Find cheap flights to Portland, Maine

Portland may be the largest city in the state of Maine, but it’s neither crowded nor busy, and has a laid-back coastal ambience. The summer months from June – August are by far the most popular time to visit. The weather is delightful, warm without being too hot, and there is less rainfall than at other times of the year. Of course, this means that it’s the busiest time of the year, so be prepared to pay more for flights and accommodation. Once September comes around, things quieten down, so fall can be a great time to plan your trip. Between now and November, average daily highs range from 70 – 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so earlier in the fall is usually more comfortable. Winter temperatures can be frigid, with plenty of snow. If you like winter sports, it can be a great time to visit, because you won’t be fighting the crowds and you can enjoy cross-country skiing, ice skating and sledding. If you want to visit Portland in spring, the temperatures range from 25 – 65 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack your warm clothes, especially in March.

Portland’s city center is compact, and easy to get around on foot, but if you plan on exploring further afield, here are some options for you.

Buses

The Portland Explorer bus is geared towards tourists, and operates from May through October, seven days a week. It costs $2 per ride, children under twelve are free, and it runs to most major tourist attractions and hotels. The METRO bus network runs year round, serving the Greater Portland area. An adult fare is $1.50 USD, or you can buy a day pass; for local buses it’s $5.00 USD, and for local and express service, it will cost you $10.00 USD.

Ferries, water taxis and charter boats

While you’re here, take advantage of the coastal location to get out on the water. You can visit the local islands on Casco Bay Lines Ferries; the ferry terminal is on the corner of Commercial & Franklin Streets in downtown Portland. You can also use the Portland Harbor Water Taxi harbor shuttle service between Portland and South Portland, or the Portland Sea Taxi, on call 13 hours a day for service between Greater Portland and the Casco Bay Islands. You can also charter a boat with Casco Bay Custom Charters for a sunset cruise, or simply to explore the coast.

Car rentals

Visitors often rent a car while in Portland, in order to have the freedom to travel further and at their convenience. Driving is easy here, and an innovative ‘park and shop’ program offers free parking downtown. When you take your parking garage ticket to be stamped at several locations throughout the area, each stamp gives you one hour of free parking.

Things to do and places of interest in Portland, Maine

Portland is a popular summer destination because of its beautiful location on Casco Bay. If you enjoy historical sites, outdoor activities, or just relaxing in the clean ocean air, you’ll surely love Portland. Here are a few ideas for your itinerary.

• Tour the decadently decorated, 1858-dated Victorian Mansion. Designed by famed architect, Henry Austin, for Ruggles Sylvester Morse, the home features ornately painted walls and ceilings, wood carvings, unique carpets, and collections of silver, glass and porcelain.
• No trip to Portland is complete without seeing the Portland Museum of Art. Here you’ll find a collection of fine and decorative arts dating from the 1700s. It features American and European art, including works by Andrew Wyeth, Winslow Homer, Rockwell Kent, Monet, Degas, and Picasso.
• Visit Longfellow House, the 1785-dated home was built for General Peleg Wadsworth, grandfather of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and was the first brick house in Portland.
• Sample some tasty sips at the Allagash Brewery, where they’ve been hand crafting the best Belgian-inspired beers in the world since 1995.
• Explore the Casco Bay Islands, sometimes called the Calendar Islands. Local artists live here, in a relaxed lifestyle that might make you wish you could stay. Allow yourself to unwind while you stroll along the beaches, soak up the warm sunshine and breathe fresh air.
• Go for a bike ride, a jog, or a leisurely walk along the Eastern Promenade, an historic, 68.2-acre public park and recreation area. The promenade offers great views of the harbor and Casco Bay, and if you’re up early enough, you may catch a spectacular sunrise.

Tips and tricks for visiting Portland, Maine

The ‘beware of moose crossing’ signs are not a joke. Moose are giant creatures, and collisions with cars increasingly frequent. Be very cautious when driving in moose country.

Portland is a favored destination of foodies. Plan a trip in late October and take in the Harvest on the Harbor, a delicious celebration of local foods.