Boating, Fishing, and Travel Information for Portland, ME

Visiting Portland Harbor, at the western end of Casco Bay and the most important port on the coast of Maine, is exciting and fun. And it is one busy place: Portland is the second-largest oil port on the East Coast, boasts a large commercial fishing fleet, many cargo and cruise ship berths, and ferries bound for local islands (sadly, none continue to serve Nova Scotia). The waterfront thrives as well, offering great restaurants, boutique hotels, unique shopping, a vibrant Arts District, and just about any kind of provision or marine service imaginable. With Bon Appetit magazine calling Portland “America’s Foodiest Small Town” in 2009, the dining opportunities alone are worth the visit.

The city of Portland is on the north side of the inner harbor, with many railroad, bulk, and general cargo terminals and piers. South Portland is on the south side of the harbor, with petroleum-handling terminals and pipeline facilities along its waterfront.

Whether you arrive by boat or choose to spend a few nights in one of the city’s fine hotels and B&Bs, Portland should be on your Maine coast itinerary, as it provides a delightful taste Maine’s version of “big city” living. If you are like most, you will come away feeling that Maine’s largest city is, in fact, much more like one very large small town.

What to Do in Portland, Maine

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Photo Credits

Aerial View of Portland, ME by Dave Cleaveland of Maine Imaging