Top Things to do in Peaks Island
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What to do and see in Peaks Island, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Peaks Island, United States including Mackworth Island, Portland Head Light, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, Peaks Island Tours, Fort Williams Park, Bug Light Park, Mike's Carts, Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, Umbrella Cover Museum, Casco Bay.
Restaurants in Peaks Island
1. Mackworth Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
A scenic walking path around the hundred-acre island affords visitors a sweeping view of Casco Bay.
Reviewed By cessnapilot - Cape Elizabeth, Maine
This place drives me batty. I guess because it's so close to Portland, it's wildly popular (so good luck getting a parking space).
The trail is only 1.25 miles. It thus attracts every family with a stroller for miles around.....the "fairy village" doesn't help. There is no peace whatsoever between the local dog-walker, the joggers, etc. There are often van-loads of kids from local schools. Many families with children let them run ahead, out of control, where they literally run into other people who are there for a more peaceful experience.
The park rangers, when they are there, do a poor job of controlling parking. I now most often go there with a handicapped friend, and the handicapped space is almost always occupied.......by cars with no handicapped plate nor placard.
It's a nice little walk and very easy (i.e. very flat), but did someone call it "serene"? Egad.
For the record, in the 1970s I lived in that neighborhood, and went running on Mackworth every day. In the subsequent 40-plus years I have been there literally hundreds of times.
But while I still occasionally go (particularly if the weather isn't good), the hoards of people, and especially the screaming kids, have made it an unpleasant experience.
2. Portland Head Light
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Maine's oldest lighthouse - and one of the most picturesque and most frequently photographed in the U.S. - has been in operation since 1791. Although it is closed to the public, you can stop by the adjacent museum, enjoy the grounds which include a beach, lawns and picnic areas and view boats entering and leaving the harbor.
Reviewed By bklyn56 - Westford, Massachusetts
If you only have time to visit one lighthouse, make it Portland Head Light. It is iconic New England, perfected situated on a rocky bluff above the thundering Atlantic. It was commissioned by George Washington. Try to visit early in the morning or early in the evening to enjoy the full play of light. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the view.
3. Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By Ronald B - Arlington, Virginia
The Spring Point Ledge Light is accessed through the Southern Maine Community College which is located on the old Fort Preble. We drove through the college campus to the shore. Parking was extremely limited and mostly by permit. It was a wet and wild day and we not able to walk out to the lighthouse and could only view it from the shore. I didn’t see any visitor center at this location.
4. Peaks Island Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By Jwigg2 - Melbourne, Australia
We were a group of eight ranging from the ages of 12 to 75 which makes finding tours we can all enjoy a challenge. A golf cart tour of the island was perfect. Candace our guide and lifelong resident of the island greeted us as we disembarked from the ferry (short distance from downtown Portland). Her wonderful enthusiasm was matched by her considerable island knowledge. Sure Candace knew the history of Peaks Island but what made the difference was her personal knowledge of the characters and events of the place. We toured around most of the island ,made an impromptu stop at a kid's lemonade stand and were back at the ferry just in time for happy hour at the lovely old restaurant/inn. A great way to spend the afternoon.
5. Fort Williams Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 467 reviews
Walk along the cliffs, have a quiet picnic or fly a kite at this scenic seaside park.
Reviewed By John D - Sarasota, Florida
An extremely interesting historical park. The lighthouse is very picturesque. The old fort buildings are extremely interesting and scenic. We were fortunate to visit on a mild day in February. The sun was shining and we got a first hand glimpse of the rugged Maine coast. We are from Oregon so it was nice to compare.
6. Bug Light Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By Ronald B - Arlington, Virginia
We stopped at the Bug Light visitor center on their last weekday of the season. We had our Lighthouse Passports signed and proceeded out to a parking area. The visitor center did not have a public restroom, but there were several sets of outhouses visible but not useable. The Bug Light is a short distance from the Spring Point Ledge Light.
7. Mike's Carts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By JetBlueDriver - Charlotte, North Carolina
The golf carts are well maintained and easy to use. You can easily see the island in a couple of hours on the cart. Rental process was a breeze. Prices are good. Lots of fun.
8. Portland Breakwater Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Unusual lighthouse designed after Greek monuments.
Reviewed By ANN L - Lancaster, Pennsylvania
I was told prior to going to the light house that I could definitely get inside. That didn't happen. After walking all the way out there I was quite disappointed to find that all I could do is look at the outside and the water. Being afraid of heights and bad feet the walk out there was NOT worth it.
9. Umbrella Cover Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Donald H - Portland, Maine
Umbrella covers. Why would these items - often discarded - be entertaining? Because of the stories of how they came to the museum, because of their former ownership, because the guide describes them in fanciful ways. Most recently I visited with college friends on their first trip to Maine. We laughed through the entire visit. I have also taken young grandchildren with the same result (but they cannot visit the adults only closet!).
10. Casco Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Ship traffic here runs the gamut from lobster boats to oil tankers and cruise lines; also look for the many photogenic lighthouses.
Reviewed By CS1Portland - Portland, Maine
The Casco bay is a very special place. Deep blue waters and a great many islands, many inhabited and worthy of your exploration. The crew are nice enough and help with your questions. There are numerous selections on the ferry schedule to choose one that fits your day schedule. Toilets on board. take some beer/wine with you to drink and enjoy. Excellent job.
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