Nestled on a peninsula that juts out into Casco Bay, Portland, Maine, mixes the natural beauty of the outdoors with a vibrant cultural scene. Known for lobsters and lighthouses, Portland and the surrounding area is a hotbed of locavore dining, exquisitely repurposed buildings, live music and unique shopping.
The best time to visit Portland, Maine
Portland is a destination that blossoms year-round. However, to really take advantage of everything the city has to offer, you’ll want to plan your visit during the spring and summer months.
While the weather is warm, you’ll have your pick of what to do, whether you decide to museum hop indoors or go on an exploratory cruise to the Casco Islands. The temperatures stay fairly consistent at 75 degrees Fahrenheit and with the salty ocean breeze, it never gets too hot.
Should visitors rent a car in Portland, Maine?
If you plan to explore the areas around (or beyond) the city, then you’ll definitely want to rent a car. But if you’re staying in Portland during the spring or summer months, we’d highly recommend renting a bike instead. Parking can be a challenge, and spots in Old Port are usually metered with a maximum time limit of two hours.
Another reliable option for year-round transportation is the city bus. Its routes traverse Old Port, the Jetport, Maine Mall, Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth and other popular locations. Grab a map at the visitor’s center on the way into town or at the main terminal, “Metro Pulse.”
