Places to See in Portland, Maine

PORTLAND, MAINE

Family-friendly trip to Portland, ME

             Maine  is located in the Northern East side of the United States along the borders of Canada, Vermont and New Hampshire. Portland, Maine is sometimes confused with Portland, Oregon or Portland in the UK. But this state is unique and known for its coastal waters, fresh lobsters, national parks and its lighthouse. 

Portland is on the largest city in Maine. It is about a 6-hour drive from New York. It is a great place for all seasons, but we picked our summer trip to enjoy the sights of this beautiful city. Here are some tips on how we manage a family trip.

Prepare for the long drive.

Traveling with kids is no joke, especially if it is a long drive. Pack lots of snacks and drinks, as well as their favorite toy. (We decided that this is a gadget-free trip, so no tablets or gaming consoles.) It worked out okay as we have their favorite DVDs. Although headset is a must, so they can enjoy the show, while we enjoy our music. Have a cooler plugged in so they can have a cold drink on the way. We packed enough comfortable clothes for the kids, including swimwear, sunblock/sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

 

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Plan for the Stay

As much as I want to share where we stayed, it was a disappointment. But as a tip, hotels around Portland is quite pricey as you go farther away from the tourist destinations, it gets cheaper. We booked a 2-night, 3-day hotel stay which I think should be good enough time to explore Portland.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

 

Both us and the kids enjoyed the Botanical Garden trip. One that made the trip interesting is the search for the trolls, the kids loved it (and us, too)! It gave the kids a "quest" as we walk around the park. They are called the Guardians of the Seed; five giant works of art were hidden around the park and we slowly trek around to find them. Along with it, are stories where the children learn about the forest, the trees and how to be connected in nature.

 

 

 

It may sound tiring, but feeling the fresh breeze, hearing the sound of nature and looking at the beauty of the flowers and trees makes it all worth while. This trip is not just for youngsters and youngsters at heart, but for all ages. There are shuttles around giving an option to take a ride. You really do not have to roam around if walking is not your favorite, you can simply sit down in our of the many parks and just be with nature.

 

 

Family Fee: $55 (check out their website for up to date fees)

 

 

Victoria Mansion

A National Historic Landmark, the Victoria Mansion showcased the exquisite architecture, beautiful interiors and history. It brings you back in time and the guided tour immerses you through the vast collection of almost all original artifacts and restored wall to wall artwork.

Family Fee: $35 (check out their website for up to date fees)

Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth

https://fb.watch/eqyaHv0PKO/

It was a beautiful view of the coast while enjoying a lobster roll! 

Parking Fee depending on duration of stay.

Dining

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Okay, the main reason we came was really the food, seafood.... lobster to be exact! So we heard that Maine is famous for its lobster, so why not check it out...

 

We tasted both the lobster in a restaurant and lobster as a street food, and is equally delicious. We had the famous Cousin's Maine lobster roll in their food truck by the Lighthouse. We booked a dinner at Saltwater Grille for their baked stuffed lobsters; the children loved the clam chowder and fried calamari. I am not a fan of raw, but hubby loved the freshness of the oysters. You can never go wrong with fish and chips for the kids' entree.

But if your craving for seafood and lobsters now, you cane have lobsters delivered to your home through Get Maine Lobster, they offer 10% off your first order and choose from a wide-selection of fresh catch seafood!

Stop-Over Worthy

 

Don't miss the Holy Donut, our favorite is the Maple Bacon Donut, Bacon Cheddar, and Triple C!

 

Planning for your next adventure check out The Sightseeing Pass for a worry-free tour!