Summer in Maine draws thousands of tourists each year. People flock to the beaches, breweries, and restaurants to take in what Portland has to offer. However a lot of other activities are still secret to the tourists who are just looking to grab a lobster roll and see a lighthouse. Check out some of these fun summer activities, that most tourists tend to overlook, or not know about at all. Updated July 2019.
Portland Paddle
Located right on East End Beach, Portland Paddle offers hourly rentals of kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Rental times range from one hour to a full day excursion tour. Take a sunset tour on Casco Bay or even paddle out to Fort Gorges and learn the history of this fortress. How can you go wrong paddling against the beautiful landscape of the East End marina and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse?
BayCycle Cruises
Hop on board of New England's first human-powered party boat! Similar to the peddle bars you see in cities like Nashville and San Fransisco, BayCycle is a way to experience Casco Bay like never before. Bring your favorite beers on board and grab a seat at the peddle station to get this party started. Cruises offer 15 seats maximum, with 10 peddle seats on board. You must book in advance and don't forget to BYOB! This is perfect for large groups, birthdays, and bachelorette parties!
Maine Duck Tours
Although this is a touristy activity, many people don't know Portland Duck Tours exist. What makes Maine Duck Boats so special, if you don't already know, is that the vehicle can drive on land and in the water! Start your tour through Portland's historic downtown Old Port, and then submerge yourself in the history of the waters of Casco Bay. You can even take the "Duck and Dogs" tour, which includes a ticket to the Seadogs, a Red Sox Minor League Affiliate, and a ride in style to the game. A great family friendly activity.
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
Hop aboard the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad for another unique view of Portland. This old-fashion train offers themed rides from April to December, including an ice cream train, the Polar Express, a haunted train, and much more! Or just take a generic ride and enjoy the scenery and history. Tickets cost $10 for adults, and include entry to the Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum which is located on Fore Street.
Back 40 Camping Rentals
Looking for a camping getaway but don't own your own equipment? This is not a problem anymore. Back 40 is a rental company based out of Portland, Maine that will rent you all sorts of outdoor gear from a simple sleeping bag to full camping equipment. The best part of this organization is that once you have decided what camping packages and à la carte items you need, Back 40 will even set the equipment up for you in a 100 mile radius of Portland. The perfect option for a non-camper who wants to give it a try! You can also join a Back 40 guided experience such as fishing, yoga, climbing, paddling, and more.
Reggae Sunday at Peaks Island
A short ride on Casco Bay Cruise Lines will bring you to Peak Island, a quaint island neighborhood in Portland. Home to some, but not many, year round residents, Peaks Island has become a fun place in the summer to walk, bike, and take in some great ocean views. What many out-of-towners may not know is that for the last 28 years, the island is taken over by reggae music, food, and drinks each Sunday in the summer from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The event has become a fun summer activity to spend with friends, listen to live local music, and drink great beer. Hop over to their Facebook page to check out special appearances each week.
Bayside Bowl Movies on the Roof
This retro bowling alley has one of the only rooftop bars in the city of Portland. They offer a great happy hour with both food and drinks. But on Wednesday nights during the summer the rooftop bar at Bayside offers one more perk: free movies! From blockbuster hits to local documentaries, the movies begin at sunset and are completely free. The seats fill up quickly so make sure to arrive early to grab a seat, a drink, and some tacos before the movie begins!
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