Must-Do Activities in Portland Maine

Nothing says adventure like a day in the city! With COVID-19 restrictions starting to lessen, Portland has slowly begun to reopen their incredible shops, restaurants, museums and more, just in time for the warm summer months. Below, we’ve put together a list of 5 must-do activities in Portland, Maine for you to experience.

Explore the Old Port

Walk along the cobblestone-studded wharf and breathe in the fresh, salty air in the heart of Portland: the Old Port. Full of interesting boutiques, stunning art galleries and award-winning restaurants, there’s sure to be something for everyone among these 19th-century brick buildings! Although some shops remain closed for safety purposes, nearly all restaurants in the area are setting up sidewalk patios. Some streets in the Old Port have been blocked off for pedestrians only to allow more patrons to enjoy delicious food and beverages outdoors.

Portland Farmers Market

You’ll find fresh, organic produce, cheeses and meats, flowers, jams, pickles, honey and much more at the Portland Farmers Market. In lush Deering Oaks Park, more than 40+ local growers set up shop twice a week to provide you with the freshest possible local food. It’s a true pleasure to walk the path and explore what the vendors have to offer, especially on a sunny morning! The Portland Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7AM – 1PM.

Maine Food for Thought Tours

Maine Food for Thought Tours brings you across downtown Portland to explore the mouthwatering restaurants and local food that the city has to offer. The couple behind the tour are extremely knowledgeable – not just about delicious food, but the agriculture, ethos and economic system that all contribute to Portland’s most creative dishes.

In light of COVID-19 restrictions, Maine Food for Thought Tours are pausing their in-person tours through the month of July. When they do open up their tours, the groups will be kept small and they will follow a precautionary safety checklist, which you can read more about on their website. In the meantime, they are offering a virtual tour called Maine Food for Thought Conversations, also available on their website!

Portland Museum of Art

Did you know that the Portland Museum of Art (founded in 1882 as the Portland Society of Art) is the oldest public art institution in the United States? Spread across three architecturally-designed buildings, this museum is home to pieces ranging from local Maine artists such as Homer, Wyeth and Hopper to even more notorious artists such as Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso. You could truly spend an entire day here, there is so much to see! The PMA recently reopened to the public and are taking COVID-19 safety precautions, which you can read about on their website.

Wadsworth-Longfellow House

The home of famed poet Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow, built in 1786, is preserved just as it was while the family inhabited it. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in the 60s, the house is meticulously intact and full of fascinating artifacts. Behind the house you will find the Longfellow Garden, which is a quiet, secluded Colonial Revival-style garden – a true oasis in the city. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions the historic home will be closed to the public through the end of June, which you can read more about on their website.

There are so many fun, fascinating opportunities that are considered must-do activities in Portland, Maine. Cumberland Crossing by OceanView is only a 15-20 minute drive from the city, making it easy to access all the incredible activities Portland has to offer. To learn more about our active retirement community at Cumberland Crossing, please contact us today!