While I have been to Maine many times, this trip was my first to Portland. I was drawn to the city mostly due to the booming food scene. I’ve been known to plan entire vacations around food!

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Unfortunately, I was only able to visit for three days which isn’t nearly enough time to check out all that this city has to offer. But, it was a good start!

Whether you are a history buff looking to visit World War II locations, a foodie looking for some fresh seafood (washed down with a local beer of course), or a family looking to relax on the beautiful coastline, Portland is the spot!

Below are some of my recommendations of what to do, where to eat and where to stay for a trip to Portland, Maine.

For another great Maine vacation, check out my post A Stay at the Cliff House in Cape Neddick, Maine!

What to Do

Explore Peaks Island

Peaks Island is one of the many islands located within Casco Bay. The ferry to get there is docked right downtown and takes about 20 minutes. It runs nearly every hour during the day.

We booked a golf cart ahead of time through Mike’s Carts. The shop is located just a short walk from the ferry port once you arrive on Peaks Island. We rented the cart for two hours which gave us more than enough time to drive around the island and make a few stops for pictures and snacks.

During your cruise around the island, you can check out Battery Steele (a military fort built during WWII), the 5th Maine Regiment Museum, the worlds only Umbrella Cover Museum (!!) or stop for a picnic lunch along the beautiful coastline.

Cost:

Casco Bay Lines – Ferry tickets to Peaks Island are $7.70 (adult), $3.85 (children)

Mike’s Carts – $70 for 2 hours

Brewery Tour

Despite it being such a small city, Portland is home to nearly twenty popular breweries such as Alagash, Foulmouthed Brewing and Rising Tide Brewing Company.

There are several brewery tour companies in the area, most of which are going to bring you directly to Industrial Way – a street of abandoned office buildings and warehouses that have now been converted into some of Portland’s most popular breweries.

Whether you are a true beer lover or just along for the ride, the Portland brewery scene shouldn’t be missed.

Sail Through Casco Bay with Portland Schooner Company

This company has three schooners, Timberwind, Bagheera and Wendameen. Timberwind was built in 1931 and was used by the Coast Guard during WWII. Bagheera has voyaged across the Atlantic, sailed the Galapagos and spent years in the Caribbean over more than 90 years of sailing. The Wendameen was built in 1912 during the golden age of ocean schooners.

All three ships were built in Maine and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Now, guests can sail on one of these pieces of history around Casco Bay while enjoying a glass of wine. I worked with this company for a private event and would highly recommend this excursion.

Where to Eat

Duck Fat

As the name suggests, duck fat is a key ingredient in the frying of their Belgian fries. The menu also includes poutine, paninis, salads, milkshakes and more. This place is locally owned and focuses of serving delicious homemade food with the freshest ingredients.

Due to a tired child, we placed an order for takeout and ate it back at the hotel. The Belgian Fries were delicious and we tried the curry mayo and garlic mayo for dipping sauces. We had “The Original” Duckfat Milkshake and the Sea Salted Duckfat Caramel Milkshake. So. Good.

Address: 43 Middle Street Portland, Maine 04101

Hours: Open 7 days a week from 11:00am – 10:00pm

Portland Lobster Co.

This seasonal restaurant is normally packed with a crowd at all times of the day. You can enjoy beautiful views of the harbor while enjoying your fresh seafood on the outdoor deck. We had clam chowder, the Portland Fisherman’s Platter and the Wild Maine Blueberry Pie.

Address: 180 Commercial Street Portland, Maine 04101

Hours: Open 7 days a week from 11:00am – 9:00pm

Eventide Oyster Co.

Don’t miss out on their Maine lobster stew, homemade potato chips, brown butter lobster roll or their fish sandwich. The Mai Tai’s are fabulous too.

Address: 86 Middle Street Portland, Maine 04101

Hours: Open seven days a week from 11:00am to 12:00am

The Holy Donut

Made using fresh Maine potatoes, these donuts are much more moist and dense than traditional donuts. Try some of their unique flavors like Maple Bacon, Sea Salt Dark Chocolate, the Holy Cannoli or the Bacon Cheddar filled!

Address: 7 Exchange Street Portland, Maine 04101

Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00am – 4:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 7:00am – 5:00pm

Where to Stay

Hyatt Place Portland – Old Port

Located in the downtown area, this hotel is just a few minutes walk to the waterfront area. It’s close to many different activities, restaurants and bars, making it easy to get around without having to drive everywhere.

We stayed in a King Bed guestroom that was more than enough room for our family. The room offers a separate sitting area with a corner sofa, large flat screen TV and mini fridge. The room was very clean, the staff were friendly and the location of the hotel is great!

Comment below and let me know some of your favorite spots in Portland!