Portland is an up-and-coming port city situated on the shores of Casco Bay in Cumberland County, Maine. According to the latest census, it has a population of 68,408. Portland’s economy is dominated by the tourism industry. The Old Port and greater downtown area are home to dozens of breweries, restaurants, bars, and shops. The city’s working waterfront and cobblestone streets give it a unique vibe. The waterside Harbor Fish Market is an essential stop for seafood lovers. You can even park your vehicle downtown and hop aboard one of the Casco Bay ferries. This small fleet of boats makes regular trips to several of the Casco Bay Islands.
Portland sits on land that was once occupied by members of the Abenaki Tribe. The Native Americans referred to the land as Machigonne, or “Great Neck.” By the early 1620s, European settlers had arrived in the area. The first settler to arrive was Captain Christopher Levett, an English naval captain. His attempted settlement was not a success. However, he was far from the last settler to make a mark on what is now Portland. The land switched hands between various European settlers, the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and the Abenaki. It wasn’t until the late 1780s that Portland assumed its current moniker. The city's slow rise to prominence continues to this day. It's still one of the most productive port cities on the East Coast.
Today, Portland is divided into a variety of distinct neighborhoods. The Old Port and Arts District are the city's most tourist-friendly areas. These neighborhoods have a high concentration of restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops. There's also no shortage of breweries and hotels. The East End and Munjoy Hill have a more residential feel. The affluent waterside neighborhoods offer incredible views of Casco Bay, Mackworth Island, Fort Gorges, and other noteworthy Portland landmarks. East End Park, a large open space located at the top of Munjoy Hill, is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor recreation. East End Beach, which is situated just below it, is a popular spot for boating, walking, picnicking, and dog walking. It's also the site of the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Eastern Promenade Trail, a paved walkway that connects the East End to Commercial Street.
While Portland is not the official capital of Maine, it is the state's economic capital. The downtown offerings, accommodations, arts, and culture rival that of nearby Boston. Portland’s relatively small size and charming New England feel have helped it to become one of the East Coast’s top destination cities. Some of Portland’s most popular attractions include the State Theatre, the Children’s Museum of Maine, Casco Bay Islands, and Hadlock Field. The city also has its own minor-league baseball, hockey, and basketball teams.
Campgrounds Near Portland, Maine
Peters Pond RV Resort is a family-friendly RV resort located on Cape Cod. The campground boasts a full lineup of amenities, including an onsite country store and a family-friendly restaurant. The campground's recreation offerings include bocce ball, softball, and basketball courts. There's also an in-ground pool with a water slide. The campground's paved streets and level sites make for comfortable camping. RV sites rent for as little as $65 per night. Campers can choose between several inexpensive upgrades, including electrical, water, and sewer hookups.
Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort is a family camping resort situated halfway between Boston and Cape Cod. The park offers a wide range of camping options, including RV sites, yurts, and cabins. Rates range between $65 and $141 per night. Available upgrades include water, 50-amp electricity, sewer, and cable. The campground boasts a dog park, disc golf course, bike park, playground, and fitness center. It also offers a complete lineup of onsite activities.
Pine Acres Family Camping Resort is a lakeside campground situated in Oakham, Massachusetts. This five-star resort boasts a family arcade, a bait shop, and a cafe. Campers are welcome to borrow from the park's large collection of shared row boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Families can cool off at the park's lakeside water park. The park boasts an extensive splash pad, heated in-ground pools, and adult-only hot tubs. Pine Acres boasts a mix of Choice, Preferred, and Premium campsites. Campsite add-ons include everything from water hook-ups to additional vehicle parking.
State Parks Near Portland, Maine
Bradbury Mountain State Park is a popular hiking spot located just north of Portland. Enjoy the panoramic views from Bradbury Mountain's rock-topped summit. Bring along a picnic lunch, and enjoy it at the picnic tables located adjacent to the parking lot and playground. Bradbury Mountain's day-use area is open 365 days per year. There's a small seasonal campground located across the street.
Sebago Lake State Park is home to Maine's second largest freshwater lake. The 1,400-acre park sits in the foothills of the scenic White Mountains. The park's sandy beach is a huge hit during the summer months. During winter, the trails are groomed for snowshoers and cross-country skiers.
Odiorne Point State Park is a coastal preserve situated just south of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The day-use park encompasses a scenic stretch of coastline. It's a popular spot for hiking, biking, boating, and more. Visitors are granted access to a particularly charming section of rocky coastline. The onsite grills and picnic tables fill up quickly during hot summer weekends.
National Sites Near Portland, Maine
Salem Maritime National Historic Site offers visitors an in-depth look into New England's incredible past. Learn about the Salem Witch Trials, the American Revolution, and the East India Trading Company. The 9-acre park encompasses 10 historic buildings, nine archeological sites, four wharves, and one historic light station. The site is situated within a particularly scenic section of downtown Salem, Massachusetts.
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is the birthplace of the American iron and steel industry. Explore the forges, waterwheels, and mills that make up this 12-acre historic site. The institution's most noteworthy restorations include a blast furnace, casting shed, and charging bridge. The park's free junior ranger program helps kids get hands-on with history. Hike the Saugus Iron Works Nature Trail, a well-groomed path located on the eastern side of the Saugus River. Stop by the visitor center to learn more about the history and evolution of iron-making.
Lowell National Historic Park is a public space dedicated to the history of the American Industrial Revolution. Enjoy a guided tour of one of New England's largest textile mills. Walk the scenic waterways that line the scenic Merrimack River. Learn about the all-but-defunct trolley at the National Streetcar Museum. Then grab a souvenir from the New England Quilt Museum gift shop.
National Forests Near Portland, Maine
White Mountain National Forest is an extensive wilderness located along Maine's western border. Find refuge at one of the park's 23 campgrounds. Explore the secluded and scenic shores of Crocker Pond. Stop and smell the flowers that line the Alpine Garden Trail. The park is home to some of New Hampshire's most impressive alpine peaks. There's no shortage of scenic pullovers and hiking trails. White Mountain National Forest is an excellent place for nature observation, fishing, and stargazing. The park is home to over 1,200 miles of hiking trails. As an added bonus, there's no entrance fee.
Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest is another expansive alpine preserve with an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. It's home to over 2,000 archaeological and historic sites. There are hundreds of scenic trails to explore. Some of the park's most popular hiking spots include Lincoln Gap via Long Trail, the North Bourne Pond Loop, and the Ice Bed Trail. Visitors flock to the Green Mountain National Forest year-round.
New York's Finger Lakes National Forest is the second smallest National Forest in the United States. The 16,212-acre preserve is filled with an abundance of beautiful sites. The Burnt Hill Trail takes hikers through a farm-lined pasture. Meanwhile, the Excelsior Glen Falls Trail brings travelers to three magnificent waterfalls. Enjoy the preserve's seemingly countless rivers, fields, and trails. Bring a set of binoculars for a chance to see some of the East's rarest birds. This unspoiled section of nature is a refuge for hundreds of incredible plants and animals.
