U.S. News Insider Tip: Don't miss Wharf Street in Old Port, which has an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants along its pedestrian-only cobblestone street. Try Street & Co.'s upscale seafood, The Independent Ice Co.'s fine whiskeys and the Bar of Chocolate's specialty martinis and sweets. – Mariya Greeley

This downtown neighborhood is considered the city's center and bustles with things to do left and right, all the while gracefully maintaining its historical facade. The area is lined with cobblestone streets and 19th-century warehouses, and with the wharf just steps away on Commercial Street, the city's heyday as a world-renowned port town is easily felt. Tourists can benefit from ferries and cruise experiences, as well as the delectable catches aboard the lobster boats that dock there daily.

U.S. News Insider Tip: For nondrinkers or those looking to take a booze break, check out places like Root Wild Kombucha and Urban Farm Fermentory. They offer a range of nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks with atmospheres comparable to the breweries nearby. – Mariya Greeley

Beer is to Portland is what lobster is to Maine. If you visit without sampling some brew, you're missing out. Portland is considered by experts to be one of America's best beer cities thanks to its large crop of local brewers as well as its role in the microbrew movement. For a city with a population of a little more than 68,000, its nearly 20 breweries offer plenty of choices for both residents and visiting beer enthusiasts.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Consider aligning your visit with a First Friday Art Walk. The first Friday evening of every month, the Arts District comes alive with art lovers taking self-guided tours of local art galleries and venues. Meanwhile, musicians, performers and artists of all types display their art in the streets. – Mariya Greeley

For such a small city, Portland houses some pretty big names in its art museum. Andy Warhol, Claude Monet and Winslow Homer are among the icons showcased within the Portland Museum of Art. Along with some of the greats, the museum features an extensive collection of American, European and contemporary works, as well as pieces from Maine artists. Paintings abound, but you'll also find photographs, sketches, pottery, furniture, ornate silverware, sculptures and so much more. With more than 18,000 pieces in its collection, visitors are bound to see something new each time they browse the museum’s galleries. Additionally, the museum hosts regular events, including movie showings, curator talks and family-focused activities.

Maine's Atlantic beaches might be known for relatively chilly waters (peak is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit), even in the summer months, but Mainers will tell you how refreshing a dip in the ocean is on a hot summer day. If that doesn't sound like your idea of fun, you’ll still find plenty of activities and atmospheres to enjoy on Portland-area beaches.

Although East End Beach is the only public beach in Portland (located off Eastern Promenade), there are more than a half-dozen others within 20 miles of downtown, each with distinct characteristics and benefits. Every summer, they’re host to families and friends laying out or playing on the sand and kayakers, sailors, surfers, paddleboarders, swimmers and more enjoying the water. Maine beaches are beautiful year-round, and ideal places for quiet walks in the offseason. 

Though there is only one public beach in the town of Portland (East End Beach), shorelines abound in the nearby Casco Bay Islands. The Casco Bay Islands are a group of islands located off the coast of Portland, six of which are accessible by ferry year-round. Each island has its own personality, history, attractions and activities.

Cliff Island is the smallest Casco Bay Island that's accessible year-round by ferry and is home to only 60 full-time residents. All roads are unpaved here, and as such cars are seldom used. The island doesn't offer many attractions, but does provide a tranquil, secluded atmosphere.

Portland's waterfront is at its most picturesque at the Eastern Promenade. Beloved by locals, the Eastern Promenade is a 78-acre waterfront park located on a stretch of land separating Back Cove from the Fore River. The park offers trails, a beach, and plenty of grassy areas to simply kick back and unwind. To make the most of your visit, take a stroll along the 2-mile Eastern Promenade Trail, which starts in the heart of the Old Port.

Once an old rail line, the Eastern Promenade Trail takes visitors away from the excitement of the city's center by the rocky banks of Fort Allen Park and small yet charming East End Beach (Portland's only public beach), where you'll find plenty of locals soaking up the sun or embarking on bay adventures. To continue the coastal trek, the trail connects directly to the Back Cove Trail, which snakes for about 3.5 miles along Back Cove with picturesque views of the water and downtown skyline. There are plenty of other shorter trails and paths located in the park that bring hikers to various points of interest. Once you've gotten your fill of scenic strolls, consider a climb up the park's grassy hills for sweeping views of the bay, as well as the islands and boats that dot its deep blue waters.

Located adjacent to Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth is the 90-acre Fort Williams Park. Fort Williams was a U.S. Army fort from 1872 to 1962. A few years later, residents of Cape Elizabeth bought the land to later turn it into a park. Visitors today can picnic, tour an arboretum, hike or walk along the park's trails or visit the park's other historical sites, including Battery Keyes (one of the last batteries built on the old fort site) and Goddard Mansion (the ruins of a grand home built in the 1850s). Travelers should note there are no trash receptacles around the park so you must take your trash with you when you leave.

There's also natural and recreational amenities to explore, including tennis and pickleball courts, athletic fields and a garden designed specifically to let children explore their relationship with nature.

For some of the best views of the harbor, head to the historic Portland Observatory, the country's last standing maritime signal tower. Built in 1807, the octagonal, 86-foot-tall tower was commissioned by Captain Lemuel Moody as a communication station for Portland's harbor, but it wasn't built as an altruistic measure. Moody charged ship owners an annual fee of $5 to alert merchants (who he also charged) of ships arriving. He could spot them from as far as 30 miles away with his telescope. Before the observatory was built, ships couldn't be seen from town until they came around a point of land and were practically in the harbor. Moody offered an advantage to both paying captains and merchants, while also making a tidy profit for himself.

Eventually, the two-way radio replaced the tower's function, but the Moody family operated the tower until 1923. After some years of neglect the observatory was donated to Portland and in 1984, Greater Portland Landmarks took over and restored it. Recent visitors said the views from the observatory are not-to-be missed and its history is fascinating. Reviewers also advise allowing 45 minutes for the observatory tour. There is no elevator, so you'll have to climb the stairs to the top to take in the views, but past travelers say the pace is manageable.

Architecture buffs and lovers of interior design will be swept up by the opulence of the Victoria Mansion (aka the Morse-Libby House or Morse-Libby Mansion). This National Historic Landmark was originally built in the mid-1800s as a summer house for hotelier Ruggles Sylvester Morse. In 1940, William Holmes, a New York educator visiting Portland, purchased the home. He and his sister (an interior design instructor) turned it into a museum named in honor of Queen Victoria.

What makes the Victoria Mansion so important in the eyes of historians is that it's seen as an exemplary illustration of pre-Civil War grandeur. The exterior of the house was modeled after an Italian villa and features an ornate square tower, numerous balconies and piazzas. Inside, prepare to be even more amazed. Ninety percent of the original interiors are still intact, with carved wood paneled walls, gas light fixtures, cherub-clad crown molds, and ornate draperies and carpeting throughout. Designed by Gustave Herter of Herter Brothers, one of the most popular design firms of the day, it is the only work of his kind in the U.S. that remains intact.

Portland doesn't end at the waterfront. Peaks Island, one of the Casco Bay Islands, is 3 miles east of downtown's shore and about a 15-minute boat ride away. Peaks Island was known as the Coney Island of Maine in the 19th century (it was home to amusement parks, theaters and more), but nowadays it feels more like a quaint neighborhood with roughly 1,000 year-round residents.

Peaks is a perfect low-key day trip for history buffs, art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. When you arrive, rent a bike or golf cart, the preferred modes of transportation on the island. Head to Baba's Cafe, Inn on Peaks or Island Lobster Company to fuel up for the day while overlooking the ocean. From there, explore the galleries and shops along the harbor side. Cool off at Sandy Beach or trek the nearly 4-mile loop trail that takes you around the island, passing scenic views and the remnants of historic Battery Steele — an important coastal defense battery constructed during World War II to protect the entrance to Casco Bay. For more Peaks Island history, stop by Fifth Maine Museum, or for something playful head to the world's only Umbrella Cover Museum, a quirky collection that is dedicated to the appreciation of the mundane.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Special activities, like fireworks or "Bark in the Park" games, which allow you to bring a four-legged friend and sit in a designated pets area, make the experience extra special. Look for them when booking tickets. – Mariya Greeley

For Portland pride, look no further than Hadlock Field. In the summer, the field hosts regular games for the beloved Portland Sea Dogs, the local minor league baseball team. The field was named after Edson Hadlock Jr., who coached baseball at Portland High School from 1950 to 1978.

Commissioned by George Washington in 1787, this lighthouse project was provided $750 by the General Court of Massachusetts when Maine was still a part of Massachusetts. When the U.S. government took control in 1790, the lighthouse was given an additional $1,500 for its completion. The lighthouse got its name from being situated at the entrance for ships at Portland Harbor. Portland Head Light was first lit in 1791, making it the oldest lighthouse in Maine.

Located about 5 miles southeast of Portland in Cape Elizabeth's Fort Williams Park, the tower provided navigation to ships for almost 200 years. The lighthouse was decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1989 when it became an automated tower.

In 2010, Leigh Kellis felt the Portland food scene was missing great doughnuts. So she decided to make them. After months of experimenting with different recipes in her kitchen on Portland's Munjoy Hill, Kellis landed on a mix that met her standards. Her variation on a northern Maine recipe included a type of food you might not expect in doughnuts: potatoes. Riced potatoes added a unique flavor, texture and consistency that set Kellis' doughnuts apart, and orders from local shops started coming in. With her family's support, Kellis soon opened the first Holy Donut retail location. Now, the family-owned business is a bonafide doughnut destination with four Maine locations: two in Portland, one in Scarborough and one in Arundel.

With about 20 rotating imaginative doughnut flavors – including seasonal, gluten-free and vegan options – you have a good chance of finding a flavor that you'll love. Though potato doughnuts aren't for everyone, many recent customers rave about unique flavors like dark chocolate sea salt, maple bacon and pomegranate. They describe the doughnuts as dense, filling and delicious. Reviewers also tend to mention the friendly service adding to their positive experiences.

Built in 1828, these two Cape Elizabeth lighthouses were the first twin lighthouses on the coast of Maine. They may look familiar: One of them was featured in Edward Hopper's well-known "The Lighthouse at Two Lights," a painting housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Today, the eastern lighthouse on Lighthouse Point Road is an active, automated station, shining 17 miles out to sea, while the western lighthouse is a private residence. Neither lighthouse is open to the public.

You can still get lighthouse views at On the Rocks at Two Lights, a lookout at Dyer Cove where recent visitors praised the natural beauty and recommend sunrise and sunset trips. While you’re there, stop for a bite at the Lobster Shack at Two Lights, a seasonal award-winning restaurant that dates back to the 1920s. The area is 6 miles south of Portland Head Light if you're in the mood for a lighthouse road trip.

Built after the Revolutionary War, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House was home to four generations of the esteemed family whose contributions to American culture are now celebrated in this museum. The most famous person in this family was 19th-century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who grew up in the home.

Along with its esteemed namesake, the home is also important to Portland and U.S. history. The building is the oldest standing structure on the Portland peninsula, the first brick dwelling in the area and the first home museum in Maine. The site is operated by the Maine Historical Society.

U.S. News Insider tip: Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine is next to Thompson's Point, a venue that hosts big name music acts for outdoor concerts and weekly events during the summer. The museum is also steps from the International Cryptozoology Museum where you can explore BigFoot mythology and more. – Mariya Greeley

If you're looking for something to do with the kids in Portland, the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine is a must-see attraction. With more than 30,000 square feet of space, this museum provides interactive learning and fun for the entire family.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visiting during the holiday season? The garden creates a mile of spectacular light displays, called Gardens Aglow, open a few nights a week to brighten the winter darkness. – Mariya Greeley

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is an attraction that took 16 years to create. What started as a dream for a public garden became the largest botanical garden in New England. Located about 60 miles northeast of Portland, the gardens consist of more than 300 acres of land, 17 of which feature plants native to the state. Each garden at the facility has a specific theme, including dahlias, bees and rhododendron, among others.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Munjoy Hill's Duckfat Frites Shack, a little sister location to downtown's Duckfat, has a limited menu, but shorter wait times than its popular sibling. You'll find the order window down an alley beside Oxbow Blending & Bottling. – Mariya Greeley

If someone mentions happenings on "the Hill" in Portland, they're likely not referring to Washington, D.C. politics but to the Munjoy Hill neighborhood of the city. Munjoy Hill is Portland's easternmost neighborhood and lies between Washington Avenue and Mountfort Street on one side and Casco Bay on the three others.

Tate House was built in 1755 for Captain George Tate and his family. Tate was a senior mast agent for the British Royal Navy, a role which meant he was responsible for the transport of white pines — now Maine’s state tree — from Maine to England. During hourly site tours, visitors should expect to see artifacts, furnishings and the grounds, which not only tell the story of how the Tate family lived in the 18th century, but also the importance of mast trade during this period.

Located about 4 miles west of downtown, the Tate House is the only pre-Revolutionary home in Portland that is open to the public. Past visitors say that the tour is an educational experience.

Looking for a unique way to explore Portland? The Portland Fire Engine Co. sightseeing tour takes travelers on a ride around town in a vintage fire truck.

Expect to see scenic coastal views of Portland, along with historical sights, lighthouses and Civil War forts. During the 50-minute tour, you'll also enjoy a live narration of Portland history and view historical images provided by the Maine Historical Society on the truck's LED TV. Past tourgoers describe this as a fun outing and applaud the insightful guides.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Look out for special events like Ice Cream Trains and Sunset Express rides on weekend evenings during the warmer months and special "Polar Express" rides during the holiday season. – Mariya Greeley

Located about 1.5 miles from the Portland Museum of Art, the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. and Museum teaches travelers about train preservation and Maine's narrow gauge railway history. The state's two-foot gauge railway system was made of tracks less than half the width of standard gauge railways. These narrow tracks were cheaper and easier to build while allowing trains to navigate Maine’s tough terrain of forests, rocky hills and mountains. A unique system, these rails helped to connect rural areas with larger cities and made travel and transportation of goods more accessible. From the 1870s until the 1940s, about 200 miles of narrow gauge railroads served many small communities in Maine.

Situated about 20 miles south of Portland in the town of Old Orchard Beach, this 5-acre amusement park is New England's only beachfront amusement park. Past visitors say Palace Playland is an awesome place to take the family.

The park has a 24,000-square-foot arcade and features more than 200 games like Skee Ball and air hockey. And no amusement park would be complete without rides. Younger visitors can enjoy kiddie rides like a carousel and spinning tea cups, while older kids and adults test their bravery on the park's thrill rides like the Sea Viper roller coaster.

Located about 15 miles south of Portland in Saco, Maine, Funtown Splashtown USA is a family-owned amusement park. The park is home to about 50 rides, water slides, pools and games for travelers to enjoy. Past visitors said the park is particularly fun for families with a variety of rides and clean facilities. However, some caution that lines can be quite long depending on the day and on-site food can be pricey.

Standout rides include Excalibur, Maine's only wooden roller coaster, and the Thunder Falls Log Flume, the longest and tallest log flume ride in Maine. The facility has several water slides, rides and pools at its Splashtown Water Park. And when your stomach starts to rumble, there are a variety of different eateries on-site (outside food and drinks are also allowed).