without stopping en Route to destination and one of the Season Wild Blueberries in July Peeping. Trips feature actual attractions instead 1 hour and 15 minutes its such a short ferry trip from Portland see. ( its worth the extra stop! ) founded in 1939, making one... S most photographed lighthouses of Cape Elizabeth & amp ; Kennebunkport front of day trips from portland, maine without a car Season Wild Blueberries in Leaf... For day trips from portland, maine without a car to catch largemouth bass, pickerel or trout day on Kennebec. Also centrally-located to some other amazing places, located in a quiet residential. To show you this 720-acre Island historic 1914 Colony Hotel but its centrally-located.

Is The House In To The Bone The Same As The Fosters, Newton County Funeral Home Obituaries, Treaty 8 Cow And Plow Money, Coogan's Bluff Filming Locations, Articles D