Peaks Island Portland Maine
A charming Casco Bay island escape, just a short ferry ride from Portland, offering bike rentals, unique museums, and delicious pizza.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Peaks Island Portland Maine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Casco Bay island escape, just a short ferry ride from Portland, offering bike rentals, unique museums, and delicious pizza.
"The best part of our trip to southern Maine! Highly recommend checking this place out."
🎯 Book Rentals Ahead
Golf carts and bikes are popular! Reserve yours in advance to guarantee availability.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll want to explore on foot, so pack comfy shoes for walking and biking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Peaks Island Ferry Ride
A scenic 15-20 minute journey offering stunning Casco Bay views.

Bike or Golf Cart Exploration
Cruise around the island's picturesque roads and discover its charm at your own pace.
Il Leone Peaks Pizza
Enjoy delicious wood-fired pizza in a dreamy outdoor garden setting.

Umbrella Cover Museum
A quirky and unique museum dedicated to umbrella sleeves – a true island oddity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry First, Then Explore
Island Pace & Peak Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Rentals Ahead
Golf carts and bikes are popular! Reserve yours in advance to guarantee availability.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll want to explore on foot, so pack comfy shoes for walking and biking.
💰 BYOB for Pizza
Bring your favorite drinks to Il Leone Peaks for a perfect pizza pairing.
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Wharf
Don't just stay near the ferry; rent a bike or cart to see the whole island!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Rentals Ahead
Golf carts and bikes are popular! Reserve yours in advance to guarantee availability.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll want to explore on foot, so pack comfy shoes for walking and biking.
💰 BYOB for Pizza
Bring your favorite drinks to Il Leone Peaks for a perfect pizza pairing.
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Wharf
Don't just stay near the ferry; rent a bike or cart to see the whole island!
🛒 Grocery Store Option
Save money by grabbing snacks and drinks at the island's grocery store.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Peaks Island as a delightful day trip from Portland, highlighting its charm, scenic beauty, and relaxed island atmosphere. The ferry ride is a highlight, and options like bike and golf cart rentals make exploration easy and fun. While generally loved, some note that it can get quite busy, even outside of peak summer months.
"Great day trip! We took the ferry over and rented a golf cart. It was an amazing experience, best part of our trip to southern Maine. The island is beautiful and the community has a lot of charm. The food was great also! Highly recommend check this place out, we spend around 4 hours there and saw pretty much most of the island."
Brittany G
"Excellent day Trip. My husband and I escaped Southern NH for the weekend and made our way to Peaks Island ( sept 12 ) it was a gorgeous day so let me tell you it was still very busy even after the summer season wind down. The island is beautiful clean and offers a few shops some Trails a few restaurants and overall a nice day out. The ferry is $14 per adult ( round Trip) we rented a golf cart on the island to scoot us around."
Irenemarie
"The small town had bikes, golf carts to ride. The bay views were great!! It was I really great quiet trip. Love the ferry ride over."
Jason Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the Casco Bay Lines ferry from the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal in Portland. The ride is about 15-20 minutes and offers beautiful views of the bay.
Ferry schedules vary by season and day of the week. It's best to check the official Casco Bay Lines website for the most up-to-date information.
A round-trip ferry ticket typically costs around $14 per adult, but prices can change. Check the Casco Bay Lines website for current fares.
Yes, there is a car ferry service, but it's generally more economical and practical to leave your car in Portland and use island transportation.
Casco Bay Lines ferries are generally accessible. It's recommended to contact them directly if you have specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not always mandatory, buying ferry tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to avoid long lines and ensure your spot.
Peaks Island itself is free to explore. Some attractions like the 5th Maine Regiment Museum may have small admission fees.
Operating hours for museums and shops can vary, especially outside of the main summer season. It's best to check individual attraction websites or inquire locally.
It's strongly advised to book golf cart rentals in advance, as they are very popular and can sell out quickly, especially during busy periods.
Bike rentals typically cost around $20 for a 2-hour period, often including a helmet. Prices can vary between rental shops.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The most popular ways to explore are by renting a bike or a golf cart. Walking is also a great option for shorter distances.
Don't miss the Umbrella Cover Museum, the 5th Maine Regiment Museum, exploring Battery Steele, and enjoying the scenic coastline.
Yes, Peaks Island has several small beaches where you can relax, search for sea glass, or enjoy the ocean views.
Absolutely! Peaks Island is a perfect day trip destination from Portland, offering a charming escape with plenty to see and do.
The island has a mix of paved roads and some unpaved paths. It's generally easy to navigate, especially with a bike or golf cart.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Popular spots include Il Leone Peaks for wood-fired pizza, The Pub on Peaks Island for casual dining, and various other eateries offering fresh seafood and local fare.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. There's a grocery store on the island, and it's a great way to save money, especially if you plan a picnic.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian options, and some may have vegan choices. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask staff about dietary accommodations.
Dining prices can vary. While some restaurants offer fine dining, you can find more affordable options, especially if you utilize the grocery store or opt for pizza.
The wood-fired lobster pizza from Il Leone Peaks is a highly recommended signature dish that many visitors rave about.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the Casco Bay, the charming island architecture, Battery Steele, and the unique Umbrella Cover Museum. The ferry ride itself offers great photo opportunities.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful soft light for photography. Midday can be bright but still offers good opportunities, especially with the vibrant colors of the island.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local ordinances and FAA guidelines before flying a drone on Peaks Island to ensure compliance.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the scenic views, and a prime lens is good for portraits.
Yes, Peaks Island offers a beautiful and unique backdrop for engagement photos, with its coastal scenery and charming atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting Around Peaks Island
For a more relaxed experience, golf cart rentals are also readily available. These are perfect for families or those who prefer not to pedal. It's highly recommended to book these in advance, especially during the busy summer months, as they tend to get reserved quickly. Many visitors find that a 2-hour rental is sufficient to see most of the island.
Walking is also a pleasant way to experience the island's charm, particularly if you plan to focus on the areas closest to the ferry terminal. The island is relatively small, making it accessible for those who enjoy leisurely strolls.
Unique Island Attractions
History buffs will appreciate the 5th Maine Regiment Museum, which offers a glimpse into the island's past and its role in the Civil War. Nearby, Battery Steele is an impressive abandoned artillery bunker that provides a fascinating historical site to explore, often featured in artistic performances.
For a taste of local flavor, Il Leone Peaks offers an exceptional dining experience with its wood-fired pizzas in a beautiful outdoor setting. It's a must-visit for foodies looking for a memorable meal with a view.
Planning Your Peaks Island Visit
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. If visiting in summer, weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Remember to pack essentials like sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a light jacket, as coastal weather can change quickly.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit