Discover the Historic Portland Observatory
Explore the Portland Observatory, a historic maritime museum offering stunning views and insights into the rich maritime history of Portland, Maine.
Nestled in the heart of Portland, Maine, the Portland Observatory is a must-visit historical maritime museum that offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding coastline. This iconic landmark stands as a testament to Portland's rich maritime history and provides an engaging experience for all visitors. As the only remaining maritime signal station in the United States, it offers a unique glimpse into the past, making it a perfect stop for history buffs and casual tourists alike.
A brief summary to Portland Observatory
- 138 Congress St, Portland, East End, Maine, 04101, US
- +1207-253-1800
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check the observatory's website for the latest information on opening hours, as they can vary seasonally.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the climb to the top, as there are several flights of stairs.
- Consider visiting during sunset for a breathtaking view of the harbor.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning views from the observation deck.
- Explore nearby attractions like the Eastern Promenade for a full day of sightseeing.
Getting There
Discover more about Portland Observatory
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Eastern Cemetery
0.3 km
Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Eastern Cemetery, one of Maine's oldest burial grounds, nestled in the heart of Portland.
The Abyssinian Meetinghouse
0.3 km
Discover the rich history and cultural significance of The Abyssinian Meetinghouse, a key landmark in Portland, Maine, celebrating African American heritage.
Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port
0.5 km
Discover the perfect blend of modern comfort and local charm at Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port, your ideal base for exploring the vibrant city.
Eastern Promenade Gazebo
0.6 km
Explore the Eastern Promenade Gazebo, a historical landmark in Portland, Maine, with stunning waterfront views and lush green surroundings.
Rackleff Building
0.7 km
Explore the Rackleff Building in Portland, ME: a historic landmark embodying the charm and heritage of the Old Port district.
United States Custom House
0.9 km
Explore the United States Custom House, a historic landmark in Portland, Maine, showcasing stunning architecture and rich maritime heritage.
SeaPortland
1.0 km
Explore Maine's stunning coastline with SeaPortland, your gateway to unforgettable maritime experiences and local culture.
Major Charles Loring Memorial Park
1.0 km
Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Major Charles Loring Memorial Park in Portland, Maine, a perfect retreat for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Portland by the Foot
1.0 km
Experience the charm of Portland, Maine, with insightful walking tours that unveil the city's history, culture, and culinary delights.
Boothby Square
1.0 km
Explore Boothby Square, a historical gem in Portland, Maine, where history, community, and charm blend seamlessly in a serene setting.
The Real Portland Tour
1.0 km
Experience Portland like a local with The Real Portland Tour, offering guided adventures through iconic landmarks and hidden gems in Maine's charming coastal city.
City of Portland, Maine
1.0 km
Explore Portland City Hall, a stunning architectural landmark and vibrant community hub in the heart of Maine's largest city.
Maine Day Ventures/formerly Maine Foodie Tours
1.0 km
Explore Portland, Maine's culinary treasures with Maine Day Ventures, offering immersive food tours and local tastings in the beautiful Waterfront District.
Greater Portland Landmarks
1.0 km
Uncover the rich history and architectural wonders of Greater Portland Landmarks, a must-visit for culture enthusiasts in Maine.
Portland Schooner Co.
1.0 km
Experience Portland's stunning coastline with Portland Schooner Co.'s authentic wooden schooner tours. Sail into adventure and discover Maine's maritime beauty.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fort Sumner Park
0.3 km
Experience the tranquility and scenic beauty of Fort Sumner Park, a historic oasis in the heart of Portland, Maine, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Peppermint Park
0.4 km
Experience the serene beauty of Peppermint Park in Portland, Maine, a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment amidst lush greenery.
Shipyard Brewing Company
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant craft beer culture at Shipyard Brewing Company in Portland, ME, where quality meets creativity in every brew.
Maine Jewish Museum
0.5 km
Explore the Maine Jewish Museum: a captivating journey through Jewish history, culture, and art in Portland, Maine.
Maine Museum of Photographic Arts
0.5 km
Discover the captivating world of photography at the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts in Portland, where art and history come alive.
Eastern Promenade Trail
0.5 km
Explore the Eastern Promenade Trail in Portland, Maine, where stunning coastal views meet vibrant park life, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
0.6 km
Experience the charm of Maine's railroading history at Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, offering scenic rides and intriguing exhibits in beautiful Portland.
Fort Allen Park
0.6 km
Experience the beauty and history of Fort Allen Park, Portland's scenic waterfront oasis with stunning views and lush landscapes.
Visit Portland, Maine Information Center
0.6 km
Explore the heart of Portland, Maine with the Visit Portland Information Center—your essential resource for local attractions, dining, and activities.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
0.6 km
Explore the stunning beauty and architectural grandeur of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, Maine.
Portland Paddle
0.7 km
Discover the beauty of Portland, Maine, with Portland Paddle's canoe and kayak adventures, offering guided tours and rental services for all skill levels.
East End Beach
0.7 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of East End Beach in Portland, Maine, where relaxation meets scenic coastal views and outdoor adventures await.
Lincoln Park
0.8 km
Explore Lincoln Park, a serene green space in downtown Portland, offering picturesque views, historic charm, and a perfect retreat for relaxation.
Maine State Pier
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant Maine State Pier, your gateway to Portland's waterfront events, scenic views, and local culture.
Bell Buoy Park
0.9 km
Explore Bell Buoy Park in Portland, Maine – a serene waterfront escape with lush greenery and local art that captures the essence of coastal charm.
Essential places to dine
The Front Room
0.3 km
Experience delightful American cuisine at The Front Room in Portland—perfect for breakfast lovers and brunch enthusiasts alike.
Duckfat Frites Shack
0.3 km
Experience gourmet fries and innovative New American cuisine at Duckfat Frites Shack in Portland, Maine—a culinary delight you won't want to miss!
Terlingua
0.3 km
Experience authentic barbecue bliss at Terlingua in Portland's East Bayside—where flavor meets community.
Red Sea Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience authentic Eritrean flavors in Portland's East Bayside at Red Sea Restaurant - where every dish tells a story.
Twelve
0.5 km
Experience culinary excellence at Twelve in Portland, where innovative dishes meet seasonal flavors for an unforgettable dining adventure.
Ribollita
0.6 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Ribollita, where tradition meets flavor in every delightful dish.
Duckfat
0.6 km
Discover the delightful flavors of Belgium at Duckfat, Portland's beloved brasserie known for its fries cooked in duck fat and gourmet sandwiches.
The East Ender
0.6 km
Experience the best of Portland at The East Ender – where delicious grill cuisine meets lively dance and karaoke entertainment.
Tomaso's Canteen
0.7 km
Discover Tomaso's Canteen in Portland - where grilled delights meet friendly service in an inviting atmosphere.
The Honey Paw
0.7 km
Discover The Honey Paw: A culinary delight in Portland offering innovative American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
Eventide Oyster Co.
0.7 km
Discover Eventide Oyster Co., Portland's premier oyster bar serving fresh seafood delights in a vibrant coastal setting.
Fore Street Restaurant
0.8 km
Experience exquisite New American cuisine at Fore Street Restaurant in Portland's Old Port - where every meal celebrates local flavors.
Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant
0.9 km
Discover authentic Irish cuisine and vibrant culture at Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant in Portland's Waterfront District.
Flatbread Company
0.9 km
Discover the charm of Flatbread Company - where delicious wood-fired pizza meets local Maine flavors in a family-friendly setting.
Old Port Sea Grill & Raw Bar
0.9 km
Experience Maine's finest seafood at Old Port Sea Grill & Raw Bar – where fresh flavors meet stunning waterfront views.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Post Supply
0.3 km
Discover unique artisan goods at The Post Supply, a charming store in Portland's East End, showcasing local creativity and craftsmanship.
Ferdinand
0.4 km
Explore Ferdinand, Portland's gem for unique gifts, vintage clothing, and charming home goods, perfect for every traveler.
akakpo
0.5 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Akakpo, a charming gift shop in Portland, Maine's vibrant East Bayside neighborhood.
Heritage Seaweed
0.5 km
Explore Heritage Seaweed in Portland, Maine - your destination for unique gifts, health foods, and eco-friendly home goods inspired by the sea.
Ports of Call
0.9 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Ports of Call in Portland, Maine's charming Old Port district, where memories come alive.
Fitz & Bennett Home
0.9 km
Explore Fitz & Bennett Home in Portland, ME - a charming gift shop brimming with unique treasures and local artistry.
Portland Trading Co
0.9 km
Shop at Portland Trading Co for unique clothing, home goods, and stationery that reflect the charm of Portland, Maine.
Jill McGowan, Inc. Flagship Store + Boutique, Portland Maine
1.0 km
Discover unique women's fashion at Jill McGowan’s flagship store in Portland, where quality meets Maine's coastal charm.
Salt Cellar
1.0 km
Explore Salt Cellar: A haven for spices and unique gifts in Portland's Old Port, where local flavors come alive.
Danforth Pewter Portland
1.0 km
Explore the charm of handmade pewter gifts at Danforth Pewter in Portland, Maine - a must-visit gift shop for unique treasures.
Lisa-Marie's Made in Maine
1.0 km
Explore Lisa-Marie's Made in Maine for unique, handcrafted treasures that embody the spirit of local artistry and Maine's coastal charm.
Waterlily
1.0 km
Discover unique artisan gifts at Waterlily, Portland's charming boutique filled with handcrafted treasures that showcase local artistry.
Zane
1.0 km
Explore Zane, a fashionable boutique in Old Port, Portland, offering unique clothing and accessories that capture the spirit of Maine.
a case of you
1.0 km
Discover unique women's clothing and home goods at A Case of You, a boutique that captures the spirit of Portland, Maine.
Expressly Trends
1.0 km
Explore unique fashion and accessories at Expressly Trends, a beloved boutique in Portland's historic Old Port district.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Munjoy Hill Tavern
0.2 km
Discover the heart of Maine cuisine at Munjoy Hill Tavern, where local flavors and a welcoming atmosphere create perfect dining moments.
Night Mares
0.3 km
Discover Night Mares: Portland's premier bar serving innovative cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere perfect for socializing and nightlife.
Anoche
0.3 km
Experience the best of Portland's cider culture at Anoche, where craft beverages and a cozy atmosphere await.
The End of Portland Maine
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The End of Portland Maine, where craft drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await every visitor.
Cocktail Mary
0.4 km
Discover Cocktail Mary, a lively cocktail bar in Portland, ME, where vibrant drinks meet an energetic atmosphere and inclusive nightlife.
The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club
0.9 km
Experience the flavors of Scandinavia at The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club, where craft cocktails and unique dishes await in a cozy setting.
The North Point
1.0 km
Experience the perfect blend of American cuisine and craft cocktails at The North Point, a must-visit lounge in Portland's Old Port district.
Andy's Old Port Pub
1.0 km
Discover the quintessential Portland experience at Andy's Old Port Pub, where delicious seafood meets live music and a lively atmosphere.
Maps
1.0 km
Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Maps Bar in Portland, where every sip is a journey through captivating maps.
The Armory Lounge
1.0 km
Discover The Armory Lounge: Portland's premier destination for handcrafted cocktails and local cuisine in a stylish setting.
Lincolns
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Lincolns in Portland, where craft cocktails and local brews meet a lively atmosphere and welcoming locals.
Gritty McDuff's Brew Pub
1.1 km
Discover the essence of Portland's craft beer scene at Gritty McDuff's Brew Pub, where great food and brews come together in a lively atmosphere.
Portland Mash TUN
1.1 km
Discover the heart of Portland at Mash TUN - a lively beer hall offering craft brews and delicious bites in the vibrant Old Port district.
Bonfire Country Bar Portland
1.2 km
Experience the heart of Americana at Bonfire Country Bar in Portland, Maine, where delicious Southern cuisine meets vibrant nightlife.
Room for Improvement
1.2 km
Discover Room for Improvement, Portland's premier cocktail bar, offering a unique blend of artisanal drinks and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Old Port.
