These are the 10 Most Popular Things to Do in Portland, Maine

Summertime, and the living is easy here in Portland, Maine.

This is what we live for, folks. The weather is ideal, the drinks are cold, the tourists are flocking, and outdoor dining is taking over. This is why we tolerate winter.

Portland has a treasure trove of attractions, from beautiful parks and an epic coastline to world-class craft breweries and award-winning restaurants. It’s no wonder the city is constantly being named one of the best small cities in America.

How Great is Portland, Maine, in the Summer?

Portland truly knows how to take full advantage of its natural surroundings and welcoming community.

With my curiosity ever wandering, I decided to take a look at travel site TripAdvisor’s Portland, Maine page. I wanted to see what outsiders (and some fellow Mainers) thought of our most cherished landmarks, museums, breweries, and outings in the Forest City. It seemed like a decent place to start, considering the city is a hotbed of tourism for most of the year, especially during the warmer months.

What are the Best Attractions in Portland, Maine?

Below is a list of the top 10 attractions in Portland, based on TripAdvisor’s “Traveler Favorites.” These rankings consider ratings, reviews, photos, and overall popularity.

In my opinion, the top 10 is a solid list. It’s a diverse mix that includes breweries, iconic spots, historic landmarks, and well-regarded museums.

It’s no surprise to see Allagash Brewing (of course a brewery is number one on the list) and the Portland Museum of Art—those might be two of the most popular spots in all of Maine. It was also expected to see Casco Bay and its islands peppered throughout the list. After all, it’s a special place.

READ MORE: Maine’s Acadia National Park Named One of America’s Top 5

There were some omissions, though. It was surprising not to see another brewery in the top 10, considering Maine’s craft beer reputation. The Back Cove Trail also missed out—another surprise, given how popular it is. However, we’re only considering the top 10, so it’s a tough list to break into.

Still, we must respect the system, no matter how wild these lists can be.