South Portland, Maine is a popular destination for visitors who are looking to explore the best of what Portland has to offer. Located just minutes away from downtown, this charming seaside town provides easy access to all that Portland has to offer while providing a slower paced atmosphere with its own unique attractions.
The South Portland Greenbelt Trail is a great place to start exploring. This multi-use trail winds along the coast of South Portland and features stunning ocean views, maritime forests and wildflower meadows. Here visitors can enjoy walking, running or biking the trails while experiencing all that nature has to offer in this picturesque setting.
A fun way for visitors to explore South Portland’s history is by visiting Fort Preble State Historic Site. This 19th century fortification was once used as an Army base and now provides visitors with a glimpse into what life was like on the frontier during America’s early days. The area around Fort Preble also offers beautiful views of Casco Bay and nearby islands as well as wildlife including seals and shorebirds.
South Portland also boasts a thriving food scene with many unique restaurants offering local seafood dishes such as lobster rolls, haddock chowder, clam bakes and traditional New England fare. Visitors can also find plenty of craft breweries located throughout the city that provide samples of locally made ales and lagers as well as interesting stories about Maine’s beer culture.
For those looking for some retail therapy, South Portland features numerous unique shops and boutiques filled with locally made goods ranging from antiques to artworks to souvenirs. After exploring these local treasures, visitors can end their trip with a relaxing stroll along Willard Beach or a picnic overlooking Casco Bay Islands in beautiful Bug Light Park.