Portland, Maine is one of the most culturally diverse cities in all of New England. In addition to its prominent arts and music scene, Portland is home to an extensive historical heritage that is closely tied with its natural surroundings. From sprawling state parks to widespread seashore, Portland offers a myriad of engaging and entertaining activities for people of all ages.
The Eastern Promenade
The Eastern Promenade at Fort Allen Park is a sprawling 68-acre harbor-side green overlooking Casco Bay. The park is home to several activities for guests, including basketball courts and baseball fields as well as multipurpose paved trails that are ideal for biking, running or even just strolling. Locals also use the prom's expansive green space for kite flying, catch and Frisbee. In the winter, locals sled down the prom's several slopes.
Mountain Biking
Bradley State Park is home to more than a half dozen mountain biking trails. Trails like the Northern Loop and Tote Road are challenging enough for more experienced mountain bikers, while the Knight Woods and Fox Run trails are better suited to families and young children. The park also features more than 800 acres of land creating a backdrop for horseback riding and primitive camping.
Lighthouse
Portland's Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is accessible after a short hike down the 900-foot-long breakwater wall composed of 50,000 tons of granite. The lighthouse offers not just spectacular views of the surrounding bay, but a rich insight into the area's maritime history with guided tours and educational displays. The light serves as an aid to navigation to this day.
Baseball
No family trip to Portland is complete without a visit to Hadlock Field, home of the Portland Sea Dogs. Portland's professional baseball team is an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Hadlock Field features its own Green Monster in left field and a kids' play lot. A variety of interactive activities allow kids to test their pitch speed and hitting skills at the U.S. Cellular Pavilion before and during games. The Sea Dogs play home games each year from April to September.
Whale Watch
No trip to Portland is complete without getting out onto the water. Several companies charter boats for whale watches and harbor tours. The Odyssey Whale Watch operates several tours, including both whale watches that encounter humpbacks, finbacks and North Atlantic dolphins, as well as bird-watching charters that stay close to the coast.
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