Portland is Maine's largest city — set on a peninsula extending into Casco Bay on the Atlantic Ocean, with a jagged coastline of bays, inlets, beaches, and thousands of oddly shaped islands. The port is a working waterfront: fishing wharves alongside converted warehouses now housing some of New England's finest restaurants and shops. The Western Promenade offers spectacular river and mountain views; the West End is lined with Victorian-era homes including the Victoria Mansion museum. Maine is 90% forested and one of the world's leading paper producers.
Portland's most famous claim is the lobster. The Algonquins who originally inhabited this peninsula — which they called Machingonne (great neck) — used lobsters for fertilizer and bait, so plentiful were they in the bay. The first Europeans arrived in 1623. Subsequent colonial settlers developed trap fishery, specialized boats, and shipping networks that still define the industry today. About 90% of the United States' lobster supply comes from Portland and the Maine coast.
Portland was burned to the ground four times in its history — twice during the French and Indian War, once by British naval bombardment, and most bitterly in the Great Fire of 1866. Caused by a firecracker and wood shavings on July 4th, the 1866 fire left over 10,000 people homeless and destroyed 1,500 buildings.
Portland in Flames. Painting by George Frederick Morse. Photo: Derek Davis/Staff Photographer, Maine Memory Network
Today, Portland is a vibrant, thriving city — its flag and city seal depict a Phoenix rising from the ashes. Nearly 6 million visitors a year come to the greater Portland area. As a side note: horror and suspense writer Stephen King was born here.
See Portland's Visitor's Guide →
Check out these excursions in Portland, Maine.
Know Before You Go
Hot Tip
Portland, Maine – Quick Facts
Where You Dock in Portland, Maine
Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.
Larger cruise ships dock at either the Maine State Pier (Portland Ocean Terminal) or the Ocean Gateway Terminal — both located in the city center just a few blocks apart, making Portland one of the most walkable cruise stops in New England.
The Ocean Gateway Terminal is the newer facility and includes a visitor information center inside the terminal. Shops, restaurants, the Old Port, and the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad are all within easy walking distance of both piers.
Credit: Library of Congress
Getting Around Portland, Maine
Transportation options once you're ashore.
🚶 Walking
The downtown, Old Port, waterfront, and most attractions are within easy walking distance of both cruise piers. For a free walking tour map with turn-by-turn directions, stop at The Portland Encyclepedia — a 3-minute walk along the waterfront from the Maine State Pier.
🚲 Bicycles
The Portland Encyclepedia (beside Maine State Pier) rents adult and kid's bikes plus trailers — $15–$20 for 4 hours, first-come first-served. They also offer guided bike tours and free biking maps. Cyclemania on Cove Street (about 1 mile from the pier) takes reservations and offers a range including e-bikes ($35–$75/day), all with helmet and lock included.
🚌 Buses
Metro Line 8 encircles the Portland Peninsula, stopping at downtown, Congress Street, the Arts District, the Old Port, and the Waterfront. The closest stop to the Ocean Gateway Terminal is the corner of Commercial & India Streets (3-minute walk). Cash fare $2 one way — exact change required. View the schedule · View the full bus map
🚕 Taxis, Uber & Lyft
Taxi services queue at the pier on ship days. Call ahead to reserve: National Cab Maine · Portland Taxi Service · 207 Taxi. Uber and Lyft also operate in Portland.
🚗 Car Rental
Advance reservations strongly recommended. Downtown locations: Enterprise and Hertz. Minimum age 20; under-25 surcharge applies. Valid license, passport, and credit card required. Driving is on the right.
⛴️ Casco Bay Lines Ferry
Catch the Casco Bay Lines ferry to the islands of Casco Bay — Peaks Island (17 min), Long Island, and Chebeague Island. A wonderful alternative for those who've seen Portland before. See rates here.
Things To Do in Portland, Maine
Make the most of your time ashore.
🎯 Portland packs extraordinary history, architecture, and natural beauty into a highly walkable city:
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Beside the Pier — A 40-minute scenic rail ride along Casco Bay departing hourly from 10am–3pm. Coach tickets $15/adults, $9/kids; first-class includes a complimentary beverage, snack, and cushioned individual seating ($20/$16). Fully wheelchair accessible. One of the most convenient and enjoyable activities right at the pier.
Portland Head Light — 5.3 miles — Maine's oldest lighthouse, built during George Washington's presidency. The 80-foot tower overlooks the dramatic Cape Elizabeth coastline. A museum and gift shop on site. One of the most photographed lighthouses in America and an essential Maine experience.
Portland Observatory — 0.7 miles · 15 min walk — Climb 103 steps in this 86-foot signal tower (built 1807) for a spectacular view of Casco Bay and the city. The only remaining wooden maritime signal station in the United States — once used to spot incoming ships from up to 30 miles away by telescope. A fascinating piece of American maritime history.
Victoria Mansion — 1.3 miles — Built 1858–1860 as a summer home (for just two people!), this is one of the finest examples of Italian Villa style architecture in America. Over 90% of the original interiors remain, including nearly all of the original wall paintings. An extraordinary time capsule of Gilded Age opulence.
Wadsworth-Longfellow House — 1 mile — The childhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, built in 1785. Three generations of the Wadsworth and Longfellow families lived here. All household items and artifacts are original. Operated by the Maine Historical Society since 1901.
Vintage Firetruck Sightseeing Tour — A 50-minute narrated city tour aboard a vintage fire engine — one of Portland's most distinctive and fun ways to see the city's history and highlights. Maximum 13 passengers — book tickets in advance.
Casco Bay Boat Charter Tour — A 2-hour charter boat tour past lighthouses, islands, and dramatic Maine coastline with an informative captain narrating throughout. Guests may bring their own food; beer and wine available on board. Perfect for small groups wanting an intimate view of the bay.
Beaches & Outdoors in Portland, Maine
The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.
🏖️ Portland has a rugged New England coastline — the beaches here are classic Atlantic shore, not tropical Caribbean. Water is cool even in summer:
East End Beach
On the Eastern Promenade — the most accessible public beach in Portland proper, with excellent views across Casco Bay. A small pebble and sand beach popular with locals. A pleasant walk from the pier along the waterfront.
Willard Beach — South Portland
A classic small New England sand beach across the Casco Bay Bridge in South Portland — popular with local families. Calm, scenic, and a genuine neighborhood beach experience away from the tourist areas.
Scarborough Beach State Park
About 8 miles south of Portland — the finest ocean swimming beach in the area. A long, wide Atlantic beach with lifeguards, facilities, and classic Maine coastal scenery. The best choice for those specifically wanting a proper beach day. Requires a taxi or rental car.
Cape Elizabeth Coastline
The rugged Cape Elizabeth shore south of Portland (passing Portland Head Light) has several rocky cove beaches and dramatic ocean scenery. Crescent Beach State Park is a good swimming option in this area — beautiful and less crowded than Scarborough.
Shopping in Portland, Maine
Where to shop and what to look for.
🛍️ Portland's shopping is concentrated in the Old Port and along Commercial Street — a mix of distinctly local shops, artisan studios, and a few larger options further afield:
Ports of Call — 0.3 miles · 7 min walk
On Commercial Street near the cruise terminal — the best souvenir and apparel shop close to the pier. Nautical décor, pirate hats, plush moose, quality Maine-themed apparel, and genuine maple syrup. A great first stop right off the ship.
Edgecomb Potters — 0.5 miles · 10 min walk
Just down Commercial Street from Ports of Call — one-of-a-kind handcrafted pottery with distinctive colors and shapes, designed for everyday use rather than just display. A genuinely beautiful and uniquely Maine souvenir.
The Blue Lobster — 0.5 miles · 10 min walk
Continuing along Commercial Street — unique apparel, coffee mugs, keychains, and Maine-themed items. The shop features Willard, a real (now taxidermied) blue lobster — a natural genetic rarity that occurs in approximately 1 in 2 million lobsters.
Old Port Candy Co. — 0.6 miles · 12 min walk
On Fore Street — Maine's best fudge in dozens of flavors alongside locally crafted chocolates, truffles, maple sugar candy, saltwater taffy, and over 100 bulk candies. A hard-to-find nostalgia candy selection is also a draw.
Exchange Street — Old Port · 0.5 miles
The main hub of the Old Port — boutiques, jewelers, clothing, gifts, and souvenirs in the most concentrated shopping area in Portland. A 10-minute walk through the heart of the historic waterfront district.
L.L. Bean Flagship Store — Freeport · 17 miles
Worth the 25-minute drive or 50-minute bus ride on the Metro Breeze — L.L. Bean's 220,000 sq ft flagship campus in Freeport draws over 3 million visitors annually and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The definitive Maine outdoor gear and apparel experience.
Credit: Mainebiz
Dining in Portland, Maine
Where to eat and drink ashore.
🍽️ Lobster is king in Portland — most restaurants feature it in some form. With over 250 restaurants concentrated in the Waterfront and Old Port districts, you're never far from an excellent meal. Here are the best options close to the ship:
Eventide Oyster Co. & The Honey Paw
0.4 miles · 8 min walk · James Beard Award-winning chefs
Two extraordinary restaurants side by side. Eventide offers 18 varieties of oysters on the half-shell plus Asian-influenced seafood dishes — the brown butter lobster roll is one of the finest bites in New England. Next door, The Honey Paw serves noodle and grain dishes inspired by Asian cuisines — the caramelized honeycomb soft-serve is not to be missed.
Portland Lobster Company
0.5 miles · 10 min walk · Voted Best Lobster Roll in Portland 2022
The quintessential Maine lobster experience — a huge waterfront deck with daily live music. The Downeast Feast (lobster, steamed clams, corn, coleslaw, and fries) is the thing to order if you're hungry. Their lobster roll is consistently Portland's top-rated.
Duckfat
0.3 miles · 7 min walk · Casual · $
Belgian fries cooked in duck fat, served in a paper cone — extraordinary. Excellent sandwiches and milkshakes made with locally produced ice cream. A quick, high-quality lunch option steps from the pier. Also has a walk-up window on Washington Ave (~15 min walk).
Dimillo's On The Water
0.5 miles · 10 min walk · Seafood · $$$
A unique restaurant housed in a converted car ferry on Long Wharf Pier — seafood with an Italian flair. Dine on the outdoor decks or watch harbor activity from the indoor dining room. A genuinely distinctive Portland experience.
Central Provisions
0.6 miles · 12 min walk · Small Plates · $$$$
A seasonally-inspired small-plate restaurant in a building that once served as provisions storage for the East India Trading Company. Spanish chopped salad, bluefin tuna crudo, amaranth-crusted scallops, and an extensive caviar selection. One of Portland's most acclaimed dining experiences.
Becky's Diner
0.9 miles · 20 min walk · Casual · $
Where the locals go — a classic waterfront diner with over 5,300 Google reviews, featured on Guy Fieri's Diners Drive-Ins and Dives. Lobster roll, breakfast (served until 4pm), and classic diner fare without the frills or tourist markup.
Top Tours & Shore Excursions
Book before you board for best availability and pricing.
Portlands Old Port Culinary Walking Tour
⏱ 3 hours · Moderate activity
<p>Food lovers can explore Portlands historic Old Port independently, but to uncover the best places serving traditional...
Book This Tour →The Real Portland Tour: City and Historical Tour
⏱ 1.75 Hours · Easy activity
<p>Explore the heart of Portland and head out to see some of the areas hidden gems, including 3 lighthouses, and less-vi...
Book This Tour →Windjammer Sail Casco Bay Portland
⏱ 2 Hours · Easy activity
<p>Enjoy this great opportunity for a Windjammer Sail onboard an authentic 48-passenger schooner in Maines beautiful Cas...
Book This Tour →Portland, Maine – FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers.
What is Portland Maine known for?
Portland is known as one of America's best food cities — a surprisingly vibrant culinary scene for a small city. It's also known for the charming cobblestone Old Port district, craft breweries, fresh Maine lobster, lighthouse tours, and scenic Casco Bay.
Can I walk from the Portland cruise terminal?
Yes — the Ocean Gateway Terminal is right in the Old Port district. The waterfront, restaurants, shops, and the historic downtown are all within easy walking distance.
What should I eat in Portland Maine?
Maine lobster rolls are a must — Portland has some of the best in the state. Also try fresh clams, oysters from Casco Bay, whoopie pies (Maine's official state treat), and visit the famous Portland Public Market.
Is Portland Maine a good cruise port?
Yes — Portland punches well above its weight as a cruise destination. The Old Port is genuinely charming, the food scene is excellent, and the scenery is quintessential New England.
Cruise Passenger Tips & Photos
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