A Family Trip to Portland, Maine

Our trip to Portland, Maine, was short but sweet, filled with harbor views, island ferries, and those simple travel moments that make family trips memorable. Portland is an easy destination from Baltimore, with a quick flight that made traveling with a young child much more manageable.

Arrival in Portland

After landing, we picked up our rental car and headed about 20–25 minutes to our hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn across from Portland Harbor.

The room itself was a little dated, and we had an issue with a strong odor, but to their credit, the staff were quick to respond. They offered free parking and food vouchers as an apology, which was appreciated.

What made up for the room was the view of the harbor, which was absolutely beautiful. Directly across the street were the ferries to Peaks Island, and the area was buzzing with restaurants and nightlife on the weekends.

Since traveling with a small child (and with autism) can make dining out a challenge, we opted for the convenience of Uber Eats for most meals, except breakfast at the hotel. It was a decision that kept the trip low-stress and easy.

Maine Welcome Sign Tradition

One tradition we’ve created while visiting new states is snapping a picture near the state’s welcome sign. Maine was no different.

From Portland, the closest welcome sign was about an hour away, so we headed south toward Kittery. There, at a rest stop, we found a great spot for photos. Not only did it feature the Maine welcome sign, but also a replica of Smokey the Bear with forest fire safety tips. The open space made it a perfect stop for our son to stretch and burn off some energy.

A Ferry to Peaks Island

One of the highlights of our trip was taking the ferry to Peaks Island.

• The ferry ride is short, about 17 minutes each way.

• Round-trip tickets cost $7.70 for adults and $3.85 for children.

• Vehicles can be brought over, but we chose to travel on foot.

Peaks Island is sometimes called the “Coney Island of Maine.” While there wasn’t much going on during our fall visit, the views alone made it worth the trip. In the summer months, families flock to the island’s beaches, but for us, it was more about the experience of the ferry ride and soaking in the scenery.

Final Thoughts

While our stay in Portland was brief, we loved the laid-back harbor vibe, the quick ferry ride to Peaks Island, and even our roadside adventure to the Maine welcome sign.

There’s so much more of Maine still to explore, and I’d recommend a trip here if you haven’t been yet. Whether it’s for the seafood, the coastline, or the quiet charm, Maine has something for everyone.