Casco Bay Lines

Built in 1807 by Captain Lemuel Moody, this National Historic Landmark is the only existing historic maritime signal station in the United States. Educational tours are offered at the tower and you can climb to the top on your own. Either way, you get great views of the waterfront.

Consisting of the historic McLellan House, the L.D.M. Sweat Galleries, and the Payson building designed by I.M. Pei, this museum houses a large collection of Winslow Homer works, as well as 17,000 sculptures, paintings, and objects from the 18th-century onwards.

Located next to the Museum of Art, this museum features 3 stories of interactive exhibits, including "Our Town," an area that includes an interactive grocery store, farm, vet and firetruck, and the "Explore Floor," which includes "LL Bear's Discovery Woods" and a mini planetarium. At the top of the building is the Camera Obscura, which offers panoramic views of the city and teaches children about light.

Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House, is the finest example of residential design from the pre-Civil War era in America. With superb architecture and well-preserved original interiors that were among the most lavish and sophisticated in their day, it is an unparalleled document of America's highest aspirations in architecture, interior design, and the decorative arts.

Just west of the Portland peninsula is one of Maine's oldest.

Next to the downtown area along Commercial St. next to Casco Bay. The Old Port is filled with neat shops, restaurants, and cafés, and has something of a European feel to it thanks to its many narrow cobbled streets and old brick buildings. Go here to shop and eat at both high-end and casual, local establishments. The Old Port is a great place to take a walk and smell the ocean air.