Peaks Island - Image 1
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Peaks Island Portland Maine

4.6
·195 reviews·Portland, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
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Peaks Island - Image 1

Peaks Island Portland Maine

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.6
(195 reviews)

"The best part of our trip to southern Maine! Highly recommend checking this place out."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Peaks Island Ferry Ride

Peaks Island Ferry Ride

A scenic 15-20 minute journey offering stunning Casco Bay views.

Instagram+1
Bike or Golf Cart Exploration

Bike or Golf Cart Exploration

Cruise around the island's picturesque roads and discover its charm at your own pace.

InstagramReddit
Il Leone Peaks Pizza

Il Leone Peaks Pizza

Enjoy delicious wood-fired pizza in a dreamy outdoor garden setting.

Instagram+1
Umbrella Cover Museum

Umbrella Cover Museum

A quirky and unique museum dedicated to umbrella sleeves – a true island oddity.

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Planning Your Visit

Ferry First, Then Explore

The adventure begins with a scenic ferry ride from Portland. Book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure a smooth journey. Once on Peaks Island, consider renting a bike or golf cart to easily navigate its charming roads and discover hidden gems. InstagramReddit

Island Pace & Peak Times

While Peaks Island is a popular day trip, it maintains a relaxed island vibe. To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekdays or shoulder seasons. Even in September, the island can be busy, so booking rentals like golf carts ahead is wise. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, late morning
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
September afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer summer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, but busy
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍 Boston Bay Beach, Portland #portland #boston #explore #jamaicatiktok #contentcreator #tiktoktravel
@ttraceymedia0
9.3K likes • 136.5K views

🎯 Book Rentals Ahead

Golf carts and bikes are popular! Reserve yours in advance to guarantee availability. InstagramReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll want to explore on foot, so pack comfy shoes for walking and biking. Instagram

Afternoon in Peaks Island, Maine. 🏝️🦞 #maine #portlandmaine #portland #peaksisland #vacation #thingstodo #dji #osmo #osmopocket
ernesto319
89 likes • 3.5K views
Here’s how to spend the perfect day on 📍Peaks Island, Maine 🌊🚲🦞Hop on a 15 minute ferry in Portland and definitely rent a bike to explore around &&& most definitely get the pizza from @illeonepeaks 🍕
hannah.sulcov
89 likes • 5.9K views

💰 BYOB for Pizza

Bring your favorite drinks to Il Leone Peaks for a perfect pizza pairing. Instagram

🗺️ Explore Beyond the Wharf

Don't just stay near the ferry; rent a bike or cart to see the whole island! Instagram

The highlight of our Maine trip = Peaks Island 🏝️ Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Portland, and it feels like another world. 🌊 We rented bikes at @peaksislandbikerental for only $20 each (2hrs, helmet included) and explored the entire island in one afternoon 🚲. Between the ocean views, a stop at the 5th Maine Regiment Museum, and cute little restaurants to grab a bite, it was the perfect escap...
anapatriciaa.travels
43 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Rentals Ahead

Golf carts and bikes are popular! Reserve yours in advance to guarantee availability. InstagramReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll want to explore on foot, so pack comfy shoes for walking and biking. Instagram

💰 BYOB for Pizza

Bring your favorite drinks to Il Leone Peaks for a perfect pizza pairing. Instagram

🗺️ Explore Beyond the Wharf

Don't just stay near the ferry; rent a bike or cart to see the whole island! Instagram

🛒 Grocery Store Option

Save money by grabbing snacks and drinks at the island's grocery store. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(195 reviews)

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

Charming island atmosphere
Scenic ferry ride
Bike and golf cart rentals

What People Dislike

Can be very busy
Rentals can sell out

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. InstagramReddit+1

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. Instagram

A round-trip ferry ticket typically costs around $14 per adult, but prices can change. Check the Casco Bay Lines website for current fares. Reddit

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. TikTok

Casco Bay Lines ferries are generally accessible. It's recommended to contact them directly if you have specific accessibility needs. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. InstagramReddit

Peaks Island itself is free to explore. Some attractions like the 5th Maine Regiment Museum may have small admission fees. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Bike rentals typically cost around $20 for a 2-hour period, often including a helmet. Prices can vary between rental shops. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

Don't miss the Umbrella Cover Museum, the 5th Maine Regiment Museum, exploring Battery Steele, and enjoying the scenic coastline. Instagram+1

Yes, Peaks Island has several small beaches where you can relax, search for sea glass, or enjoy the ocean views. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Peaks Island is a perfect day trip destination from Portland, offering a charming escape with plenty to see and do. Reddit

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. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Instagram+2

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

The wood-fired lobster pizza from Il Leone Peaks is a highly recommended signature dish that many visitors rave about. Instagram

📸 📸 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. Instagram+2

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. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local ordinances and FAA guidelines before flying a drone on Peaks Island to ensure compliance. Instagram

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. Instagram

Yes, Peaks Island offers a beautiful and unique backdrop for engagement photos, with its coastal scenery and charming atmosphere. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Peaks Island is a fantastic family-friendly destination. The short ferry ride is an adventure in itself for kids, and renting bikes or a golf cart makes exploring fun and manageable. Instagram+1 Pack a picnic from the island's grocery store for a budget-friendly and enjoyable meal with a view. Reddit The beaches offer opportunities for sandcastle building and sea glass hunting, keeping little ones entertained. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

couples

Peaks Island offers a romantic escape with its charming atmosphere and beautiful coastal scenery. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the coast, share a delicious pizza at Il Leone Peaks, or simply relax on one of the island's quiet beaches. Instagram+1 The unique Umbrella Cover Museum provides a fun and quirky shared experience. Instagram Consider visiting during sunset for breathtaking views and a memorable evening. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Getting Around Peaks Island

Once you disembark the ferry at the main wharf, you'll find several convenient ways to explore Peaks Island. Bike rentals are a very popular choice, allowing you to cover more ground and enjoy the fresh sea air. Several rental shops are located near the ferry landing, offering bikes for adults and sometimes children. Instagram+1

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. Reddit Many visitors find that a 2-hour rental is sufficient to see most of the island. Reddit

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. Reddit

Unique Island Attractions

Peaks Island boasts a few truly unique attractions that set it apart. The Umbrella Cover Museum, a tiny but riotously fun museum, is dedicated solely to the sleeves that cover umbrellas. It's a quirky stop that guarantees a smile and makes for a memorable story. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

Planning Your Peaks Island Visit

A day trip to Peaks Island is a fantastic addition to any Portland, Maine itinerary. The ferry ride itself is an experience, offering stunning views of Casco Bay and the Portland skyline. Instagram Plan for at least 3-4 hours on the island to comfortably explore its main attractions and enjoy a meal. Reddit

Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Reddit If visiting in summer, weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Reddit Remember to pack essentials like sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a light jacket, as coastal weather can change quickly. Instagram

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