Portland, Maine

Maine harbor city famed for lobster rolls and craft beer, with the brick streets of the Old Port, Portland Head Light and ferries to the Casco Bay islands.

Portland sits on Casco Bay in southern Maine. It is the state's largest city, with a population of about 70,000, and lies about 170 km from Boston. The old city occupies a peninsula, with Munjoy Hill and the Eastern Promenade to the east, the historic West End to the west, and the red-brick Old Port in between. Food media have named it one of America's best small food cities, and lobster rolls, oysters and craft beer are its calling cards. The best time to visit is June–October: summer is when the harbor is liveliest and the water warmest, while September–October brings fall foliage and fewer crowds; winters are cold and snowy but bring holiday lights. There are three main areas to explore. In the city: the Old Port, Portland Museum of Art, Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Victoria Mansion, Portland Observatory and the Eastern and Western Promenades. The lighthouse route: Portland Head Light and Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth, plus Bug Light and Spring Point Ledge Light in South Portland. Day trips: island-hopping by Casco Bay ferry, the L.L.Bean flagship store in Freeport to the north, and to the south Old Orchard Beach, Kennebunkport, Ogunquit and Nubble Light. Getting there: Portland International Jetport is about 5 km from downtown, and from Boston you can take Amtrak's Downeaster (about 2.5 hours) or a bus. Downtown is walkable, but renting a car is recommended for the lighthouses and nearby towns. Most visitors spend 2–3 days; summer lodging is tight, so book ahead.

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