Why Portland, Maine Is A Fantastic Place To Visit In The Summer

They call Maine "Vacationland."

Sure, the winters are bitter cold, but for at least three months out of the year Maine's coast transforms into an oceanside summer retreat.

That's particularly true for Portland, the state's largest city and home to one of the most important working waterfronts in New England.

Portland is located in Southern Maine on Casco Bay, about a two-hour drive from Boston. There are beaches and a ferry service for visitors who want to explore the Bay, including several of its bigger islands.

Back on the mainland, there is no shortage of posh restaurants, shops, and museums.