The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Portland, Maine (ME)

May 14, 2022 Jacquiline Darosa

From ornate mansions to ocean views, this charming city - the largest in Maine - will enchant you. Saunter down the brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets of the revitalized Old Port District, where you can browse through bookstores, explore craft shops and eat to your heart's content. Visit the Portland Head Light, which dates back to 1791, and is the oldest lighthouse still in continuous use in the U.S. The great poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is the city's native son, and you can visit his childhood home, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House. With kids in hand, enjoy the highly interactive Children's Museum of Maine. And then go next door to the calmer Portland Museum of Art, a small, but eclectic museum with Impressionist works, Maine landscapes by Homer and Wyeth and other collections. Land or sea is an option here, so if you're tired of the street life, take one of the popular scenic cruises or whale watches, or hop on a ferry to the islands in Casco Bay. At the end of the day, and without kids in hand, unwind and rest your tired feet at one of the city's brewpubs.
Restaurants in Portland

1. Allagash Brewery

50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103-1042 +1 207-878-5385 [email protected] http://www.allagash.com
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,137 reviews

Allagash Brewery

We are currently open for tastings and sell plenty of year-round and brewery-only beer to go. We are not currently booking brewery tours, but we have a food truck onsite featuring lobster rolls and other tasty treats for you to make a day of it. So if you're in the area, stop by and say hello! Allagash Brewing Company strives to make the best Belgian-inspired beer in the world. Founded in Portland, Maine, the brewery loves giving back to the community—and state—that has supported it since 1995. In 2019 the brewery became a Certified B Corp and Allagash founder Rob Tod won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional. Allagash currently stands as one of the 50 largest craft breweries in the U.S. (by sales volume) and has earned a spot on Maine’s Best Places to Work list for seven years running. Allagash is distributed in: CA, CT, DC, DE, GA, IL (Chicagoland only), MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT, and WI.

Reviewed By PowPow29 - West Hartford, United States

My friends and I booked the Saturday 1:00pm tour. (Book your tickets ahead of time; they fill up!) We had a great time sampling different beers and learning about the history of the brewery. We stayed afterwards to enjoy the beautiful weather, our favorite beers, and a quick bite at the food truck (Bite into Maine) that parks right outside. They have an outstanding lobster grilled cheese.

15 Epps St, Peaks Island, Portland, ME 04108-1206 +1 207-712-1097 [email protected] http://www.richardboydartgallery.com
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 20 reviews

Richard Boyd Art Gallery

(Portland, ME) Richard Boyd Art Gallery is an owner operated fine arts gallery located on Peaks Island in Portland, ME. The gallery, located on the first floor, represents established and emerging artists with a connection to the state of Maine creating paintings in a range of styles from contemporary abstracts to traditional realism, limited edition bronze sculptures, and a select offering of works in clay. Exhibitions change monthly and include solo, group, and theme exhibits so clients and visitors always discover something new and exciting when visiting the gallery. A working art studio with a focus on creating ceramic art and pottery is located on the top floor. From April through the end of October the gallery is open between the hours of 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. During the months of November through March the gallery is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between the hours of 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Additional days and times by chance or scheduled by appointment.

Reviewed By newengland50 - Franklin, United States

If you are visiting Portland, take the 15-minute ferry ride to Peaks Island. During the spring and summer months, it runs every hour at 15 past the hour. It's a great place for a relaxing stroll and more. During a walk around Peaks Island, we visited the Richard Boyd Art Gallery. It had a good collection with a mix of local artists and those from outside of the area who provided oil and watercolor paintings and sculptures. The Gallery is owned by an artist and his wife. He does a lot of work with ceramics and creates unique pieces. We end up buying a beautiful and unique decorative vase. Visit it for enjoyment as you view the art work. Be aware, that you might end up buying--but the prices are reasonable. It's about a ten-minute leisurely walk from the ferry.

3. The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception

307 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101-3638 +1 207-773-7746 [email protected] http://portlandcatholic.org/index.cfm?load=page&page=188
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception

Reviewed By JohnPatsi - Tullahoma, United States

What a beautiful historical Cathedral worthy of European architecture. The priest and service were outstanding and very spiritual this beautiful building. If you are ever in Portland it is worth visiting and praying in this homage to faith and Virgin Mary.

4. Portland Museum of Art

7 Congress Sq, Portland, ME 04101-1119 +1 207-775-6148 http://www.portlandmuseum.org/
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,515 reviews

Portland Museum of Art

With an extensive permanent collection and nationally renowned exhibitions, the Portland Museum of Art is rightfully taking its place as the best regional museum in the country. The PMA boasts a considerable permanent collection, with beloved works of American, European, and Contemporary art, as well as significant holdings of Maine art-highlighting the rich artistic tradition of the state and its artists. The museum brings it all to life with unparalleled programming. From special member-only events, free school tours, and a commitment to family activities, to PMA Movies, curator talks, and exclusive tours of the Winslow Homer Studio-it's all happening at the PMA.

Reviewed By newengland50 - Franklin, United States

At this time (April 2021), the Museum is accepting reservations for visiting. Although Portland is a small city, the Museum has a national class collection. It ranges from New England artists to works from around the world. The building is well laid out and it is easy to navigate. You will find well-known artists, such as Renoir and Wyeth, and stunning sculptures. It is well worth the trip. Every staff member was friendly and happy to answer questions. There is also a small gift shop.

5. Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine

142 Free St, Portland, ME 04101-3961 +1 207-828-1234 [email protected] http://www.kitetails.org/
Excellent
60%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 223 reviews

Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine

Every exhibit at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is designed to let kids lead the way. These interactive spaces are grounded in the science of play and the latest research on how children learn. Each exhibit is an opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn about their world through dramatic role play, hands-on exploration, navigating immersive environments, and taking safe risks. The building features over 7,000 square feet of exhibits spanning four floors. These spaces reflect Maine’s unique character and encourage exploration across a broad range of subjects, from STEM and the arts to the cultures and traditions that form the fabric of our community.

Reviewed By whycandi - Cambridge, United States

Spread across four floors, the museum has many little sections for kids to explore, perfect for young minds with short attention spans. The museum has plenty of hands-on activities. I was impressed by how it's laid out, creating a distinct space for each activity. We spent a few hours there, and my three-year-old grandson never bored.

6. Merrill Auditorium

20 Myrtle St, Portland, ME 04101-4900 +1 207-842-0800 [email protected] http://portlandmaine.gov/574/Merrill-Auditorium
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 114 reviews

Merrill Auditorium

Merrill Auditorium is a 1,900-seat auditorium located in Portland, Maine, United States. Originally known as Portland City Hall Auditorium, it is located in the eastern section of Portland City Hall. Organizations such as Portland Ovations, Portland Symphony Orchestra, and Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ use the auditorium as a primary performance space. PortTIX is the official box office of the Merrill Auditorium. The auditorium was built in 1911 and underwent a major rebuild and renovation in 1997. It features a large pipe organ, the Hermann Kotzschmar Memorial Organ, donated by Cyrus Curtis and built by the Austin Organ Company (Opus 323).

Reviewed By vgreenwood07 - Wells, United States

Second time we’ve gone to this show and it doesn’t disappoint. The music is fantastic and the show has good comedy.

7. Tate House Museum

1267 Westbrook St, Portland, ME 04102-1934 +1 207-774-6177 [email protected] http://www.tatehouse.org
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 55 reviews

Tate House Museum

Georgian-style House, built in 1755; also has 18-century herb garden.

Reviewed By TravellingPhillips - Bismarck, United States

Had to leave a shout out to Laura the curator (for a wonderful amount of time) and the sweet tour guide (whose name I didn't catch) for graciously giving us a Cliff's Notes version of the tour AS they were closing up for the season. We saw a note in the FB page only after we had been knocking on the door, in the rain. Another couple pulled up right after us, and the lady was so kind to let us in. The house is so charming and oldest pre-revolutionary home that's open to the public in ME. Definitely worth a stop (but before Oct 30th!). Thank you so much sweet ladies!

8. Victoria Mansion

109 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04101-4504 +1 207-772-4841 [email protected] http://www.victoriamansion.org
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 749 reviews

Victoria Mansion

VICTORIA MANSION REOPENS JUNE 1, 2020. Victoria Mansion is open for the season June 1- October 31, closed on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. The holiday season runs from the day after Thanksgiving through the first Sunday in January, closed Christmas and New Year's Day. Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House, is the finest example of residential design from the pre-Civil War era in America. With superb architecture and well-preserved original interiors that were among the most lavish and sophisticated in their day, it is an unparalleled document of America’s highest aspirations in architecture, interior design, and the decorative arts. Our history, a quick tour, and our present-day efforts at restoring the Mansion convey an impression of the significance of this unique site, which is of national and even international importance.

Reviewed By JEM02882 - Reading, United States

Visited during the Christmas season and had a great time touring the rooms all dressed up for the holidays. They certainly go all out to decorate which takes all of November to accomplish. (The museum is closed during this time.) The docents are very well versed and knowledgeable. They enjoy their jobs and provide a wonderful background to the fascinating history of the mansion.

9. Wadsworth-Longfellow House

489 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101-3414 +1 207-774-1822 [email protected] http://www.hwlongfellow.org/house_wlh_overview.shtml
Excellent
54%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 276 reviews

Wadsworth-Longfellow House

Home where poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow lived as a boy.

Reviewed By MarlaO_13 - Florence, United States

This tour is only possible because Henry's sister wanted a lasting tribute to her famous brother. Everything in it was original and was placed exactly as she instructed. The tour guide we had wrote a book all about the house and it's history, which was available in the gift shop. Be sure to take this tour!

10. Shipyard Brewing Company

86 Newbury St Entrance is on Hancock Street, Portland, ME 04101-4219 +1 207-761-0807 [email protected] http://www.shipyard.com/
Excellent
54%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 483 reviews

Shipyard Brewing Company

Shipyard Brewing Company is a family owned brewery - rooted in tradition and brimming with innovation. Our award-winning beer is handcrafted by our team of brewers who learned their art from world-renowned master brewer, Alan Pugsley. We are committed to cultivating a new generation of creative, passionate brewers. Our team is constantly exploring innovative and diverse styles of beer through our pilot system at our Portland brewery and our 7-barrel system at Federal Jack's Brew Pub in Kennebunk Harbor. Established in 1994, this family-run brewery set up shop in what was once a maritime foundry on the waterfront of Portland. Starting with our flagship Export Ale, we've produced over 65 handcrafted, traditional beers in the heart of this vibrant Maine community.

Reviewed By Bob1775 - Houston, United States

Located on Portland’s East End this is a neat brewery located in an old building that used to manufacture railroad rails. They have about 10 beers on tap and they are numbered. If you want to try a beer flight you read the beer description and write on a chalkboard what number you want to try under each flight glass hole on your paddle....an ingenious idea. The Export was my favorite and I was told that was their original beer. I don’t think they have food here as we brought pizza in from Micucci’s.....see my review. They have great service and a really friendly atmosphere....they also have board games you can play. They have a gift area where you can buy brewery swag. The restrooms are large and clean. They are building a “brewtel” next door which will be a very convenient place to stay so you can drink all the beer you want and don’t have to worry about getting home or to your hotel.

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