MileHacker Logo
Day Trips from Portland

Day Trips from Portland

Maine USA Travel Guide

Kennebunkport

A picturesque coastal town noted for its charming village, sandy beaches, and as a favored summer retreat, especially for the Bush family.

Driving is the most direct way to reach Kennebunkport. Parking can be a challenge in the village center during peak summer. Limited seasonal bus tours from Portland may be an alternative.

Points of Interest

  • Dock Square: The bustling village core, filled with boutiques, art galleries, and dining establishments.
  • Gooch's Beach: A popular sandy beach for swimming and getting a tan.
  • Walker's Point: The Bush family compound, visible from the road (no trespassing).
  • Coastal Drives: Scenic routes demonstrating rocky shores and grand homes.

Natural Escapes

Discover the natural beauty surrounding Portland, from state nature reserves to scenic coastlines.

State Parks and Nature Reserves

Areas preserved for their natural splendor and for leisure pursuits.

Featured Parks

  • Bradbury Mountain State Park (Pownal, 30 -minute car ride): Features a network of hiking trails to a small summit with views. Popular for mountain biking and winter sports.
  • Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park (Freeport, 25 minute drive): Offers easy walking trails through pine and oak forests along the coastline, with views of Casco Bay.
  • Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center (Scarborough, 20 min drive): Maine's largest salt marsh, offering exceptional birdwatching, kayaking, and interpretive walking trails. Seasonal.

Scenic Landscapes & Beaches

Coastal vistas and extensive sandy shores for relaxation and exploration.

Coastal Charms

  • Cape Elizabeth (15 -minute car ride): Beyond Portland Head Light, explore Crescent Beach State Park and Kettle Cove for stunning classic Maine coastal scenery.
  • Old Orchard Beach (30 min drive south): AN iconic New England beach town known for its long, expansive sandy beach, a historic pier with arcade games and a season-based amusement park.
  • Beach experience: A livelier atmosphere compared to quieter state parks.

Coastal Gems: Freeport and Boothbay Harbor

Freeport approx. 20-minute drive north

  • L.L.Bean Flagship Store: Open 24/7, this legendary store is an experience by itself, with outdoor supplies and an indoor fish pond. (L.L.Bean)
  • Outlet Shopping: Numerous brand-name outlet stores surround the L.L.Bean campus. (Freeport Outlets)
  • Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park: Easy walking paths through coniferous forests along the coastline.
  • Local Boutiques and Restaurants: Independent shops and dining options other than the outlets.

Boothbay Harbor approx. 1-hour 15-minute drive north

  • Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: One of The Northeastern us states's largest and most acclaimed botanical gardens, with diverse themed areas. (Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens)
  • Harbor Cruises: Take a boat tour from the harbor to see puffins, seals, or to simply enjoy the scenic coastline. (Captain Fish's Tours)
  • Quaint Downtown: Explore shops and galleries lining the harbor.
  • Maritime Atmosphere: THE perfect example of a mid-coast Maine working harbor town with a relaxed feel.

Ogunquit - Coastal Splendor

  • LocationApprox. 45-minute drive south
  • Main AccessTraveling by car recommended.
  • Ogunquit BeachA long, expansive sandy beach, excellent for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Marginal WayA paved 1.25-mile scenic cliff stroll along the rocky coastline, with spectacular ocean views. It links Ogunquit village to Perkins Cove.
  • Perkins CoveA charming fishing village area with working lobster boats, small shops, and restaurants. Scenic dory boat trips are available.
  • Overall ExperienceClassic coastal New England charm with stunning natural features.
  • Best ForBeach lovers and those who enjoy scenic walks.
  • Travel TipVisit during shoulder seasons for fewer crowds.

Traveler's Note

For detailed navigation and organization for these day trips, the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer is a highly detailed map resource.

Cultural Excursions

Uncover historical sites and rural charm beyond Portland's city limits.

Shaker Village at Sabbathday Lake

The last active Shaker community globally, located in New Gloucester (45 min drive northwest). Offers tours of historic buildings, a museum, and insights into Shaker way of life.

Sebago Lakes Region

Explore charming towns like Naples and Raymond, enjoy lake activities (boating, swimming), and visit local farms, especially during harvest season. (30-60 -minute car ride northwest).

Pilgrimage Sites

No specific large-scale pilgrimage sites are near Portland. The region generally focuses on natural beauty and historical maritime culture.

Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor

A must-visit for nature lovers. Acadia National Park has rocky coast, islands, and glaciated mountains. Bar Harbor is a charming gateway town. (Acadia National Park)

Visitor Focus

  • Hiking, cycling (carriage roads), scenic drives.
  • Cadillac Mountain: The summit on the U.S. Atlantic coast.
  • Driving is the most practical way to explore the park.

MidCoast Maine

This region embodies classic Maine coastal charm, with naval history, thriving art scenes, and scenic harbors (Camden, Rockport, Rockland - 1.5-2 hour drive north).

Visitor Focus

  • Sailing and exploring art galleries.
  • Farnsworth Art Museum at Rockland.
  • Eating on fresh seafood.

Neighboring Regions & Extended Routes

White Mountains (New Hampshire - approx. 2-hour drive west)Stunning mountain scenery, challenging hiking trails, scenic drives (like the Kancamagus Highway, notably beautiful during fall foliage), and charming mountain villages. Ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Suggested DurationIdeal for a 2-3 day extension, especially for fall foliage viewing or winter sports.
Coastal Route 1Drive north from Portland along scenic U.S. Route 1 to explore more of Maine's charming coastal towns, lobster shacks, and quieter beaches, eventually leading to Acadia.
The Northeastern us states LoopCombine Portland with a visit to Boston, Massachusetts, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and potentially Vermont, for a comprehensive New England experience. This offers a contrast of urban history with mountain landscapes and coastal charm.
Detailed NavigationFor detailed navigation and planning, the Delorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer is a highly detailed map resource.

Planning Extended Journeys

  • Consider 2-4 days for Acadia National Park for a thorough experience.
  • MidCoast Maine places such as Camden, Rockport, and Rockland suit a 1-3 day extension.
  • White Mountains exploration benefits from a 2-3 day trip, especially for seasonal activities.
  • Coastal Route 1 provides a picturesque method to Maine exploration.
  • A 'The Northeastern us states Loop' offers a varied regional journey, blending city, mountains, and coast.

Day Trip Ideas

Extend your adventure beyond Portland with these recommended excursions.

Top Nearby Destinations

1

Kennebunkport

A charming coastal village known for its sandy beaches and upscale feel, offering a quintessential Maine experience.

2

Freeport

Location of the iconic L.L.Bean flagship store and numerous outlet shops, alongside access to natural parks.

3

Boothbay Harbor

THE perfect example of a working harbor town with a relaxed maritime atmosphere and renowned arboretums.

Additional Southern Coast Gems

  • Ogunquit: Famed for its expansive beach and the picturesque Marginal Way cliff walk.
  • Marginal Way: A paved 1.25-mile scenic cliff walk that winds along the rocky coastline.
  • Perkins Cove: A charming fishing village with working lobster boats, shops, and dory boat trips.
  • Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center: Maine's largest salt marsh, ideal for bird spotting and kayaking (seasonal).
  • Old Orchard Beach: A lively beach town with a historic pier and theme park, offering a coastal experience.
  • Cape Elizabeth: Beyond the beacon, explore Crescent Beach State Park and Kettle Cove for stunning seaside views.

Inland & Nature Escapes

  • Shaker Village at Sabbathday Lake: The last active Shaker community globally, offering insights into their unique way of life.
  • Sebago Lakes Region: Enjoy lake activities, visit local farms, and experience Maine's inland beauty.
  • Bradbury Mountain State Park: A state park with hiking trails to a summit, popular for mountain biking and winter cross-country skiing.
  • Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park: Easy pedestrian paths through pine and oak forests along the coastline, with views of Casco Bay.
  • Coastal Maine Arboretums: One of New England's largest botanical gardens near Boothbay Harbor.
  • Casco The Cove islands: Explore by ferry, discovering historic sites, quiet beaches, and island life.

Cultural & Natural Retreats

Shaker Village

Visit the last active Shaker community, offering tours of historic buildings and insights into their unique way of life.

Sebago Lakes Region

Explore charming towns and enjoy lake activities like swimming and canoeing. Visit local farms during harvest season.

Bradbury Mountain

A state park with hiking trails to a summit, popular for off-road cycling and winter cross-country skiing.

Planning Your Outings

Always find out the opening hours and seasonal availability for attractions and green spaces, especially outside peak summer months. Think about booking tours or transportation in advance for popular destinations.
← Previous
Things to Do in Portland
← Back to Maine
Next →
Portland Travel Tips

Next Up: Portland Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Continue to Portland Travel Tips
Day Trips from Portland. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours