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Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged if you are wanting to rent a car in Portland. While there are numerous rental car agencies at the Portland Airport, which is only about 20 minutes away, Enterprise and Hertz have downtown locations. The Ocean Gateway Terminal is a newer facility and has a visitor information center located inside the terminal. Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, even if the purchase is just a few dollars. Sales tax is rarely included in posted prices and will be added to the purchase when you pay. In total, Portland was burned, almost to the ground, four times in its history.
Cruise Ship Schedule
There’s a tourist information center at the terminal and in summer, a free guiding service from Downtown District Guides. Shops and restaurants are within walking distance from the cruise ship pier. The downtown, too, is walkable with plenty of places to stop for a rest. If you’re looking for a free walking tour map, take a 3 min. walk along the waterfront to The Portland Encyclepedia, where they rent bikes, but also offer free walking tour maps. After enjoying a leisurely ride on the scenic train, it’s time to indulge in some delicious local cuisine. Portland is known for its fresh seafood, so be sure to try some of their famous lobster rolls or clam chowder.
Walking Around Attractions
Historic homes, museums, and mansions stand out as a testament to the city’s rich past while abutting the modern marvels of architecture that have been welcomed into the cityscape. Portland also has a Metro bus system that operates within the Greater Portland area and has a service to Freeport. A highly enjoyable way to get around is on two wheels, with bike rentals available close to the port. Portland, Maine is known for two culinary treats—fresh lobster and craft beer—although the city’s highly-rated food scene extends far beyond these two.
Scenic Train Ride for Lunch in Portland, Maine
In addition to touring the lighthouse itself (which includes a small museum), visitors can explore Fort Williams Park’s many hiking trails, picnic areas, and beaches. The park offers stunning views of both Casco Bay and nearby Ram Island Ledge Light. For those looking for an island adventure, there are tours that visit nearby islands like Peaks Island or Great Diamond Island. These trips offer stunning views of Casco Bay and allow visitors to explore quaint island communities with unique shops and restaurants. The Portland Observatory Museum is a half mile from the docks at 138 Congress Street on Munjoy Hill. It is the only remaining maritime signal tower in the United States.
The food scene is full of creativity and flavor, with dishes can be as local or as international as you'd like. Founded in 1882, the Portland Museum of Art is the oldest and largest public art institution in Maine. It provides visitors with a look into the regional art culture and aesthetic of Maine in addition to its permanent collection of American, European, Asian, and contemporary pieces. Admire works by Georgia O’Keefe, Vincent Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, and Claude Monet. One of the most famous paintings housed in the museum is Monet’s Water Lilies, painted in 1914 and one of a priceless series. Discover the best shore excursions, explore local landmarks, savor delicious cuisine at restaurants, enjoy family activities, and immerse yourself in nature at the parks.
The cost of the regional tour is usually between $50 and $100 per person depending on the length. Shorter city tours that include the Portland Observatory and Portland Head Light cost about $25 to $30 per person. You can also head to the Fore River Sanctuary, just a few miles northwest of downtown, and hike to Jewell Falls. The Fore River Sanctuary is absolutely aglow in autumn colors from late-September through October. Literature buffs will enjoy a visit to the Wadsworth-Longfellow House — the childhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow — which is now a museum and Colonial Revival-style garden. First settled by the British in the early 17th century, much of the peninsula was battered and burned during the American Revolution.
Conveniently Located Near Popular Tourist Attractions
Cyclemania also offers bike rentals and is located about a mile away from the pier/visitor’s center, on Cove Street. They take reservations, and they have various types of bikes, including e-bikes. All rentals also include a helmet and lock and start at $35 a day for a basic bike to $75 a day for an e-bike. You can rent a bike for the day just outside the Maine State Pier (Portland Ocean Terminal) at The Portland Encyclepedia. Not only do they rent both adult and kid’s bikes, and bike trailers for younger kiddos, they also offer bike tours, and free biking tour maps with turn by turn instructions.
Engine room explosion reported on Maine cruise ship - WorkBoat
Engine room explosion reported on Maine cruise ship.
Posted: Wed, 25 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Take a 90-minute narrated trolley tour, passing many popular attractions (adults $12, kids $6). Tickets can be purchased at the visitor info kiosk by the cruise terminal (14 Ocean Gateway Pier). Portland, Maine is a hidden gem that every cruise passenger should add to their itinerary.
The tour takes passengers through the Eastern Promenade, where they can enjoy stunning views of Casco Bay, and Congress Street, which is lined with historic buildings and landmarks. For visitors who love the outdoors, there are plenty of options for exploring Maine’s natural beauty. Kayaking tours of Casco Bay offer a unique perspective on the coastline and allow guests to see wildlife like seals and seabirds up close. There are also hiking trails in nearby state parks like Bradbury Mountain State Park that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. One attraction that should not be missed when visiting Portland is the historic Portland Observatory.
Another shore excursion is a bike trip on a popular coastal promenade. For the best views of the harbor, visit the Portland Observatory, America’s last remaining maritime signal tower. Bargain hunters will want to head directly to Freeport, the home of LL Bean and nearly a hundred designer outlets. The Metro Breez offers regular round trips to the LL Bean Flagship Store and the Village of Freeport shops from downtown Portland. The city is also Maine’s hotspot for arts, culture, and entertainment. The city’s Arts District is full of galleries and antique shops, while the Old Port area has everything from clothing boutiques to homewares.
As well as beer, you can try locally produced mead and cider, as well as wines from Maine’s own vineyards. You’ll also find classy coffee roasteries, mouth-watering bakeries, and traditional pubs that reflect the town’s strong Irish heritage. Cruise Portland Maine is a collaboration of 6 organizations working together to promote the Port of Portland and our neighboring towns for cruise ships and shore excursions. If you cross the Casco Bay Bridge and head through South Portland you’ll come to Cape Elizabeth and the home of Portland Head Light. Maine’s oldest lighthouse was built during George Washington’s presidency. In George’s time, the 80 foot tower had been lit with 16 whale-oil lamps.
Major cruise ships dock at the Portland Ocean Terminal (also known as the Maine State Pier) and the Ocean Gateway Terminal, both on the fringe of the Old Port. No matter what trinket you want to bring back from Maine, you can find it in downtown Portland during your cruise. Local and national stores alike line the cobblestone streets of Portland. The Old Port is where you'll find the most distinctive shops; head there for boutique and high-end fashions, home goods and souvenirs. Here the streets are abuzz with local artisans on Commercial Street and in downtown boutiques—providing a glimpse of Maine culture.
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