Is Portland, Maine worth visiting?
Yes, Portland, Maine offers many reasons for a visit. It's a coastal town everyone should explore, and our experience here was wonderful. We didn't want to leave. We first visited in 2014 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its coastal setting, beautiful beaches, and the striking Portland Head Light.
Whether you're a traveling as a family or a couple, this coastal town has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the amazing beaches and fantastic food.
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.
Portland, Maine
6 Reasons to Visit Portland, Maine
1. Beaches
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.
2. Food
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.
3. Nightlife
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.
4. Hiking
In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.
5. Shopping
The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.
6. Authenticity
Portland, Maine has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Portland, Maine worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Portland, Maine, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual. Summer is the best time to visit Portland.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 20°C (69°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 26°C (79°F).
Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so spend some time enjoying the waves and sand. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, get out into nature, and enjoy an evening out.
Summer Weather in Portland, Maine
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 20°C (69°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| August | 20°C (67°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| September | 15°C (59°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
Is Portland, Maine worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Portland, Maine. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
The weather in Portland, Maine can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 9°C (49°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the beautiful scenery and the hiking.
Autumn Weather in Portland, Maine
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 9°C (49°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| November | 4°C (39°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| December | -3°C (27°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
Is Portland, Maine worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Portland, Maine can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -6°C (21°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Portland, Maine is during the winter. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals. Unless you love snow and short days, winter is best avoided in Portland.
This is a great time of year to dine out at amazing restaurants and dance the night away.
Winter Weather in Portland, Maine
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -6°C (21°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| February | -5°C (24°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| March | 1°C (33°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
Is Portland, Maine worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Portland, Maine. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
The weather in Portland, Maine can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 6°C (43°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, admire the wonderful scenery, and enjoy the evening activities.
Spring Weather in Portland, Maine
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 6°C (43°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| June | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Portland, Maine
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Portland, Maine might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Portland, Maine here or see if Portland, Maine is expensive here.
Related
What is Portland, Maine most famous for?
Portland, Maine is most famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. The coastal town is very popular for its beaches. Also, it's known for food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping. It is often described as laid-back, scenic, picturesque, and seaside.
What is the most famous sight in Portland, Maine?
The most popular sight in Portland, Maine is The Portland Head Light. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Portland, Maine on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Portland Head Light and other attractions here.
How touristy is Portland, Maine? Is it a popular coastal town to visit?
Portland, Maine is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Guided RIB Boat Adventure of Casco Bay: $75
- Two Hour Lighthouse Bicycle Tour from South Portland-Mellow: $75
- Sunset Tour by Kayak on Sebago Lake Maine: $59
- Sea Kayak to an Island Tour in Casco Bay: $89
- Portland Maine City and Lighthouse EBike Tour: $245
- Stand Up Paddleboard Tour with Complimentary Oyster Tasting: $92
- Hidden Histories Guided Walking Tour: $49
- Black History Guided Walking Tour: $49
How long should I spend in Portland, Maine?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Portland, Maine is two to three days. Since Portland, Maine has activities such as beaches, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Portland, Maine?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Portland, Maine?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Portland, Maine?.
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.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers
We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Portland, Maine.
What makes Portland, Maine a budget-friendly destination? Or not?
It's a charming town with reasonably priced hotels and a beautiful coastline. A great free activity is taking one of the walking paths that runs along the water.
What was your favorite thing about Portland, Maine?
The coastline is very scenic and we spent days soaking up the coastal atmosphere. We also enjoyed the many great local seafood restaurants.
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