Mainepedia
Planning Guide

Best Day Trips from Portland

From island hopping to mountain hikes, Portland's location makes it the perfect base for exploring Maine. 15 day trips within two hours of the city.

Portland sits at the center of southern Maine’s attractions—beaches to the south, lighthouses in every direction, mountains to the west, and the entire Midcoast within easy reach. Whether you have a full day or just an afternoon, these trips reveal why Portland makes such an excellent base for exploring Maine.

Quick Escapes (Under 30 Minutes)

Cape Elizabeth Lighthouses

Distance: 15 minutes Time needed: 2-3 hours

Two of Maine’s most famous lighthouses sit just south of Portland. Portland Head Light, in Fort Williams Park, is the most photographed lighthouse in America. Two Lights State Park, a few miles further, offers dramatic coastline and another historic light.

The route: Drive south on Route 77. Visit Fort Williams Park first (free, expansive grounds), then continue to Two Lights.

Don’t miss: Lobster Shack at Two Lights for waterfront dining. See our best lobster shacks guide for more coastal dining spots.

Peaks Island

Distance: 20 minutes by ferry Time needed: 3-5 hours

Portland’s most accessible island escape. Catch the Casco Bay Lines ferry from the Old Port and arrive on an island with beaches, rental bikes, and a pace that feels far from the city.

What to do: Rent a bike or golf cart, circle the island, visit Battery Steele, lunch at a local spot, return on a later ferry.

Tip: Weekday ferries are less crowded than weekends.

Scarborough Marsh

Distance: 20 minutes Time needed: 2-4 hours

Maine’s largest salt marsh offers kayaking, canoeing, and nature walks just south of the city. The Maine Audubon center provides rentals and guided tours.

Best for: Birders, paddlers, and nature lovers seeking calm water.

Wolfe’s Neck State Park

Distance: 25 minutes Time needed: 2-3 hours

Just past Freeport, this state park offers easy hiking trails along the shore of Casco Bay. Osprey nest here; seals haul out on offshore ledges.

Combine with: Freeport shopping and L.L.Bean browsing.

Beach Days (30-60 Minutes)

Old Orchard Beach

Distance: 25 minutes Time needed: Half day

Seven miles of sandy beach, a classic amusement pier, and all the fried dough you can handle. This is Maine’s most unabashedly fun beach destination.

Best for: Families with kids who want amusement rides and beach time combined.

Ogunquit Beach

Distance: 45 minutes Time needed: Full day

A three-mile stretch of sand that consistently ranks among New England’s best beaches. Combine with the Marginal Way walk and Perkins Cove for a complete day.

The loop: Beach in the morning, Marginal Way walk, lunch in Perkins Cove, afternoon at the beach or exploring Ogunquit village.

Kennebunk Beaches

Distance: 35 minutes Time needed: Half to full day

Mother’s Beach (calm, family-friendly), Gooch’s Beach (longer, more active), and Kennebunk Beach all offer excellent options. Add Dock Square in Kennebunkport for shopping and dining.

Crescent Beach State Park

Distance: 20 minutes Time needed: 2-4 hours

The closest true beach to Portland. A mile of sand, calm water, and state park facilities. Fills up on hot summer days—arrive early.

Coastal Explorations (60-90 Minutes)

Boothbay Harbor

Distance: 60 minutes Time needed: Full day

A classic Maine harbor village with boat tours, the Maine State Aquarium, and the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens nearby. The winding drive through the peninsula is part of the charm.

Must-do: Botanical Gardens (allow 2-3 hours) or a harbor cruise.

Camden & Rockport

Distance: 80 minutes Time needed: Full day

Twin villages offering everything Maine coastal towns should: a working harbor, great restaurants, shops, and the hike up Mount Battie for views of Penobscot Bay.

Perfect day: Morning hike at Camden Hills State Park, lunch in Camden, afternoon exploring Rockport.

Pemaquid Peninsula

Distance: 75 minutes Time needed: Full day

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse sits on extraordinary rock formations. Add in Colonial Pemaquid historic site, Pemaquid Beach, and New Harbor’s lobster pounds for a full day.

The loop: Drive down, lunch at Shaw’s in New Harbor, Pemaquid Point, optional beach time, return via Damariscotta.

Bath & Brunswick

Distance: 35-40 minutes Time needed: Half to full day

Bath’s Maine Maritime Museum tells the story of Maine’s shipbuilding heritage. Brunswick offers Bowdoin College’s excellent art museum and a lively downtown.

Combine: Maritime Museum in the morning, lunch in Bath or Brunswick, Bowdoin Museum in the afternoon.

Mountain Adventures (60-120 Minutes)

Bradbury Mountain State Park

Distance: 30 minutes Time needed: 2-3 hours

The closest mountain hike to Portland. A half-mile trail to a 485-foot summit with surprising views. Perfect for families or those wanting a quick hiking fix.

Sebago Lake

Distance: 40 minutes Time needed: Half to full day

Maine’s second-largest lake offers swimming beaches, boat rentals, and the charm of a classic Maine summer destination. Sebago Lake State Park has the best public beach access.

White Mountain Foothills

Distance: 90-120 minutes Time needed: Full day

Push west toward the White Mountains for more serious hiking. Pleasant Mountain (now Shawnee Peak) offers a moderate hike with views. Further options in the Kezar Lake area.

Sunday River / Bethel

Distance: 90 minutes Time needed: Full day

In winter, Sunday River offers excellent skiing. In summer, Bethel’s charming town center, Sunday River’s mountain biking, and the Grafton Notch trails beckon.

Island Hopping

Chebeague Island

Distance: Varies by ferry Time needed: Full day

The largest island in Casco Bay that’s not connected by bridge. Take the ferry from Cousins Island or Portland, explore by bike, and enjoy a slower pace.

Bailey Island & Orr’s Island

Distance: 45 minutes Time needed: Half to full day

Connected to the mainland by bridges, these islands offer the experience of island life without the ferry logistics. Giant’s Stairs trail and Mackerel Cove are highlights.

Cliff Island

Distance: 75 minutes by ferry Time needed: Full day

The outermost of Portland’s commuter islands. No cars, no restaurants (bring food), no crowds. Pure island solitude for those willing to make the trip.

Seasonal Specialties

Fall Foliage Drives

Best destinations: Rangeley (2 hours), Bethel/Evans Notch (1.5 hours), Sebago Lake region (45 minutes)

Peak timing: Late September to mid-October

Apple Picking (September-October)

Options: Thompson’s Orchards (New Gloucester, 40 min), Ricker Hill Orchards (Turner, 1 hour), Libby & Son U-Pick (Limerick, 35 min)

Skiing (December-March)

Closest: Shawnee Peak (1 hour), Lost Valley (1 hour) Worth the drive: Sunday River (1.5 hours), Sugarloaf (2 hours)

Leaf Peeping by Kayak

Sebago Lake and Royal River offer paddling amid fall colors.

Planning Tips

Timing

  • Weekdays: Less crowded everywhere
  • Early morning: Best for beaches, hiking, and photography
  • Summer Saturdays: Expect traffic on Route 1

Packing for a Portland Day Trip

  • Layers (weather changes)
  • Sunscreen
  • Cash (some lobster pounds are cash-only)
  • Hiking shoes (even for “easy” trips)
  • Camera
  • Water and snacks

Seasonal Considerations

  • Summer: Book popular restaurants ahead; expect beach crowds
  • Fall: Foliage brings traffic; weekdays are better
  • Winter: Some coastal businesses close; check ahead
  • Spring: Mud season in the mountains; coastal options more reliable

Sample Day Trip Itineraries

Classic Coastal Day

8 AM: Leave Portland 9 AM: Fort Williams Park and Portland Head Light 10:30 AM: Drive to Kennebunkport 11:30 AM: Lunch at The Clam Shack 1 PM: Explore Dock Square shops 3 PM: Beach time at Kennebunk Beach or Goose Rocks 6 PM: Return to Portland

Foodie Day Trip

9 AM: Leave Portland 10 AM: Freeport for L.L.Bean and coffee 11:30 AM: Drive to Wiscasset 12 PM: Red’s Eats (famous lobster rolls—expect a line) 2 PM: Continue to Damariscotta 2:30 PM: Oyster tasting at local restaurants 5 PM: Return to Portland via coastal route

Mountain and Lakes

8 AM: Leave Portland 9 AM: Sebago Lake State Park—beach and swimming 12 PM: Picnic lunch at the lake 2 PM: Drive to Bridgton or Naples 3 PM: Explore town, kayak rental, or just relax 6 PM: Return to Portland

Portland’s central location makes it an ideal base for Maine exploration. Whether you want beach time, mountain air, lobster shacks, or island escapes, you’re never more than a couple hours from something memorable. Pick a direction, pack the car, and discover why day-tripping from Portland is one of Maine’s great pleasures.

Plan your Portland day trips with these additional resources: