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If you are visiting Portland, ME and basing yourself in southern Maine you have so many places around you to visit. If you’re like me you love traveling especially for visiting places that are outdoorsy and feature the beautiful nature you’re exploring.
I’ve listed trips that are about an hour away.
You will need a car to explore these day trip adventures.
This list below is organized from closest to Portland to furthest away.
If you had a few days to explore southern Maine I would suggest combining a few of the places together.
- Day Trip #1: Mackworth Island + Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park
- Day Trip #2: Pineland Farms + Bradbury Mountain State Park
- Day Trip #3: Willard Beach + Fort Williams Park
- Day Trip #4: Scarborough Beach + Eastern Trail
- Day Trip #5: Morse Mountain + Popham State Park or Head Beach
- Day Trip #6: Harpswell + Bailey’s Island + Brunswick’s Maine Street
Mackworth Island State Park in Falmouth
Distance from Portland – 10 minutes
I only just discovered Mackworth Island State Park which is crazy because the views are gorgeous! This tiny island (accessible by car) is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon away from the city.
Mackworth has one trail that goes around the whole island and is very easy.
There are tons of spots where you can walk down to the rocky beaches.
One of my favorite parts of the trail is the numerous benches that are perfectly placed for great views of the ocean.
Although the parking lot is usually full, the trail itself didn’t feel very busy.
Get there early or arrive later in the day to avoid the jammed parking lot.
Willard Beach in South Portland
Distance from Portland – 13 minutes
This is a tiny local beach, perfect for an evening stroll after dinner.
Park on Willow St. in South Portland and it’s a short walk to the beach.
Dogs are allowed Oct. 1st to May 1st.
Fort Williams Park & Portland Head Lighthouse
Distance from Portland – 20 minutes
The park features a beautiful 1 mile loop trail along the rocky coast.
Bring layers as this area can get windy so close to the coast.
You may also want to explore nearby Crescent Beach State Park and Two Lights State Park.
Scarborough Beach State Park in Scarborough
Distance from Portland – 21 minutes
Scarborough Beach is one of the best beaches in Maine. It’s also one of the largest beaches offering visitors ample space to spread out. But be sure to get here early as parking spots fill up quickly on the weekends in the summer.
Read More: How to Plan an Unforgettable Two-Week RV Road Trip
Eastern Trail in South Portland
Distance from Portland – 21 minutes
Another great way to explore Maine is with a bike ride.
Check out Maine’s Eastern Trail (link below). The trail reaches from Casco Bay in Portland to Piscataqua River in Kittery, Maine.
There are three parking spots in South Portland.
- Black Point Road (on Eastern Rd spur south of Black Point Road)
- Pine Point Road (at ET crossing)
- Old Blue Point Road (Cemetery parking lot)
Eastern Trail in Southern Maine, has many access points.
Need to rent a bike? Check out this rental resource on the Eastern Trail’s website.
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park in Freeport
Distance from Portland – 33 minutes
I’ve been to Wolfe’s Neck State Park numerous times, and I always love coming back. It’s got plenty of parking and is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Freeport.
Read More: Your First Trip to Maine: Everything You Need to Know
During the winter tha gate park will be closed so park alongside the road, making sure not to block the gate.
There is a series of trails perfect for a light hike.
The state park also features tent and RV camping in the summer as well as a Nature Center.
Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal
Distance from Portland – 27 minutes
This state park is definitely close to my heart. It’s not a very impressive mountain, but the views at the top are gorgeous.
We spent many afternoons on this “mountain” when my husband and I were first dating because he lived minutes from the state park. We could even walk from his parent’s house to the park entrance.
There are a few trail options. The first being the short summit trail, about .5 miles. This is perfect if you have little kids because it’s a quick and relatively easy hike. The park also features a playground and picnic areas.
There are other trails range from 1.5-2.5 miles long and most are rated as easy.
Pineland Farms in New Gloucester
Distance from Portland – 30 minutes
Featuring numerous hiking / snowshoeing / cross country-skiing trails and a market for lunch, Pineland Farms is a perfect day trip from Portland.
I also love that they offer snowshoe and cross country ski rentals if you don’t have your own.
There is a fee to enjoy the trails in the winter but totally free in the spring, summer, and fall.
They also have a beautifully landscaped campus, perfect for a picnic or an afternoon stroll. We actually took my niece’s prom pictures here one year, it’s a really pretty spot.
Pineland Farms has a ton of additional activities including candlepin bowling, disc golf, pick your own produce, mountain biking, and more. It’s a spot definitely worth visiting!
Read More: How to Spend 1 Day in Freeport Maine: Winter Edition
Morse Mountain in Phippsburg
Distance from Portland – 1 hour
Located between Head Beach and Popham State Park, this is a wonderful 4 mile out and back hike to a quiet beach.
Before you hit the other beaches, consider starting your day with an easy hike on Morse Mountain. With roughly 500 feet of elevation gain and a smooth trail, mostly on a road, this is an easy way to get your exercise in before enjoying a relaxing day on the beach.
Bring your bug spray as this area can get pretty buggy. But it’s worth it!
Popham State Park in Phippsburg
Distance from Portland – 1 hour
Popham State Park and beach is one of the most popular beaches in Maine. Get here early if you’re visiting June-August – it gets packed!
Don’t forget to visit the Fort Popham Historical Fort and the Spinneys Oceanfront Restaurant nearby for fried seafood and ice cream! To get here, keep going down Popham Rd until you get to the end.
There is limited parking in this area.
This little area just outside of the state park is where my husband and I got married!
Popham State Park is the epitome of a summer vacation in Maine!
Head Beach and Hermit Island Campground
Distance from Portland – 1 hour
If you are looking for a camping spot this is my #1 recommendation. The reason I love this Hermit Island Campground is solely based on nostalgia. I grew up visiting this campground every year growing up.
Our family would load up our car with my brother and I and our friends and head straight to the beach. We loved biking down to the snack shack and exploring the other sites.
If you’re able to get to an oceanfront campsite you’ll be gifted with the sounds of the crashing waves as you go to sleep. There are no RV sites available.
BUT you can also visit this area for the day. The beach is open from mid-June to late August. There is a small fee so bring cash.
The beach will close to visitors when they reach capacity so get there early.
Beware that there can be horse flies during early summer. There’s not much you can do and it’s not a reason not to visit, but just know this is a possibility.
Also, unless you are visiting on a super hot day in Maine, the ocean will most likely be freezing. Somehow kids still find it enjoyable but you may only want to dip your toes in!
Harpswell, Orr’s Island, and Bailey’s Island
Distance from Portland – 1 hour
There’s numerous easy trails in Harpswell, the most popular being the Cliff Trail. The Cliff Trail is a 2 mile, moderately difficult ocean side trail.
Harpswell is a quiet village town so you won’t have to worry about overcrowding. But just know there are only a few parking spots at the trailhead.
If you continue down route 24 you’ll run into Orr’s Island and Bailey’s Island. At the end of the road you’ll find Land’s End Gift Shop and Bailey’s Island Beach. This is a really quaint area and a great spot to take pictures.
You’ll have so much fun climbing the rocks and exploring the tide pools.
On your way back to Portland, stop in Brunswick for a yummy bite.
And while you’re in Brunswick I would recommend walking around Maine Street (yes, it has an “e” on the end!) and explore the different shops.
Final Thoughts
If you’re staying in Portland you have ample opportunities for day trips to the surrounding areas. You’ll find beaches, hiking trails, small coastal towns, and great Atlantic ocean views. I hope this list gave you inspiration to explore beyond Portland even for just a day.
Happy Traveling!
