Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Portland, Maine?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Portland, Maine?
Many visitors spend two to three days in Portland, Maine during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This coastal town offers a number of attractions to explore, including the beaches, the beautiful scenery, the hiking, and the restaurant scene.
Portland is a coastal city in Maine that has a beautiful seaside setting with picturesque lighthouses and dramatic viewpoints. There are many restaurants and bars in the Old Port area. The city also has bike trails and coastal walks that take advantage of the coastal setting.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Portland, Maine? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Portland, Maine?
One week is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Portland, Maine, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The beaches, the beautiful scenery, the hiking, and the restaurant scene on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Portland, Maine as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.
How to spend a week in Portland, Maine
Don't miss the Portland Head Light during your trip to Portland, Maine, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
Portland, Maine is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 2 Hours | Portland, Maine Hidden Histories Walking Tour ($49)
- 2 Hours | Portland, Maine Black History Walking Tour ($49)
- Sunset Sea Kayak Tour of Casco Bay ($48)
The beautiful beaches await you in Portland, Maine, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Oyster Farm & Complimentary Tasting Sea Kayak Tour in Casco Bay ($79)
- Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise ($48)
- Sunset Sea Kayak Tour of Casco Bay ($48)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Oyster Farm & Complimentary Tasting Sea Kayak Tour in Casco Bay ($79)
- Donut Tasting Walking Tour in Portland’s Old Port ($48)
Known for it's hiking, Portland, Maine sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.
This coastal town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.
Shopping in Portland, Maine is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.
After you've explored most of Portland, Maine, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Portland, Maine. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Portland, Maine?
Two weeks is more than enough time to see everything that Portland, Maine has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend two to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the beaches, the beautiful scenery, the hiking, and the restaurant scene at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
Portland, Maine
How to spend 2 weeks in Portland, Maine
With 2 weeks in Portland, Maine, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the coastal town has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach and hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this coastal town looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise ($48)
- Lighthouse Lovers Cruise in Portland ($33)
- Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour ($90)
- Portland Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay ($94)
- Scenic Lighthouse Boat Cruise from Portland's Old Port ($75)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Portland, Maine, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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