Quick Summary:

  • Q: Why is Portland, Maine a great base for day trips?
  • A: Portland's central coast location makes day trips along the Atlantic coast and into Maine's lake and mountain regions easy and accessible.
  • Q: What can visitors explore on the coast of Maine?
  • A: Visitors can enjoy the best of Maine lobster, historic Maine lighthouses, and charming coastal towns. The islands of Casco Bay and Penobscot Bay are also great to explore.
  • Q: What can visitors do in Maine’s mountain regions?
  • A: In the mountain regions, visitors can enjoy freshwater lakes, panoramic views, and local shopping and dining experiences.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Acadia National Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Acadia National Park | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© IRINA/stock.adobe.com

2. Bar Harbor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Bar Harbor | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© atlantic_advert/stock.adobe.com

3. Freeport

Freeport | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© Zack Frank/stock.adobe.com

4. Bethel

Bethel | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© Richard/stock.adobe.com

5. Boothbay Harbor

Category: Activities
Boothbay Harbor | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© Isabel/stock.adobe.com

6. Bradbury Mountain

Category: Activities
Bradbury Mountain | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© Foap.com/stock.adobe.com

7. Brunswick

Brunswick | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© Michel Hersen and Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com

8. Camden

Camden | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© tristan/stock.adobe.com

9. Cape Elizabeth

Cape Elizabeth | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© Jeff Schultes/stock.adobe.com

10. Casco Bay Islands

Romantic Islands
Casco Bay Islands | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© Enrico Della Pietra/stock.adobe.com

11. Damariscotta

Category: Activities
Damariscotta | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© Isabel/stock.adobe.com

12. Deer Isle

Deer Isle | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© rylandscott/stock.adobe.com

13. Bath

Bath | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© kenmo/stock.adobe.com

14. Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© Enrico Della Pietra/stock.adobe.com

15. Lakes Region

Category: Activities
Lakes Region | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© Marina/stock.adobe.com

16. Lewiston

Lewiston | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© Jennifer/stock.adobe.com

17. Ogunquit

Ogunquit | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© jiawangkun/stock.adobe.com

18. Old Port

Old Port | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© jiawangkun/stock.adobe.com

19. Peaks Island

Category: Activities
Peaks Island | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© Eric BVD/stock.adobe.com

20. Portland Head Light

Portland Head Light | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© KRISTY/stock.adobe.com

21. Portland Museum of Art

Category: Museums & Culture
Portland Museum of Art | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© JackF/stock.adobe.com

22. Reid State Park Beach

Category: Activities
Reid State Park Beach | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© Michel Hersen and Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com

23. Rockport

Rockport | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© cfarmer/stock.adobe.com

24. Sebago Lake

Category: Activities
Sebago Lake | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© Foap.com/stock.adobe.com

25. White Mountains

Category: Activities
White Mountains | Day Trips from Portland, Maine
© jiawangkun/stock.adobe.com

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