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Cumberland County
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Explore Cumberland County, Maine, from Portland's historic harbour and Casco Bay islands to Atlantic beaches, farms, forests and Sebago Lake.

Cumberland County occupies a varied stretch of southern Maine, combining the state's largest city, Portland, with Casco Bay, Atlantic headlands, forested inland hills and the broad waters of Sebago Lake. The county lies north of York County and south of Sagadahoc and Androscoggin counties, while its western edge reaches the lakes and foothills around Bridgton and Naples. This compact but diverse geography makes it possible to move from a walkable historic port to quiet woodland, open farmland or a rocky shore within the same itinerary.
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Portland is the county's cultural and commercial centre. Its Old Port district occupies former working-wharf streets lined with brick warehouses, while the West End and Eastern Promenade reveal different layers of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century architecture. The city remains connected to the sea through fishing, ferry services, marine businesses and restaurants, but it is also known for galleries, theatres, independent shops and a food scene shaped by Maine seafood and regional agriculture. Casco Bay adds another dimension: islands such as Peaks Island, Great Diamond Island and Long Island are reached by public ferry or private boat, and each has its own residential and recreational character.
Beyond Portland, the county becomes more spacious and varied. Cape Elizabeth has coastal paths, working farms and open views around Two Lights State Park, while Scarborough combines beaches, salt marshes and the estuary of the Scarborough River. Falmouth, Yarmouth and Cumberland retain village centres and rural roads close to the metropolitan area. Freeport is a well-known shopping destination as well as the setting for Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, where trails pass through coastal woodland and salt-marsh habitats. Brunswick, at the county's northern edge, has a long association with Bowdoin College, the arts and the heritage of the Androscoggin River.
Western Cumberland County offers a different pace. Sebago Lake supports boating, swimming and lakeside recreation, with state-managed land and communities around Casco, Raymond, Windham and Naples. Bridgton, near the foothills of the White Mountains, serves as a small-town base for boating, walking and winter activities. The county's food identity follows its geography: dockside seafood, oysters, farm produce, maple products, craft beer, cider and carefully prepared modern cooking all appear alongside traditional diners and community markets. Visitors should allow time for the contrasts rather than treating Cumberland County as a single urban destination: Portland rewards walking, the coast depends on weather and tide, and the inland lakes are best explored with a vehicle and a flexible schedule.

Getting to and around Cumberland County

How to get there

Portland International Jetport is in South Portland, within the county and immediately adjacent to Portland, with domestic connections that vary by season and airline. Amtrak's Downeaster links Portland and Brunswick with Boston and communities in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, while intercity bus services also connect the area with Boston and other regional destinations. Interstate 95 is the principal road approach, with Interstate 295 serving Portland and the inner coast. Visitors heading to Casco Bay islands use ferry services from Portland, while those travelling to western lake communities will generally find driving the most practical option.

Transportation

Portland has local buses, taxis, rideshare services and a walkable central area, although a car becomes increasingly useful outside the city. The Downeaster serves Portland and Brunswick, but rail does not reach every coastal or inland community. Regional buses connect selected towns, yet rural and lakeside services can be limited, particularly outside the main towns and winter season. Cycling is practical on some local roads and trails but requires care on busy routes. Ferries serve Casco Bay destinations, and schedules, parking arrangements and bicycle or vehicle policies should be checked before departure.

Top city travel guides in Cumberland County

The cities of Cumberland County, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Cumberland County

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Cumberland County

Cumberland County's attractions range from Portland's maritime streets, museums, galleries and theatres to beaches, salt marshes, island communities and inland lake landscapes. In Portland, the Old Port, Eastern Promenade and West End provide contrasting ways to understand the city's commercial and residential history, while the Portland Museum of Art and other cultural institutions give the county a strong arts dimension. Casco Bay ferries open access to islands with walking roads, rocky shorelines and year-round communities. South of the city, Two Lights State Park and the Scarborough coastal area offer ocean scenery and wildlife habitat, while Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park near Freeport combines woodland trails with salt-marsh views. Brunswick adds college, museum and performing-arts interests, and the Androscoggin River provides a setting for walking and heritage exploration. Inland, Sebago Lake, Raymond, Casco, Naples and Bridgton support swimming, boating, hiking and winter activities, with state parks and conservation lands offering quieter outdoor experiences. The region's appeal lies in the proximity of urban culture, working coast, protected habitats, farms and lakes rather than in a single concentrated attraction zone.

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Best landmarks in Cumberland County

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Explore Cumberland County on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Cumberland County

Cumberland County's dining reflects both Maine's maritime economy and its productive farms. Portland is the principal centre for restaurants, with menus that commonly feature Gulf of Maine seafood, shellfish, oysters, local vegetables, breads, cheeses and seasonal preserves. Along the coast, seafood counters, casual fish restaurants and lobster-oriented establishments sit beside cafés and more contemporary cooking; availability and menus naturally change with landings and seasons. Farmers' markets, farm stands and food producers in towns such as Brunswick, Freeport, Cumberland and Cape Elizabeth connect visitors with berries, apples, vegetables, maple products and baked goods. Inland communities around Sebago Lake and Bridgton offer diners, cafés, pubs and seasonal restaurants suited to lake and outdoor visits. Maine craft beer is widely represented, and cider, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks made with regional ingredients are also part of the modern food culture. Tipping follows United States practice, and busy summer and autumn periods can require advance reservations in Portland.

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Best bars in Cumberland County

Evening life is concentrated in Portland, where the Old Port, Congress Street area and nearby neighbourhoods offer traditional pubs, breweries, cocktail bars, wine bars, live music and restaurants that stay open later than those in rural communities. The city also has theatres and concert venues, giving visitors alternatives to bar-based nightlife. Brunswick has a smaller but substantial evening scene influenced by Bowdoin College, with pubs, cafés, restaurants and occasional live performances. In Freeport, the coast and inland towns, evenings are generally quieter and centre on restaurants, hotel lounges, breweries, community events and historic local pubs rather than large clubs. Lake communities can become busier in summer, but seasonal hours vary. Visitors should plan transport carefully outside Portland, particularly where taxis and rideshare vehicles are less readily available, and should not rely on alcohol-focused venues as the only form of evening entertainment.

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Best nightclubs in Cumberland County

Evening life is concentrated in Portland, where the Old Port, Congress Street area and nearby neighbourhoods offer traditional pubs, breweries, cocktail bars, wine bars, live music and restaurants that stay open later than those in rural communities. The city also has theatres and concert venues, giving visitors alternatives to bar-based nightlife. Brunswick has a smaller but substantial evening scene influenced by Bowdoin College, with pubs, cafés, restaurants and occasional live performances. In Freeport, the coast and inland towns, evenings are generally quieter and centre on restaurants, hotel lounges, breweries, community events and historic local pubs rather than large clubs. Lake communities can become busier in summer, but seasonal hours vary. Visitors should plan transport carefully outside Portland, particularly where taxis and rideshare vehicles are less readily available, and should not rely on alcohol-focused venues as the only form of evening entertainment.

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Best shops in Cumberland County

Portland provides Cumberland County's broadest shopping choice, with independent clothing, book, design, food and gift shops spread through the Old Port, Congress Street and adjacent neighbourhoods. Freeport is the county's best-known retail destination, combining a large concentration of brand outlets with independent businesses, cafés, outdoor retailers and craft-oriented shops; it is more commercial and visitor-focused than most of the county's market towns. Brunswick offers bookshops, galleries, antiques, local gifts and everyday high-street shopping around its central streets, while smaller communities such as Yarmouth, Bridgton and Naples have more limited selections of antiques, crafts, outdoor goods and seasonal products. Farmers' markets and farm stands are useful for Maine-made food, maple products, preserves, baked goods and produce, with availability changing through the year. Coastal towns also sell maritime and Maine-themed goods, but visitors should distinguish locally produced crafts and food from generic souvenirs imported for the tourist trade.

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Cumberland County essentials

Currency and Payment
Cumberland County uses the United States dollar (USD), the national currency of the United States. Credit and debit cards, contactless payments and mobile wallets are widely accepted in Portland, larger towns, hotels, petrol stations and established attractions. Cash remains useful for small seasonal stands, some rural businesses, markets, laundries, parking situations and occasional ferry or food purchases. Tipping is customary in full-service restaurants and for several hospitality services; card terminals commonly offer a choice of gratuity, but visitors should check the final amount before confirming payment.
Safety
Cumberland County is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions remain appropriate in busy waterfront areas, car parks and nightlife settings. Coastal rocks, strong surf, cold water, changing tides and slippery paths can create serious hazards, particularly around exposed headlands and islands. Lakes and rivers also require attention to weather, boat traffic, water temperature and personal flotation equipment. In winter, snow and ice affect roads, footways and trails; in warmer months, ticks are present in wooded and grassy areas. Secure valuables in vehicles and follow posted rules in parks and conservation areas.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 anywhere in Cumberland County for police, fire or ambulance assistance; the number is part of the United States national emergency system, not a county-specific service. Give the dispatcher the exact town, road, trail, beach, island or landmark, as rural and coastal locations can be difficult to identify. For boating incidents, contact the appropriate emergency service through 911 or marine authorities, and follow local instructions. In a serious outdoor situation, do not move an injured person unnecessarily unless there is immediate danger, and conserve phone battery while waiting for help.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect private property, posted access rules and quiet residential areas, particularly on Casco Bay islands and around lakeside communities. Do keep dogs leashed where required, carry out rubbish and remain on marked paths in fragile coastal and woodland habitats. Do follow beach, boating and parking regulations, and ask before photographing people or private homes. Tipping in restaurants is a normal United States practice, while service charges should be checked before adding more. Do not assume every shoreline is public or every unmarked rural track is open to vehicles.
Local Tips
Portland is easiest to explore on foot, but its most popular restaurant periods can be busy, so flexible dining times are useful. Combine a coastal outing with a stop at a farm shop or seasonal market, and allow extra time for traffic on summer weekends. For the western county, choose a base near the lake or village that suits your plans rather than commuting repeatedly from Portland. Autumn colour is especially attractive inland, while winter brings snow-dependent recreation and shorter daylight. Weather forecasts matter more than distance when planning ferries, hikes and exposed shore visits.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHiya[Hah-yuh]
GoodbyeSee ya[See yah]
YesYup[Yup]
NoNah[Nah]
Please/You're welcomeSure thing[Shoor thing]
Thank youThanks[Thangs]
Excuse me/SorrySorry 'bout that[Sor-ee 'bout that]
How are you?How's it going?[How's it goin'?]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[Good. You?]
Do you speak English?Can ya speak English?[Can yah speak English?]
I don't understandI don't get it[I don't get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCould I see the menu, please?[Could I see the menu, please?]
I don't eat meatI'm not a meat eater[I'm not a meat eater]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the bill, please?[Can I get the bill, please?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Get lost![Get lost!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![Call the cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![Get a doctor!]
I'm lostI’m turned around[I’m turned around]
I'm illI’m not feeling well[I’m not feelin' well]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[I wanna buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing, thanks[Just browsing, thanks]
How much is it?What’s the price?[What’s the price?]
That's too expensiveThat’s way too pricey[That’s way too pricey]
Can you lower the price?Can ya give me a better deal?[Can yah give me a better deal?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[What time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt’s one o’clock[It’s one o’clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMorning[Morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvening[Evening]
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[Where's the...?]
What's the address?What’s the address?[What’s the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out on the map?[Can yah point it out on the map?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[When's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)One ticket to...[One ticket to...]

History of Cumberland County

Wabanaki Homelands and Coastal Settlement

Before European colonisation, the lands and waters of Cumberland County formed part of the homeland of Wabanaki peoples, including communities connected with the Abenaki and related nations. The coast, rivers, islands and lakes supported seasonal movement, fishing, hunting, gathering and exchange. Casco Bay was a significant maritime environment rather than an empty wilderness. Archaeological evidence and continuing Indigenous presence provide a reminder that the county's history begins long before the arrival of English settlers and remains connected to living Native communities.

English Settlement and the Growth of Casco Bay Ports

English settlement expanded along Casco Bay during the seventeenth century, although early communities faced conflict, disruption and changing colonial control. Falmouth, the predecessor of modern Portland, developed around a protected harbour and gradually became a centre for shipping, fishing and trade. Brunswick and other settlements farther north grew along waterways and agricultural land. The region's coastal position linked it to the wider Atlantic world, while its forests supplied timber and other resources to emerging communities.

Portland's Rebuilding and Maritime Expansion

Portland suffered repeated destructive fires, most notably the Great Fire of 1866, which devastated much of the city. Rebuilding produced the brick commercial architecture now associated with the Old Port and neighbouring historic districts. During the nineteenth century, Portland expanded as a shipping, fishing and provisioning centre, connected to inland markets by roads, railways and the Cumberland and Oxford Canal. Wharves, warehouses and commercial streets made the city one of northern New England's important maritime gateways.

Industrialisation, Railways and River Towns

The nineteenth and early twentieth centuries brought mills, manufacturing and improved transport to parts of Cumberland County. Brunswick's position on the Androscoggin River and its railway connections supported industrial activity, while Portland became a major rail and shipping hub. The arrival of railways changed access to inland communities and helped develop seasonal travel to lakes and the coast. Some industrial structures and mill settings remain visible, although the county's economy has since shifted towards services, education, healthcare, tourism and smaller creative and marine enterprises.

Colleges, Arts and Civic Culture

Bowdoin College, founded in Brunswick in 1794, became a major intellectual institution whose influence extends through the town's architecture, museums and cultural life. Portland developed theatres, galleries, libraries and civic institutions alongside its commercial role, while communities across the county maintained local historical societies and public traditions. The region's cultural identity has therefore been shaped not only by maritime work and agriculture but also by education, publishing, the visual arts and changing patterns of urban and rural life.

The Modern Coastal and Lakeside Economy

After the Second World War, improved roads, suburban growth and rising car ownership transformed Cumberland County. Portland became the centre of a growing metropolitan area, while coastal towns and lake communities attracted seasonal visitors, second homes and recreational businesses. Historic districts were increasingly valued for preservation, and former industrial or warehouse areas acquired new commercial and cultural uses. Today the county balances port activity, education, healthcare, technology, farming, fisheries, retail and tourism, with continuing debates about housing, conservation and pressure on coastal and lakeside environments.

Cumberland County in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Cumberland County, Maine

Discover Cumberland County with Evendo - your free, all-in-one app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more for unforgettable adventures.

  • Comprehensive guides on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities in Cumberland County.
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details to enhance your travel experience.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly from the app.
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Explore the beauty of Cumberland County, Maine with Evendo, your free travel companion. From famous landmarks to hidden gems, plan and book your perfect trip effortlessly.

  • In-depth history of Cumberland County and travel essentials.
  • Interactive 'Near Me' feature to find nearby points of interest.
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience.
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Welcome to Cumberland County, Maine, a destination rich in natural beauty, history, and culture. With the Evendo app, you have a comprehensive travel guide at your fingertips that turns your visit into an unforgettable experience. From the rugged coastline of Portland Head Light to the serene landscapes of Sebago Lake, Evendo provides detailed insights into the must-see attractions.

Delve into the vibrant arts scene at the Portland Museum of Art or stroll through the historic Old Port district, renowned for its cobblestone streets and eclectic shops. For food enthusiasts, Evendo offers curated recommendations on the best dining experiences, from the fresh seafood at Eventide Oyster Co. to the flavorful dishes at Fore Street.

Ease your travel planning with Evendo’s seamless booking system for hotels and tours. Whether you're looking to explore the nightlife in downtown Portland or embark on a scenic tour of Casco Bay, Evendo ensures a hassle-free journey. The app’s intuitive navigation, enriched with local tips and maps, empowers you to explore Cumberland County like a true local.

Download Evendo today and unlock the secrets of Cumberland County and beyond. With global coverage of over 7,000 destinations, Evendo is your passport to the world.

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