BUS, CAR, PLANE, TRAIN, + FERRY SERVICE . With each tour on Millie B, guests get free admission to the Boat Museum as well. Where:We recommend Bald Peak Trail, located off US Highway 302 between Bridgton and Fryeburg, Maine. At over 6,200 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the northeast. During the tour, youll pass by lighthouses and gorgeous scenery, and the youll be guided by a member of the National Audubon Society to learn all about the puffins and other shore birds. Itinerary for Day Three: Day Trip to Cape Elizabeth & Kennebunkport. While the Visitors Center is located towards the west of the park in North Woodstock, theres plenty to see and do across the span of the range. The kids loved it. Concord Coach Lines Phone +1 800-639-3317 . New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Oregon Coast Day Trip: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. This means that Newburyport is still a decent day trip option even if it's raining or cold. Hit the trails at Halibut Point State Park. North America. Alternatively, make your Portland day trip to one of Maines island communities and explore on foot for several hours. 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. Hi there! It is also close to the waterfront, with great views of the islands, bay, and shops in the port. Here are my tips for a fun and easy visit with kids. If you dont have access to a car in Portland, you can take the Amtrak Downeastern train from Portland to Boston for your day trip. From the cobblestone streets of the Old Port to a scenic fall boat ride along the coast in Freeport. Click here to book this boat tour out to Nubble & Boon lighthouses! The next time you find yourself with a day off with nothing but sunshine and time, do yourself a favor and pay one of these places a visit! at one of the towns many bakeries. Explore the coast for the best of Maine lobster, to see the many historic lighthouses, and charming coastal towns. Turn right in Bath onto Route 127 South, and cross the bridges that connect Arrowsic and Georgetown islands to the mainland. Enjoy the trails at the park, or visit the Cape Elizabeth Greenbelt, a trail system that spreads through town, surrounding the inland waterways. Click here to book your 5-hour bike tour (with a lobster roll!) 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. Every good Maine road trip needs a day (or weekend) at the beach. Feel like a kid again at Weirs Beach, and ride the roller coasters, play arcade games and go kart. I love Kennebunkport because theres so much to do, but its also a small town thats easily manageable for a day trip. 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, Phone: 207-799-2661, Romantic places this weekend: Mountains in Utah, Utah resorts, Romantic Getaways in Maine, Maine lighthouses, Where to stay in Acadia, Things to Do in Brunswick, Wilson. Along with your kayak rental, youll get a life jacket, as well as a map of the lake so you know the best areas to explore. Or even must do's in the vacinity of Portland. For more information, check out our full article on how to get to Freeport from Portland. For more information, please refer to ourPrivacy Policy. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. We even include our very favorite Portland day trip for picking wild Maine blueberries on a quiet mountaintop between Bridgton and Fryeburg. Getting There: Salem, Massachusetts, an hour and 40 minutes from Portland in the car via I-95 South to Route 128 North to Route 114 East. The French influence is still felt today, and can be seen in Lewistons Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, built in 1870. The spooky fun reaches its peak in October, when the city hosts a month-long slate of Haunted Happenings. Maine Road Trip Day 1: Spend Time in York Beach or Ogunquit. See the 20 trails link directly above for information on each hike and dont forget to look for wild blueberries in mid-July! Get the most from your time and see as much of Maine (and New Hampshire!) That trend is likely to continue into 2023. Visit the shops and eateries downtown and along Main Street. 200 NH-112, North Woodstock, NH 03262, Phone: 603-745-8720, You are reading "25 Best Weekend and Day Trips from Portland, Maine " Back to Top. Home to Bowdoin College, which was founded in 1794, Brunswick is brimming with history. In the winter months, snowmobiles are allowed on the Switch Back Trail, Link Trail and Snowmobile Trail. Unlock What Makes This Coastal Community A Must-Do Destination. This Portland Maine day trip is easy, with or without a car. 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. Maines Damariscotta region is known for oysters, and has been for over two thousand years. Bar Harbor is the largest city on Maines Mount Desert Island. Portland summers, though short and sweet, are sunny, warm, and come with lots of activity on the water -- aim for July or August. Ah yes, the Otter Ponds make for a peaceful day trip just a stones throw from Sebago Lake. Distance From Boston: 3 hours and 45 minutes (but always allow extra time for traffic) The Ogunquit Museum of American Art was founded in the 1950s by a student working within the famous Perkins Cove artists colony. The 136-acre Aldermere Farm, managed by the Maine Coast Heritage trust, educates the public on sustainable farming, and runs farm tours and other educational programs. Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to products and services whereby we receive a nominal commission if you make a purchase through one of these links. Explore Chandler Hovey Park and Marblehead Lighthouse. Get lost in the charming residential side streets. Now that you know all about the best day trips from Portland, Maine, youre armed and ready to plan your own perfect day. Ranger led programs include guided hiking or cycling tours and boat cruises, birding programs, hawk and falcon programs, and nighttime starry sky programs. Ogunquit is located on Maines Atlantic coast close to the states southern border. View the bay from the top of Mount Battie at the Camden Hills State Park. Marginal Way, photo by Melissa Moore. One of the Maine coast's best-kept secrets, the island of Georgetown is super-accessible (it's connected to the mainland by a bridge), but it feels like a world all its own. Youll see five movie locations, learn some fun trivia about the movie, and also hear about the towns fascinating history to get the best of both worlds. 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! Airlines Delta United Airlines JetBlue Airways Train operators MTA I'm Sam. She's been with TripSavvy since 1998. Getting There: Freeport is a 20-minute drive north of Portland on I-295. Serious Wyeth fans can also tour the Olson House, famously depicted in "Christinas World," a half-hour away in Cushing, Maine. Visit the Gendron Franco Center where there are regular French-themed events. Longer tours and group rates are also available for a little more money. The tour is led by a local historian and shares stories of the towns incredible history, which dates back to the 1600s. Walk along the waterfront to admire the gorgeous sailboats. Named for the rocky terrain and its history of limestone mining, todays Rockport is a laid back scenic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Salem has a less campy side, too, with attractions like The House of the Seven Gables that celebrate its literary heritage and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, which tells the story of Salem's seafaring past. This 28,771-acre lake in Casco and Naples, Maine, is also a popular spot to fish for lake trout, bass, perch, and other species. Newcastles 1807 St. Patricks Church is the oldest Catholic Church in America. The local economy is still primarily sustained by lobstering. Ready for a winter cruise through Casco Bay? Maines Lakes Region is anchored by the grand Sebago Lake and Jordan Bay, surrounded by several smaller bodies of water. Of course, the views from the easy hiking trails are the real draw here. Birders, kayakers, and boaters are drawn to the islands for their natural beauty. That makes Sebago Lake State Park and its beaches a perfect place to cool off on a summer day. Grab a lobster roll at Little Harbor Lobster Company. 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. It's the oldest lighthouse in Maine. Hop aboard the Casco Bay Lines ferry to Peaks Island in just 17 minutes you're on an adorable isle where you can set out to explore on foot or on a rented bike. The pretty white stunner was built in 1791 and renovated in 1831. Its up to you to make your own trip from Portland and see this mysterious site for yourself. Get some sweet treats to bring home (or eat on the drive!) Walk around the lake on the Outer Loop Trail inside Sebago Lake State Park. Whatever the season (or weather!) Boston is one of my all-time favorite cities because of its deeply-rooted history, gorgeous architecture, amazing restaurants and charming streets. 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. Below are directions to find the two major sections of our city by car. Get off-the-beaten-path at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Moultonborough: A Castle and a Realm of Adventures, Denmark, Naples, Poland, Paris, China: A World Tour Without Leaving Maine, Loon Center and Markus Wildlife Sanctuary. The unique sand dune formation was formed by an Ica Age glacier. There is enough to do in Portland proper e.g. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Michel Hersen and Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com. Operating from July through Labor Day, the 1-hour trips cost $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 4-12. Kennebunkport and Ogunquit are excellent options for days trips from Portland, Maine in the winter because of their holiday celebrations. Park facilities include restrooms, drinking water, picnic areas and camping sites for tents or recreational vehicles. United States. In downtown Camden, enjoy shopping for antiques, browsing upscale boutiques, and eating fresh seafood, especially lobster, straight from the working harbor. Getting There: The Casco Bay Lines ferry, which runs year-round at least 14 times each day, is the most popular option though you can also use the Portland Sea Taxi or Fogg's water taxi. Year-round, The park's trails are open year-round to hikers and in the winter to snowshoes and cross-country skiers. Once the holiday season is over, a great option for a day trip from Portland, Maine in the winter is to head just a few minutes north to Freeport and explore the charming town covered in snow, explore the trails at Wolfes Neck Center & Farm and then head back into town for a very cozy meal at Tuscan Brick Oven Pizza. 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. This is a guided tour that last about two hours, and is a casual cruise around town, as well as the surrounding islands. You can take a nice hike around the park in South Portland where Portland Light is located. Rockport Marine Park. We lived here for 14 years and made a lot of quick escapes from the city in search of things to do. 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. Time & distance from Portland: 16 miles, 20-minute drive. 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. Best Mid-Range Hotel for Portland, Maine: Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay Located in the heart of the action, this comfortable hotel has a bar/lounge, indoor pool, and all of the comforts of home. No matter how you get there, expect classic Maine coastal scenery, a unique man-made structure and a great seafood restaurant perfectly situated on the coast. Want to explore more of the North Shore & Cape Ann, MA? This is one adventure you can even enjoy without ever leaving your car. Visit the Sebago Lake State Park, rent a canoe or kayak with the Sebago Trails Paddling Company. Alternatively, you can take a train from New York to Portland via Boston, Back Bay, North Station, Boston, Portland, and Ptc O/B in around 8h. But if you love history, consider this tour by a local historian to get even more out of your experience. Getting There: Salem, Massachusetts, an hour and 40 minutes from Portland in the car via I-95 South to Route 128 North to Route 114 East. Portsmouths downtown is so charming, and has a lot of really great shops, restaurants, cafes and breweries, as well as waterfront walkways, and even a small little lighthouse just outside of town. Peaks Island, Maine is reached with a short ferry trip from Portland. 2023, Is Lubec, Maine Worth Visiting? Tour guides will also help you spot shore birds and other wildlife during the cruise. 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. Led by a local expert, youll hear stories about the towns history, as well as be able to stop for some awesome photo opportunities. Our day to the Maine State Museum was perfect. Getting There: Enjoy a picturesque drive on Route 302 northwest from Portland to Sebago Lake State Park. Conway, NH from this list is also an awesome day trip in the winter. 3 Best Day Trips from Portland, Maine: Ogunquit, Freeport, and the Kennebunks | Cond Nast Traveler. If youre a fan of the movie Hocus Pocus (and honestly, who isnt? The Farnsworth Art Museum and its Wyeth Center showcase American works including famous scenes painted by the prominent Maine family of artists: N.C., Andrew, and James Wyeth. Have an awesome waterfront lunch or dinner at. We plan on spending much of our time in Portland, but will also be making a quick trip up to Freeport and the Casco Bay. Area beaches include the Popham Beach State Park and the beaches at Reid State Park, or explore the Kennebec River. The Mountain Division section of the Sebago to the Sea Trail passes near the pond furthest from the highway; take a hike or bike ride on this path before hopping in the pond to cool off. Was it native peoples or, based on Phoenician script found here, a group from much further away? This is a great place for picnics and the park even features a warming hut for winter visitors. Theres actually so much to do in Conway that you probably cant experience it all in a day, but it definitely makes for a great day trip to get some fresh mountain air. Do some more berry picking, then look over the edge for stunning views! Salem's dark history, which stems from the witch trials of 1692-1693, gives this seaside city north of Boston a distinct aura. In the winter months, the park is open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Youll get recommendations for places to eat during the rest of your visit, and get to sample some amazing treats along the way like meats, cheeses, baked goods, drinks and pizzas. . Homers 1883-1910 studio in Prouts Neck, Maine is now owned by the museum and open to the public. However, we really recommend the Bailey Island Cruise aboard a Casco Bay ferry. We prefer more technical hikes, but the views over Megunticook Lake in summer and autumn make this trail worthy of a mention. You can hike or drive to Mount Battie for classic views of Camden and her harbor. A great tour option for your day trip from Portland, Maine is the Lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals Tour. 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). At the top of FY17, Amtrak hired 38 Maine residents. 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