Worried a cold Portland winter means staying in? The best things to do in Portland Maine in winter are a mix of indoor and outdoor plans: Old Port strolls, brewery visits, museums and coffee shops. Bundle up and go.
This guide is part of the wider series on living in portland maine.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Length of Portland’s peninsula | About three miles |
| Breweries in the city | Over 25 |
| Portland Museum of Art buildings | Three downtown buildings |
| Span of art at the Portland Museum of Art | Three centuries |
| Bigfoot at the International Cryptozoology Museum | 8 feet tall |
These figures come from a New England article published in March 2023. Details can change, so check the source and each venue before you rely on them.
Stroll the Old Port and the Eastern Promenade
The Old Port is a natural base for a winter visit. The writer of the March 2023 New England piece says it remains one of the most popular spots in Portland year-round, though the crowds are subdued compared with peak summertime buzz.
It sits steps from the working waterfront, and the piers and ships look especially magical covered in a layer of fresh snow. Hotels, shops and restaurants are close together, so you can cover a lot on foot.
The city centre is bookended by the Western Promenade and Eastern Promenade parks, laid out by landscape architect Olmsted, who also designed New York’s Central Park. The peninsula they frame is about three miles long. The Eastern Promenade makes a particularly wonderful winter walk, with views out over Casco Bay.
In chillier weather, the source suggests driving to one end of the Promenade. Braver walkers can start from the Old Port instead. To decide how many layers to bring, read portland maine weather by month before you set out.
Warm up with a brewery visit
According to the same March 2023 article, Portland has over 25 breweries and the highest count of breweries per capita in the United States. That makes a brewery tour an easy way to spend a cold afternoon indoors.
The article names these examples:
- Craft brewing pioneers: Allagash and Shipyard.
- Younger, award-winning upstarts: Austin Street, Batson River and Oxbow.
You could spend days tasting your way through them and still have ground left to cover. Winter hours can differ, so confirm opening times before you head out.
Spend a cold afternoon in a museum
The Portland Museum of Art is described as the largest and oldest public art institution in Maine. It offers highlights from three centuries of art across three downtown buildings.
The collection includes paintings by American realist and impressionist masters such as Rockwell Kent, Andrew Wyeth and Marsden Hartley. It also holds the largest collection of European art north of Boston, according to the source.
Families have options too. Kids can explore the animal-themed installation Modern Menagerie and visit the Workshop, an exhibit space with hands-on, interactive activities.
For something quirkier, the International Cryptozoology Museum greets visitors with an 8-foot-tall Bigfoot. Its creator, Loren Coleman, is described as a renowned expert in cryptozoology, the study of hidden animals such as the Loch Ness Monster and the Abominable Snowman.
Coffee shops and live performances
A hot coffee or cocoa goes a long way on a chilly day. The magazine’s favorite coffee shops are:
- Speckled Ax
- Bard Coffee
- Arabica
- Coffee By Design
The writer also argues that one of the surest ways to warm your heart and soul during a long New England winter is to venture out for a live performance. The source excerpt does not list specific venues, so look up current listings before you plan an evening.
How do you plan around winter closures and weather?
The source includes a clear warning: during the winter some businesses may be closed due to bad weather, winter breaks or other unforeseen circumstances. Its advice is to check with restaurants and businesses before making plans, especially in winter.
A flexible plan helps. Pair an outdoor walk with an indoor stop nearby, so a change in the forecast does not wreck the day.
If you would rather not drive between stops, portland maine public transportation covers the other ways of getting around.
Frequently asked questions
Is Portland worth visiting in winter?
Show answer
The March 2023 New England article says the city keeps an almost undiscovered charm in winter. Crowds are subdued compared with summer, though some businesses may close, so check ahead.
What can you do indoors when it is too cold to walk?
Show answer
The source points to museums, breweries, coffee shops and live music or theater. The Portland Museum of Art and the International Cryptozoology Museum are both covered above.
Do you need a car for the Eastern Promenade?
Show answer
Not necessarily. The source says you will likely want to drive to one end of the Promenade in chillier weather, but braver walkers can start from the Old Port.
Which attractions suit kids?
Show answer
The Portland Museum of Art has Modern Menagerie and the Workshop, which the source says kids will love. The International Cryptozoology Museum is described as appealing to kids and adults alike.
