Portland is one of those places that effortlessly makes its way into your heart. With cobblestoned streets, a picturesque coastline, and a vibrant arts and food scene, it’s a city you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. As I live in New England, I’m lucky to be just a little over two hours away from the city, so I’ve been to Portland a handful of times over the last few years. There’s so much to see and do here, but if you’re short on time, this travel guide covers the perfect way to spend one day in Portland, Maine.
👉 Planning on spending the night in Portland? I highly recommend staying at The Francis Hotel & Spa or The Press Hotel
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How to Get to Portland, Maine from Boston
If you’re traveling from Boston to Portland, you have a few options to get into the city.
Drive to Portland
From Boston it’s a short drive to Portland and will take you just around 2 hours. Once in Portland, except for the lighthouse, you won’t really need your car, as this entire itinerary is meant to be done on foot, and Portland is incredibly walkable. You’ll find various parking garages and street parking options in the downtown area of Portland.
Driving is the best option for travelers who like the flexibility of having a car so they can decide when to arrive and leave without having to rely on public transportation and allows you to easily visit the lighthouse, which is the first stop on this itinerary and the only stop that requires a car.
Take the Amtrak Downeaster Train
There are daily departures between Boston’s North Station and the Portland area. The train takes about 2.5 hours, and tickets cost around $35 each way. While you can buy your ticket the day of, I would advise buying it a few days in advance to lock in the departure time that works for you.
Once you arrive in Portland, you’ll be about 2 miles from the main part of town. From there you can either take an Uber, the bus, or even walk if it’s a nice day.
If you do decide to take the train, just note that there isn’t an easy way to get to the lighthouse, which is the first stop on this itinerary. As it’s a fairly small city, everything else within this itinerary is walkable and and easily accessible.
Take the Concord Coach Bus
Another public transportation option is to take the bus from Boston’s South Station to Portland. This option takes around 2 hours, and tickets cost $27 each way.
The bus will take you to the Portland Transportation Center and from there you can take an Uber, the bus, or walk 2 miles into the center of Portland.
As with the train, the one issue with taking the bus is that it isn’t easy to get to the lighthouse, which is the first stop on this itinerary. The rest of the itinerary is completely doable as its within downtown Portland.
How to Spend the Perfect Day in Portland
Head to Portland
I would aim to get into Portland around 10 AM so you can maximize your time there.
Marvel at the Portland Head Light
Your first stop for your one day in Portland itinerary is the Portland Head Light, adjacent to Fort Williams Park. Completed in 1791, this lighthouse is the oldest in Maine and is an iconic landmark in Portland. The views are breathtaking, and if you’re a photographer you’ll find no shortage of photo opportunities.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and there are plenty of parking spaces. From April 1st to November 15th you will need to pay a fee for parking in the premium spaces inside the park, but there is still free parking available in the overflow parking lot.
Be sure to take your time and walk around. Note the juxtaposition of the dark rocks against the lighter ones. Close your eyes and listen to the crashing waves. Walk along the cliffs and take in the different views of the lighthouse.
If the weather is nice, it’s a great place to bring a picnic and enjoy it in the park. There are numerous picnic areas. Just be sure to clean up after yourself so everyone can keep enjoying this beautiful park.
Lunch at Flatbread Company
If you didn’t opt for a picnic at the park, you should head to Flatbread Company (about a 15 minute drive) for a delicious wood-fired flatbread pizza with a beautiful view of the water. This is one of my favorite vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Portland.
There are parking garages around the restaurant where you can leave your car parked for the rest of the day as you won’t need it.
They have plenty of vegetarian options and even a vegan option. My personal favorite is their Southwest flatbread. Can’t decide? Go for the ½ and ½ option and try two different pizzas. Their salads are also really hearty and flavorful.
Walk Along Commercial Street
After you finish your pizza, stroll down Commercial Street which is an iconic street along Portland’s waterfront. You’ll find no shortage of quaint boutiques, high-end stores, and delicious restaurants (if you’re still hungry and/or if you want to try one of the renowned lobster rolls).
If you want to grab a Portland staple be sure to pop into Holy Donut where you’ll find donuts made out of potatoes and topped with delicious flavors.
Explore Old Port, Portland
Walking away from the water and Commercial Street, you’ll find Old Port, Portland. There is plenty to do among the picturesque cobblestone streets of Old Port. I highly recommend wandering down whatever street calls to you. If wandering around with no plan makes you panic a little, don’t worry, I got you.
If you want to go shopping:
My favorite boutique is Bobbles and Lace (they have a location in Boston, too). As a curvy woman, I always struggle to find jeans that fit me and accentuate my curves. My favorite pair is from Bobbles and Lace and I popped into this location on my last trip to Portland and bought a top and dress that I’m obsessed with.
If you’re looking to do even more shopping, Exchange Street is the perfect place for you. This street is lined with plenty of boutiques and local shops.
If you need a pick-me-up:
Portland has some truly wonderful coffee shops, so you really can’t go wrong with choosing one for a little caffeine fix. Bard Coffee is a great option within Old Port. Grab yourself a latte and a little pastry before you continue exploring.
If you love art:
There are various murals and street art installations around Portland. You’re likely to stumble upon a few just wandering around, but you can also download the Creative Portland App to see where different art pieces are located.
Another option is to wander through some of the art galleries around Portland. My favorites are Portland Art Gallery, Roux and Cyr International Fine Art, and Greenhut Galleries.
Lastly, you can always check out the Portland Museum of Art’s collection and exhibitions, including the McLellan House, a National Historic Landmark mansion built in 1800. The museum offers free admission to the public every third Thursday of the month.
Grab a pre-dinner drink
Before you head to dinner, you’re going to grab a drink. This part of the itinerary is choose your own adventure.
If you love wine:
You are headed to the Friends & Family Wine bar. Not only is this bar bright, airy, and visually stunning, it’s also an excellent place to try some wine. I recommend asking the bartender what they are excited about and don’t be shy to ask for a taste before committing to a pour. We had some really fun, eclectic wines here.
Pro tip: if you’re traveling by yourself (or open to chatting with others), sit at the bar. We sat at the bar and had a wonderful time talking to the bartender and the other people sitting around us. We easily spent a couple of hours here!
If you love beer:
Well you’re in luck. There are numerous incredible local breweries to choose from in Portland. Instead of a brewery, I recommend you make a stop at Novare Res Bier Cafe. Why? They strive to bring the best local brews available in Maine to you in one great spot so you’ll have plenty of options. Plus, if the weather is nice, you can sit outside at one of their bright colored tables on their patio. I personally had the Dieu du Ciel! which is an imperial stout with fair trade coffee and it was divine.
If you love cocktails:
Blyth & Burrows is the spot for you. Upfront you’ll find a sophisticated cocktail bar and if you head to the back, a speakeasy style room. I believe there is also a downstairs though I’ve never personally been down there. The atmosphere is everything you want out of a cocktail bar – warm, inviting, and reminiscent of a bygone era. The mixologists know what they are doing here and you’ll find that all of their cocktails are inventive and thoughtful. Don’t know what to get? Ask them for a recommendation based on what you like to drink!
Of course, you could try all three spots. Don’t worry, I’m not judging. They are each some of the best bars in Portland, and for good reason!
Have a fantastic dinner at Sur Lie
Are you ready for the last stop of your one day in Portland itinerary? Don’t worry it’s the perfect way to wrap up an incredible day at one of the best restaurants in Portland, and it’s vegetarian-friendly!
This woman-owned, tapas-style restaurant was a James Beard semi finalist in 2023 and trust me when I tell you, it deserves that recognition and more.
We loved every minute of our experience here from the ambiance to the delicious food to the service.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meatatarian, you’re going to fall in love with this restaurant.
I would consider my partner, Eric, and I quite the discerning foodies and what we loved so much about the food here is that they aren’t afraid to dial up the flavors. When you can have a dessert that combines parsnip cake with a carrot curry ice cream that both does justice to the spices and flavor of the ingredients and makes a lick-your-spoon-worthy dessert, you know you’re witnessing true talent.
They also have a great wine program so don’t hesitate to ask for a wine recommendation with your meal!
Keep in mind that the ingredients are local and the menu is subject to change. Don’t worry, if what I have listed below isn’t available, you’re still going to love everything!
What we ordered and loved:
- The chef’s board: Everything on this board exceeded our expectations with the standout being the truffle honey. The truffle adds complexity and cuts the sweetness of the honey, creating a delicate balance that brings out the flavor in everything else on the board.
- Wild arugula salad: Really fresh and vibrant with the orange. The crispy zatar chickpeas and sumac feta were a fantastic addition.
- Smoked butternut squash: It tastes like fall in your mouth. Pumpkin oat granola added a nice crunch
- Corn fritters: I have two words for you: Life. Changing.
- Pasta: We got ours without the fennel sausage. This dish has locally foraged mushrooms, amazing sage sauce with just a hint of caraway and some crispy garlic. The cavatelli is the perfect shape for this dish, it retains just enough of the sauce.
- Cheesecake and parsnip cake: Just get them both. Trust me.
Head back home or stay the night in Portland
And that wraps up your incredible day trip to Portland. Either hit the road or spend the night in Portland and head home in the morning. If you are driving, sorry in advance for putting you in a food coma if you ordered everything I recommended at Sur Lie!
FAQ’s for one day in Portland Maine
Where to stay in Portland, Maine
If you do decide to stay the night in Portland, I have two great options for you.
The Francis Hotel & Spa
This little boutique hotel is a wonderful option for your visit to Portland. The rooms are cozy and tastefully decorated. If you return home and don’t want to head up to your room, you can relax by the fire in the main area. There also is a spa on site and a few options that you can add to your stay such as breakfast and coffee from the Tandem coffee shop across the street which is delivered straight to your room.
The Press Hotel
This hotel is ideally situated in Old Port, housed in one of the most historic buildings. The building was once home to the Portland Press Herald and the decor of the hotel is an homage to that history. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Onsite you’ll find a fantastic dining option: the Union Restaurant.
Best time to visit Portland, Maine
Portland is really a city you can visit year round so it depends on if you prefer outdoor activities vs more indoor activites. In fact, I’ve visited every season and can confidently say that each one has its own appeal.
That being said, one of the best times to visit Portland, Maine are the months before and after the summer months so you can still benefit from mild weather and beat the summer crowds.
I’d recommend April/May or September/October.
How much time do you need in Portland, Maine?
There’s a lot to see and do in Portland that you could easily spend a good amount of time in the city. A day trip is a great way to get a taste of the best things to do in Portland but I’m positive that it’ll have you craving more! I’d ideally recommend at least 2-3 days in Portland!
Final thoughts on one day in Portland, Maine
While you can easily spend more time in Portland, with just one day you’ll get a glimpse of what this wonderful city has to offer on your first visit. This one day itinerary gives you a great sample of the different facets that make up Portland – its fantastic culinary scene with food that will make your taste buds sing, maritime history, arts, and more.
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