10 Best Day Trips from Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine may be famous for its lighthouses, cobblestone streets, and incredible food scene. But some of the best adventures start just outside the city.
Within a short drive or ferry ride, you can find charming coastal towns, sandy beaches, scenic state parks, and even a few spots across the New Hampshire border.
This guide covers my favorite day trips from Portland, Maine, from quick escapes to full-day adventures, so you can make the most of your time in this beautiful corner of New England.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
Quick Tips for Planning Your Portland Trip
Heading to Portland, Maine for the first time? Here are a few quick tips to help you plan your trip:
🏨 Where to Stay: Check rates at The Press Hotel or the Hampton Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront for a central location near the waterfront. For a budget-friendly stay, the Inn at St. John is a reliable option just outside downtown.
🚗 Getting Around: Portland is very walkable, especially around the Old Port and Arts District. For day trips or lighthouse hopping, check out Discover Cars for the best rental deals.
🌟 Best Tours: Hop on the Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise to see the coastline from the water. For something on land, The Real Portland Tour is a fun way to explore the city and visit a few nearby lighthouses with a local guide.
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Best Day Trips from Portland, Maine
1. Cape Elizabeth
Just 15 minutes from downtown Portland, Cape Elizabeth is home to one of Maine’s most photographed landmarks, Portland Head Light.
This iconic lighthouse sits in Fort Williams Park, where you can stroll along rocky cliffs, picnic on the grass, and watch waves crash against the shore.
While you’re here, visit Two Lights State Park for more coastal views and easy walking trails. In summer, grab a lobster roll from the Lobster Shack at Two Lights, a local favorite with picnic tables overlooking the ocean.
Getting here is simple. You can drive from Portland, Maine in under 20 minutes, or even bike if you are up for a scenic ride along the coast.
This is one of the easiest coastal day trips from Portland, Maine, and it is beautiful in every season.
2. Peaks Island
Peaks Island is just a 17-minute ferry ride from downtown Portland, making it one of the quickest and most fun day trips you can take.
The ferry runs year-round from the Casco Bay Lines terminal, and you can walk on as a passenger or bring a bike.
Once you arrive, rent a bike or golf cart to explore the island at your own pace. Popular stops include Battery Steele, a historic World War II fort, and the quirky Umbrella Cover Museum. You will also find small beaches, art galleries, and a handful of local cafés.
Peaks Island is close enough for a half-day visit, but there is plenty to fill a full day if you take your time exploring and enjoy a long lunch with a view of the water.
3. Kennebunkport
About 40 minutes south of Portland, Kennebunkport is a postcard-perfect coastal town known for its sandy beaches, boutique shops, and great seafood. You can drive straight down I-95 or take the slower Route 1 for a more scenic ride.
Spend time wandering through Dock Square, where you will find galleries, cafés, and souvenir shops. Head to Goose Rocks Beach for a peaceful walk along the shore, or drive out to Walker’s Point to see the summer home of the Bush family.
Kennebunkport is a must if you are planning a Maine road trip along the southern coast, but it also works perfectly as a quick day trip from Portland, Maine.
4. Ogunquit
Just under an hour from Portland, Ogunquit is one of the most charming coastal towns in Maine. It is known for its wide sandy beach, vibrant arts scene, and the famous Marginal Way, a scenic mile-long path that winds along the ocean.
Start your visit with a walk through Perkins Cove, a small harbor filled with restaurants, shops, and colorful fishing boats. From there, stroll the Marginal Way for incredible ocean views and plenty of photo spots.
Ogunquit is especially lively in summer, with outdoor dining, live theater at the Ogunquit Playhouse, and plenty of local ice cream stands to top off your day.
5. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Located about an hour southwest of Portland, Portsmouth is a lively historic city on the New Hampshire coast.
The drive is straightforward via I-95, making it an easy addition to your list of day trips from Portland, Maine.
In the compact downtown, you will find brick-lined streets, boutique shops, and plenty of cafés and restaurants.
Prescott Park offers pretty waterfront gardens and seasonal events, while the Strawbery Banke Museum brings the area’s history to life with restored buildings and costumed guides.
Portsmouth also has a great food scene, so plan to stay for dinner before heading back to Portland.
6. Old Orchard Beach
Only 25 minutes south of Portland, Old Orchard Beach is a classic New England seaside spot with a long stretch of sand and a lively boardwalk.
It is especially popular in summer, when the pier is packed with restaurants, bars, and arcades.
Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or just walking along the 7-mile beach. Families will love Palace Playland, a beachfront amusement park with rides and games that’s been entertaining visitors for over a century.
With its mix of beach time and classic boardwalk fun, Old Orchard Beach is one of the most nostalgic Portland day trips you can take.
7. Freeport
About 25 minutes north of Portland, Freeport is best known as the home of L.L. Bean’s flagship store, which is open 24 hours a day.
The downtown area is filled with outlet shops, local boutiques, and cafés, making it a great spot for a shopping-focused day trip from Portland, Maine.
If you want to add some nature to your visit, head to nearby Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park for short trails and views of Casco Bay, or visit the Desert of Maine, a quirky natural landmark with walking paths and exhibits.
Freeport is an easy stop to combine with other southern Maine day trips, especially if you enjoy mixing a little retail therapy with time outdoors.
8. Boothbay Harbor
About an hour and 15 minutes northeast of Portland, Boothbay Harbor is a classic Maine fishing town with a relaxed coastal vibe. The drive up Route 1 takes you through small towns and scenic stretches of shoreline.
Stroll across the town’s footbridge for great harbor views, browse local shops, and take a boat tour to see nearby islands or spot seals and puffins.
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a highlight, especially in summer when the flowers are in full bloom.
Boothbay Harbor is one of the best towns near Portland, Maine to visit if you want a mix of maritime charm, fresh seafood, and time on the water.
9. Camden
With a postcard-perfect harbor, historic downtown, and mountains meeting the sea, Camden is one of Maine’s most photogenic towns.
The waterfront is lined with sailboats, and the surrounding hills make for incredible hiking and viewpoints.
Browse the shops and cafés downtown, then head to Camden Hills State Park for the short hike up Mount Battie, where you will be rewarded with sweeping views of Penobscot Bay.
It is also a popular stop for anyone on a Boston to Acadia road trip, but it works just as well as a stand-alone day trip from Portland, Maine.
10. Lake Winnipesaukee
Cross the border into New Hampshire and you will find Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in the state, and a perfect spot for outdoor fun.
The drive from Portland takes around 1.5-2 hours (depending on where you go exactly), but the mountain views and small towns along the way make it worth the trip.
In summer, you can go swimming, kayaking, or take a scenic cruise to explore the lake’s many islands. Fall brings colorful foliage reflected in the water, while winter offers ice fishing and snowshoeing.
For a relaxed pace, stop in Meredith or Wolfeboro, two of the prettiest lakeside towns, and enjoy lunch by the water before heading back to Portland, Maine.
