Outdoors in Greater Portland
Beaches, trails, paddling, and the water that makes a Maine summer worth it.
The Best Beaches Near Portland, Maine
An honest, local ranking of the best beaches within 25 minutes of Portland, with the real story on parking, cold water, and resident-only lots.
6 min read · Read the guideMore outdoors guides
Portland Head Light and the Lighthouses of Cape Elizabeth and South Portland
A local's honest guide to the lighthouses you can actually see near Portland, Maine, including Portland Head Light at Fort Williams, Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth, and Bug Light and Spring Point Ledge in South Portland, with parking, hours, and which ones are worth your time.
6 min read OutdoorsThe Best Boat Tours and Harbor Cruises from Portland, Maine
An honest guide to the best boat tours and harbor cruises in Portland, Maine, from lobster boat trips and schooner sails to the best-value mailboat cruise, with what each one is actually like.
6 min read OutdoorsA Day Trip to the Casco Bay Islands by Ferry from Portland, Maine
An honest local's guide to the Casco Bay islands you can reach by ferry from Portland, Maine, including Peaks, Great Diamond, Long, Chebeague, and Cliff, with what to do on each and which one to pick.
6 min read OutdoorsThe Best Sunset Spots In and Near Portland, Maine
An honest local guide to where the sun actually sets near Portland, which spots face west, where the crowds go, and where to skip.
7 min read OutdoorsThe Best Day Trips Within About an Hour of Portland, Maine
An honest local rundown of day trips near Portland, with real drive times and a straight take on which are worth it and which are tourist traps.
6 min read OutdoorsKayaking and Paddling Casco Bay: A Local's Guide
How to actually paddle Casco Bay near Portland, with honest takes on launches, guided tours, the island trail, and the tides and traffic that will get you.
6 min read OutdoorsWhere to Swim Near Portland, Maine: Pools, Ponds, and Swim Spots
A straight-talking guide to where you can actually swim near Portland, from the city's lone open pool to the warm freshwater ponds that beat the cold ocean.
6 min read OutdoorsHiking Near Portland, Maine with Ocean Views
The best ocean-view hikes within 25 minutes of Portland, Maine, with real parking advice, trail picks, and when to actually go. Written by a local.
6 min readQuick picks
Our standing recommendations. Nobody pays to be on this list.
- Crescent Beach State Park Cape Elizabeth. The closest genuinely great beach to downtown.
- Kettle Cove Cape Elizabeth. Smaller, free, and a local favorite right next to Crescent.
- Willard Beach South Portland. A walkable neighborhood beach with real charm.
Get outside in Maine. Free weekly.
The beaches worth the parking fight, the trails worth the drive, and the days worth taking off. One email a week.
Join thousands of Mainers. Unsubscribe anytime.