You're in an incredible spot — steps from Willard Beach and a short drive from one of the most celebrated food cities on the East Coast. Below are our personal favorites.
Easy in, easy out — the airport is minutes from the house.
Car rentals right at the airport. Major airlines: United, Delta and JetBlue.
Both are under 10 minutes from downtown Portland.
Almost everything here starts at the front door.
Right out the front door. Calm water, island views, free parking, snack shack, playground and bathrooms.
A short walk on the SMCC campus. Lovely coastal views.
Walk the old railroad corridor for beautiful Casco Bay views. Add Back Cove for a 5+ mile loop.
The most photographed lighthouse in Maine. Stop at Bite into Maine for a legendary lobster roll.
Stroll Exchange Street for great independent shops.
Do the Cliff Walk for the dramatic ocean views. Stay for brunch or a drink on the terrace.
A 7-mile stretch of beach with boardwalk, rides and food.
Get out on Casco Bay — by lobster boat, ferry, rental or bike.
Go lobstering and pull real traps yourself. $30/person, cash only. Highly recommended.
Ferry to Peaks Island ($12 round trip). Bring or rent a bike to loop the 5-mile island. Live music Sundays at the local bar.
Rent a boat and go island hopping. You can also rent a boat on Lake Sabago from the same company.
Rent bikes and ride the path along the water.
For the afternoons the fog rolls in.
Bowling and great food in Portland — always a good time.
Classic mini golf right by the boardwalk.
Twenty minutes away. The L.L. Bean flagship is open 24/7.
Maine takes its beer seriously.
Free tours 7 days a week — book ahead. One of Maine's best.
Maine handcrafted beer with a tasting room on the Portland waterfront.
The days you want to go further up or down the coast.
Forty minutes south. Charming seaside village, great restaurants and harbor.
Three hours north. Spectacular hiking, kayaking and scenery — worth a multi-day trip.
Take a ferry and spend the night at the adorable Chebeague Island Inn.
The neighborhood table — most of these are a walk or a few minutes' drive.
167 Cottage Rd — the best soft-serve ice cream and a South Portland institution.
429 Preble St — hard ice cream in Willard Square.
554 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth — our personal favorite for donuts, on the way to Portland Head Light.
416 Preble St — exceptional bagels and pastries. Go early in summer; they sell out.
495 Broadway — excellent bread, plus takeout pizza Friday and Saturday you can carry next door to Lambs, a fun cocktail bar.
385 Cottage Rd — order the Italian sandwich with salt, pepper and oil. Expansive wine, beer and alcohol.
15 Evans St — eat in or take out. Buy live lobsters and steamers and they'll cook them for $1 each.
225 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth — classic seafood with ocean views.
231 Front St — great seafood right on the water overlooking the Portland skyline.
159 Cottage Rd — creative toppings, right across from Red's.
435 Cottage Rd — great takeout Thai food.
One of the best restaurant scenes in the country for its size. Many top spots don't take reservations — go early or check ahead.
Iconic farm-to-table. Book months in advance. One of the best meals in New England.
Sister to Fore Street, on the water. Excellent seafood.
Creative small plates, fun mai tais and a huge oyster selection. Lively and fun.
Cozy spot serving small plates with incredible flavor.
Elegant local gem with great food and attentive service — more of an off-the-beaten-path spot.
Italian-inspired with house-made pasta and wood-fired dishes. One of Portland's most beloved dinner spots.
Portuguese-inspired seafood and wine bar. Intimate, romantic and excellent.
Neighborhood restaurant and tavern doing simple, excellent food. Very Portland.
Thai-American fried chicken that became an instant hit. Fun atmosphere, incredibly good food.
Charming, intimate bistro. Great for a special evening out.
93 Commercial St — reliable seafood in the Old Port.
Great pizza right next to the Casco Bay ferry terminal.
Beloved bakery for breads and pastries. Go in the morning.
Portland institution for breakfast. Expect a wait on weekends.
Waterfront pints and live music in the Old Port.
On the water, also serves dinner. Lively and fun with live music.
On the water, also serves dinner.
Classic Irish pub in the Old Port.
Portland's original brewpub.
Worth the drive, the ferry or the overnight.
Outstanding wood-fired cooking in a stunning space. One of the best restaurants in Maine — reserve well in advance.
Lovely for a meal or drinks overlooking the river.
On the marina with great steak and seafood. Perfect stop on the way back from Freeport. Takes reservations.
The island lunch or dinner stop after a bike loop.
Two island restaurants worth planning a boat or ferry ride around.
Dinner on the porch — or stay the night.
Upscale dining on the water with a great happy hour — drinks are half price on the patio overlooking the marina.
Amazing casual seafood at fair prices. The broiled scallops are spectacular.
Famous ice cream. Try the blueberry.
From the front yard to the long sandy stretches south of town.
Your front yard. Calm water, island views, free parking, snack shack, playground and bathrooms.
White sand, small waves, a classic beach day.
Calm water, great for relaxing and beach games.
A 7-mile stretch with boardwalk, rides and food.