day trips from portland, maine without a car

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. Every day Estimated price $120 - $400. In all honestly, getting outside of Portland to explore the local areas without a car is very difficult, and sometimes not even possible. 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. Stroll through Bearskin Neck and visit all the shops. Over 18,000 pieces rotate through permanent and temporary exhibits. From the cobblestone streets of the Old Port to a scenic fall boat ride along the coast in Freeport. Gloucester is also home to wonderfully scenic beaches, and, of course, the seafood is as fresh as can be. Maine Road Trip Day 1: Spend Time in York Beach or Ogunquit. I'm Sam. Ogunquit is located on Maines Atlantic coast close to the states southern border. Even though youre coming from a city, Boston is always a good idea (at least, thats just my opinion!). Rent a kayak and head out onto the water. 15 Best Things To Do (2023), 75 New England Bucket List Things You Must Do. Charming cottages and New England homes line the shore. A recent survey by the Leading Hotels of the World found that Italy is currently leading the pack for bookings this year. Spending a day here means walking the beaches at Reid State Park, feasting on lobster with an idyllic view at Five Islands Lobster Co., shopping for locally made Georgetown Pottery, and maybe even staying late to hear live music at the landmark Robinhood Free Meetinghouse. For many Portland tourists without a rental car, the streetcar will be all you need to see the city. Insider travel recommendations, In-depth reviews of our favorite places: UT, Indianapolis, From Kansas City, Mackinac Island, Chattanooga, RI, From Chicago, Sacramento, Nantucket, Girls Getaways, Santa Barbara, PA. Again, Bald Peak Trail is good any time of year, even if you dont make it for the free mid-July harvest! He is trying to run every single one of the more than 1,000 streets in Portland, including on Peaks Island. Take a tour with the Naples Historical Society, their small museum features 18th and 19th century artifacts. Travel Tip: If watching whales in the wild is on your bucket list, Gloucester is a great place to spot them. Marginal Way, photo by Melissa Moore. Travel Tip: Sit back and relax on a golf cart, and allow Peaks Island Tours to show you this 720-acre island. During this tour, youll pass by two lighthouses, spot seals lounging on the rocks, and also learn all about the local lobstering community, as well as what it takes to haul lobster traps. Rent Jet Skis and head out onto the water. Rockport Marine Park. The unique sand dune formation was formed by an Ica Age glacier. Provincetown, MA P-Town, as it's better known, is a splurge to get to for a day trip. And be sure to keep reading below for bonus seasonal suggestions, as to find out if a day trip from Portland to Acadia is worth it! 630 miles. Detour to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, open mid-April through mid-November, on your way to Sebago Lake. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the US for a reason, it is beautiful! That trend is likely to continue into 2023. Home to Bowdoin College, which was founded in 1794, Brunswick is brimming with history. With lovely lighthouses, a booming food scene, and romantic streets to wander, you'll wonder why you haven't visited soonerand you'll start to plan your next visit immediately! Or get a full Cape Elizabeth to Portland (Maine) flight plan. 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. The easiest, and also one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine is Kennebunkport. Fun day trip ideas: Ohio, From San Francisco, From NYC, Texas, Florida. I love Kennebunkport because theres so much to do, but its also a small town thats easily manageable for a day trip. This is a private tour for your group, and considering how much ground youll cover, the price for the whole group is very fair! (www.oregon.aaa.com; tel. Bring your own picnic and hop on board the Casco Bay ferry for a relaxing harbor tour. During museum hours, even if you don't go into the museum, visitors can enjoy the David E. Shaw and Family Sculpture Park located off of High Street. 8. Walk along the coast of Cape Arundelon the Parsons Way Trail. Visit the home of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the underground railroad member who wrote Uncle Toms Cabin. Portland is Maine's largest city, and you won't easily run out of activities to occupy your time, but when you do, these day trips will satisfy your sense of adventure. 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. Portsmouth is a lovely little coastal town in New Hampshire thats just over the Maine border, and only a short drive from Portland. The Amtrak station is about 3.5 miles from the beach, where there are many places to stay. Be sure to stop at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray on the way. Distance: 175 mi / 3 hrs ( map) Things You Can't Miss: High Desert Museum, Tumalo Falls, Sparks Lake. Youll find this collection of Maine facts, oddities, artifacts and displays worth the drive from Portland. Places to visit near me: Things to Do in Vermont, Things to do in Virginia, Long Beach Restaurants, Restaurants in Louisville, Southampton. Its definitely my most favorite town in the North Shore region of Massachusetts, and probably one of my all-time favorite destinations in all of New England. In the mountain regions youll find freshwater lakes, panoramic views, and local shopping and dining. 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. Boston has so many amazing tour options led my local experts that share tons of tips and knowledge. This Windjammer tour is an awesome option, and they have two types of tours: one is a day sail, and the other is a sunset sail if you want to end your day out on the water. Click here to book your bike tour in Portsmouth! In Paris, Maine, there is no Eiffel Tower, but you can dine at Maurice Restaurant Francais. The 150 foot long sandy stretch is named for its location in front of the historic 1914 Colony Hotel. Danny Mejia is a record-setting long-distance runner who moved to Portland nine years . Rental cars are not in close proximity to the station, but you can get a cab. 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. There are a few different tour options available, including a narrated history tour, a Parker River National Wildlife Refuge tour, as well as a sunset cocktail cruise if you want to end your day out on the water. Click the link below for more fun things to do in Ogunquit! Enjoy the trails at the park, or visit the Cape Elizabeth Greenbelt, a trail system that spreads through town, surrounding the inland waterways. Explore the islands of Casco Bay and Penobscot Bay or head inland along the rivers. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 30 minutes. Trail Distance/Elevation Gain: 4.6 miles round-trip/1,984 feet. Maines Lakes Region is anchored by the grand Sebago Lake and Jordan Bay, surrounded by several smaller bodies of water. A Couple of Drifters are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme - an affiliate advertising programme. Visit the shops and eateries downtown and along Main Street. On top of that, though, youll find amazing restaurants, a quaint little downtown, a beautiful lighthouse and lots of tour options that get you out onto the water. 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. 2023. The end of the trail is capped with an old fire tower; this is where views to New Hampshire and even more blueberries await. Cruises to Bailey Island feature a two-hour layover, perfect for a meal at the famous Cooks Lobster and Ale House. Visit the Bush Family Legacy exhibit at White Columns. Combining Portland day trips makes sense and well recommend a few excursions to roll into one. Of course, check with Casco Bay Lines for current information regarding this scenic cruise. For even more history, head across the Kennebec River to Fort Western. Explore the cute downtown and visit the shops. And definitely dont forget to make a reservation for dinner if youre hoping for a special meal out! The 5,7000 acre park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails, and views of Lake Megunticook from the 800 foot tall Maiden Cliff. Rome2rio . The town also offers uncrowded beaches, a tidal river teeming with wildlife, a working fishing harbor, a desert, and Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park with broad views of Casco Bay from rocky beaches and high bluffs. Where: Otter Ponds are located at the southern end of Sebago Lake on Maine Route 35 between Windham and Standish. The Maine Lighthouse Museum is in Rockland, too, so you may want to consider staying over and making this a two-day trip. 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. The best way to get from Portland to Acadia National Park without a car is to bus and Amtrak Thruway which takes 5h 39m and costs . 6. Head out onto the water (see my suggestion below!). Lewiston, Maine is located in the Maine Lakes Region alongside the Androscoggin River. The best way to get from Boston to Portland is to bus which takes 2h 10m and costs $7 - $35. How to Get There: Head out of Westbrook on Maine Route 25 to Gray. Its up to you to make your own trip from Portland and see this mysterious site for yourself. Top sights: Largest Cities in New Mexico, New Mexico Ruins, Where to Stay near Bryce, Bangor, Maine wedding venues, Lansing. But Freeport isn't just shopping. 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. If so, consider a brief detour inland for a drive or hike to Mount Agamenticus. Get on the water aboard an early 1900s ship with Portland Schooner Co., or try your hand at lobstering with Lucky Catch Cruises. Marblehead is another amazing day trip from Portland, Maine. The drive takes you through the Cascade Mountains and past many scenic lakes and forests. Visit the Jones Museum in Sebago, where youll find a unique collection of ceramics and glass. Perfect For:Wintry/Rainy Days Shopaholics Collectors Foodies Music/Film Buffs Combining With Wolfes Neck Woods State Park (below) and a drive to Bailey Island (see directly above), Where:Located on Main Street in downtown Brunswick. Click here to read my post all about the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor! Get lost in the charming residential side streets. Operating from July through Labor Day, the 1-hour trips cost $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 4-12. Moultonborough is also home to the Loon Center and Markus Wildlife Sanctuary, where a walk along the Loon Nest Trail allows you to view a nesting pair of loons from late spring through early fall. 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. If you like to shop, be sure to hit up Newbury Street and Copely Place. Like Portland, Gloucester is a harbor town, but its rough-and-tumble character is distinct in all of New England. The drive is 3-hours one-way, but if your only opportunity to get to Acadia National Park is by taking a day trip, its definitely worth it! With each tour on Millie B, guests get free admission to the Boat Museum as well. Boating opportunities include sailing or boat tours aboard historic windjammers and schooners. Lake trout, crappie, small mouth and large mouth bass, and perch all frequent the coves, inlets and rocky underwater islands. Serious Wyeth fans can also tour the Olson House, famously depicted in "Christinas World," a half-hour away in Cushing, Maine. Drive or hike up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for an awesome view of Camden Harbor from above. 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. This spot has great views over the Androscoggin River and also serves as a film and music venue, gallery and cafe. 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. Just northwest of Portland, Maines Sebago Lake spans over 28,000 acres. 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. My hope is to inspire you to have an unforgettable Northeast adventure of your own, and show you just how beautiful this little corner of the world truly is. Learn more about the evidence Americas Stonehenge has yielded to archaeologists and astronomers over the years. Have an awesome waterfront lunch or dinner at. We arent collectors, but winter getaways from Portland often brought us here for something to do. The Kennunkport Christmas Prelude is one of the best Christmas festivals in New England, and Ogunquits Christmas by the Sea event will fill you with all kinds of holiday cheer. 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! Overlooking the park is Griffith Head, a rocky outcropping with views of the Seguin Island lighthouses. The best time to see the fall foliage in Maine is mid-September through the end of October. Do day trips to Kennebunkport, Freeport, Bar Harbor, Salem, etc. Ride along Seashore Avenue, and explore the islands backside, facing the open Atlantic ocean. Visit all the waterfalls at Dianas Baths. How to Travel from Portland to Freeport by Train, Bus, and Car, The Most Charming Towns to Visit on the Maine Coast, The 5 Best Fall Day Trips From Portland, Maine, Old Orchard Beach: Maine's 7-Mile Sandbox. Perfect For: Solstices Family Day Trips from Maine Autumn Foliage Snowshoeing Combining with Mount Agamenticus (see below), Where:105 Haverhill Road, Salem, New Hampshire. Walk around the lake on the Outer Loop Trail inside Sebago Lake State Park. My favorite boat tours in Boothbay are the wildlife and lighthouse tours. Getting There: Enjoy a picturesque drive on Route 302 northwest from Portland to Sebago Lake State Park. 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. Explore Plum Island and the scenic trails at. One great tour to consider on your day trip from Portland, Maine is a Freedom Trail Walking Tour. You can definitely walk the trail yourself, and do the whole thing or just parts of it. 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. The 1791 lighthouse and award-winning museum, located in the former keepers quarters, are open year round. While Portland also has a lot of that, I still think Boston is one of the best day trips you can take because the two destinations are different enough to make it worth your while. Done at night, this tour is led by a local history expert and takes you to some of the most haunted locations in town. Cool down at the swimming holes at Small Falls. Other hiking trails meander through hemlock and pine forest and along the Harraseeket River as well. The proximity of this Maine State Park to the city makes this one of our easiest Portland day trips. Over two hundred miles of trails can be explored including motor roads, hiking trails, and carriage roads. This company offers customized and private luxury tours throughout Maine, and if youre looking to get around the state from Portland and dont have access to a car, its worth reaching out to them to plan your perfect day trip. Between the charming downtown, beautiful waterfront restaurants and amazing opportunities to tour the waters and see wildlife, youre sure to have a great day in Boothbay Harbor. During your day trip, youll want to consider booking a tour on the Millie B, where youll get to take in the spectacular views of the region, and maybe even spot a loon or two. Unlock What Makes This Coastal Community A Must-Do Destination. Feel like a kid again at Weirs Beach, and ride the roller coasters, play arcade games and go kart. For an inexpensive escape, Portlanders head to Peaks Island. The furthest day trip from Portland, Maine is still definitely worth your time! Drivers will take US Highway 1 north just beyond Brunswick to Route 24 toward Harpswell. Get an ice cream at the cutest little ice cream shack on the East Coast! See the 20 trails link directly above for information on each hike and dont forget to look for wild blueberries in mid-July! Click here to book your boat tour in Newburyport! Click here to book this boat tour out to Nubble & Boon lighthouses! Hobbs: it'll be the best you've ever tasted. Travel Tip: If you skip China and Palermo, you'll return to Portland via Route 26 South and pass by two unique Maine attractions you may want to add to your itinerary: Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village and the Maine Wildlife Park. Getting there: From Boston's South Station, take the Amtrak Northeastern Regional line to Providence. If the weather is nice, take a ride to Portland Head Light, technically in Cape Elizabeth, it's just 9 miles south of Portland. Peaks Island, Maine is reached with a short ferry trip from Portland. 1st trip to Maine Need feedback and . Camden is a coastal town in central Maine, perfect for outdoor and ocean adventure. This is the only bridge of its kind in the entire world. The L.L. This comes at no extra cost to you. This particular tour is great for day-trippers because the vessel is a high-speed catamaran, so youll be able to cover more ground in the same amount of time, allowing you to really maximize your time. Stroll through the walkable downtown area for shopping and dining. Happy planning! Gloucester is a great day trip from Portland, Maine to consider, and is also only about 15 minutes from Rockport, so you can easily combine the two into one trip if you wanted. Camden is a beautiful coastal town that has a really great Main Street with shops and restaurants, a really lovely waterfront park, lots of opportunities for sailing, an amazing state park with an incredible view point, and lots of coastal charm at every turn. The community offers workshops, a museum and tours. 1. Both villages claim historic homes and businesses, built in the 18th and 19th century. Enjoy hikes throughout the area, ski resort attractions, and historic adventures. Every one of these day trips from Portland are within a couple hours by car, making them easy to do in a single day. For all these reasons, its one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine. See their website above for trail information. at one of the towns many bakeries. Perfect For: Lazy Drives Hiking Coastal Day Trips Biking Families Combining With a Trip to Americas Stonehenge (see above). Head out onto the water for a wildlife and lighthouse tour (see my suggestions below!). Foodies, beer fans, and shopaholics will love browsing the town's independent boutiques and galleries. The performing arts also excel at Bates College, Lewistons Public Theater and the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra. 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. Youll head out to Cape Elizabeth, and explore the local lighthouses and dramatic coastline views, and also stop for an amazing lobster roll from a food truck thats included in the tour cost. 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. At the 1850s Skolfield-Whittier House guided tours shed light on what upper middle class life was like in the 19th century. Kennebunkport sit on Maines southern coast alongside the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. Interpretative displays and lighthouse lenses are on exhibit. Things to do near me today: Sarasota, From Boston, OR, NC, From Houston, NJ, GA. Freeport, Maine is best known as a shopping destination, a favorite of New Englanders seeking deals among the hundreds of brand-name outlets. While the US Coast Guard continues to maintain the light and fog signal, the keepers quarters have been renovated into a museum. Lake Winnipesaukee is actually comprised of eight different towns, each with something unique and fun to offer. Get ready for some scenic drives! Best things to do in Marblehead on your day trip from Portland: Click here to read my post on all the best things to do in Marblehead! Expert opinion: Where should I go this weekend for fun? The lighthouse and adjoining keepers corners are now owned by the town of Cape Elizabeth.