day trips from portland, maine without a car

The most direct and yet still packed full of great coastal scenery route option spans a distance of 630 miles from Portland in Maine to Nova Scotia. Birders, kayakers, and boaters are drawn to the islands for their natural beauty. Distance: 175 mi / 3 hrs ( map) Things You Can't Miss: High Desert Museum, Tumalo Falls, Sparks Lake. Click here to book your boat tour in Newburyport! Getting There: From Portland, follow I-295 South to I-95 South to Portsmouth: It's about an hour's drive. Grab a famous cannoli from Mikes Pastry. The park is home to Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the east coast of the United States. It's about a 40-minute train ride and tickets start at $9 each way. Perfect For:Wintry/Rainy Days Shopaholics Collectors Foodies Music/Film Buffs Combining With Wolfes Neck Woods State Park (below) and a drive to Bailey Island (see directly above), Where:Located on Main Street in downtown Brunswick. In the spring and summer months, enjoy fishing, canoeing and kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking or golf. Newcastles 1807 St. Patricks Church is the oldest Catholic Church in America. If youre looking to get out on the water, this boat tour out to Nubble and Boon lighthouses is an excellent choice. We joined a classic Maine windjammer cruise to sail for 4 days out in the Penobscot Bay, an inlet famous for secluded offshore islands and lobster fishing. We are staying downtown at the Westin and will not be renting a car. Some of the best things to do in Portsmouth, NH on a day trip from Portland: If youre looking to see as much of Portsmouth as you can, as well as take in some of the best water views, I recommend checking out this bike tour through town and the local islands. It does take 2-2.5 hours to connect to Portland via I-95 N. However, if your one day in Portland ME falls as part of a wider New England road trip itinerary then this might work better with your schedule anyway. Camden "The Jewel of the Coast" 4. Explore Plum Island and the scenic trails at. Along Maines central coast, the Reid State Park was the first to preserve Maines Atlantic coast beaches. The beaches and rocky headlands of the New Hampshire and southern Maine coast are a scenic day trip from Boston. While the Visitors Center is located towards the west of the park in North Woodstock, theres plenty to see and do across the span of the range. This moderately difficult hiking trail is perfect all year but mid-July is when wild Maine blueberries are ready for picking! 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. Spending a day here means walking the beaches at Reid State Park, feasting on lobster with an idyllic view at Five Islands Lobster Co., shopping for locally made Georgetown Pottery, and maybe even staying late to hear live music at the landmark Robinhood Free Meetinghouse. Visit the Boothbay Region Art Foundation or visit during a Boothbay Art and Crafts Show, which takes place on summer weekends. Perfect For: Solstices Family Day Trips from Maine Autumn Foliage Snowshoeing Combining with Mount Agamenticus (see below), Where:105 Haverhill Road, Salem, New Hampshire. The Boothbay Region Land Trust is home to over 35 miles of hiking trails, while the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens offer a colorful outdoor space in which to relax. Marblehead is another amazing day trip from Portland, Maine. 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. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. Click here to book your Windjammer Daytime Sailing Tour in Camden! Or even must do's in the vacinity of Portland. If so, consider a brief detour inland for a drive or hike to Mount Agamenticus. View the bay from the top of Mount Battie at the Camden Hills State Park. Enjoy hikes throughout the area, ski resort attractions, and historic adventures. A Scenic 7 Days Coastal Maine Road Trip Itinerary - Beyond Lobsters & Lighthouses - The Blessing Bucket In this post, I share with you a 7 days coastal Maine road trip itinerary that goes off the beaten path. That makes Sebago Lake State Park and its beaches a perfect place to cool off on a summer day. By VacationIdea Staff on October 2, 2022 - Updated. Of course, check with Casco Bay Lines for current information regarding this scenic cruise. Click here to book this boat tour out to Nubble & Boon lighthouses! Kayak the calm waters of the harbor, or enjoy the views from the grassy 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. Was it native peoples or, based on Phoenician script found here, a group from much further away? Grab a lobster roll at Little Harbor Lobster Company. Ogunquit is located on Maines Atlantic coast close to the states southern border. Boston has so many amazing tour options led my local experts that share tons of tips and knowledge. Kayak out to Thatcher Island to see the lighthouse. This is the only bridge of its kind in the entire world. With each tour on Millie B, guests get free admission to the Boat Museum as well. Whatever the season (or weather!) Where: Via Mountain Road off US Roue 1, between Ogunquit and York. Simply put, Camden Hills State Park is a classic coastal Maine day trip you need to make right now. Click here to book your Freedom Trail History Walking Tour in Boston! Visitors often spot a lot of different wildlife and a variety of birds while on the mountain and can sign up for whale watching tours off the Atlantic coast as well. Walk along the waterfront to admire the gorgeous sailboats. Alternatively, you can take a train from New York to Portland via Boston, Back Bay, North Station, Boston, Portland, and Ptc O/B in around 8h. From haunted tours, to fun street fairs, to a picture-perfect New England streets covered in leaves, this is one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine you can take during the autumn season. You can take a nice hike around the park in South Portland where Portland Light is located. Whether you follow this itinerary word for word or scope out your own spots along the way, you'll find opportunities to hike, bike, kayak, camp, and just get outside . Make this road trip from Portland, Maine and solve the mystery yourself. The best way to get from Boston to Portland is to bus which takes 2h 10m and costs $7 - $35. Turn left and continue approximately one mile to either the Sebago to the Sea Trail or Johnson Field parking areas. Provincetown, MA P-Town, as it's better known, is a splurge to get to for a day trip. This Portland Maine day trip is easy, with or without a car. With over 150 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of carriage roads, and 27 miles of historic motor roads, Acadia spans varying terrain and offers something for the casual visitor, or the serious outdoor enthusiast. Walk from Ogunquits town to Perkins Cove along Marginal Way for one of the most scenic walks in Southern Maine! At just over 200 acres in size, Wolfes Neck Woods State Park features several different ecosystems and great opportunities for spotting ospreys. Carriage trails throughout the island make for excellent cross country skiing in the winter. That trend is likely to continue into 2023. Mt Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River. The pretty white stunner was built in 1791 and renovated in 1831. If your schedule allows, see if you can also do lunch at Jordan Pond House inside the park overlooking the mountains. Click here to read my post all about the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor! Alternatively, you can take a Concord Coach Lines bus between the two cities for $40 round-trip. Travel Tip: On your return drive to Portland, make a stop at the outlet stores just across the Piscataqua River Bridge in Kittery, Maine. 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. Beaches in the area include the freshwater Barret's Cove on Lake Megunticook, and Laite Beach which extends from a grassy park onto the rocky ocean shore. Get some sweet treats to bring home (or eat on the drive!) Weve picked blueberries here for hours in the past and always came away with full tubs. The Kennunkport Christmas Prelude is one of the best Christmas festivals in New England, and Ogunquits Christmas by the Sea event will fill you with all kinds of holiday cheer. This is the perfect day trip, no matter what the weather has in store for you. If you live in Portland or are new to the city, and are looking to get out and explore more of the region, or if youre planning a longer stay and are wondering what your options are for day trips from Portland, Maine, this post is all about the absolute best options to give you plenty of ideas. Bean flagship store is famously open 24/7/365, making Freeport, Maine, a destination not just for shopping-addicted daytrippers but for night owls, too. Its very close to Kennebunkport, and you can definitely do both in one day if youre feeling up for it (although, theres so much to do in each town that you can easily fill up a full day in each place). However, we really recommend the Bailey Island Cruise aboard a Casco Bay ferry. This is one adventure you can even enjoy without ever leaving your car. Yes, you can, but just keep in mind that it will be a long day and youll have to carefully plan what sights you really want to see and be strategic. Three things make this historic Brunswick mill a worthwhile day trip: antiques, a flea market and a great restaurant. Youll need somewhere to come back to after taking these day trips have a look at Hotels.com for accommodation options during your visit. Do some more berry picking, then look over the edge for stunning views! The iconic lighthouse operated until 1989, when it was decommissioned by the US Coast Guard. While Portland also has a lot of that, I still think Boston is one of the best day trips you can take because the two destinations are different enough to make it worth your while. The name, given by the Abenaki tribe, means beautiful place by the sea. Once a fishing village, it is now an artists haven and tourist destination known for its rugged beauty and rocky coastline. One of the best tours in Salem is this Hauntings & History walking tour, and you can select either a day option, or a night option if you want to increase the spooky factor. In the winter months, the park is open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. We provide private and luxury sightseeing tours for individuals, couples and large groups featuring the Portland and Kennebunkport areas of Maine along with destinations along the midcoast. The quirky Desert of Maine is among the most popular attractions. 1. Known as an incredible ski destination, youll be able to hit the slopes, or just enjoy the quaint town and its attractions covered in a beautiful blanket of snow. Weve done these day trips from Portland in all types of Maine weather; take our advice and bring a long sleeve top in summer! The Mountain Division section of the Sebago to the Sea Trail passes near the pond furthest from the highway; take a hike or bike ride on this path before hopping in the pond to cool off. Click here to book your Puffin Tour in Boothbay Harbor! Public transportation is difficult but possible. Time & distance from Portland: 16 miles, 20-minute drive. Take a walking tour with a certified Maine Guide to learn more about the town. A great tour option for your day trip from Portland, Maine is the Lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals Tour. The 1791 lighthouse and award-winning museum, located in the former keepers quarters, are open year round. Especially in the summer because of traffic and crowds. You can easily bring a canoe or kayak to Otter Ponds from either of the nearby parking areas mentioned above. Pretty much any destination in New England is wonderful to visit in the fall, but one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine in the fall is Salem, MA, especially during the month of October. Perfect For: History Buffs Winter/Rainy Day Trips Families, Where: Located next to the Blaine House in Augusta. Bus operators. Total drive time is just about 45 minutes. One great tour to consider on your day trip from Portland, Maine is a Freedom Trail Walking Tour. See the history of the industry at the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site, and try some at restaurants such as the Shuck Station or the Newcastle Publick House. Youll see both New Hampshire and the Atlantic from the Big A hike. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the US for a reason, it is beautiful! Portland is Maine's largest city, and you won't easily run out of activities to occupy your time, but when you do, these day trips will satisfy your sense of adventure. Mostly known as a summer destination, Lake Winnipesaukee is also a very scenic fall day trip because the amazing foliage colors. Two companies, Cape Ann Whale Watch and 7 Seas Whale Watch, guarantee sightings (or a future trip is free). 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