Guide to a Girl's Getaway in Portland, Maine

Portland is a lovely New England city with much to explore – from its harbors to its seafood restaurant, lighthouses, museums and so on. It is a great city to spend a weekend with your girlfriends, taking in the classic charm of Maine. 

Tours  

Lighthouse Tour: Maine is the state of many lighthouses – 65 to be exact. As spectacular as they are at night, they’re fantastic places to navigate in the daytime. Among Maine’s lighthouses, many are open to the public. Some even offer access to keeper’s quarters. A good number have adjacent museums. 

Old Port Culinary Walking Tour: The Old Port is the Heart of Portland, showcasing its rich culinary heritage and breweries. Enjoy this tour to get to know the side of Portland that you can taste, savoring all the flavors of the traditional and contemporary city.

Portland Women's History Walking Tour: Portland women boldly shaped the city’s culture while continually moving the country toward equal rights. Hear stories of women who achieved remarkable things, like the Indigenous Penobscot performer who reframed immigration policy, the Chinese immigrant and laundress who won American Mother of the Year, the white tavern keeper who went up against the British Navy and the enslaved Black maid who abolished slavery statewide. 

Museums  

Portland Museum of Art: The PMA, is the largest and oldest public art institution in the US state of Maine. Here you can enjoy an array of local and national artists and history in this cultural destination. 

Victoria Mansion: A historical mansion in Maine distinguished for its architecture and extraordinary regal interiors. 

Portland Observatory: The Portland Observatory is a historic maritime signal tower in Portland, Maine, built in 1807. It is the only known surviving tower of its type in the United States.

Breakfast

Salt Yard: Great spot for a fantastic avocado toast with a comfortable atmosphere to catch up with friends.  

Tandem Coffee: Best biscuits and coffee in town. This is also a great location to watch the locals.  

Marcy's Diner: This spot dates back to 1989 and serves the best breakfast in town. 

Lunch

Otto: Best pizza in all of Portland. 

Duckfat: This small European-leaning sandwich shop and cafe is known for its duck-fat Belgian fries and milkshakes.

Local 188: Spanish restaurant serving tapas, paellas and other dishes in an eclectic setting. 

Hot Suppa: Southern comfort food served in a cozy environment.  

Dinner

The Honey Paw: Bright, contemporary restaurant offering Asian-inspired noodles and other bites with local craft beer.

Solo Italiano: Authentic Italian award-winning restaurant serving farm-to-table fare. 

Pai Men Miyake: Refined ramen, soba noodle soups and sake served in a sleek yet warm nook.

Drinks

Luna Rooftop Bar: Chic rooftop cocktail bar serving views over the harbor. 

Cocktail Mary: A friendly cocktail bar offering classics with a twist. 

Maine Brews Cruise: Learn about local beer and try special ales at this Portland Brewery.