A couple of years ago in April, we spent a lovely weekend in Portland, Maine. Portland had long been on my bucket list, but I always imagined visiting in the summer. We were a little hesitant to go in early April…Southern Maine can be really cold, and the locals often refer to it as “mud season”.

That said, we had just spent the winter in New England. And since I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan I’m no stranger to cold temps or muddy springs, and I know — despite the apparent downsides — that spring is also a time of raw natural beauty and fewer crowds.

Looking for a Spring getaway? Shana visited Portland, Maine, in 2021 and LOVED it. This post has since been updated for 2023.

Portland, Maine, In April: A Family Weekend Getaway

Our visit ended up being the kind of relaxing, lazy weekend we didn’t realize we needed. We spent our days wandering around outside, took a few family naps, and ate delicious food (it was seriously amazing). Yes, it was chilly, but the kind of chill that blushes your cheeks and revs up your appetite, which makes warm drinks around the fire much more satisfying. It was the kind of chill that makes discovering a bloom — poking up through the hard ground — feel like renewal.

While there’s no doubt that we’d still love to visit Portland in the summer (when all the seasonal seafood spots and beer gardens are open) there’s something thoroughly enchanting about Portland in the spring. We came back home refreshed and happy — exactly what you’d want from a weekend away.

Where To Stay In Portland

We stayed at The Blind Tiger Guest House and highly recommend it. It’s a converted mansion (originally built in 1823) on Danforth St., which is a near-perfect location for walking around Portland. There were roaring fires in the fireplaces every night (there was even a fireplace in our room), a fabulous breakfast every morning, and all kinds of nooks to discover. My boys and I especially loved climbing up to the widow’s watch at sunset or playing some pool in the game room downstairs.

What & Where To Eat In Portland

LOBSTER ROLLS

Portland is especially known for beer gardens and lobster rolls. The best place to get lobster rolls in Portland is the source of much debate, but we’ve heard (from many) that the food truck, Bite into Maine is one of the best. It’s also conveniently located in Cape Elizabeth, so you can grab a lobster roll and then head to Portland Head Lighthouse.

While the food truck had not yet opened for the season, we had also heard good things about Eventide Oyster Co and were not disappointed with their brown butter lobster roll, or their sides (with an Asian fusion twist).

BEER GARDENS CLOSED? TRY HOUSE-MADE SODA, DONUTS & THE BEST VEGAN NACHOS

Sadly, most of the beer gardens hadn’t yet opened for the season (most open in May), so we “consoled” ourselves (ha) with Duckfat, whose poutine is OUT of this world. This was a great place to bring the kids, too. They make their own old-fashioned sodas (sarsaparilla?) and it was fun to try (even though they’re not nearly as sweet as today’s sodas).

We were also completely blown away by Taco Escobarr, an easy walk from The Blind Tiger Guest House. Tables are first-come, first-serve, the atmosphere is festive and fun, and it’s that rare kind of place you can easily take the kids…or do a late-night dinner, just the two of you. The margaritas are fresh, and, if you are vegetarian, try the El Jefe Nachos (ask for sweet potato instead of the meat, and vegan cheese). Best vegan nachos I’ve ever tried.

For a fun breakfast, especially on your way out of town, grab a box of Holy Donuts. They’re Maine’s famous potato doughnuts (all made by hand), with seriously inventive flavors. Our favorites were the dark chocolate sea salt and pomegranate.

Family Activities In Portland, Maine

Explore Portland Head Lighthouse – This was easily my kids’ favorite activity. Not only is this the ubiquitous Portland Lighthouse, but it’s a seriously fun place to explore. We walked along the paved path until we found an open gate, then we were able to get right on the rocks. It’s windy (and chilly) and best with kids who are old enough to be careful (don’t fall in, and watch the tides — they come up fast), but so impossibly beautiful. The rock scrambling (as long as you stay back from the ocean a bit) is tons of fun.

Walk right up to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse – This lighthouse is a cool experience because you can actually walk right up to it via a 950 ft. breakwater. If the tide isn’t high, the breakwater itself provides climbing and jumping opportunities and we ended up spending several hours here. There’s also a bit of rocky beach access for kids who need to splash around, even in cold temps/icy water. (Mine can’t be the only ones.)

Go for a stroll along Eastern Promenade – The Eastern Promenade is a two-mile path along Portland’s Harbor. Not only is it a gorgeous walk, but there’s a playground as well as basketball and tennis courts along the way. There’s also plenty of space for flying kites, and cute spots for picnics (less windy picnics than at the lighthouses), as well as the Totally Awesome Vegan Food Truck that we’ve heard rave reviews about.

Wander around Old Port – Portland’s Old Port is a really charming area to explore. Cobblestone streets, cute shops, and definitely a spot to grab ice cream, a drink, or some lobster (depending on what you’re looking for). Within walking distance of our hotel.

Hum snails out of their shell – My dear friend, Laurel (who you may recognize from our Dance Class with Laurel series!!) is a Portland native, shocked us by humming to the snails. After a minute or two of her humming, they peeped out of their shells. Apparently, the humming sound makes the snails think that they’re underwater, so they’re willing to come out and say hi. Try it — it’s kiiiiind of amazing.

What To Wear In Maine In April

Portland, Maine, in the spring is a little chilly, with temps hovering around 50 F. It was sunnier than we expected, but it’s definitely mud season. We brought lightweight puffer jackets and/or windbreakers, winter hats and mittens.

similar jacket | similar sweater | similar jeans | boots

I was happiest in my sneakers most of the weekend, but we did use our duck boots (cliché, I know) a good amount as well; they were great in the mud. But they weren’t great for climbing on the rocks.

similar jeans | sneakers

All in all, we had one of the most relaxing weekends on record. There was something about the chilly weather and fewer options that made our visit feel renewing. Our kids were never bored, and I think there’s a lesson I need to remember about the simplicity of our days: wake up, explore lighthouses, take a nap, and grab dinner.

It was a pretty fantastic weekend.

xo,

S

And for all our Pinners…