Portland is a wonderful city in its own right, but it’s also centrally-located to some other amazing places. 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 you’re 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.
Even with just a day trip from Portland, you’ll be able to see some incredible coastal landscapes and lighthouses, go on some awesome tours, eat some delicious food and feel like you had a true vacation while only being gone a day. Having travelled all over Maine for over 10 years, I’ve seen so much of what the Pine Tree State has to offer, and I’ve scouted out the places that are worth your time!
With that, let’s jump into my favorite day trips from Portland, Maine!
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Best Day Trips From Portland, Maine (2022)
Below is a list of my favorite day trips from Portland, Maine, and the destinations are organized by shortest to furthest distance from Portland. Most day trips from Portland, Maine on this list are less than 2 hours away, with the longest being 2 hours and 30 minutes away. 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!
1. Kennebunkport, ME
Distance From Portland: 40 minutes
The easiest, and also one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine is Kennebunkport. I love Kennebunkport because there’s so much to do, but it’s also a small town that’s easily manageable for a day trip. It’s packed with tons of charm, has some great beaches, awesome shops and restaurants and feels like a true escape from city life in Portland.
Some of the best things to do on a Kennebunkport day trip from Portland:
- Explore the shops & restaurants along Dock Square.
- Go for a swim or walk on the shoreline of Gooch’s, Mothers or Colony Beach.
- Take a drive on Ocean Avenue.
- Get a lobster roll at The Clam Shack.
- Walk along the coast of Cape Arundelon the Parson’s Way Trail.
A really great tour option in Kennebunkport if you’re a foodie is a culinary walking tour. Each tour is different based on the season, but it lasts for 2.5 hours, and you’ll get the inside scoop from a local on all the best foods to eat in town. They’ll take you to some off-the-beaten path places, and you’ll meet with food artisans to sample locally-caught lobster, chowder, Maine whoopie pies, the absolute best ice cream in town, and so much more. For everything you get with this tour, I think the cost is very reasonable!
Click here to book your Culinary Walking Tour in Kennebunkport!
2. Ogunquit, ME
Distance From Portland: 1 hour
Ogunquit is another one of the best options for day trips from Portland, Maine. It’s very close to Kennebunkport, and you can definitely do both in one day if you’re feeling up for it (although, there’s so much to do in each town that you can easily fill up a full day in each place).
Ogunquit is best known for having one of the longest stretches of sandy shoreline in all of Maine, so if you’re looking for a beach day without having to go far, this is one of the best places for that in Maine. Ogunquit’s town is also very quaint and easily walkable, and packed with adorable shops and great restaurants.
Some of the best things to do in Ogunquit on a day trip from Portland:
- Walk from Ogunquit’s town to Perkins Cove along Marginal Way for one of the most scenic walks in Southern Maine! Perkins Cove has its own town little town, so be sure to budget time to explore it.
- Visit the shops and restaurants downtown.
- Walk along the shoreline of Ogunquit Beach.
Bonus Suggestion: From Ogunquit, it’s also very easy to see Nubble Lighthouse on Cape Neddick, which is only about 20 minutes away, and is worth the excursion. Also close to York, which is home to some more beautiful scenery and the Stonewall Kitchen flagship store, this lighthouse lives on its own little island, and there’s a park that offers a fantastic view of the lighthouse for a gorgeous photo opportunity!
Psst! I have an entire post on things to do in Ogunquit if you need more ideas!
3. Portsmouth, NH
Distance From Portland: 1 hour
Portsmouth is a lovely little coastal town in New Hampshire that’s just over the Maine border, and only a short drive from Portland. Portsmouth’s downtown is so charming, and has a lot of really great shops, restaurants, cafes and breweries, as well as waterfront walkways, and even a small little lighthouse just outside of town. For all these reasons, it’s one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine.
Some of the best things to do in Portsmouth, NH on a day trip from Portland:
- Taste the local beer at these awesome breweries: Portsmouth Brewery, Loaded Question Brewing and Great Rhythm Brewing.
- Visit the cute shops in Market Square. Two of my favorites are Jane Gee for natural skin and body care products, and Sault New England for East-coast inspired clothing.
- Get some sweet treats at Elephantine Bakery.
- Stroll through Prescott Park.
If you’re 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. This is a guided tour that last about two hours, and is a casual cruise around town, as well as the surrounding islands. Led by a local expert, you’ll hear stories about the town’s history, as well as be able to stop for some awesome photo opportunities.
Click here to check out this bike tour in Portsmouth!
4. Boothbay Harbor, ME
Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 10 minutes.
One of my favorite small waterfront towns in all of Maine is Boothbay Harbor, and this makes for one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine. Even though it’s such a short drive away, you’ll definitely feel like you’re in a different world. Between the charming downtown, beautiful waterfront restaurants and amazing opportunities to tour the waters and see wildlife, you’re sure to have a great day in Boothbay Harbor.
Some of the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor on a day trip from Portland:
- Walk the streets of downtown to visit the shops and eateries.
- Cross the footbridge for views of town and the water.
- Head out onto the water for a wildlife and lighthouse tour (see my suggestions below!).
- Have an awesome waterfront lunch or dinner at Boathouse Bistro.
- Get an ice cream from Downeast Ice Cream Factory.
If you come to Boothbay Harbor for your day trip, I highly suggest you consider a boat tour. There are so many options in Boothbay, and the views are incredible. My favorite boat tours in Boothbay are the wildlife and lighthouse tours.
A great tour option for your day trip from Portland, Maine is the Lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals Tour. For the price, I think this tour offers a lot a fun and spectacular views. During this tour, you’ll pass by two lighthouses, spot seals lounging on the rocks, and also learn all about the local lobstering community, as well as what it takes to haul lobster traps. And with packing all that into only 1.5 hours, it allows you spend the rest of your day trip exploring the town.
Click here to check out the Lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals tour in Boothbay Harbor!
Another great option if you love lighthouses is this cruise along Kennebec River, where you’ll get to see 7 lighthouses, and also learn about the local maritimes and ship-building history. Tour guides will also help you spot shore birds and other wildlife during the cruise.
Click here to check out the Kennebec River Cruise!
Lastly, definitely consider this Puffin Tour during your day trip to Boothbay Harbor. This tour is about 2.5 hours, and takes you out to Eastern Egg Rock to see a puffin colony. During the tour, you’ll pass by lighthouses and gorgeous scenery, and the you’ll be guided by a member of the National Audubon Society to learn all about the puffins and other shore birds.
Click here to check out the Puffin Tour in Boothbay Harbor!
Psst! I have en entire post on fun things to do in Boothbay Harbor, which includes more tips for your puffin tour, so be sure to check out if you need more information.
5. Newburyport, MA
Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Newburyport in Massachusetts is another one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine. I love visiting this little town because it’s both a gorgeous place packed with beautiful, colonial-style homes and quaint side streets, but also has a charming downtown, a waterfront park and even the stunning Plum Island to explore. You’ll definitely be able to fill up a full day here.
Some of the best things to do in Newburyport on a day trip from Portland:
- Stroll through the shops downtown.
- Walk along the paths in the waterfront park.
- Get lost in the charming residential side streets.
- Head out onto the water (see my suggestion below!).
- Explore Plum Island and the scenic trails at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
A great option for a boat tour in Newburyport is this cruise through the harbor on a Yankee Clipper. There are a few different tour options available, including a narrated history tour, a Parker River National Wildlife Refuge tour, as well as a sunset co*cktail cruise if you want to end your day out on the water.
Click here to check out this boat tour in Newburyport!
Psst! I have an entire post on things to do in Newburyport and Plum Island, if you’re looking for more ideas for your day trip!
6. Sebago Lake, ME
Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Sebago Lake is one of the best options for day trips from Portland, Maine if you’re looking for a peaceful day. While it’s a popular destination, it doesn’t often feel super crowded, and definitely has a very chill atmosphere. There are also a good amount of of kid’s activities here, including mini golf places, and lots of opportunity to get out onto the lake.
Since Sebago Lake is the second largest lake in Maine, it covers a pretty big area, and there are a few different towns that surround the lake, which each offer really fun things to do.
Some of the best things to do in on a day trip to Sebago Lake from Portland:
- Walk around the lake on the Outer Loop Trail inside Sebago Lake State Park.
- Rent Jet Skis and head out onto the water.
- Hike the trails at Hacker’s Hill Preserve.
- Grab some snacks, Maine whoopie pies and other delicious baked goods at Gemmes General Store.
- Eat fresh lobster at Stoney Brook Lobster Pound.
- Taste the local beer at Sebago Brewing Company
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. Along with your kayak rental, you’ll get a life jacket, as well as a map of the lake so you know the best areas to explore.
Click here tochecko it this Kayak Tour on Sebago Lake!
7. Conway, NH
Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 30 minutes
A great option for a day trip from Portland, Maine is Conway, NH, which is located in the White Mountains region. While this is a great destination year-round, I think it’s especially enjoyable in the fall season to really take advantage of the fall foliage views. There’s actually so much to do in Conway that you probably can’t experience it all in a day, but it definitely makes for a great day trip to get some fresh mountain air.
This is also a great destination if you’re traveling with children, as there are lots of kid-friendly activities such as the Conway Scenic Railroad, roller coaster rides at Cranmore Mountain Resort and the Kahuna Laguna Water Park.
Some of the best things to do in Conway on a day trip from Portland:
- Explore the cute downtown and visit the shops.
- Visit all the waterfalls at Diana’s Baths.
- Drive or hike up to Cathedral Ledge View Point.
- Tour the local covered bridges.
- Get some sweet treats to bring home (or eat on the drive!) at one of the town’s many bakeries.
- Have a memorable meal at Chef’s Bistro.
8. Lake Winnipesaukee, NH
Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Another great destination in New Hampshire that also makes for an awesome day trip from Portland, Maine is Lake Winnipesaukee, which is also the state’s largest lake. Mostly known as a summer destination, Lake Winnipesaukee is also a very scenic fall day trip because the amazing foliage colors.
Lake Winnipesaukee is actually comprised of eight different towns, each with something unique and fun to offer.
Some of the best things to do on a Lake Winnipesaukee day trip from Portland:
- Rent a jet ski or boat to spend the day on the water.
- Go ziplining at Gunstock Mountain Resort.
- Do a little shopping for unique finds at the Old Country Store in Moultonborough.
- Enjoy a ride on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.
- Visit the mountain top mansion Castle In The Clouds for awesome mountain views.
- Feel like a kid again at Weirs Beach, and ride the roller coasters, play arcade games and go kart.
- Go beer tasting at the local breweries (there’s quite a few here!).
One of the most fun tours to take in Lake Winnipesaukee is a ride in an antique boat! During your day trip, you’ll want to consider booking a tour on the Millie B, where you’ll get to take in the spectacular views of the region, and maybe even spot a loon or two. With each tour on Millie B, guests get free admission to the Boat Museum as well.
Click here to check availability for your vintage boat ride tour on Lake Winnipesaukee!
9. Camden, ME
Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 45 minutes
A great option to consider when looking at day trips from Portland, Maine is Camden. Camden is a beautiful town along the New England coast that has a really great Main Street with shops and restaurants, a really lovely waterfront park, lots of opportunities for sailing, an amazing state park with an incredible view point, and lots of coastal charm at every turn.
Some of the best things to do in Camden on a day trip from Portland:
- Drive or hike up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for an awesome view of Camden Harbor from above.
- Visit the shops and eateries downtown and along Main Street.
- Walk along the waterfront to admire the gorgeous sailboats.
- Get a lunch picnic from Camden Deli and bring it to a picnic table at the water front park.
- Stop in Owl’s Head on your way there or back to visit the lighthouse (it’s worth the extra stop!).
One of the best things to do in Camden, though, is to head out on a sailing tour. Camden has some gorgeous vessels you can climb aboard, and you’ll have the opportunity to admire the landscapes from a unique perspective out on the water. This Windjammer tour is an awesome option, and they have two types of tours: one is a day sail, and the other is a sunset sail if you want to end your day out on the water. You’ll also be able to see Mount Battie and Curtis Island Lighthouse during either sail.
Click here to check out the Windjammer Daytime Sailing Tour in Camden!
Click here to check out the Windjammer Sunset Sailing Tour in Camden!
10. Boston, MA
Distance From Portland: 2 hours
Even though you’re coming from a city, Boston is always a good idea (at least, that’s just my opinion!). Boston is one of my all-time favorite cities because of its deeply-rooted history, gorgeous architecture, amazing restaurants and charming streets. 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.
Boston can easily be done in a day, and while you won’t see it all, you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground, depending on what you’re looking to do. And definitely don’t forget to make a reservation for dinner if you’re hoping for a special meal out!
Best things to do in Boston on a day trip from Portland:
- Stroll through the Public Gardens.
- If you like to shop, be sure to hit up Newbury Street and Copely Place.
- Explore the most charming streets in the Beacon Hill neighborhood (my favorite thing to do!).
- Grab a famous cannoli from Mike’s Pastry.
- Walk around one of the many waterfront parks.
- Get off-the-beaten-path at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
Best Boston Day Trip Tours
I highly recommend checking out a tour while in Boston, especially if it’s your first visit, or you’re looking to explore something new. Boston has so many amazing tour options led my local experts that share tons of tips and knowledge.
One great tour to consider on your day trip from Portland, Maine is a Freedom Trail Walking Tour. The Freedom Trail is one of the best things to do in Boston for history buffs (and anyone who wants to appreciate the country’s earliest years). You can definitely walk the trail yourself, and do the whole thing or just parts of it. But if you love history, consider this tour by a local historian to get even more out of your experience.
Click here to check out Freedom Trail History Walking Tour in Boston
For day-trippers, a Hop-on, Hop-off trolley tour is a great choice to cover more ground, and also learn something along the way. Once you get to Boston, I always recommend you park your car for the day and explore on foot, but a trolley tour will allow you to see more sites without having to worry about getting around a historic city in your own car.
Click here to check out the Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley tickets in Boston
For foodies, definitely check out this North End Foodie Tour, which is led by a local culinary expert that knows all the very best spots. You’ll 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. This is a walking tour, so you’ll also get to see some charming streets in the North End for a well-rounded day trip to Boston.
Click here to check out the North End Foodie Tour in Boston
How To Get From Portland, ME To Boston Without A Car
If you don’t have access to a car in Portland, you can take the Amtrak Downeastern train from Portland to Boston for your day trip. The best option is to drive because the train will take you three hours one-way, but if you don’t have access to a car, this is a great option!
11. Rockport, MA
Distance From Portland: 2 hours
Rockport is one of the best destinations for day trips in Maine if you’re looking to see one of the most charming and unique towns along the Massachusetts coast. It’s 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.
Rockport is small, but feels very special and memorable. The downtown area is packed with awesome and unique shops and eateries, there’s a big local artist scene here, and everywhere you go, you kind of feel like you’re in a postcard. It’s no wonder that Rockport has been used in a lot of movies!
Best things to do in Rockport on a day trip from Portland:
- Admire the most painted building in the U.S. – Motif 1.
- Stroll through Bearskin Neck and visit all the shops.
- Grab a lobster roll at Roy Moore Lobster Company.
- Walk on the Rockland Breakwater.
- Visit all the art galleries.
- Hit the trails at Halibut Point State Park.
- Kayak out to Thacher Island to see the lighthouse.
- Take a boat tour of the harbor.
- Get an ice cream at the cutest little ice cream shack on the East Coast!
Psst! I have an entire post on all the amazing things to do in Rockport to help you plan your visit!
12. Marblehead, MA
Distance From Portland: 2 hours
Marblehead is another amazing day trip from Portland, Maine. It often gets over-shadowed by the neighboring Salem (more on Salem later in the post, though!), but it’s definitely worth a full-day visit, or even a whole weekend. Marblehead has an awesome historic district with beautiful houses to admire, cute little shops and cafes, plenty of waterfront to explore and is even home to some Hocus Pocus filming locations!
Best things to do in Marblehead on your day trip from Portland:
- Explore Chandler Hovey Park and Marblehead Lighthouse.
- Visit Devereux Beach.
- Pick up some sandwiches and see what else you can find at Shubie’s Marketplace.
- Walk around Old Burial Hill Cemetery (a Hocus Pocus filming location). Be sure to find the gazebo at the top to admire the views.
- Grab a lobster roll at Little Harbor Lobster Company.
- Take in the views at Castle Rock.
Psst! I have an entire post on the best things to do in Marblehead, MA if you need even more ideas.
13. Gloucester, MA
Distance From Portland: 2 hours
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. Both are excellent destinations to dedicate a full day to, however, so it’s entirely up to you!
Gloucester is packed with maritimes history, and also has lots of waterfront to explore. On top of that, though, you’ll find amazing restaurants, a quaint little downtown, a beautiful lighthouse and lots of tour options that get you out onto the water.
Best things to do on a day trip to Gloucester from Portland:
- Explore the Gloucester HarborWalk.
- Visit Hammond Castle to feel like you’ve been transported to Europe.
- Walk along the shore at Good Harbor or Wingaersheek Beach.
- Head over to Eastern Point Lighthouse and walk almost a half mile out on the breakwater.
- Have a lovely lunch at Sugar Magnolia’s.
One of the best places to go whale watching in the entire world (yes, world!) is actually right here in Gloucester, so this is definitely something you’ll want to consider for your day trip. Whale Watch tours from Gloucester head out to Stellwagen Bank, a national marine preserve that’s only 12 miles offshore. This particular tour is great for day-trippers because the vessel is a high-speed catamaran, so you’ll be able to cover more ground in the same amount of time, allowing you to really maximize your time.
Click here to check out this Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester
To get around Gloucester faster and easier, a great option for your day trip is to rent e-bikes! E-bikes are so much fun to ride, and allow you to pack more into your schedule than just walking. And with e-bikes, you’ll be able to ride some of the bikes through all of Cape Ann since you’ll have them for 8 hours, allowing you to see even more of this gorgeous region.
Click here to check out renting e-bikes in Gloucester
14. Rangeley Lake, ME
Distance From Portland: 2 hours and 30 minutes
The furthest day trip from Portland, Maine is still definitely worth your time! Rangeley Lake in Maine is located in the Northwestern corner of the state, and is a beautiful destination to consider. And actually this region is home to several lakes, and covers a lot of ground, so you’ll have lots of options when it comes to towns to visit, activities on the water and places to eat. Rangelely Lake is also a quiet and peaceful destination, which makes for a wonderful escape from the city.
Best things to do on a day trip to Rangely Lake from Portland:
- Take a scenic drive along the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway.
- Cool down at the swimming holes at Small Falls.
- Enjoy the views at the Height of Land Overlook.
- Drive to the top of Quill Hill for more amazing bird’s eye lake views.
- Explore the charming shops in downtown Rangeley.
- Rent a kayak and head out onto the water.
- Have a lakefront dinner at the Loon Lodge Inn.
For something really fun and special (and a bit of a splurge that’s totally worth it), consider booking a seaplane tour over the region. This tour often spots moose from above on the lake shorelines, so if seeing a moose in Maine is on your list, this will be a great option. You’ll pass over two lakes and get to spot other wildlife as well. Even though it’s a splurge, the price is very fair for a private tour, especially in such a gorgeous area.
Click here to book your Seaplane Tour in Rangeley Lake!
Day Trips From Portland, Maine In the Fall
15. Salem, MA
Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 30 minutes.
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. I think Salem is a great town to explore year-round, but of course, there’s something extra fun and special about it in the fall season. 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.
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. The tour is led by a local historian and shares stories of the town’s incredible history, which dates back to the 1600s.
Click here to book your Hauntings & History Walking Tour in Salem!
If you’re a fan of the movie Hocus Pocus (and honestly, who isn’t?), then you may enjoy this walking tour of the movie’s filming locations in Salem. You’ll see five movie locations, learn some fun trivia about the movie, and also hear about the town’s fascinating history to get the best of both worlds.
Click here to book your Hocus Pocus Filming Locations Tour in Salem!
If you’re looking for a super spooky tour and lots of goosebumps, then you’ll love the Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Walking Tour. Done at night, this tour is led by a local history expert and takes you to some of the most haunted locations in town. You’ll also listen to authentic stories from the Salem Witch Trials and hear about ghost sightings around Salem.
Click here to book your Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Spooky Walking Tour in Salem!
Psst! I have an entire post on taking a day trip to Salem, MA, if you’re looking for more information!
Day Trips From Portland, Maine Without A Car
In all honestly, getting outside of Portland to explore the local areas without a car is very difficult, and sometimes not even possible. New England in particular really requires a car to get around, and public transportation between towns isn’t great, unless you’re going from one city to another.
But if you’re willing to stay in Portland, and head out for fun tours that will feel like day trips, this is an excellent option if you don’t have a car! Below I’ve also listed two options for companies that will drive you around Maine in a private tour if it works in your budget, and well as one tour in Portland that will feel like an escape.
Best Day Tours From Portland, Maine
A great option for day trips from Portland, Maine without a car is this full-day Maine in the fall tour. This tour will start at Portland Head Light, and take you out to Camden, Bangor and some of the best sites in Acadia National Park, including to the top of Cadillac Mountain and Bass Harbor Lighthouse. You’ll even have time to explore downtown Bar Harbor for a bit. This is a private tour for your group, and considering how much ground you’ll cover, the price for the whole group is very fair! Keep in mind that this is a fall-specific tour, and it’s not available year-round.
Click here to check out this full-day private fall tour from Portland!
If you’re willing to stay in Portland and explore the coastline, this awesome bike tour is 5-hours long, and will make you feel like you’re away from the city. You’ll 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 that’s included in the tour cost.
Click here to check out this bike tour (with a lobster roll!) around Portland’s coast!
This company offers customized and private luxury tours throughout Maine, and if you’re looking to get around the state from Portland and don’t have access to a car, it’s worth reaching out to them to plan your perfect day trip.
Click here for more information on customized and luxury private day tours from Portland!
Can You Do A Day Trip From Portland, Maine To Acadia?
Yes, you can, but just keep in mind that it will be a long day and you’ll have to carefully plan what sights you really want to see and be strategic. Especially in the summer because of traffic and crowds. The drive is 3-hours one-way, but if your only opportunity to get to Acadia National Park is by taking a day trip, it’s definitely worth it!
There’s so much to do in Acadia that I usually recommend at least 2-3 nights, but you can also see a lot on a day trip. With a day, I would recommend doing Ocean Path (walking from Sand Beach to Otter Cliffs), one hike (Great Head or Gorham are both great choices), and then heading into downtown Bar Harbor for dinner before driving home. If your schedule allows, see if you can also do lunch at Jordan Pond House inside the park overlooking the mountains.
Here’s my guide on the perfect Acadia National Park itinerary if you need some day trip ideas, or are planning to spend a few nights there!
Hiking Day Trips From Portland, Maine
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.
Day Trips From Portland, Maine In The Winter
Kennebunkport and Ogunquit are excellent options for days trips from Portland, Maine in the winter because of their holiday celebrations. The Kennunkport Christmas Prelude is one of the best Christmas festivals in New England, and Ogunquit’s Christmas by the Sea event will fill you with all kinds of holiday cheer. And since these two towns are so close to one another, you could easily combine them into one festive day trip.
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 Wolfe’s Neck Center & Farm and then head back into town for a very cozy meal at Tuscan Brick Oven Pizza.
Conway, NH from this list is also an awesome day trip in the winter. Known as an incredible ski destination, you’ll be able to hit the slopes, or just enjoy the quaint town and its attractions covered in a beautiful blanket of snow.
More Of My Maine Travel Guides:
- Maine In November: Is It Worth Visiting?
- Maine In The Winter
- Portland, Maine In The Winter
- Best Stops To Make On A Portland, Maine To Acadia National Park Road Trip
- Best Breweries In Portland, Maine
- Where To Find The Best Whoopie Pies In Maine
- The Best Maine Lighthouse Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Breweries In Portland, Maine
- Blueberry Picking In Maine
- My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary
- Maine In The Summer
You may also enjoy:
- Best Christmas Towns In New England
- Best Day Trips In New England
- The Most Incredible New England Lighthouses To See
That’s A Wrap On The Best Day Trips From Portland, Maine
Now that you know all about the best day trips from Portland, Maine, you’re armed and ready to plan your own perfect day. Whether you’re excited to head to Boston and relive history and enjoy the amazing culinary scene, or you’re looking forward to a quiet day at one of the best lakes in the region, the opportunities for seeing amazing landscapes and taking some awesome tours are endless. Happy planning!
