While the City of Portland is a relatively small city, it is a mix of small-town friendliness and cosmopolitan sophistication. Most of the Port of Portland's attractions are located near the port. As a port city, the Port of Portland enjoys a relatively mild climate, with temperatures ranging from an average of 26.8 °C (86.6 °F) in August to an average of .9 °C (33.7 °F) in January. The rainiest months are from November through March. The Port of Portland has many historic and natural attractions, but there are a few that visitors will not want to miss.

The Port of Portland's Old Port is a busy revitalized warehouse district that combines the working waterfront with stylish entertainment, dining, and shopping opportunities. Its cobblestone streets are lined with unique shops, wonderful restaurants serving Maine's famous lobster and seafood dishes, and exciting clubs and bars for evening entertainment. The Old Port is modern, yet the working port, the foghorn, and the songs of the seagulls make it one of New England's most charming areas.

Just a few blocks uptown from the waterfront is the Arts District. Surrounding Congress Street are many artists' studios, art galleries, and antique shops as well as the Portland Museum of Art, the Children's Museum of Maine, the State Theater, the Center for Maine History, and the Center for Cultural Exchange. The beautifully-renovated Merrill Auditorium also graces Commerce Street. Among these attractions are many historic buildings, including the 19th Century Wadsworth-Longfellow House, the First Parish Church, and the oldest standing high school in America.

The Wadsworth-Longfellow House is a true highlight for any visit to the Port of Portland. Three generations of this amazing family occupied the home, contributing to the cultural, political, and literary life of New England and the entire country. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, America's beloved poet, grew up here. Today, the home is maintained by the Maine Historical Society, and they protect the household items that are original to the home's residents.

Nature lovers will want to visit Back Cove, a large inlet connected to the ocean by a canal and a five-kilometer recreation path. The path is lined with linden trees that honor the fallen of World War I. Back Cove Trail affords wonderful views of the skyline of the Port of Portland, and it is a great place to run, bike, or walk the family's dog.

Travelers who want to visit the Port of Portland by sea can find a list of scheduled cruises on the Cruise Compete website; however, they will need to comb through the list to distinguish cruises between those for Portland, Maine, and Portland, Oregon.

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