Mui R
- Mar 29
- 3 min read

Cruising Portland, Maine: A Day of Seafood, Culture, and Charm!

If you're cruising into Portland, Maine for a day, you're in for a treat! Portland is a vibrant coastal city with a rich history, beautiful scenery, and plenty of things to see and do.

Explore the Old Port: Start your day by strolling through the historic Old Port district. This area is filled with cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. It's a great place to grab breakfast or coffee while soaking in the atmosphere.
Portland Observatory: Head to the Portland Observatory, a historic maritime signal tower located on Munjoy Hill. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and harbor. It's a unique way to learn about Portland's maritime history and enjoy breathtaking vistas.
Eastern Promenade: Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the Eastern Promenade, a scenic waterfront park that offers stunning views of Casco Bay and the surrounding islands. You can also relax on the grassy lawns or have a picnic while enjoying the coastal breeze.
Fort Gorges: With granite walls that appear to rise straight up from the surface of Portland Harbor, this abandoned military fort was built on a small island during the Civil War. Only accessible by boat, today it’s a reminder of Maine's military past and a curiosity for passing harbor cruises or intrepid kayakers.
Tate House Museum: Dating back to 1755, Portland, Maine's Tate House Museum is the only existing example of pre-revolutionary architecture open to the public. In its heyday, it was the residence of Captain George Tate, a senior mast agent in the British Royal Navy, though it's now a museum, complete with period furnishings, an herb garden, and a gift shop.
Take a Food Tour: Portland is known for its vibrant food scene, especially its seafood. Consider joining a food tour to sample some of the city's best eats, including fresh lobster rolls, chowder, and locally brewed beer. Here are some places you can try a lobster roll.
1. The Highroller Lobster (15 walk from pier - 104 Exchange Street). Menu.
2. Eventide Oyster Co (7 mins walk from pier)
3. Duckfat (6 mins from from pier)
Explore the Portland Head Light: After lunch, take a short drive or cab ride to Cape Elizabeth to visit the iconic Portland Head Light. This historic lighthouse sits atop rocky cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
Go Shopping or Antiquing: Spend some time exploring Portland's shops and boutiques. From unique artisanal crafts to antique treasures, there's something for everyone.
Take a Brewery Tour: Portland is known as one of the craft beer capitals of the United States, so why not take a tour of one of its many breweries? Learn about the brewing process and sample some locally brewed beers.