Parkside Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
State Theatre
The beautiful mix of architectural styles, from Art Deco to Moorish, makes this newly renovated performing arts venue one of New England’s best.
Portland Museum of Art
Maine’s largest and oldest art institution showcases three centuries of American art and European masters in its architecturally impressive museum complex.
East End Beach
Swim in the Atlantic Ocean, stroll along the sand-and-pebble shoreline or enjoy a picnic with unbeatable views at Portland’s public beach.
University of Southern Maine
Enjoy the student vibe at University of Southern Maine as part of your travels around Portland. Stroll along the waterfront or attend a sporting event in the area.
Portland Observatory
After visiting Portland Observatory, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Portland. Stroll along the area's waterfront or experience its great live music.
Eastern Promenade
Built on an old rail corridor along the easternmost portion of Portland’s peninsula, this waterfront trail offers stunning views of the harbor and Atlantic Ocean.
Activities
Downtown Portland: Coastal Vibe and Old Mansions with In-Add Audio Tour
Portland Smartphone Audio Tour: Self-Guided Drive
Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour
Portland Maine App-Based Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle
Maine Tour Bundle: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle
Maine: Portland Smartphone-Based Walking Audio Tour
Our pick of the best Parkside Hotel Deals
Longfellow Hotel
Clean, beautiful room with a vintage feel. Great staff, very attentive. If you have a show to go to they offer a car service to take you there. It’s a 5 minute walk to the theater though so that was nice. Tandem bakery is right next door. You have to get coffee and pastries. Make sure to get a loaded ...
Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026
The Francis
Excellent breakfast option for eggs or tasty fresh yogurt. One day out of four they strangely neglected to clean the room, even with a door sign requesting service, but the night front desk person took it upon herself to do so when we noted the problem after returning around dinner time. She’s a ...
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Portland Harbor Hotel
We (and our kids!) loved the “pantry” on each floor — fruit, snacks, cookies, tea, coffee. It was a much-appreciated surprise. Room was clean and quiet, and all staff were friendly and helpful.
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2026
Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown-Old Port
I could not have asked for a better hotel and room for my stay in Portland. This is now my second stay in a Cambria property and this stay was even better than my previous 5 star stay. Great location, walk to everything, the best restaurants, Old Town, the waterfront. The room was immaculate, spacious, ...
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2026
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Great location but very pricey for what you get.
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2026
HomeAwhile
Check in was a nightmare. Key machine did not work and it took over an hour to get in to a room where the key only worked once. After finally getting in I was assigned a different room as we couldn’t get the key to work.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Parkside
Portland Arts District
The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Portland Arts District. A stop by Maine College of Art or Cross Insurance Arena might round out your trip.
West End
If you're spending some time in West End, Victoria Mansion and Portland Fire Museum are top sights worth seeing.
West Bayside
When in West Bayside, you can plan a visit to Bayside Bowl and Merrill Auditorium, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Valley Street
While visiting Valley Street, you might make a stop by sights like Hadlock Field and Fitzpatrick Stadium.
Oakdale
While Oakdale may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Hadlock Field and Portland Exposition Building.
Downtown Portland
A noteworthy feature of Downtown Portland is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Cross Insurance Arena and Maine College of Art.
