Lighthouses, red brick buildings, lobster rolls, and craft beer. All of these amazing things can be found in Portland, Maine. My family and I traveled there back in July and here are all of the things we did! PSA: maybe don’t go in July because it was oh-so-very humid. I bet Portland in the fall would be amazing to catch the beautiful foliage. Anyway, here’s what I’d recommend you see and do!
the Nubble Lighthouse at Cape Neddick
Where to Stay
We stayed at an Airbnb in the West End. The neighborhood’s streets are lined with old oak and maple trees that shade picturesque Victorian-era homes. It’s a quieter neighborhood, which was perfect since we traveled with children.
Where to Eat and Drink
Coffee + Brekkie
There are two locations in Portland and both are excellent, but I am partial to the Congress Street location. The interior feels like your trendy friend’s apartment and draws a crowd of local hipsters.
Get there a few minutes before they open to secure a spot in line. The food hits: we tried the breakfast sandwich with sausage, yogurt with granola, a savory loaded biscuit, a sticky bun, and a chocolate chip cookie (DUH). You can’t go wrong with anything. And the coffee is so great that I am going to get their coffee subscription!
lil tart for one
Locals flock to this place to pick up their bread for the week. Here, I tried a bunch of their pastries, including their croissants and their seasonal blueberry tart. All were delicious!
A cute (very pink!) spot that offers coffee, wine, cocktails, and food! Try the breakfast sandwich here.
i had to zoom in! i mean, LOOK AT THAT GOLDEN BROWN COLOR.
I will say, Belleville had the best croissants out of the spots we tried. Carb up here!
I popped into this small restaurant (makes sense why it’s called Smalls) and it made me feel like I was in Copenhagen! They offer a full coffee and food menu, plus cocktails, wine, and beer. Check out the back, where you’ll find upscale pantry items, art, and wellness products from makers local and beyond.
Dinner + Bites
A tapas place with Spanish and French influences and a great cocktail menu.
Out of all of the lobster rolls we ate on this trip, this spot offers the famed Brown Butter Lobster Roll, and it makes sense why it’s famous. It’s quite tiny, so I’d recommend ordering two per person. The lobster roll just melts in your mouth!
photo credit: to my bro-in-law, matt s.
We couldn’t make it to Duckfat because the wait line was very long, but this seems to be a town favorite for a reason. Belgian-style fries, twice-fried in duck fat? Say less.
I’m not a fan of diner food, but dining here is an experience. It’s packed, loud, and busy. There’s just something about being cramped in a booth surrounded by chaos that’s fun. Next time, I’ll have to try one of their whoopie pies (they were sold out by the time we got there).
Where to Explore
Cape Elizabeth
this pic doesn’t do it justice!
Your trip to Maine isn’t complete if you didn’t see a lighthouse! This area also features a lush Fort Williams Park where you can walk around and enjoy the sea breeze.
Kennebunkport
The great thing about Portland is that there are many cute coastal towns nearby. Every day we would choose a different town to see. They’re all very similar, but worth checking out because all of the local shops are so cute. Here, we enjoyed some Maine Blueberry ice cream at Big Daddy’s. Also, just get one scoop because this ice cream is very milky and rich!
The Goose Rocks Beach was one of the sandiest beaches I’ve visited in the U.S. Not going to lie, I may have even shed a tear because nothing makes me happier than a pretty blue sky and ocean view.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Walking around here is an adventure! This is the home of giant trolls AKA the Guardians of the Seeds, who peak out of different hidden corners of the forest. It’s a fun time for kids (and adults, tbh).
Ogunquit
Walk along the coastal path at Marginal Way, shop at quaint boutique shops, and lounge at the beach! Be sure to check out the Coastal Alchemist for delicious food and drinks, and a lovely view of the town from the rooftop.
Where to Shop
sisters doing what they do best: looking cute and breaking the bank
Take a quick drive to Freeport, Maine, which is where L.L.Bean originated. The campus of flagship stores is open 24/7, 365 days a year.
An adorable store with trinkets for any occasion.
Here you’ll find high-quality clothing, shoes, and accessories for men and women. You will find brand names like Arc’teryx, Carhartt WIP, Alex Mill, and more.
Your vintage heaven.
Where to Hang Out
Arrive to this beach early in the morning to secure your spot! Plus, in the summer, L.L.Bean partners with this beach to provide beach boxes that have free loaner beach chairs, umbrellas, and other essentials for visitors to enjoy. Thanks to this beach box, we didn’t burn in the sun!
I stepped into this local watering hole solo because I arrived before my family and needed to kill some time. Love that this place offers NA options. It’s a great place to have a drink with a hearty meal. The folks here are SO friendly, too.
A Certified B Corp that offers tasty Belgian-style beers. This family-friendly brewery is a fun spot to spend an afternoon. Don’t skip out on their awesome merchandise and photo booth!
A swanky space with panoramic views from the harbor to Casco Bay. Enjoy a cocktail, small plates, and people watch. A perfect place for golden hour!
Have you ever traveled to Portland? I’d love to hear your thoughts about this cute and friendly city! I cannot wait to be back. xo
torimuser 