Things To Do in Maine
Restaurants
Duckfat
43 Middle St. Portland, ME 02101
(207) 774-8080
Duckfat is a small Portland sandwich shop known for their delicious poutine fries and their distinctive paninis. They use all local farms and vendors for meats and other ingredients that contribute to the unique and pleasant experience while dining at one of Portland’s best.
The Shop by Island Creek Oysters
123 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 699-4466
The Shop is the perfect stop for oyster lovers. The Raw Bar and Shellfish Market located in Portland is the perfect place to get your pick at the hand picked selection of Maine's best oysters, before they are distributed to the best chefs across the country. Take them home or eat them onsite, accompanied by a cold beverage.
Radici
52 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 835-6012
Radici is a perfect place for pizza lovers. Radici's naturally leavened pizza, bold cocktails, and low intervention wine will be sure to impress.
The Ramp Bar & Grill
77 Pier Rd. Kennebunkport, ME 04046
(207) 967-8500
For those New England Sports fans and seafood lovers, The Ramp is the perfect combination of a casual night out and an enticing menu ranging from their fish & chips to their lobster ravioli. The inside is covered with sports memorabilia while their outside looks out onto the stunning view of the ocean.
Tao Yuan Restaurant
22 Pleasant St. Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 725-9002
This award winning Asian-inspired restaurant offers both Dim Sum along with their standard hot plates, both equally raved about. Their extensive wine menu and well-prepared cocktails enhance the seasonal dishes prepared by Tao Yuan.
Market Street Eats
36 Market St, Portland, ME 04101
Market Street Eats is the perfect stop for a great breakfast or lunch! Their wide variety of delicious sandwiches are served on Syrian Pita bread and can be customized for your liking. MSE has been a staple in Portland's Old Port district for over 15 years!
Palace Diner
18 Franklin St. Biddeford, ME 04005
(207) 284-0015
Everyone loves a good, casual meal at a local diner that truly encompasses the nature of the town, and Biddeford’s Palace Diner is that place. Their old school atmosphere and the tasteful breakfast and lunch menu provides an experience that no one could pass up.
Street and Co.
33 Wharf St. Portland, ME 04101
(207) 775-0887
Street and Co. is one of Portland’s high-end restaurants known for their superb seafood dishes and well-selected wine menu. It’s location being in the heart of Portland sets the scene to a memorable night out.
DiMillo’s on the Water
25 Long Wharf Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-2216
DiMillo’s takes the “on the water” description to the next level with their dining location being a ship in the water. Unsurprisingly, they offer a range of seafood selections, but also provide amazing pasta and meat dishes that anyone could enjoy.
The Grill Room & Bar
84 Exchange St. Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-2333
The meat lovers will appreciate The Grill Room for their gratifying steak dishes. Known as one of Southern Maine’s best steakhouses, this restaurant continues to satisfy their customers with their sirloin steak, topped off with their famous chocolate mousse.
Miyake
468 Fore St. Portland, ME 04101
(207) 871-9170
Miyake’s owner and head chef being a finalist in the “Best Chef in the Northeast” secures the right to claim that this restaurant provides delicious japanese cuisine right in downtown Portland. They combine the authenticity of japanese prepared food, while integrating the local Maine ingredients in order to truly satisfy any consumer.
Helm Oyster Bar and Bistro
60 Thames Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 613-9918
If your looking for an intimate dining experience with a seasonal outdoor patio, Helm is an awesome spot to visit. Their raw bar offers a selection of shellfish and seafood, with a full dynamic menu.
Royal River Grill House
106 Lafayette St. Yarmouth, ME 04096
(207) 846-1226
They like to think of themselves as a cuisine that connects the Maine heritage to worldly dishes so that their food options are constantly changing and incorporating new, international and local, menu items. Customers tend not to be able to resist the oysters from the raw bar to start their meal or the Maine blueberry cheesecake to complete their meal.
OTTO
576 Congress St. Portland, ME 04101
(207) 358-7090
Some recognize this chain pizza restaurant from their locations in Boston or Newburyport, however OTTO was founded right here in Portland. They have mastered a unique technique of pizza toppings such as pulled pork and mango or pineapple and bacon. Although, those plain cheese or pepperoni lovers still have their standard options as well.
Dolphin Marina & Restaurant
515 Basin Point Rd, Harpswell, ME 04079
(207) 833-6000
This classic seafood spot is known for it great food and amazing panoramic views of Casco Bay and the Calendar Islands. This family owned and operated restaurant has been serving customers for almost 50 years. Specializing in lobster dinners, fresh local seafood, and handcut steaks, the welcoming atmosphere is perfect for locals and visitors traveling by land or sea.
Eventide Oyster Co.
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86 Middle St. Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-8538
No one knows lobster dishes better than Maine, and Eventide has mastered the preparation of our state’s favored seafood. Lobster rolls, lobster stew, lobster tail, you name it, Eventide is the place to experience lobster, and a few oysters while you’re there wouldn’t hurt either.
Union Restaurant
390 Congress St. Portland, ME 04103
(207) 808-8700
Dishes prepared by the 2017 Chef of the Year, according to the Maine Restaurant Association, accredits Union as one of Portland’s most “buzzed-about new openings”. Whether you go for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even one of their weekend brunches or the mid afternoon light menu, there will surely be a meal that will prove to be enjoyable.
Chaval
58 Pine St. Portland, ME 04102
(207) 772-1110
This French and Spanish influenced cuisine offers dinner 7 days a week and Sunday brunch. The locally produced ingrediants, cocktail menu and private patio make this restaurant a go to for visitors and locals alike!
Scales
68 Commercial St. Portland, ME 04101
(207) 805-0444
Between the beautiful nautical scene, the daily raw bar, and the lengthy drink options, Scales has beat the system when it comes to attracting customers. Whether it is a light crab salad or a heavy bowl of clam chowder, Scales has conquered just about every section of seafood preparation.
Empire
575 Congress St. Portland, ME 04101
(207) 747-5063
This Chinese inspired restaurant offers Dim Sum and their standard lunch and dinner menu options. They have an arrangement of menu items such as their rice dishes, or maybe a bowl of ramen, or typical small Chinese plates.
Tiqa
327 Commercial St. Portland, ME 04101
(207) 808-8840
We understand how hard it can be to find a good Mediterranean restaurant, and Tiqa is the go-to place in the Portland area. Their dinner and wine menu is very desirable, however their brunch menu can make your Sunday feel complete. Although, regardless of which meal you eat at Tiqa, the food will be delicious and the sought after experience will be fulfilled.
Lazzari
618 Congress St. Portland, ME 04101
(207) 536-0368
There can never be enough highly-recommended pizza options, and Lazzari makes that list. Their fair priced pizza, great customer service, and the “to die for” meatballs, contribute to the growing foodie scene in the Portland area.
Gorgeous Gelato
434 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 699-4309
Experience real Italian gelato in coastal Maine. Gorgeous Gelato serves handmade, small-batch gelato, espresso, and cannolis. If you're looking to get a taste of true Italian gelato, stop in at Gorgeous.
Brew Pubs & Wine Bars
MJ’s Wine Bar
1 City Center Portland. ME 04101
(207) 772-1400
MJ’s is a premier wine bar that serves wine, beer, cheese and other snacks for your night out in Portland. They are said to be focused on their three characteristics of human connection, beverage education and overall enjoyment. If you’re looking for a comfortable location to experience a unique way of wine consumption, MJ’s is that place.
Maine Beer Company
525 US Route 1 Freeport, ME 04032
(207) 221-5711
This brewing company took on an ethical approach of being environmentally aware in their own business processes as well as promoting and donating to various environmental organizations. They offer about 11 different brews, 8 of which are on tap in the tasting room, for locals, friends, and guests to try.
Bar of Chocolate
38 Wharf St. Portland, ME 04101
(207) 773-6667
This wine bar combines the upscale drink list including wine as well as cocktails, along with their sweet and delicious dessert menu. This bar has been raved about for years because what’s better with an evening drink than a creme brulee or bourbon torte. And for those vegans out there, Bar of Chocolate offers both drinks and desserts that are 100% vegan.
Sea Dog Brewing Co.
125 Western Ave. South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 871-7000
Another one of Maine’s renowned brewing companies, Sea Dog Brewing Co. was established in 1993 and has been a success ever since. Their English styled brews can be found at any of their pubs located in Maine, New Hampshire and Florida, however the coast of Maine is their founding home.
Foulmouthed Brewing
15 Ocean St. South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 618-6977
This small brewpub is located in an old auto garage to create a unique setting for their unique beer menu. Foulmouthed hosts events such as trivia night, local bands, ladies night, and themed drinking parties. Whether you stop by for one flight or a whole event, you’ll be sure to have a good time.
Shipyard Brewing Company
86 Newbury St. Portland, ME 04101
(207) 761-0807
You may have heard of the established brewing company Shipyard, their two main brewing locations being Portland and Kennebunk Harbor. They have over 20 brews that range from seasonal pumpkin or blueberry to their standard IPA. Although there are no upcoming publicized events, they do hold contests with some pretty sweet winning prizes, Shipyard is definitely worth checking out.
The North Point
35 Silver St. Portland, ME 04101
(207) 899-3778
The North Point has taken the concept of having an upscale wine bar without the “attitude and pretension”, so if you’re looking for a comfortable evening out, this is the wine bar for you. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 4pm to 6pm as well as half price wine bottle nights on Mondays from 6pm to 10pm.
Flight Deck Brewing
11 Atlantic Ave. Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 504-5133
Flight Deck is a new brewery that opened in early 2017 and is located in what was a former small arms range of the Brunswick Naval Air Station. In addition to their brews, they also offer food trucks, live musical performances, and a kid friendly as well as a dog friendly environment. Enjoy one of their 6 to 12 beers on tap in the tasting room while learning a little about the history of Southern Maine.
Maine Mead Works
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51 Washington Ave. Portland, ME 04101
(207) 773-6323
Maine Mead Works was introduced in the Portland area in 2007 and has been fermenting some of the finest mead in Maine. They use a combination of old tradition and new science to create their drinks. They have several classic and seasonal options within their two product lines HoneyMaker and Ram Island.
Rising Tide Brewing Company
103 Fox St. Portland, ME 04101
(207) 370-2337
Rising Tide offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating at their brewery that is open 7 days a week. You can check out their website for which food trucks and music performances are happening throughout the week. Over 45 beers to choose from, 11 of which are on tap, don’t miss out on their summer time drinking fun.
Blyth and Burrows
26 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 613-9070
Blyth and Burrows is a sophisticated cocktail bar in the Old Port, rooted in local maritime history and the art of the cocktail experience. Serving signature cocktails and dishes, Blyth and Burrows is a must go in Portland.
Beaches
Old Orchard Beach
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Old Orchard, ME 04064
This beach combines the best of both worlds with the relaxation of the warm sand and calm waters, while also providing the fun and entertainment from the amusement park, arcades, and beachfront restaurants. Breathe in the fresh scent of the salty ocean and then the tempting smell of fried dough and pizza just a few hundred feet away. Take your kids there during the day and spend the night at one of the many Old Orchard bars.
Scarborough Beach State Park
Scarborough, ME 04074
This beach, photographed and painted, has beautiful views, fresh ocean breezes, and perfect dune-backed sands. Beachgoers are able to rent chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards at the local beach shack, where food and beverages are also to be found. The designated lifeguard areas secure the beach’s safety in this sought after part of Maine.
Crescent Beach State Park
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
This crescent-shaped beach, only 20 minutes from Portland, is perfect for your kid-friendly family trip. The waves are calm, the sands are patrolled by lifeguards, and there is a snack bar. Whether you’re there to search for shells of fly a kite, there is an enjoyable activity for everyone that can be accomplished at Crescent Beach.
Willard Beach
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South Portland, ME 04106
Willard Beach is the most convenient beach when it comes to accessible locations close to the city of Portland. Although the water’s edge ocean floor may be covered in rocks, it is the perfect beach to admire the views of Maine’s seacoast. The local boat traffic, ferries, cruise chips, and freighters give plenty to look at while relaxing on the sands of South Portland.
Ferry Beach
Scarborough, ME 04072
Also known as “Mother’s Beach” due to the tremendous amount of mothers with their children that relax here throughout the day, Ferry Beach is both trusted and enjoyed by everyone. The land is equipped with restrooms and outdoor showers, and the soothing waters and harmless sea creatures provide a feeling of serenity.
Golf Courses
Portland Country Club
11 Foreside Rd. Falmouth, ME 04105
(207) 781-2340
This member owned country club, founded in 1895, allows their members and guests to play on a nationally renowned 18-hole course. The seaside views, outstanding country club facilities and all other amenities including dining, tennis, swimming and more, combine into providing an exceptional golfing vacation.
The Woodlands Club
39 Woods Rd. Falmouth, ME 04105
(207) 781-3104
The Woodlands is a family-oriented club that still captures the aesthetic of a classy country club in Southern Maine. This 18-hole course has hosted some of the finest golf members at their several regional championships and Nike tour events. In addition to their beautiful course, they offer delicious dining locations, a heated pool, and host many indoor and outdoor events for adults, children, and families.
Fox Ridge Golf Club
550 Penley Corner Rd. Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 777-4653
According to Golf Digest, Fox Ridge is highly ranked, placed in the top 10 golf courses in all of Maine. The quiet, rural and scenic atmosphere allows its’ players to truly appreciate the nature of the sport., and the nature of their surroundings. The variety of the course brings a challenge to the game, while still allowing all levels of golfers to enjoy their day of golf.
Cape Arundel Golf Club
19 River Rd. Kennebunkport, ME 04046
(207) 967-3494
Featured in the Boston Globe as the golf course of the week and Golf Week as one of the best courses you can play, Cape Arundel has gained the public approval as an excellent golf course. Their unique Walter Travis design along the beautiful coast of Kennebunkport makes their members and guests relaxed and satisfied with their summer golfing.
Family Friendly Activities
Mackworth Island
Falmouth, ME 04105
(207) 775-2411
This small island is a bird sanctuary, home to two schools, and offers beautiful views of Casco Bay. There are trails that follow the perimeter of the island with access to the woods, the shores, and the fairy village, where children make fairy houses using building materials found in nature.
Eighty 8 Donuts Food Truck
Based in Portland, ME
(207) 653-3071
This miniature doughnut shop creates a variety of doughnut masterpieces that include both the traditional flavors as well as some never seen before topping combinations such as fruity pebbles or maple & bacon. Their only commercial building location is at Sugarloaf Ski Mountain, but look out on Middle Street for their only food truck.
Desert of Maine
90 Desert Rd. Freeport, ME 04032
(207) 865-6962
This natural phenomenon in Freeport has plenty for an entire family to enjoy. They offer guided walking tours, nature trails, a barn museum dating back to 1783, and many more activities that combine entertainment and education.
Standard Baking Co.
75 Commercial St. Portland, ME 04101
(207) 773-2112
Every once in a while a sugary breakfast can be well deserved, and standard baking company offers the best morning sticky buns ever, but get there early on the weekends if you want one before they are sold out. They also have other pastries, artisan breads, and packaged cookies ready for their customers.
Peaks Island
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Casco Bay, Maine
This island is only accessible by taking a ferry out of Portland, but once you’ve made it, you can rent kayaks or bikes, there is a small cafe for food and coffee, trails around the island, beachy shores and rocky shores, an ice cream shop and more.
Flatbread Company
72 Commercial St. #5 Portland, ME 04101
After a long day of activities, nothing beats a large cheese or maybe pepperoni pizza from Flatbread Company. Quick, easy and inexpensive for the entire family, they even offer a variety of gluten free, dairy free and soy sensitive options for any dietary needs.
Seashore Trolley Museum
195 Log Cabin Rd. Kennebunkport, ME 04046
This working trolley takes their riders along a 1.5 mile long railroad trail that passes by old barns, hiking trails and picnic locations. They are very kid-friendly, dog-friendly, and open to all ages.
Bayside Bowl
58 Alder St. Portland, ME 04101
It’s always a good idea to have a rainy day backup plan, and Bayside Bowl could be that plan. This 20 lane bowling alley in downtown Portland offers family fun, great food and sometimes they have live music. There are children bowling shoes, bumpers, and lighter bowling balls for some friendly, family competition.
Odyssey Whale Watch
170 Commercial St. Portland, ME 04101
This whale watch tour travels 20 miles out from the shore to whale feeding grounds in order to experience some of Maine’s native sea creatures. The educational narration and Casco Bay scenery make the entire experience unique and amazing for all ages.
Lighthouses
Portland Head Light
12 Captain Strout Cir. Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Cape Elizabeth holds the shores of Fort Williams Park which not only has scenic views and pathways perfect for a picnic, but there is also a renowned museum and a lighthouse that will be well worth the visit.
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
Fort Rd. South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 699-2676
This Portland Harbor and Casco Bay lighthouse, built in 1897, is still a working part of history to this day, used for light and fog signals. This non-profit trust which financially supports the public lighthouse, offers private and group tours at a low cost donation towards the trust.
Two Lights Tower
Dr. Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
(207) 799-5871
Back to 1828, the first set of twin lighthouses were built on the coast of Maine. Although the western lighthouse ended operation in 1924 and became a private home, the remaining lighthouse is still in operation today and can be seen 17 miles at sea. There is plenty of space at Two Lights State Park to explore during your visit.
Portland Breakwater Lighthouse
S. Portland Greenbelt Pathway South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 767-7670
Residing within the Bug Light Park, this lighthouse dates back to 1875, it is considered to be one of Maine’s most “elegant” lighthouses due to the ancient greek architecture. It is nicknamed Bug Light because of its smaller than average size. Bug Light Park is also where the South Portland Historical Society and Museum can be found.
Trails
Falmouth Nature Preserve
Route 88 Falmouth, ME 04105
Although this nature preserve is on the smaller side, there is still plenty to do, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking and more is common in these Falmouth woodlands. Creeks and salt marshes for fishing, 3 miles of color coded trails, and a plenty of natural wildlife to see.
Eastern Promenade
510 Eastern Promenade Portland, ME 04101
(207) 756-8275
The Eastern Promenade goes along the perimeter of Casco Bay and Portland Harbor and was designed by the same landscape firm that created New York’s Central Park and the Boston Commons. Go for a run, walk your dog, or relax on the East End Beach, the Eastern Promenade has an activity for everyone.
Robinson Woods Trail
1088 Shore Rd. Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
(207) 767-6054
These 145 acres of land have woodlands, ponds, fields, and hiking trails to explore while also taking in the environment filled with migratory birds and native mammals. There is over 3 miles of trails throughout Robinson Woods. However, they do have a strict dog policy, so make sure to look at the times for whether or not a leash is required.
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State
Park 426 Wolfe’s Neck Rd. Freeport, ME 04032
(207) 865-4465
This park is open every day from 9am to sunset, all year round, and covers more than 200 acres on the shoreline of Casco Bay. These trails are perfect for birdwatching and picnicking during the warmer months and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the colder months. Wolfe’s Neck is open to the public, but they also offer guided nature programs.
Fishing Charters
Teazer Charters 14 Ocean St. South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 939-2713
This charter company offers the standard inshore and offshore fishing, and include ground fishing, shark charters, and bluefin tuna charters. The trips are 4 hours long and 8 hours long depending on which type of fishing you choose. However, they do offer a two hour private harbor cruise for those who would like to relax on the water.
LiveLiner Charters
257 Front St. South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 239-6574
LiveLiner provides both the standard charter trips and family friendly mackerel trips making this charting company the perfect fit for family fun. This 31 foot fishing boat is updated with the best electronics in order to make your fishing trip fun and successful. Captain Hugh is familiar with the waters of Southern Maine as a fisherman, lobsterman and scuba diver.
No Slack! Sportfishing Charters
1 Spring Point Dr. South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 450-9428
This charter company offers a trip that most others don’t in the southern maine area, and that is their striped bass fishing charter. This company, being one of the more highly reviewed charter companies, also offers private harbor cruises to many different locations as well as a family oriented mackerel trip.
Nor’easter Deep Sea Fishing
4 Western Ave Kennebunk, ME 04043
(207) 450-1831
Nor’easter is one of the only charter companies that offer overnight extreme fishing trips, which is perfect for those who want to bring their fishing trip to the most intense level. They also have deep sea fishing on their 42 foot fishing boat that is a great day trip activity.
Rocky Bottom Fisheries
60 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 274-1844
Rocky Bottom Fisheries offers an abundance of wonderful experiences for you and your family, on their authentic Maine fishing boat! You can set and haul traps on their lobster tour, see the magnificent Maine coast on the sunset tour, or book a private charter for your family group!
Portland Paddle Blessed with a coastline that seems to go on forever, Maine offers spectacular days on the water. Portland Paddle creates group tours, guided expeditions around Casco Bay, kayak and SUP instruction, and rentals for your pleasure. Visit their site here.
Sail Portland Maine There is nothing as quintessential to Maine as a boat ride on a vintage sloop. Captain Ian welcomes you aboard the Elenor Hawks, where he will sail you around Casco Bay and even provide Rosé, Beer, and Oysters for your enjoyment. To learn more about trip options, visit here.
Freedom Boat Club For those of you that are members of the FBC in your home state, there are three outposts in the Portland and Lakes Region, where you can reserve fishing boats or Cats. Visit their local page here.
Family Friendly
Sea Love Candles Located in Kennebunkport Maine, Sea Love Candles offers a unique expereience of candle pouring. In the custom candle pouring experience, you can enjoy 100+ fragrances and choose your unique vessel, while enjoying Sea Love's retail space.
