Established in 1633 as a fishing village, Portland grew to become not only the largest tonnage seaport in New England but also a charming destination of cobblestone streets, delectable seafood and history galore. The Old Port district is the center of it all with its restored brick warehouses bustling with shops, galleries, cafés, bars, and restaurants serving the freshest possible lobster. The Portland Museum of Art showcases works by Homer, Picasso, Matisse, Monet and more, while the views of the city from Portland Observatory are a work of art in their own right. Another classic vignette can be viewed at Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse. Take a walk on the Western Promenade, a public park atop a bluff, for majestic river and mountain vistas. And don't miss the West End, full of Victorian-era homes including the Victoria Mansion museum.
