I spent a couple of weeks in Portland, Maine, hosted by my wonderful friend Saffron. I’m still not sure if I’ll write a blog post about Portland (a lovely city with some outstanding eateries and beautiful cliffside walks) but I knew I had to write a short post to highlight ‘Peaks Island’. Being on the water and enjoying ocean views is one of my favourite things.
Peaks Island is the most populous island in Casco Bay, and officially part of the city of Portland. It is very easy to get to; it involves taking a ferry from the Casco Bay terminal in downtown Portland. The ferry ride lasts about 20 minutes.
The fun thing about Peaks Island is that it is a small, but perfectly formed island, well suited for a day trip from Portland. There is not very much to do on the island and that’s what makes it so special: it is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and an opportunity to enjoy nature and beautiful ocean views at a leisurely pace.
5 things to do on Peaks Island
- Meander along Island Avenue
Located uphill from the ferry dock, this is where you find the few boutique shops, galleries and restaurants on the island. Don’t miss
- Lisa’s Peaks Cafe: the cinnamon rolls are apparently to die for (and were unfortunately sold out by the time I wandered in).
- Umbrella Cover Museum: a ridiculously quirky museum filled with different types, shapes and sizes of umbrella covers, where the curator and owner, Nancy Hoffman serenades you with the museum’s theme song! (I opted not to donate my umbrella cover when I visited, thereby losing my opportunity to stake a claim to fame).
- Down Front: best spot for delicious ice-cream. (People literally get on the ferry just to grab a cone from this place!)
- Richard Boyd Art Gallery: an intimate art gallery supporting artists who have a connection to Maine.
- Lounge on a beach
You have your choice of beaches on Peaks Island. ‘Torrington Point Beach’ and ‘Cairn Beach’ east of the island are your typical New England rocky beaches. There are beautiful views from Torrington Point while Cairn Beach is the place to go to try your hand at building rock towers. ‘Sandy Beach’ on the southwest tip of the island (as the name suggests) offers a nice stretch of sand shore.
- Kayak around Casco bay
Half – and full-day kayak tours are on offer by Maine Island Kayak company. You can go out independently or join a guided tour. This is an opportunity to take in the breathtaking coastlines of the island as you paddle around it.
- Get a History Lesson
Visit 5th Maine Museum on Seashore Avenue and learn about the history of the island. It has two permanent exhibits: one on the role the island played in the Civil War and a second on the island’s life in the early 19th century, when it was dubbed the ‘Coney Island of Maine’. It also has rotating temporary exhibits.
If you prefer your history more hands-on, consider a visit to Battery Steele, the remnant of a WWII weapons bunker. I gave it a hard pass, but pictures show a fort-like structure crisscrossed by tunnels and covered with bright coloured graffiti and overgrown vegetation.
- Walk the island
The best way to explore the island is to complete the 4-mile loop around it. There are options to ride a buggy or cycle but if you are able-bodied, I would recommend walking the route. This way you get to fully appreciate the picturesque rocky shoreline, charming clapboard houses and abundant woods.
This was by far my favourite activity. I made sure to stop by the many viewpoints along the way, to take in the beauty of the coast and nearby islands. There were coves along the way, perfect for setting up a picnic and watching the world go by.
Final Thoughts
Peaks Island is that perfect encapsulation of coastal Maine: laid-back charm, rocky shoreline and picturesque views. Do yourself a favour and take a trip out here when next you’re in Portland, Maine.
Visited August 2022.
Have you been to Maine? Did you know there are over 4,600 islands off the coast of Maine? That figure blew my mind.