What to do and see in Portland, Maine (ME): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

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.

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.

THE PORTLAND OBSERVATORY IS CLOSED FOR THE 2019 SEASON. SEE YOU IN SPRING 2020! Breathtaking views and fascinating history at America’s last standing maritime signal tower. In the 1800s, Captain Moody used this observatory to monitor the routes of ships as far as 30 miles away. Today visitors can tour a museum focusing on the history of the watch tower and get a stunning bird's-eye view of Portland and the harbor.

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.

The city's main business area.

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

Abandoned fort on an island in Portland Harbor; visitors should use caution when exploring its grounds.

Ship traffic here runs the gamut from lobster boats to oil tankers and cruise lines; also look for the many photogenic lighthouses.

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.