Maine’s busiest and best-known harbor is a bustling yet accessible gateway to history, entertainment, and dining delights. Boaters can explore scenic coastlines, charming islands, and vibrant marine life. Tourism thrives with historic landmarks, artsy districts, and renowned seafood, making it a prime destination for both adventure and relaxation.
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PORTLAND AT A GLANCE
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NOAA Charts: 13292, 13290
The Portland Story
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Portland Harbor is the largest, most diverse and interesting metropolitan area north of Cape Ann as mariners learn quickly just how much the “Forest City” has to offer.
Dockage, Moorings & Service: DiMillo’s Old Port Marina(207) 773-7632: The only marina with transient dockage in downtown Portland, DiMillo’s offers deep-water access for boats up to 250 feet, as well as a popular restaurant.
Port Harbor Spring Point Marine(207) 767-3254: Maine’s largest full-service marina with over 250 slips, Spring Point is located in South Portland, and can accommodate yachts up to 200 feet. It’s within walking distance of local beaches and lighthouses, and a short taxi ride to downtown Portland.
Launch Ramp: Trailer-boaters will find an excellent launch ramp with floating docks and restrooms in the Munjoy Hill/Eastern Promenade district of Portland. This ramp affords prime access to the harbor and Casco Bay, and can be used on all tides. There is a $5 fee for residents; $10 for non-residents.
Anchorages: There is a mooring field west of the Centerboard Yacht Club where you may be able to anchor (as long as there’s room). Beyond the Casco Bay Bridge, you can find numerous well-protected spots with good holding ground to drop the hook inside the Fore River, as long as you stay outside the channel.
There are also numerous protected places to anchor among the islands in Portland Harbor. The western shorelines will obviously afford more protection from swells and prevailing summer southwesterlies.
Portland Regency(207) 774-4200: The Regency is home to four fantastic dining establishments. The eighteen95 restaurant features upscale dining and offers breakfast, brunch, and special events. The Armory Lounge offers lunch and dinner, and it has a gorgeous mahogany bar where you can enjoy creative cocktails. Dine al fresco at the Garden Cafe seasonally. Or have an appetizer and sample whiskey from all over the world at the Ironside Whiskey Bar.
Via Vecchia(207) 407-7070: A small plates Italian-inspired restaurant located in an iconic ivy-covered brick building in the heart of Old Port.
Off-Track Pizza(207) 808-8007: Located on Exchange Street, Off-Track offers pizza, sandwiches, salads, and cocktails.
Central Provisions(207) 805-1085: Central Provisions offers small plates and craft cocktails. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner, and they change their menu regularly.
Mr. Tuna(207) 536-0509: Just a block from the waterfront, Mr. Tuna offers sushi and other seafood plates.
Bread and Friends(207) 536-4399: A bakery and restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, and a wonderful brunch on the weekends.
Leeward(207) 808-8623: A restaurant with an Italian bent and a fondness for fresh pasta.
Provisions: Union Wharf Market(207)756-6230: Upmarket grocery offering coffee & snacks, plus pantry items sourced from area producers.
Harbor Fish Market(207) 503-0251: Selling Top Quality Maine Lobsters, Seafood and Fish For Over 50 Years on the historic Portland waterfront.
DESTINATION PORTLAND
Things To Do: Portland Museum of Art(207) 775-6148: More than 17,000 fine and decorative works of art dating from the 18th century to the present.
Portland Lighthouse Tours(207) 774-0808: Take a narrated 90-minute scenic cruise through the busy harbor and innermost islands to see lighthouses, forts, lobster boats, seals and seabirds.
Portland Observatory(207) 774-5561: Built in the 1800s, this observatory was used to monitor the routes of ships as far as 30 miles away. Today, visitors can tour a museum focusing on the history of the watch tower and get a stunning bird’s-eye view of Portland and the harbor.