Discover the Historic Charm of Fort Gorges
Explore Fort Gorges, a stunning historical fortress in Portland, Maine, offering rich history, breathtaking views, and a tranquil escape on the harbor.
Fort Gorges, located in Portland, Maine, is a stunning historical fortress that offers breathtaking views and a unique glimpse into the past. This tourist attraction is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike, providing a serene escape with picturesque surroundings.
A brief summary to Fort Gorges
- Portland, Maine, 04101, US
- +1207-370-1181
- Visit website
Local tips
- Consider visiting during sunrise or sunset for the most picturesque views.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy on the fort’s grounds, surrounded by stunning scenery.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and rocky.
- If kayaking, check the tide schedules for a smooth ride to the fort.
- Explore the fort’s interior for fascinating historical insights and great photo opportunities.
Getting There
-
Ferry
From downtown Portland, head to the Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal located at 56 Commercial Street. You can walk there from most central locations in Portland. Once at the terminal, purchase a ticket for the ferry to Peak's Island. The ferry ride offers stunning views of the harbor. Once you arrive at Peak's Island, disembark and follow the signs towards Fort Gorges. You will need to rent a kayak or find a local guide to take you to Fort Gorges, as it is located on a small island and is not accessible by foot.
-
Kayak Rental
If you're interested in a more adventurous route, you can rent a kayak from one of the local rental shops in Portland, such as 'Maine Kayak Tours & Rentals' located at 1 Commercial Street. After renting a kayak, head towards the waterfront and paddle towards Fort Gorges, which is approximately a mile away. Keep an eye out for the fort's distinctive shape rising from the water as you approach!
Discover more about Fort Gorges
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Eastern Promenade Gazebo
1.5 km
Explore the Eastern Promenade Gazebo, a historical landmark in Portland, Maine, with stunning waterfront views and lush green surroundings.
Fort Scammell
1.6 km
Discover Fort Scammell, a historic fortress in Portland, Maine, offering breathtaking ocean views and a deep dive into America's military past.
The Abyssinian Meetinghouse
2.2 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
2.2 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.
Portland Schooner Co.
2.2 km
Experience Portland's stunning coastline with Portland Schooner Co.'s authentic wooden schooner tours. Sail into adventure and discover Maine's maritime beauty.
Eastern Cemetery
2.3 km
Explore Eastern Cemetery, a historic gem in Portland, ME, where rich heritage meets serene landscapes, perfect for contemplation and discovery.
Echo Point Lighthouse
2.4 km
Explore the enchanting Echo Point Lighthouse in Portland, Maine, where stunning views and maritime history create an unforgettable coastal experience.
The Real Portland Tour
2.4 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.
Maine Day Ventures/formerly Maine Foodie Tours
2.4 km
Explore Portland, Maine's culinary treasures with Maine Day Ventures, offering immersive food tours and local tastings in the beautiful Waterfront District.
United States Custom House
2.5 km
Explore the historic United States Custom House in Portland, Maine, a stunning neoclassical building rich in maritime heritage and architectural beauty.
Rackleff Building
2.5 km
Explore the Rackleff Building in Portland, ME: a historic landmark embodying the charm and heritage of the Old Port district.
SeaPortland
2.5 km
Explore Maine's stunning coastline with SeaPortland, your gateway to unforgettable maritime experiences and local culture.
Boothby Square
2.5 km
Discover the rich history and charming atmosphere of Boothby Square in Portland, Maine's picturesque Old Port district.
A piece of the Berlin Wall
2.6 km
Explore a significant piece of history at the Berlin Wall exhibit in Portland, offering deep insights into resilience and the quest for freedom.
Portland Discovery Land and Sea Tours
2.6 km
Experience the best of Portland, Maine, with unforgettable land and sea tours featuring stunning views, rich history, and engaging storytelling.
Unmissable attractions to see
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
1.2 km
Explore the scenic beauty and rich history of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, a must-visit landmark in South Portland, Maine.
Bug Light
1.4 km
Explore Bug Light, a picturesque park in South Portland, Maine, featuring a historic lighthouse and stunning waterfront views, perfect for every traveler.
Liberty Ship Memorial
1.4 km
Explore the Liberty Ship Memorial in South Portland, Maine, where history and stunning waterfront views converge in a tribute to World War II heroes.
Bug Light Park
1.5 km
Explore Bug Light Park, a scenic waterfront escape in South Portland, Maine, featuring a historic lighthouse and stunning harbor views.
Fort Allen Park
1.6 km
Experience the beauty and history of Fort Allen Park, Portland's scenic waterfront oasis with stunning views and lush landscapes.
Cushing's Point Museum
1.6 km
Explore the captivating history of South Portland at Cushing's Point Museum, where local stories and maritime heritage come alive.
South Portland Historical Society
1.6 km
Explore the vibrant history of South Portland at the Historical Society, where engaging exhibits and captivating stories await every visitor.
Fort Preble
1.6 km
Discover the historical significance of Fort Preble in South Portland, Maine, with stunning views and enriching stories of America's military past.
East End Beach
1.6 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of East End Beach in Portland, Maine, where relaxation meets scenic coastal views and outdoor adventures await.
Eastern Promenade Trail
1.8 km
Explore the Eastern Promenade Trail in Portland, Maine, where stunning coastal views meet vibrant park life, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Portland Paddle
1.8 km
Explore Portland, Maine, with Portland Paddle's kayaking and canoeing tours, perfect for adventurers and nature lovers alike!
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
2.0 km
Experience the charm of Maine's railroading history at Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, offering scenic rides and intriguing exhibits in beautiful Portland.
Visit Portland, Maine Information Center
2.0 km
Explore the heart of Portland, Maine with the Visit Portland Information Center—your essential resource for local attractions, dining, and activities.
Umbrella Cover Museum
2.0 km
Explore the Umbrella Cover Museum on Peaks Island, a whimsical gem showcasing creativity through over 700 unique umbrella covers from around the world.
Willard Beach
2.1 km
Experience the tranquil shores of Willard Beach in South Portland, Maine, where stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere await every visitor.
Essential places to dine
North 43 Bistro
1.8 km
Discover culinary excellence at North 43 Bistro in South Portland – where New American cuisine meets stunning waterfront views.
Twelve
1.8 km
Experience culinary excellence at Twelve in Portland, where innovative dishes meet seasonal flavors for an unforgettable dining adventure.
El Corazón Casita
1.9 km
Discover authentic Mexican flavors at El Corazón Casita in South Portland, ME – where every dish tells a story of tradition.
SeaWolves Cafe
1.9 km
Discover local flavors at SeaWolves Cafe in South Portland - where great food meets warm hospitality.
The Front Room
2.1 km
Experience delightful American cuisine at The Front Room in Portland—perfect for breakfast lovers and brunch enthusiasts alike.
Saltwater Grille
2.2 km
Experience exquisite seafood dining at Saltwater Grille in South Portland, where fresh flavors meet stunning waterfront views.
Ribollita
2.3 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Ribollita, where tradition meets flavor in every delightful dish.
Duckfat
2.3 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
2.3 km
Experience the best of Portland at The East Ender – where delicious grill cuisine meets lively dance and karaoke entertainment.
Flatbread Company
2.4 km
Discover the charm of Flatbread Company - where delicious wood-fired pizza meets local Maine flavors in a family-friendly setting.
Scales
2.4 km
Experience exquisite seafood dining at Scales in Portland’s Waterfront District, where fresh flavors meet stunning harbor views.
Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant
2.4 km
Discover authentic Irish cuisine and vibrant culture at Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant in Portland's Waterfront District.
The Honey Paw
2.4 km
Discover The Honey Paw: A culinary delight in Portland offering innovative American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
The Porthole Restaurant & Pub
2.4 km
Experience fresh seafood and breathtaking waterfront views at The Porthole Restaurant & Pub in Portland, Maine.
Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room
2.4 km
Discover fresh seafood delights at Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room in Portland, Maine—where ocean flavors meet waterfront views.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Heritage Seaweed
2.3 km
Explore Heritage Seaweed in Portland, Maine - your destination for unique gifts, health foods, and eco-friendly home goods inspired by the sea.
Lulu Ceramics
2.4 km
Explore Lulu Ceramics in South Portland for unique handcrafted pottery and special gifts that celebrate local artistry and creativity.
Ports of Call
2.4 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Ports of Call in Portland, Maine's charming Old Port district, where memories come alive.
Ferdinand
2.4 km
Explore Ferdinand, Portland's gem for unique gifts, vintage clothing, and charming home goods, perfect for every traveler.
The Post Supply
2.5 km
Discover unique artisan goods at The Post Supply, a charming store in Portland's East End, showcasing local creativity and craftsmanship.
Danforth Pewter Portland
2.5 km
Explore the charm of handmade pewter gifts at Danforth Pewter in Portland, Maine - a must-visit gift shop for unique treasures.
Fitz & Bennett Home
2.6 km
Explore Fitz & Bennett Home in Portland, ME - a charming gift shop brimming with unique treasures and local artistry.
akakpo
2.6 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Akakpo, a charming gift shop in Portland, Maine's vibrant East Bayside neighborhood.
The Blue Lobster
2.6 km
Experience the charm of Maine at The Blue Lobster, your go-to gift shop for unique souvenirs in Portland's picturesque Old Port.
Siempre Mas
2.6 km
Discover unique clothing and handcrafted jewelry at Siempre Mas, Portland's charming boutique in the heart of Old Port, Maine.
CrateFull of Maine
2.6 km
Explore CrateFull of Maine, where local craftsmanship meets the charm of Portland in beautifully curated gift baskets and artisanal treats.
Waterlily
2.6 km
Discover unique artisan gifts at Waterlily, Portland's charming boutique filled with handcrafted treasures that showcase local artistry.
Cool As A Moose
2.7 km
Explore Cool As A Moose, the perfect gift shop in Portland for unique Maine souvenirs, clothing, and fun accessories.
The Maine Souvenir Shop - Portland
2.7 km
Explore the vibrant selection of unique gifts and authentic Maine souvenirs at The Maine Souvenir Shop in Portland, a treasure for every traveler.
Blanche & Mimi
2.7 km
Explore Blanche & Mimi in Portland, ME for unique gifts and local artisan treasures in a charming shopping atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Spring Point Tavern
2.0 km
Discover the charm of Spring Point Tavern in South Portland, a cozy bar known for its local brews and hearty comfort food, perfect for tourists.
Munjoy Hill Tavern
2.3 km
Discover the heart of Maine cuisine at Munjoy Hill Tavern, where local flavors and a welcoming atmosphere create perfect dining moments.
Evie’s Ferry Village Watering Hole
2.3 km
Experience the lively atmosphere and welcoming charm at Evie's Ferry Village Watering Hole, a must-visit bar in South Portland, Maine.
The End of Portland Maine
2.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The End of Portland Maine, where craft drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await every visitor.
Cocktail Mary
2.4 km
Discover Cocktail Mary, a lively cocktail bar in Portland, ME, where vibrant drinks meet an energetic atmosphere and inclusive nightlife.
Night Mares
2.4 km
Discover Night Mares: Portland's premier bar serving innovative cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere perfect for socializing and nightlife.
Anoche
2.4 km
Experience the best of Portland's cider culture at Anoche, where craft beverages and a cozy atmosphere await.
Andy's Old Port Pub
2.4 km
Discover the quintessential Portland experience at Andy's Old Port Pub, where delicious seafood meets live music and a lively atmosphere.
The North Point
2.6 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.
The Armory Lounge
2.6 km
Discover The Armory Lounge: Portland's premier destination for handcrafted cocktails and local cuisine in a stylish setting.
Lincolns
2.6 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
2.7 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.
Maps
2.7 km
Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Maps Bar in Portland, where every sip is a journey through captivating maps.
The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club
2.7 km
Experience the flavors of Scandinavia at The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club, where craft cocktails and unique dishes await in a cozy setting.
Portland Mash TUN
2.7 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.