Even though I've lived in the Northeast for nearly 15 years, I had never been to Maine.
That just changed last weekend.
We took a family trip to Portland, and it certainly won't be our last — I'm already looking at Bar Harbor and Acadia for next time.
Portland was the right call for our first trip, and it was way more family-friendly than I expected.
Here's our full list of where to eat, what to do, and where to stay.
🏨 Where to stay in Portland, Maine
Portland doesn’t have one single place you need to stay.
We walked into a bunch of upscale properties from the biggest hotel brands, but I was surprised that there aren’t any true luxury five-star properties or inns there. (I imagine that’ll likely change in the coming years.)
Truth is, I was very impressed by how nice many of the hotels are, even if they’re branded as Hyatt Place or Courtyard by Marriott.
Here’s a recap of some picks. I’d just make sure to stay near the downtown area for easy walkability.
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront — A Hilton gem, tasteful rooms, and a rooftop bar that even draws locals.
The Press Hotel — Probably the best in the city, a Marriott Bonvoy option with pricey redemptions in peak summer.
Portland Harbor Hotel — One of the city’s most iconic hotels with an unbeatable location. Not affiliated with any loyalty program.
Hyatt Place Portland Downtown-Old Port Square — Hyatt’s best option in the city. Not the nicest of the bunch, but great location and good points availability during the summer.
🍽️ Eat & drink in Portland, Maine
Standard Baking Co. — One of the best bakeries I’ve ever been to in the entire world. Order online the day before to skip the line.
Tandem Bakery — Another local favorite for pastries and coffee, but not as good as the one above.
Fore Street — Everyone says this is the best restaurant in the city. It’s booked out months in advance. We couldn’t get in.
Scales — Fore Street's seafood sister restaurant. Again, books out months in advance.
Street and Co. — Great Italian food, another one that books up.
Izakaya Minato — Japanese, and broader than just sushi.
Duckfat — Supposedly the best French fries in the city (and state).
Cera — Casual spot with good salads and sandwiches.
Gelato Fiasco — Some of the best gelato I’ve had outside of Italy with an impressive assortment of flavors.
📍 What to do in Portland, Maine
Walk Commercial, Fore and Market Streets — The core of downtown with plenty of great boutiques. Our favorites include Abacus, Joseph's, Kate Nelligan, and Leroux.
Walk on Eastern Promenade Trail — Beautiful views and nature just steps from downtown.
Ferry to Peaks Island — Short ride from the harbor, then just walk around.
Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine — If you’re visiting with kids, you must stop at this museum. Our daughter loved it.
Portland Head Light — A short drive from downtown, with a picturesque setting and a nice coastal walk.
Freeport and L.L. Bean — An outlet town about 30 minutes north of Portland. The L.L. Bean flagship store is there and open 24/7.
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park — Beautiful state park on the coast with stunning scenery.
Bowdoin College — Beautiful campus, worth walking through if you're already in Freeport.
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