5 Easy Day Trips You Can Take From Portland, Maine, My Favorite Included

Maine is one of the first states I explored as a kid, taking several bus tours there with my mother, and it's one of the ones I'm most excited to return to as I tour the Northeast. It has astonishing natural sites, including the world-famous Acadia National Park. However, I find the best home base for a trip to Maine is the state's largest city, Portland. It might be a bit further from Acadia, making it ideal to take a day or two up there separately from the rest of the trip, but it's so close to many of Maine's best destinations. You can take so many fantastic day trips near Portland, Maine, that I'm going to have to spread my next trip out over a few days to visit them all! This guide highlights modern amusement parks, quirky roadside stops, some of Maine's most beautiful and historic sites, and even an out-of-state destination that's one of the most unique in the country.

1. Funtown/Splashtown USA

The largest amusement park in Maine, Funtown/Splashtown USA, is a timeless summer adventure for families located only a 20-minute drive outside of Portland. Kids will love the timeless fairy-tale theming and gentle rides, while teens and adults will love the roller coasters and water slides. The park recently added an innovative and spooky dark ride, Haunted Hotel, which has helped to put it on the map with theme park fans.

2. The Desert of Maine

A desert in Maine? No, you haven't been transported across the world—the Desert of Maine is the state's most bizarre natural phenomenon turned tourist attraction. Formed gradually by drifting sand on what was once a farm, it became a roadside attraction in 1919 and is now filled with offbeat sculptures that make you feel like you're in the middle of the Sahara. It can be found roughly 20 minutes northeast of Portland.

3. Bailey Island

About an hour away by car, Bailey Island is a little slice of paradise in Maine. One of the most peaceful areas of the state, it's located off the southern coast of Maine and contains one of the best trails in the state, Giant's Stairs. Once you've taken this rocky coastal hike, celebrate your accomplishment with a meal at Cook's Lobster & Ale House, a fantastic old-school seafood shack serving one of the state's best lobster rolls.

4. Pemaquid Point Light

No surprise, Maine is dotted with lighthouses, a common sight across the northeast coastline. But this one is special; Pemaquid Point Light was built in 1827 after being commissioned by President John Quincy Adams and is one of the oldest in the United States. You can see this historic lighthouse on a roughly 80-minute road trip from Portland, and the view off the coast is truly stunning.

5. Salem, New Hampshire

I first explored Salem from Boston, but it's a roughly 90-minute drive from Portland, making it an easy day trip—and it's well worth the visit. This New Hampshire city is home to America's Stonehenge, a unique historical site with rock formations possibly dating back 4,000 years. There are also Alpacas on site! And if you want more modern thrills while you're here, Canobie Lake Park is another popular New England theme park with amazing rides.

Have you taken any of these amazing day trips near Portland, Maine? If not, tell your travel buddy about this article and plan your own Maine adventure! If you're looking for a memorable home base in Portland as you set out on adventures, we highly recommend the Portland Harbor Hotel, a luxury downtown hotel with gorgeous views and an on-site restaurant.