Eat, See, Do: Portland, Maine

Eat

Start your day at Smalls in the West End, an all-day cafe with coffee and espresso in the morning and wine and cocktails in the evening. Munch on salads, sandwiches, snacks, and oysters all day long. Browse the cute retail section with lifestyle goods and food like teas, herbs, and spices. Smalls is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday.

Before noon, visit one of two The Holy Donut locations. Their famous potato donuts often sell out by 12 p.m.! We recommend the maple or blueberry for local flavors. Then head to Crispy Gai for weekend brunch or dinner to enjoy an incredible Thai-inspired menu. Try the waterfall chicken or mushrooms, fried chicken sammy, or cabbage salad – all-time favorites! Crispy Gai is open daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and adds 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.

Looking for snacks? Stop in at Onggi; a corner store focused on fermented foods. They feature a small menu of Korean dishes and sweets and offer a retail wall of Asian goodies. Onggi is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you need to feed your sweet tooth, stop by Old Port Candy Co. to try fudge flavors like peanut butter and maple walnut toffee and grab a bag of bulk gummies! Or, slip back in time with nostalgic classics like Atomic Fireballs and Licorice Laces. The flagship store at 422 Fore Street is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Once you’ve had your fill of fun, tuck yourself in at this stunning seaside home. Aptly named the ‘Pearl of Portland’ this beach rental is located just a half-mile north of Portland’s Old Port. Binge on your favorite Netflix shows and chill next to the cozy fireplace as you rest up from your time on the town. 

See

Take the Ferry to Peaks Island and walk to Picnic Point to get stunning views of neighboring islands and the Atlantic. Meander the beach and find beautiful sea glass, and be sure to charge your phone ahead of time, so you have plenty of juice to take photos of Portland from the boat. The ferry schedule changes seasonally but typically offers trips every hour from 5:45 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Check ahead of time to plan your adventure.

Want to get closer to Portland’s seafaring history? Take to the water in a wooden ship with Portland Schooner Co! The company offers public tours on a Windjammer sailboat and private tours for up to six people on their 1925 Alden Schooner. Keep an eye out for marine life like seals and seabirds among the rocky shores dotted with lighthouses. Bring snacks and drinks from a local eatery to upgrade your boating experience! There are four public sails per day starting mid-morning. Reserve a ticket online to ensure you have a seat.

Sports fans and families love going to Hadlock Field to watch the Portland Sea Dogs Minor League Baseball team. Be delighted in seeing a lighthouse run out to the centerfield fence in celebration each time the Sea Dogs win or hit a home run! Nom on ballpark fare like hot dogs, or go for the local specialty – lobster! Check the schedule to see if the team is playing at home while you’re in the Portland area.

One of the many restaurants to visit during your beach rental stay in Portland, Maine

Do

Grab takeout from anywhere on Washington Avenue and head to the Eastern Promenade, a greenspace along the harbor where you can eat with a view of the surrounding islands. The two-mile trail provides unmatched views of Casco Bay. The promenade is dog-friendly and even has an off-leash area next to Fort Allen Park and East End Beach. You can reach the Eastern Promenade by public buses 1 and 8. And if you’re looking for a stay in this area, check out our charming beach rentals located near this part of town!

Need a moment to kick back and relax? Visit Washington Street Baths. This public sauna and bathhouse is open to all genders and offers hot and cold therapy with beautiful lounges for resting up during your Portland adventures. Silence is observed on Fridays, so plan to come another time if you want to chat with pals. Washington Street Baths is open Thursday through Monday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Dig handmade, small-batch goods? Visit The Post Supply in East Bayside. This lifestyle store features sustainable, design-forward pieces from home goods to body products. Pick up a copper watering can for your container garden or a book on Henri Matisse for a friend’s upcoming birthday. We dig their beautiful stationery and notebooks for daydreaming or office use. The Post Supply is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Post game, cozy up at a last minute beach rental like this charming home just a mile jaunt from East End Beach. We know you’ll enjoy strolling out to soak up the sunset while picnicking on the sand or cooling off in the ocean waves as the tide rolls in.

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