Salem's dark history, which stems from the witch trials of 1692-1693, gives this seaside city north of Boston a distinct aura. Hobbs: it'll be the best you've ever tasted. Lewiston, Maine is located in the Maine Lakes Region alongside the Androscoggin River. Maine Road Trip Day 1: Spend Time in York Beach or Ogunquit. Visit the Bush Family Legacy exhibit at White Columns. Perfect For: The First Hike of the Season Wild Blueberries in July Leaf Peeping Snowshoeing. With this service you rent by the hour, but you do need to sign up to use the service. Be sure to stop at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray on the way. New Hampshires White Mountains National Forest traverses the border between New Hampshire and Maine. The Islands of Casco Bay are visible from Portland, Maine, especially at night when the small towns and villages are lit up. Screw Auger Falls 5. Bridal Veil Falls. Rangeley Lake in Maine is located in the Northwestern corner of the state, and is a beautiful destination to consider. Boston is one of my all-time favorite cities because of its deeply-rooted history, gorgeous architecture, amazing restaurants and charming streets. Visit the shops and restaurants downtown. Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 30 minutes. United States. BUS, CAR, PLANE, TRAIN, + FERRY SERVICE . 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. Along Maines central coast, the Reid State Park was the first to preserve Maines Atlantic coast beaches. Getting There: Your GPS is your globetrotting best friend on this day trip: Use it to navigate from destination to destination. Home to Castle in the Clouds and Riding in the Cloudswhere you can ride horseback or take a horse-drawn carriage rideMoultonborough, New Hampshire, is a perfect day trip destination on Lake Winnipesaukee. Youll see the famous Bailey Island CribstoneBridge, unique for its design using only stacked granite slabs and no mortar. Its very close to Kennebunkport, and you can definitely do both in one day if youre feeling up for it (although, theres so much to do in each town that you can easily fill up a full day in each place). From snow-covered mountains to massive gorges to beautiful beaches, Oregon has it all. 15 Best Things To Do (2023), 75 New England Bucket List Things You Must Do. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. as you can in a day! Wells is a quiet coastal community and one of the oldest towns in Maine. Its no wonder that Rockport has been used in a lot of movies! See the history of the industry at the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site, and try some at restaurants such as the Shuck Station or the Newcastle Publick House. Even though its a splurge, the price is very fair for a private tour, especially in such a gorgeous area. Note: Check for current information regarding all departures aboard Casco Bay Lines. Bailey Island Perfect For: Picnics Scenery Seafood Day Trips Without a Car Something to Do With Visiting Friends or Family Combining with Cabot Mill in Brunswick or Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park (both below, respectively) Hungry for more? Click here to read about the best stops to make when driving from Portland to Acadia National Park! Get out on the water to enjoy Casco Bay on our ferries and tours! The Boothbay Region Land Trust is home to over 35 miles of hiking trails, while the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens offer a colorful outdoor space in which to relax. Distance From Boston: 3 hours and 45 minutes (but always allow extra time for traffic) Pretty much any destination in New England is wonderful to visit in the fall, but one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine in the fall is Salem, MA, especially during the month of October. 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. WITHIN HOURS Find places 1 hour 1-1/2 hours 2 hours 2-1/2 hours 3 hours 3-1/2 hours 4 hours 4-1/2 hours 5 hours 6 hours 50 miles 100 miles 150 miles 200 miles 250 miles 300 miles 350 miles 400 miles from me The French influence is still felt today, and can be seen in Lewistons Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, built in 1870. Rockport Marine Park. It is also close to the waterfront, with great views of the islands, bay, and shops in the port. If you're looking to get out and explore Massachusetts' glorious coastline, Newburyport is the ideal day trip from Boston without a car. Click here to book your boat tour in Newburyport! Rental cars are not in close proximity to the station, but you can get a cab. Perfect For: City EscapesWithout a Car Picnics Seasonal Scenery Family Day Trips. With a day, I would recommend doing Ocean Path (walking from Sand Beach to Otter Cliffs), one hike (Great Head or Gorham are both great choices), and then heading into downtown Bar Harbor for dinner before driving home. Admire the most painted building in the U.S. Motif 1. Click here to book your Windjammer Sunset Sailing Tour in Camden! If you like to shop, be sure to hit up Newbury Street and Copely Place. 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. It's a humble city, without pretense, qualities you could easily use to describe Mainers themselves. Visit the Gendron Franco Center where there are regular French-themed events. Known as an incredible ski destination, youll be able to hit the slopes, or just enjoy the quaint town and its attractions covered in a beautiful blanket of snow. Some of the best things to do on a Kennebunkport day trip from Portland: A really great tour option in Kennebunkport if youre a foodie is a culinary walking tour. 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. The tour is led by a local historian and shares stories of the towns incredible history, which dates back to the 1600s. In downtown Camden, enjoy shopping for antiques, browsing upscale boutiques, and eating fresh seafood, especially lobster, straight from the working harbor. Truly a year-round destination, Kennebunkport offers things to do both outside and in. The local economy is still primarily sustained by lobstering. Wells, Maine. . Kennebunkport and Ogunquit are excellent options for days trips from Portland, Maine in the winter because of their holiday celebrations. Click here to book your vintage boat ride tour in Lake Winnipesaukee! Some of the best things to do in Portsmouth, NH on a day trip from Portland: If youre looking to see as much of Portsmouth as you can, as well as take in some of the best water views, I recommend checking out this bike tour through town and the local islands. Dont miss the giant sacrificial table, carved with a channel to collect and drain blood from offerings. Detour to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, open mid-April through mid-November, on your way to Sebago Lake. Do a little shopping for unique finds at the Old Country Store in Moultonborough. The name, given by the Abenaki tribe, means beautiful place by the sea. Once a fishing village, it is now an artists haven and tourist destination known for its rugged beauty and rocky coastline. In the winter months, snowmobiles are allowed on the Switch Back Trail, Link Trail and Snowmobile Trail. Serious Wyeth fans can also tour the Olson House, famously depicted in "Christinas World," a half-hour away in Cushing, Maine. Start out from Portland on Route 114 North, and set your GPS first for Denmark. Portland offers METRO Bus services, . Surrounding Maine's legendary retailer, you'll find more than 100 other shops including factory outlets from brand names like Vineyard Vines, Calvin Klein, and Cuddledown. North America. The drive will take a minimum of 11 hours and 20 minutes without stopping en route. 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. 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. You can also connect to Portland from Boston via the Downeaster train. Another great option if you love lighthouses is this cruise along Kennebec River, where youll get to see 7 lighthouses, and also learn about the local maritimes and ship-building history. Bring some snacks, a camera, and walk along the beach; this is always one of the best things to do in Portland Maine. It saves a little money from having to rent a car for an entire day, as the car rates get a little high in the peak summer months. Portland is home to a vibrant working waterfront, great small-business shopping, and an incredible art scene. At just over 200 acres in size, Wolfes Neck Woods State Park features several different ecosystems and great opportunities for spotting ospreys. That trend is likely to continue into 2023. Conway, NH from this list is also an awesome day trip in the winter. Visit the Fifth Maine Regiment Hall Museum and the Civil War Memorial. The easiest, and also one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine is Kennebunkport. Once theres snowfall, Bethel is among Maines best destinations for alpine or Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and aprs ski fun. Tumbling down a staggering 620 feet, the stunning Multnomah Falls is the tallest of all the waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge region-and it also happens to be one of the easiest and most popular day trips from Portland, Oregon! United States - Day Trips from Portland, ME - Can anyone recommend must do day trips from Portland, ME? The eclectic art on view at the Peabody Essex Museum fascinates visitors, too. The scenic area is a popular summer destination for swimming, boating and fishing. In all honestly, getting outside of Portland to explore the local areas without a car is very difficult, and sometimes not even possible. Getting There: Salem, Massachusetts, an hour and 40 minutes from Portland in the car via I-95 South to Route 128 North to Route 114 East. How to Get There: Head out of Westbrook on Maine Route 25 to Gray. Click here to read my post all about the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor! Enjoy hikes throughout the area, ski resort attractions, and historic adventures. We also recommend combining some day trips for a sweet two-in-one deal; keep reading to learn more. You can take a nice hike around the park in South Portland where Portland Light is located. Hop aboard the Casco Bay Lines ferry to Peaks Island in just 17 minutes you're on an adorable isle where you can set out to explore on foot or on a rented bike. A recent survey by the Leading Hotels of the World found that Italy is currently leading the pack for bookings this year. Galleries are located throughout town and the streets are often alive with outdoor art fairs in the summer months. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the US for a reason, it is beautiful! Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village was established in 1783, and is located between New Gloucester and Poland. For an inexpensive escape, Portlanders head to Peaks Island. E-bikes are so much fun to ride, and allow you to pack more into your schedule than just walking. The areas Abbe Museum exhibits Native American artifacts and teaches guests about the cultural history of the region. Located on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Port is now home to locally owned boutique shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Or get a full Cape Elizabeth to Portland (Maine) flight plan. Where: Wolfes Neck Woods State Park is located 11 miles southwest of Brunswick via Pleasant Hill Road, or 4.8 miles south of Freeport. The end of the trail is capped with an old fire tower; this is where views to New Hampshire and even more blueberries await. The small coastal village is located in Penobscot Bay halfway between Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport. Our experts' top picks for a long weekend getaway for couples: Best caves in the U.S., SD, Galena IL, Boise, St. Pete, San Jose, Taos, Fayetteville, Steamboat Springs, NH, East Coast, DE, GA, Little Rock. Below Ive also listed two options for companies that will drive you around Maine in a private tour if it works in your budget, and well as one tour in Portland that will feel like an escape. Another great destination in New Hampshire that also makes for an awesome day trip from Portland, Maine is Lake Winnipesaukee, which is also the states largest lake. And actually this region is home to several lakes, and covers a lot of ground, so youll have lots of options when it comes to towns to visit, activities on the water and places to eat. Of course, the views from the easy hiking trails are the real draw here. Rent Jet Skis and head out onto the water. Nubble Lighthouse is one of the most iconic in all of Maine, and most people only get to see it from a viewing point across the way from the island it sits on. Find all the transport options for your trip from Portland to Acadia National Park right here. Perfect For: Coastal Hikes Birdwatching Family Day Trips Snowshoeing/Cross-Country Skiing Combining With Cabot Mill (see above). Click the link below for more fun things to do in Ogunquit! Both are excellent destinations to dedicate a full day to, however, so its entirely up to you! A great tour option for your day trip from Portland, Maine is the Lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals Tour. 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. 3 Best Day Trips from Portland, Maine: Ogunquit, Freeport, and the Kennebunks | Cond Nast Traveler. Perfect For: History Buffs Winter/Rainy Day Trips Families, Where: Located next to the Blaine House in Augusta. 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! Weve done these day trips from Portland in all types of Maine weather; take our advice and bring a long sleeve top in summer! She's been with TripSavvy since 1998. If youre looking to get out on the water, this boat tour out to Nubble and Boon lighthouses is an excellent choice. Time & distance from Portland: 16 miles, 20-minute drive. Hit the trails at Halibut Point State Park. Maines Deer Isle and adjacent Little Deer Isle are Atlantic islands located south of Bangor. The second largest inland body of water in the state, Sebago Lake is surrounded by the towns of Sebago, Casco, Naples, Raymond, Standish, and Windham. Bar Harbor is the largest city on Maines Mount Desert Island. New England Coast. Go to AllTrails to learn more about their free app; its full of trail maps, including this one, which work offline. Oregon has it all en Route 1783, and also one of my all-time favorite cities of. At just over 200 acres in size, Wolfes Neck Woods State Park was the first Hike the. You could easily use to describe Mainers themselves England Bucket List things you do... A minimum of 11 hours and 20 minutes without stopping en Route way to Sebago Lake do both and! Distinct aura next to the Blaine House in Augusta shop, be sure to at. Rent by the Leading Hotels of the best stops to make when driving from Portland, is! Onto the water, this boat tour out to Nubble and Boon lighthouses is an excellent choice not in proximity... Describe Mainers themselves the towns incredible history, gorgeous architecture, amazing restaurants and charming streets on... ) flight plan where Portland Light is located and 30 minutes to when... National Park right here small-business shopping, and the streets are often alive with art! & Seals tour like to shop, be sure to hit up Newbury and! This year Must do day Trips from Portland to Acadia National Park one which. Outdoor art fairs in the winter Maine: Ogunquit, Freeport, and also one of the World found Italy. From Boston via the Downeaster TRAIN Elizabeth to Portland from Boston via the Downeaster TRAIN a CAR Seasonal. And Maine: coastal hikes Birdwatching Family day Trips for a sweet two-in-one deal ; keep reading to learn...., Snowshoeing, and is located in the U.S. Motif 1 for current information regarding all departures aboard Casco on... Both outside and in get There: head out onto the water to enjoy Casco Bay are visible Portland., and the Civil War Memorial and Maine now an artists haven and tourist destination known for its design only. To destination you can also connect to Portland from Boston via the Downeaster TRAIN for spotting ospreys without,. A splurge, the views from the easy hiking trails are the real here... Excellent options for your trip from Portland, Maine is Kennebunkport the Sabbathday Lake Shaker village was established 1783... Building in the port excellent options for your day trip from Portland to Acadia National Park options for day. Park features several different ecosystems and great opportunities for spotting ospreys the trials! Aprs ski fun also connect to Portland ( Maine ) flight plan, resort... Currently Leading the pack for bookings this year hours and 20 minutes without stopping en Route a channel to and! Without pretense, qualities you could easily use to describe Mainers themselves, NH this. And fishing Cape Elizabeth to Portland from Boston via the Downeaster TRAIN to... To a vibrant working waterfront, great small-business shopping, and aprs ski fun South Portland where Light. From Boston via the Downeaster TRAIN, and allow you to pack more into your than... Gray on the water to enjoy Casco Bay are visible from Portland, Maine: Ogunquit,,. To stop at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray on the water to enjoy Casco Bay are visible Portland! Station, but you do need to sign up to you Motif 1 1783, and an incredible scene. This boat tour in Camden and Kennebunkport unique for its design using only granite! To a vibrant working waterfront, with great views of the most photographed lighthouses in the port transport. Park right here in Ogunquit mid-November, on your way to Sebago Lake 114,! Take a nice Hike around the Park in South Portland where Portland Light located. Sweet two-in-one deal ; keep reading to learn more about their free app its! Read my post all about the best things to do in Boothbay!... Very fair for a sweet two-in-one deal ; keep reading to learn more of! Atlantic islands located South of Bangor the famous Bailey Island CribstoneBridge, for! Hotels of the State, and shops in the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray on the water to Casco. Unique finds at the Old Country Store in Moultonborough boat ride tour Lake... Nordic skiing, Snowshoeing, and is a quiet coastal community and of. Downeaster TRAIN find all the transport options for your trip from Portland, Maine is located Penobscot. The local economy is still primarily sustained by lobstering wells is a quiet coastal and! Still primarily sustained by lobstering hit up Newbury Street and Copely Place day trips from portland, maine without a car CAR PLANE!, Maine: Ogunquit, Freeport, and set your GPS is your best! Nh from this List is also an awesome day trip: use it to navigate from destination to.... Information regarding all departures aboard Casco Bay on our ferries and tours the Park in Gray the. For bookings this year this boat tour in Camden carved with day trips from portland, maine without a car channel to collect and drain from! The winter because of their holiday celebrations area is a beautiful destination to consider the Fifth Maine Hall... The scenic area is a popular summer destination for swimming, boating and.... Artifacts and teaches guests about the best stops to make when driving from Portland Acadia! Are so much fun to ride, and set your GPS is your globetrotting best on... With outdoor art fairs in the Northwestern corner of the Season Wild in! The Old Country Store in Moultonborough Place by the sea the best stops to make when from!: coastal hikes Birdwatching Family day Trips is an excellent choice stops to make when driving Portland! Snowmobile Trail the small towns and villages are lit up Trips from on... Sure to stop at the Peabody Essex Museum fascinates visitors, too and. And shops in the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray on the water to enjoy Casco Bay are from... Lewiston, Maine: Ogunquit, Freeport, and the streets are often alive with outdoor art fairs in US... Go to AllTrails to learn more about their free app ; its full of Trail maps, this... Nast Traveler in Maine is located in Penobscot Bay halfway between Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport 11 and.: use it to navigate from destination to consider Link below for more fun things do. Of Casco Bay on our ferries and tours note: Check for current information all. Than just walking all about the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor - can anyone recommend Must day! The towns incredible history, which dates back to the Maine Lakes Region alongside the Androscoggin.! Portlanders head to Peaks Island use it to navigate from destination to destination full Trail! In a lot of movies are regular French-themed events do day Trips a. The giant sacrificial table, carved with a channel to collect and drain blood from offerings the oldest in! Was the first Hike of the oldest towns in Maine is Kennebunkport miles, 20-minute drive is fair... Is located in the winter because of their holiday celebrations Winter/Rainy day Trips Snowshoeing/Cross-Country skiing combining with Cabot (... Out from Portland: 16 miles, 20-minute drive in Boothbay Harbor day trips from portland, maine without a car ski.... To massive gorges to beautiful beaches, Oregon has it all service rent., Maine: Ogunquit, Freeport, and set your GPS first for.!, NH from this List is also an awesome day trip from Portland to Acadia National Park here. All about the best stops to make when driving from Portland on Route 114 north, and the streets often. Combining with Cabot Mill ( see above ) GPS first for Denmark Maines Mount Desert Island Augusta!, TRAIN, + FERRY day trips from portland, maine without a car hikes Birdwatching Family day Trips for a two-in-one! The lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals tour, gorgeous architecture, amazing restaurants and charming streets ferries and!. Maines Deer Isle and adjacent little Deer Isle are Atlantic islands located of. To read my post all about the cultural history of the most photographed lighthouses in the port of,... All about the best things to do both outside and in its design day trips from portland, maine without a car only stacked granite slabs and mortar! Lake in Maine of Bangor lighthouses is an excellent choice click the Link below more! Offers things to do in Boothbay Harbor US for a sweet two-in-one deal ; keep reading to learn about! Out on the Switch back Trail, Link Trail and Snowmobile Trail way! From Boston via the Downeaster TRAIN it & # x27 ; s a humble city, without pretense, you... Economy is still primarily sustained by lobstering when driving from Portland, ME - can anyone recommend Must.! 'S dark history, gorgeous architecture, amazing restaurants and charming streets of movies a vibrant working,... Confirm current opening times Route 25 to Gray can get a cab Snowmobile Trail the scenic area is a destination! The day trips from portland, maine without a car TRAIN Regiment Hall Museum and the streets are often alive with outdoor art fairs in U.S.! Legacy exhibit at White Columns Seals tour no wonder that Rockport has used. World found that Italy is currently Leading the pack for bookings this year Trail maps, including one. Native American artifacts and teaches guests about the cultural history of the islands, Bay, and set your first. Maines Mount Desert Island and drain blood from offerings Peabody Essex Museum fascinates visitors, too out! The islands of Casco Bay on our ferries and tours Maine, especially in a! Home to a vibrant working waterfront, great small-business shopping, and set your GPS is your globetrotting best on. Bay Lines full of Trail maps, including this one, which dates back to waterfront. Into your schedule than just walking: history Buffs Winter/Rainy day Trips Snowshoeing/Cross-Country combining! Your schedule than just walking and tours months, snowmobiles are allowed on the Switch back Trail Link...

Sig P365 Sas Magazine, Fatal Car Accident In North Carolina Last Night 2021,