This Old Port city in Maine offers more than award-winning restaurants’ exotic cuisines, farmer’s markets, lighthouses, museums, and Victorian houses. We know that frequent travellers might be tired of those ‘touristy’ things. But get ready to be surprised by a number of exciting activities we found in this buzzing peninsula! Explore Portland like never before through a Forest Park hike, scavenger hunt, and helicopter tour as you savour the delicious dishes along the way. You will also find a multitude of accommodation options in this famous destination. Book one of the bed and breakfasts to start the day energized. You can also choose from any of the lavish hotels and resorts in the city. There are also hotels with smoking rooms near Portland for convenience.
If you want to find attractions and activities in Portland, Maine that are off-the-beaten-path, scroll down to get inspired on your next trip to the enchanting waterfront city. Be sure to check out these best non-touristy things to do in Portland, Maine, for a fun time.
1. Visit the International Cryptozoology Museum
Whether you’re a true believer of what’s possibly out there or a stickler for undeniable facts, don’t miss out on this museum in Downtown Portland, Maine. This gem of a museum provides both grown-ups and kids with a day of fanciful learning. Learn about cryptids from all over the world, such as the Yeti of the Himalayas, the Fiji Mermaid and Indonesia’s Orang Pendek, many of which have purported evidence exhibited in the museum.
International Cryptozoology Museum also teaches about actual animals that have become part of cryptozoology lore, such as the coelacanth and the thylacine. Additionally, guests who’d like to take home a piece of cryptid knowledge with them can check out the souvenir store.
International Cryptozoology Museum
Address: 32 Resurgam Pl, Portland, ME 04102, United States
Website: International Cryptozoology Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD for Adults; 5 USD for teens 13+; free for 12 below
2. Explore Battery Steele
The name Battery Steele might sound like it’s a place from an epic action movie, and probably in another timeline, it probably was. It was originally built as part of a series of coastal defence fortifications during World War II. However, this battery now stands preserved as one of the historical locations in Portland, Maine. This site of interest will thrill not only military history buffs but also the usual tourists.
Battery Steele is part of the Peak Island Land Preserve, along with many other similar military installations. While you’re exploring Peak Island, you can use this opportunity to do some wildlife watching as well. You’ll find a variety of species, including eagles, shorebirds and even hawks.
Battery Steele
Address: Peaks Island Land Preserve, P.O. Box 99, Peaks Island, ME
Opening hours: open 24 hours (daily)
3. Tour the local breweries and sample craft beer
This laidback and off-the-beaten-path tour will take you to Portland’s eastern end, where you’ll visit some local breweries and sample their craft beers. Although you’ll be walking quite a bit, you should be fine if you wear a comfortable pair of shoes. This activity will have you sampling a number of good brews, so remember to drink responsibly.
Book Tours : Walk Portland & Try Maine’s Best Beers · ★5.0
4. Hike in the lush Forest Park
Join this guided tour to rumble into the only urban wilderness park in the US. As you walk along the immense Forest Park, the guide will share valuable information about the plants, animals, and history of the park. It is a moderate hike of 3 to 5 miles (5 to 8 kilometres), but you can back out anytime you want, or ask for adjustments following your needs. Catch the natural beauty and take as many pictures as you want.
5. Take a helicopter tour from Chinatown
If you crave something extraordinary, head to Old Town/Chinatown and take a 15-minute helicopter ride to see Portland from above. Go to a rooftop helipad next to Waterfront Park where the chopper is waiting for you. Enjoy unobstructed views of the Willamette River, Portland’s notable bridges, downtown cityscape, the rich forests, and other landmarks from the window seat. Let it stays in your memory forever despite the short time!
Book Tours : Downtown Portland Helicopter Tour
6. Go on a fun scavenger hunt
Eager to scout Portland’s off-the-beaten-path locations? This two-hour tour will take you to the grooviest part of Portland’s Alberta Arts District. Walk around the historic neighbourhood and capture the charming Victorian homes, street musicians, and vintage shops along the way. The tour itself is set as a ‘hunt’ where you will be put in a team and given a mission to find 25 items. Each item found is worth a point. The team (or individual) who earns the most points will win the game!
Book Tours : Keep Portland Weird! A Photo Walking Tour
7. Take a tour of Portland Observatory
Open seasonally, the Portland Observatory is one of the must-see attractions in the city, being the only known surviving tower of its type in the United States. Because of its legacy, it was designated a National Historic Landmark and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 2006.
Join a guided tour of the observatory and learn more about its history, including its past renovation efforts that helped preserve it. You can also take a self-guided tour to explore Portland Observatory at your own leisure. It’s only open for a specific period of time, so make sure not to miss this on your visit to Portland!
Portland Observatory
Address: 138 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
Opening hours: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (May to October)
8. Hang out at Bug Light Park
Bug Light Park is known for its small lighthouse, with a height of only 7.5 meters (24.61 feet). In addition, the park is ideal for outdoor activities like kite flying, boating, and saltwater fishing. This is also the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of the Portland skyline or catch the sunset. But if you’re looking for an immersive and unforgettable activity, don’t miss the fireworks show at the park, usually held every Fourth of July and other special events.
9. Join the First Friday Art Walk
For art lovers and those who’d like to learn more about Portland’s art scene, participate in the First Friday Art Walk. This self-guided tour takes you around local art galleries, art studios, museums, and alternative art venues. What makes this a unique activity is that it’s free and you can explore at your own pace. You can also join art-related talks and seminars, and watch live music performances in the heart of the city.
10. Learn about the history of Victoria Mansion
Also known as the Morse-Libby House, Victoria Mansion is a historic house in downtown Portland, boasting centuries of history within its walls. This Italianate mansion served as the summer home for hotelier Ruggles Sylvester Morse, where he lived until his death. It was later named Victoria Mansion after the British monarch and has since served as a museum, offering guests an insight into how life was back then. The house is also known for having 90% of its original interiors preserved, so you can really immerse yourself and appreciate its historic deails.
Victoria Mansion
Address: 109 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
Website: Victoria Mansion
11. Taste the best donuts in the area
Aside from seafood, Portland is also home to delicious donuts, the most famous one being The Holy Donut. A local favorite, the donut shop is located across different parts of Portland, so you can enjoy sweet and savory donuts anywhere you want. Gluten-free donuts are also available, and they source all ingredients locally. For the best pairing, get a cup of coffee to complete your donut run. Take note that the store closes when all donuts have sold out, so it’s best to get in line in the morning!
12. Walk along the Eastern Promenade
On a warm and sunny day, head out and take in the views from the Eastern Promenade, the largest developed park in Portland at 78 acres (31.57 hectares). It houses several historical sites, including a mass grave at the mast of USS Portland. At the Eastern Promenade, enjoy views of Casco Bay and the scenic waterside. Aside from its multi-use trails, you can use the tennis, baseball, and basketball courts, or enjoy a picnic. The Eastern Promenade is also a popular location for community events like walks, marathons, running, biking, and concerts.
Nearby options
13. Go on a sailing tour of Saco Bay
If you’re looking for a non-touristy thing to do near Portland that offers plenty of sunshine and sea breeze, then this tour is for you. You’ll be setting sail from Saco River and enjoying the cruise all the way up to Saco Bay, where you’ll be checking out points of interest such as Wood Island Lighthouse, Biddeford Pool, and Old Orchard Beach. You’ll learn all about the local marine life and, if you’re lucky, might even spot some sharks, seals, and even whales.
Book Tours : Come Sail with Us · ★4.97
14. Have a rafting adventure at the Northwest Whitewater
In less than 1.5 hours from Downtown Portland, you can get an adrenaline rush in the White Salmon River. The great rapids and are perfect for those who enjoy extreme rides. Come to Northwestern park, get your wetsuits, life jackets, neoprene boots, and helmets along with a quick lesson on paddling, then hit the waters! It may seem hard, but the activity is family-friendly.
Book Tours : Private Half-Day Whitewater Rafting in the Gorge
Enjoy Portland like never before
In a city of a modest size like Portland, there might not be much to expect, but we can always find exciting activities for you to try! Whether for its nature, food, history, or art, this peninsula is worth putting on your travel bucket list. Do you think that our picks can set this New England port into a perfect landing spot for travellers? It’s for you to decide.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Portland, Maine
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data