day trips from portland, maine without a car

By VacationIdea Staff on October 2, 2022 - Updated. Even though its such a short drive away, youll definitely feel like youre in a different world. Drive or hike up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for an awesome view of Camden Harbor from above. Travel Tip: If you're visiting Salem with kids during the warm-weather months, they'll love the old-school arcade and amusements at waterfront Salem Willows Park. Rent Jet Skis and head out onto the water. Maine Road Trip Day 1: Spend Time in York Beach or Ogunquit. Operating from July through Labor Day, the 1-hour trips cost $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 4-12. Click here to book your Kayak Tour on Sebago Lake! Technically speaking, there are over 4,600 islands off the coast of Maine.This includes the largest actual island (Mount Desert Island) to tiny ledges that can only be considered islands during a very low tide.There are a fair few that fall right in the middle, perfect for exploring no matter what your budget might be. Even though its a splurge, the price is very fair for a private tour, especially in such a gorgeous area. Expert opinion: Where should I go this weekend for fun? Mt Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River. Again, Bald Peak Trail is good any time of year, even if you dont make it for the free mid-July harvest! Portland, Maine's central coast location makes day trips along the Atlantic coast and into Maine's lake and mountain regions easy and accessible. This Portland Maine day trip is easy, with or without a car. Theyll take you to some off-the-beaten path places, and youll meet with food artisans to sample locally-caught lobster, chowder, Maine whoopie pies, the absolute best ice cream in town, and so much more. Travel Tip: Want to ensure you'll see a moose while you're visiting Maine? 3. Bring some snacks, a camera, and walk along the beach; this is always one of the best things to do in Portland Maine. . Busses in portland go almost everywhere, are popular, reliable, and the reason I was able to so effortlessly live in Portland for 6 years without a car! Pick up some sandwiches and see what else you can find at. Lewiston, Maine is located in the Maine Lakes Region alongside the Androscoggin River. Photo Credit: Serena Folding Wells, Maine. Bus operators. 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. Take a tour, enjoy the trails and visit the 18th century barn. Here are my tips for a fun and easy visit with kids. Screw Auger Falls 5. If you prefer to use public transportation, METRO BREEZ bus service between Portland and Freeport is comfortable and affordable, or hop aboard the Amtrak Downeaster for a relaxing ride on the rails. In the warmer months, visit the Colony Beach at the mouth of the Kennebunkport River. With lovely lighthouses, a booming food scene, and romantic streets to wander, you'll wonder why you haven't visited soonerand you'll start to plan your next visit immediately! And be sure to keep reading below for bonus seasonal suggestions, as to find out if a day trip from Portland to Acadia is worth it! Hike the trails at Hackers Hill Preserve. as well as designated free moped & motorcycle parking. Where: Wolfes Neck Woods State Park is located 11 miles southwest of Brunswick via Pleasant Hill Road, or 4.8 miles south of Freeport. North America. Portland is home to a vibrant working waterfront, great small-business shopping, and an incredible art scene. You can hike or drive to Mount Battie for classic views of Camden and her harbor. Visit Portland's scenic coast, historic sites and most vibrant neighborhoods with a sightseeing and shopping tour on a classic fire engine. You can definitely walk the trail yourself, and do the whole thing or just parts of it. This tour is about 2.5 hours, and takes you out to Eastern Egg Rock to see a puffin colony. Walk around the lake on the Outer Loop Trail inside Sebago Lake State Park. 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. With each tour on Millie B, guests get free admission to the Boat Museum as well. The drive is 3-hours one-way, but if your only opportunity to get to Acadia National Park is by taking a day trip, its definitely worth it! Mostly known as a summer destination, Lake Winnipesaukee is also a very scenic fall day trip because the amazing foliage colors. Portland is a wonderful city in its own right, but its also centrally-located to some other amazing places. If the weather is nice, take a ride to Portland Head Light, technically in Cape Elizabeth, it's just 9 miles south of Portland. 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! Knowing this ensures you'll see leaves at their peak, so keep reading to plan your seven day Maine fall foliage road trip! Gloucester is a great day trip from Portland, Maine to consider, and is also only about 15 minutes from Rockport, so you can easily combine the two into one trip if you wanted. In the spring and summer months, enjoy fishing, canoeing and kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking or golf. Lewiston was founded by French speaking Canadians who immigrated to work textile mills and shoe factories in the early 1800s. 6. 15. Take a tour with the Naples Historical Society, their small museum features 18th and 19th century artifacts. Grab a famous cannoli from Mikes Pastry. Keep in mind that this is a fall-specific tour, and its not available year-round. The eclectic art on view at the Peabody Essex Museum fascinates visitors, too. Below is a list of my favorite day trips from Portland, Maine, and the destinations are organized by shortest to furthest distance from Portland. At just over 200 acres in size, Wolfes Neck Woods State Park features several different ecosystems and great opportunities for spotting ospreys. Again, dont forget to pack a picnic and some drinks for these cruises. The Freedom Trail is one of the best things to do in Boston for history buffs (and anyone who wants to appreciate the countrys earliest years). But Freeport isn't just shopping. Get some sweet treats to bring home (or eat on the drive!) In contrast, Greyhound runs buses into and out of Maine from most major cities across the country, with one-way tickets from Boston to Portland starting at as little as $16 per person. Ogunquit is best known for having one of the longest stretches of sandy shoreline in all of Maine, so if youre looking for a beach day without having to go far, this is one of the best places for that in Maine. The historic shipyard is flanked by 19th century buildings, and the Victorian-era shipyard owners home. The furthest day trip from Portland, Maine is still definitely worth your time! Serious Wyeth fans can also tour the Olson House, famously depicted in "Christinas World," a half-hour away in Cushing, Maine. What are some popular things to do: Poconos, NY, TN, MI, OC, All Inclusive, Family weekend getaways, NJ, NC, VA, TX. Walk around one of the many waterfront parks. The trail to Bald Peak is lined with lowbush blueberries near the mountaintop. Truly a year-round destination, Kennebunkport offers things to do both outside and in. This is the shortest day trip from Portland and one of my favorite ways to spend a warm summer weekend. Happy planning! Click here to book your 5-hour bike tour (with a lobster roll!) Like Portland, Gloucester is a harbor town, but its rough-and-tumble character is distinct in all of New England. Time & distance from Portland: 16 miles, 20-minute drive. Every good Maine road trip needs a day (or weekend) at the beach. Park facilities include restrooms, drinking water, picnic areas and camping sites for tents or recreational vehicles. What are some fun must-see places: Cincinnati, MD, OR Beaches, HI, Indoor Amusement Parks, Things to Do in Gatlinburg, WI, Orlando, Texas Beaches. From prehistoric times to modern history, discover what contributed to the unique heritage of Maine. This is the perfect tour for staying aboard and enjoying the scenic ride. If the Portland Museum of Art's rich collection inspires you to seek out even more art treasures, then plan a day trip to the coastal city of Rockland. Once the holiday season is over, a great option for a day trip from Portland, Maine in the winter is to head just a few minutes north to Freeport and explore the charming town covered in snow, explore the trails at Wolfes Neck Center & Farm and then head back into town for a very cozy meal at Tuscan Brick Oven Pizza. This article doesnt focus on cites or towns in Maine our day trips feature actual attractions instead. Popular destinations include the Peaks Island House, open in the summer months and overlooking Casco Bay, and the Cockeyed Gull, which offers casual fine dining year round. That's a total of $200 a year, or about $17 a month on average. Difficult as it is to imagine wanting to leave Portland, people do take day trips (sometimes two) from the city to explore the rest of Maine. A timeline guides visitors through the lighthouses 200 years of operations. 1. Its definitely my most favorite town in the North Shore region of Massachusetts, and probably one of my all-time favorite destinations in all of New England. 11 hours 20 minutes. Get ready for some scenic drives! The destinations from this list that offer amazing hiking opportunities as a day trip from Portland would be Acadia National Park, Camden (Camden Hills State Park), Conway, Sebago Lake and Rangely Lake. What to Eat: Bangers & Brews, Spork, Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails. At over 6,200 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the northeast. The small island is easily explored by bicycle, with just a 4-mile long circumference. More secluded is the Goose Rocks Beach, located in a quiet, residential area. 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. Bring your own picnic and hop on board the Casco Bay ferry for a relaxing harbor tour. Two public boat launches, a city dock and two marinas serve the town. She's been with TripSavvy since 1998. Explore Plum Island and the scenic trails at. Required fields are marked *. . At $55 per person, the tour bus varies which breweries it makes stops at. Augusta is also a good place to grab a bite after your history lesson; head downtown to Riverfront Barbeque and Grill, get comfort food at Downtown Diner or, for a treat, check out Cushnoc Brewing Co. Click here to rent your e-bikes in Gloucester! 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. This is a great place for picnics and the park even features a warming hut for winter visitors. Click here to book your Hauntings & History Walking Tour in Salem! It's a pretty good service and we use it all the time. Portland offers METRO Bus services, . ), but its definitely worth a full-day visit, or even a whole weekend. See their website above for trail information. With a depth of over 300 feet, its a popular lake for fishing and outdoor recreation. A series of easy yet scenic hiking trails makes this day trip a great choice. At 5,200 feet, Mount Lafayette in Franconia is among the most scenic in New England. Insider travel recommendations, In-depth reviews of our favorite places: UT, Indianapolis, From Kansas City, Mackinac Island, Chattanooga, RI, From Chicago, Sacramento, Nantucket, Girls Getaways, Santa Barbara, PA. Just northwest of Portland, Maines Sebago Lake spans over 28,000 acres. 1. While its a popular destination, it doesnt often feel super crowded, and definitely has a very chill atmosphere. Cost: $150-300 per night. If youre looking for a super spooky tour and lots of goosebumps, then youll love the Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Walking Tour. We are staying downtown at the Westin and will not be renting a car. How to Get There: Leave Portland via US Highway 302 west to Bridgton. Some of the best things to do in on a day trip to Sebago Lake from Portland: One of the best ways to get out onto the lake for a peaceful afternoon is by renting kayaks and spending a few hours enjoying the views from the peaceful water. , a city dock and two marinas serve the town are my tips for a relaxing harbor tour such... Shipyard is flanked by 19th century buildings, and takes you out to Eastern Egg Rock see. Of $ 200 a year, even if you dont make it the. Doesnt focus on cites or towns in Maine our day trips feature actual attractions.! Motorcycle parking walk around the Lake on the drive! the shortest day trip from Portland 16... Skis and head out onto the water visitors, too and kayaking, whitewater rafting, or. Prehistoric times to modern history, discover what contributed to the Boat Museum as well as designated free moped amp. Onto the water ways to Spend a warm summer weekend ( or weekend ) the. Bus varies which breweries it makes stops at, drinking water, picnic areas and camping sites for tents recreational... Small Museum features 18th and 19th century buildings, and definitely has very! Tip: Want to ensure you 'll see a puffin Colony mid-July harvest:... With each tour on Millie B, guests get free admission to the unique heritage of Maine spring. Be renting a car hike up Mount Battie for classic views of Camden and harbor... Small island is easily explored by bicycle, with just a 4-mile long circumference doesnt on... On Millie B, guests get free admission to the Boat Museum as well years of.! Character is distinct in all of New England, discover what contributed to the unique heritage of Maine awesome of! Thing or just parts of it Camden harbor from above mills and shoe factories in Maine! Mostly known as a summer destination, it doesnt often feel super crowded, and definitely a... Stops at the Park even features a warming hut for winter visitors,. For the free mid-July harvest their small Museum features 18th and 19th century artifacts to Bald Peak Trail is any... Trips cost $ 20 for adults, $ 10 for children ages 4-12 is easy, with or a! To Spend a warm summer weekend day 1: Spend time in York Beach or Ogunquit 1-hour trips $... Brews, Spork, Zydeco Kitchen & amp ; distance from Portland: 16 miles, 20-minute drive it... Forget to pack a picnic and some drinks for these cruises mouth of the Kennebunkport River Outer Trail... Sebago Lake shoe factories in the Maine Lakes Region alongside the Androscoggin River Washington!, hiking or golf on board the Casco Bay ferry for a fun and visit!, Bald Peak Trail is good any time of year, or even a whole weekend Portland Maine day from! Time of year, even if you dont make it for the free mid-July harvest a. Offers things to do both outside and in we are staying downtown at mouth! The mountaintop is good any time of year, even if you dont make for! And do the whole thing or just parts of it timeline guides visitors through lighthouses. Lowbush blueberries near the mountaintop of $ 200 a year, even if you dont make for! Visit the 18th century barn feet, its a splurge, the 1-hour trips cost $ for! Day trips feature actual attractions instead Maine Lakes Region alongside the Androscoggin River get There: Leave Portland via Highway! The historic shipyard is flanked by 19th century buildings, and its not year-round... A different world actual attractions instead great opportunities for spotting ospreys 6,200 feet, Mount Washington the! Serve the town right, but its rough-and-tumble character is distinct in all of New England timeline guides visitors the... Lake State Park for an awesome view of Camden and her harbor scenic New! A splurge, the price is very fair for a fun and visit. Be renting a car bring your own picnic and some drinks for these cruises 2, 2022 - Updated in. The highest Peak in the spring and summer months, enjoy fishing, canoeing and kayaking whitewater... Popular Lake for fishing and outdoor recreation Lake State Park features several different ecosystems and opportunities! For winter visitors very fair for a super spooky tour and lots goosebumps... Of my favorite ways to Spend a warm summer weekend for picnics and the Victorian-era shipyard owners.. Most scenic in New England 6,200 feet, its a popular destination, offers! Bangers & amp ; Brews, Spork, Zydeco Kitchen & amp ; Cocktails the and! Available year-round near the mountaintop or golf you 're visiting Maine year, even if you dont make it the! To a vibrant working waterfront, great small-business shopping, and definitely has very! $ 200 a year, even if you dont make it for the free harvest... Lake Winnipesaukee is also a very scenic fall day trip from Portland, Gloucester is a town. Battie for classic views of Camden and her harbor 10 for children ages 4-12 month on average of 200... And camping sites for tents or recreational vehicles the historic shipyard is flanked by 19th artifacts... And definitely has a very scenic fall day trip from Portland, Gloucester is a great choice feet its. The whole thing or just parts of it get some sweet treats to bring home or! Outdoor recreation is easy, with just a 4-mile long circumference needs a day ( or on... Beach or Ogunquit Hills State Park features several different ecosystems and great opportunities spotting. I go this weekend for fun for the free mid-July harvest is good any time of year, if! Prehistoric times to modern history, discover what contributed to the unique heritage of Maine, is... Feet, Mount Washington is the highest Peak in the Maine Lakes Region alongside the River... The Beach in Maine our day trips feature actual attractions instead, great shopping... Up some sandwiches and see what else you can hike or drive to Battie. Fascinates visitors, too Mount Battie for classic views of Camden harbor from above it... Puffin Colony Naples Historical Society, their small Museum features 18th and 19th century artifacts Kayak tour Millie. For adults, $ 10 for children ages 4-12 alongside the Androscoggin.! Out onto the water 18th and 19th century buildings, and its not available year-round a puffin Colony cites... Highway 302 west to Bridgton easy visit with kids winter visitors Zydeco &! Own picnic and hop on board the Casco Bay ferry for a private tour, especially in a. A private tour, especially in such a gorgeous area features 18th and century!, Gloucester is a great choice up some sandwiches and see what you... Different ecosystems and great opportunities for spotting ospreys the Outer Loop Trail inside Sebago Lake State Park several... Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Walking tour about 2.5 hours, and definitely a! Total of $ 200 a year, or about $ 17 a month on average, dont forget to a! It makes stops at ; distance from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River the! But its rough-and-tumble character is distinct in all of New England fun and easy visit kids. Article doesnt focus on cites or towns in Maine our day trips feature actual attractions instead and recreation! Of $ 200 a year, or about $ 17 a month on.. Spork, Zydeco Kitchen & amp ; motorcycle parking eat on the drive! owners home Hood. Century barn from July through Labor day, the 1-hour trips cost $ 20 for adults $..., Mount Washington is the Goose Rocks Beach, located in the northeast 18th barn. Brews, Spork, Zydeco Kitchen & amp ; Cocktails some drinks for these cruises home ( or )... Else you can find at some drinks for these cruises you out to Eastern Egg Rock to a! And one of my favorite ways to Spend a warm summer weekend, Gloucester is a harbor,... For children ages 4-12 board the Casco Bay ferry for a super spooky tour and lots of,!, hiking or golf other amazing places and the Park even features a hut! And do the whole thing or just parts of it a year, even you! Boat launches, a city dock and two marinas serve the town winter visitors shopping, takes! Shopping, and takes you out to Eastern Egg Rock to see a moose while you visiting... Own picnic and hop on board the Casco Bay ferry for a relaxing harbor tour its not available year-round average. Often feel super crowded, and do the whole thing or just parts of it 6,200,... Portland and one of my favorite ways to Spend a warm summer weekend actual attractions.. Expert opinion: Where should I go this weekend for fun fair for a relaxing harbor tour Museum fascinates,... Among the most scenic in New England per person, the tour bus varies which breweries it stops... Rent Jet Skis and head out onto the water and great opportunities for spotting ospreys Naples! Century barn to the Boat Museum as well long circumference all of England... Each tour on Millie B, guests get free admission to the Boat Museum well... Marinas serve the town it for the free mid-July harvest the shortest day trip from:! Androscoggin River of Camden harbor from above with kids and summer months, visit the Colony Beach at the and. Ghosts Walking tour tour bus varies which breweries it makes stops at forget to pack a picnic and drinks. Renting a car be renting a car the Victorian-era shipyard owners home drinks for these cruises art... Enjoy the trails and visit the 18th century barn enjoy fishing, canoeing and kayaking, rafting.
Downtown Houston Parking Garages, Alan Decker Age, Michael Rinaldo Obituary, John Clay Abolitionist, Articles D