Nestled on the calm waters of Casco Bay, Portland combines small town New England charm with the luxuries of a large city and a walk on the beach. It is easy to explore the cobbled streets of the Old Port on foot while browsing the shops and art galleries or sampling a local beer at one of the many brewpubs. Portland has entertainment for everyone whether you’re looking for art museums and galleries, nature walks and hikes during the day with a luxurious bed to sleep in at night, a place to bring the kids, or the opportunity to eat lobster everyday.

Portland is also an excellent base for touring southeastern Maine. You could begin your Maine lighthouse tour at Two Lights State Park where you’ll find the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, shoreline hiking trails, and the delicious Two Lights Lobster Shack. Beach goers will find miles of sandy, white beaches at Pine Point and Old Orchard Beach within half an hour drive from Portland.

If you’re in Maine, there’s only one thing to eat: seafood. And there’s plenty of it in Portland from lobster and clams to haddock and crab. You can get anything from haddock all dressed up with blueberry compote to a mayonnaise-y lobster roll in a toasted hot dog bun.

For casual fare, J’s Oyster Bar is a divey, hole in the wall institution. This is the place for a few raw oysters, some steamers, and a cold beer. Plus, the lobster stew and clam chowder are homemade with seafood straight from the harbor.

For something a little more romantic, a drive to the Sea Glass Restaurant at Inn by the Sea is in order. The menu changes based on availability of local produce. The Sea Glass restaurant has a quiet elegance complete with candles, white tablecloths, and an ocean view.

Kids will love almost any of the cruises that leave from Casco Bay each day. A Downeast Duck Adventure winds through the Old Port and then splashes into the harbor in an amphibious vehicle. Whale watching trips, while long, are also popular. A handful of lobstermen also take passengers out on their boats to learn how to catch a lobster. That picture of your daughter holding up a lobster could be a conversation piece for decades.

On a rainy day, the Children’s Museum of Maine is worth a visit. You’ll find children’s museum staples like fire trucks and a dress up theater mixed in with things that are uniquely Maine like a lobster boat and an interactive exhibit on the life of whales.

About half an hour south of Portland, you’ll find Funtown/Splashtown USA, a water park and an amusement park for the family. The littlest members of your clan can enjoy the bumper boats while the older ones challenge each other at the speedier bumper cars. (Insider tip: On your way back to Portland, make a detour to Len Libby for homemade ice cream and to meet Lenny, a life size moose made of chocolate.)

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