Attractions in Portland, ME

Portland, Maine is located along the state's southern coast. The Greater Portland area has a metro population of 230,000 and contains nearly 25 percent of the Pine Tree State's total population, according to the City of Portland Web site. Annually, more than three million visitors come to Portland to take advantage of the many scenic and outdoor activities available.

Whale Watching and Deep Sea Fishing

Cruise the Casco Bay and enjoy a five-hour whale-watching tour aboard the Odyssey. A naturalist is onboard to provide information not only about whales, but also other sea creatures you might see, including dolphins, sharks and sea turtles. Tours run from May through October.

The Odyssey also offers deep sea fishing trips. Set off to catch mackerel or cod. Professional fisherman lead the trips, which come with tackle and bait.

Odyssey Whale Watch
170 Commercial St.
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 775-0727
www.odysseywhalewatch.com

Camping

Wassamki Springs is the closest campground to Portland. The campground, just minutes from Portland, is situated on 30 acres of land and includes a mile of sandy beach. Amenities include lakefront sites, fireplaces, picnic tables, free hot showers and laundry facilities. The site also provides trailer storage and hookups for electricity, water and sewer. Enjoy recreational activities on the site's softball fields, basketball courts and volleyball courts. Visitors can also rent boats and fish in a trout-stocked pond.

Wassamki Springs
56 Saco St.
Scarborough, ME 04074
(207) 839-4276
wassamkisprings.com

Trails

Covering nearly four miles, the Back Cove Trail is one of the most widely used trails in Portland. The trail can be used for walking, running, bird watching and bicycling. The trail also offers a view of the Portland skyline.

Built along the harbor and ocean, the Eastern Prom Trail connects with the Back Cove Trail. Along the two mile trail, visitors will find picnic tables, beaches for swimming and a public boat launch. Kayaks and canoes are available for renting.

Another popular trail is the Fore River Sanctuary, an 85-acre preserve that houses Jewel Falls, the only natural waterfall in Portland. Habitats found along the two-mile trail include songbirds, red oak and white pine.

Portland Trails
305 Commercial St.
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 775-2411
trails.org/map_files/back_cove_page_description.html

Portland Observatory

Visitors can get a guided tour of the only known remaining historic maritime signal tower in the United States, the Portland Observatory. The tower provides breathtaking views of Portland, Casco Bay, Back Cove and Mount Washington. The structure, built in 1807, was named as a National Historic Landmark in 2006.

Portland Observatory
138 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-5561
portlandlandmarks.org/observatory

Resources

Article Written By Steve Repsys

A writing professional with more than 15 years of experience, Steve Repsys is currently employed in a college marketing environment. He is part of a team that produces award-winning publications. He holds a bachelor's degree in communication from Stonehill College and a master's degree in sports marketing from Springfield College.

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