Maine is known as Vacationland for good reason, and that's not exclusive to the summer months. Fall in Portland, Maine is just as magical as it is any other time of year. When the leaves start to turn and a crisp breeze moves through the air, the beauty and charm of Portland takes on a warm and welcoming vibe on a whole other level.
Life in Maine is all about living stress-free and enjoying the beauty your environment. This includes time with friends, long walks in the outdoors, and plenty of leisure time. In America, it's likely the closest you will come to experiencing the traditional Hygge lifestyle of the Danish. We embrace the environment throughout the year, and fall in Maine is just a precursor to the long cozy months of winter ahead.
Experience Fall in Portland, Maine
See the Lighthouses in the Autumn
Fall in Portland, Maine is the perfect time to check out the 65 historic lighthouses located along the coast. Just a short drive from downtown Portland is the Portland Head Lighthouse. Here, you can grab a lobster roll and enjoy views of the bay while strolling through the surrounding 90 acres of Fort Williams State Park on Cape Elizabeth. If you want to see more lighthouses, check out the complete MLN guide to Maine Lighthouses. This guide includes nearby seafood restaurants, so you can enjoy the scenery and the food that makes this part of New England so extraordinary.
Indulge in the Cozy Foodie Scene
Portland is known for it's incredible foodie scene. If you happen to be visiting at just the right time, you can check out the Harvest on the Harbor Festival–a huge celebration of the cities finest food and drink. Diners, farm, or ocean, to table restaurants, cafes, and pubs throughout the city have made a lasting impression on locals and seasonal visitors for years. In 2018, Bon Appetit even named Portland the Restaurant City of the Year. Fall is the perfect time of year to duck into one of the city's restaurants to enjoy a cozy meal–preferrably spotlighting the local catch of the day. Establishments like Rose Foods, Portland Hunt + Alpine Club, and Eventide Oyster Co. are a few favorites. Portland also has an amazing craft beer scene. Take a look at our guide to Maine craft beer and seafood pairings to get some ideas of where to stop to try the local brews, or for enjoying a taste of New England from home.
Enjoy Autumn Whale Watching
During the early fall, August through October, you can still catch the best whale watching in New England. Take a harbor cruise with Odyssey Whale Watch for the best experience. During your excursion in Casco Bay you can see more than whales. Dolphins, Basking Sharks, turtles, and birds are all often spotted as well. They also offer special trips to Fort Gorges, mackerel fishing charters, and more.
Visit the L.L. Bean Store
Fall in Portland offers the perfect time and place to stock up on all of the winter gear you need. Just up the coast in Freeport, about 20 minutes from Portland, you can check out the official L.L. Bean Flagship store. It also makes for a great stopping point while checking out the ligthouses along the coast.
Hike Near Portland, Maine
Hiking during the fall near Portland, Maine is idyllic. This is the best way to really check out the fall New England foliage here up close. There are easy strolls through the woods and more strenuous mountain hikes to choose from. Just do some research before you set out on the trail to be sure you know exactly what you are in for. Some of the best locations to find a hike here include Cape Elizabeth, Camden Hills State Park, and Tumbledown Mountain.
Go Out for Some Fall Biking Around the City
Enjoy the leaves and experience fall in Portland, Maine with a bike ride through the historic city. You can rent a bike from The Encyclepedia in Portland. They also offers biking maps around the city and group tours. There are pretty old buildings, the harbor, and tree lined streets to gaze at. You could even turn this adventure into a bigger one by combining it with one of the previously mentioned autumn activities. The Encyclopedia even offers a lighthouse tour by bike, if you are interested in joining up with others for some classic Maine sight seeing.
You can keep enjoying fresh seafood from Maine long after your visit. Order online and we will deliver all of your seafood favorites directly to your front door.
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