A Perfect Day Trip: Exploring Portland, Maine (and Cape Elizabeth!) from Manchester, NH
During a visit to Manchester, NH — after flying in — I decided to take a spontaneous day trip to Portland, Maine. It turned out to be the perfect coastal escape and a great way to spend the day exploring New England.
Getting There:
The drive from Manchester to Portland is smooth and scenic, taking just about 1 hour and 15 minutes. I rented a car and took I-95 North most of the way, passing stretches of forest, charming small towns, and a few tempting roadside diners along the route. As much as they called to me, I stayed focused — Portland’s famous food scene was waiting!
First Stop: Old Port
Once I arrived, I headed straight to the Old Port district. The cobblestone streets, historic brick buildings, and salty ocean breeze instantly made me feel like I was somewhere special. I spent the morning wandering through unique boutiques, cozy galleries, and waterfront shops — and even picked up a few locally made souvenirs.
Lunch by the Water:
No visit to Portland is complete without indulging in fresh seafood. I grabbed lunch at a waterfront spot (there are so many to choose from!) and ordered the classic lobster roll. It was buttery, fresh, and absolutely everything I had been craving. Sitting outside by the water, watching the boats bob in the harbor, was pure New England bliss.
Side Trip: Cape Elizabeth and Lighthouses
After lunch, I decided to venture a little further to Cape Elizabeth — just about 15 minutes from downtown Portland — to soak in some classic Maine coastal views.
I visited a couple of iconic lighthouses, starting with Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park. It’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in the U.S., and standing there with the rugged cliffs and crashing waves felt like stepping into a postcard. I also made a stop by Two Lights, another historic lighthouse spot with sweeping ocean views. It was peaceful, dramatic, and absolutely worth the short drive.
Afternoon Adventure: Eastern Promenade
After exploring Cape Elizabeth, I headed back to Portland and visited the Eastern Promenade. This beautiful park stretches along the shoreline and offers gorgeous views of Casco Bay. I strolled along the walking path, watched ferries glide by, and enjoyed the cool sea breeze — the perfect way to relax after sightseeing.
Sweet Treat: Gelato Time
Before wrapping up my day, I stopped by a local gelato shop downtown and treated myself to a scoop of pistachio gelato. Creamy, rich, and full of flavor — it was the perfect little pick-me-up before the drive back.
Heading Back to Manchester:
In the late afternoon, I made my way back to Manchester. As I drove, I couldn’t help but smile at how much I had packed into just one day — fresh seafood, charming coastal streets, iconic lighthouses, and peaceful seaside walks. Portland (and Cape Elizabeth) delivered a wonderful mix of adventure, history, and relaxation, all within a quick and easy trip.
Tips for Your Own Day Trip:
- Leave early to maximize your day and beat the crowds in Portland and Cape Elizabeth.
- Rent a comfortable car if you’re flying into Manchester — you’ll appreciate the flexibility.
- Bring comfy shoes — you’ll want to explore Old Port, the Eastern Promenade, and lighthouse parks.
- Plan a side trip to Cape Elizabeth for some of the best coastal views around.
- Come hungry — Portland’s food scene lives up to the hype.
- Stay flexible — some of the best finds happen when you wander without a plan.