One of our favorite Summer and Fall day trips is to Peaks Island. It is a 20 min scenic but economical ferry boat ride from Portland, Maine.
This classic Maine coastal island is about 4 miles in circumference, navigable by biking, golf cart, walking, or car. There are paved roads around the perimeter, and some dirt roads and trails inland. There are plenty of pull over spots along the outer road to enjoy the rocky surf, sandy beaches, distant islands, and view of Portland. It has a strong art and author history, and you’ll find shops offering these items close to the pier.
Getting Around
We have 3 small children. We rented golf carts for 2 hours here so that we could see more of the island. The two older boys sat in the back, our smaller daughter up front with us. Our family of five was able to fit on one golf cart. If planning to go on a summer weekend, be sure to rent one online the DAY BEFORE. The golf cart rental businesses are a short walk off the pier and up the hill.
Tip: For family members with limited mobility, have them wait by the pier while the licensed driver obtains the golf cart. You can then drive down and pick them up at the pier. The drive around the perimeter offers excellent views even without climbing out onto the rocky beaches.
Alternatively, consider bringing your bikes on the ferry (for a small upcharge). You can also rent a bike from one of the bike rental places on the island. There are a few bike rental shops all within walking distance from the pier as you get off the boat. The perimeter roads are mostly flat and we are hoping to conquer this with our family next year.
Driving a car is an option, but less strongly suggested. Car ferries travel less often, are more expensive, and the Island roads are packed with golf carts, bikers, and pedestrians. Carts and bikes offer more parking options as well.
Things to do:
Travel the perimeter and stop at interesting points like Picnic Point, numerous coves, Whaleback Ledge, and the cairn beach. A one of a kind quirky Umbrella Cover Museum is also on Peaks. There are inland wooded trails as well. If you have extra time (staying overnight), these would be worth the wandering.
Stop for coffee and pastry at Baba’s
This small repurposed century old cape style house is now home to a fantastic Eastern European inspired coffee shop. It also offers fresh made pastries. A relaxed atmosphere with a small raised porch overlooking the bay, this cafe alone is worth the visit to Peaks. It is a short walk up the hill and to the left after getting off the ferry. https://www.babaspeaksisland.com/
Picnic Lunch:
We grabbed a last minute picnic lunch. It included fresh bread, a block of cheese, some fruit, and pepperoni. We got these items at Hannigan’s Island Market. It’s up the hill. Then, go left a block or so from the pier. It is not far from the golf cart station. https://www.hannigansislandmarket.com/
Battery Steele:
Visit Battery Steele, an abandoned battery in the center of the island looking out over the southeastern coast. The roads there are bumpy dirt trails. Golf carts can get through but ask the golf cart attendants which approach is best. Once there, it is safe to travel through the graffiti tunnels. Keep small kids close by so they don’t wander off into the dark. It is well visited by tourists all day long, but I probably would avoid this area after dark.
Lunch at Island Lobster Co
This waterfront restaurant faces the pier and small beach. Enjoy shaded lunch and dinner options with refreshing beverages and quick service. Restrooms also available for customer use. It’s a quick 8 min or less walk from the pier (uphill, to the right). Seating on the deck or yard (I prefer the deck). You can see your ferry heading into the pier and still make it in time to board your return home trip. There is also a small yard for the kids to run around on while waiting for food. Best of all, they have a kids menu!!!
Shopping:
There are a few small artisan, souvenir, coffee, and ice cream shops right as you exit off the ferry. These are fun to explore and I usually save it until right before leaving on the ferry.
How to get there
The ferry boat departs from the easy to find Portland Pier through Casco Bay Lines. Parking is available at the garage on site, but this often fills quickly on summer weekends. Either arrive very early or plan to park at another city lot. Times vary but are as often as every hour during peak summer weekends. Please be sure to check the ferry schedule below and plan ahead. There are small seasonal restrooms when you get off the ferry, in the parking lot on the right.
Casco Bay Lines Ferry, Peaks Island
Sample itinerary (with cart):
9:00: Ferry to Island
9:30: Restroom break.
9:45: Walk to Babas for coffee/pastry
10:30: Stop at Hannigan’s for picnic snacks/lunch.
11:15: Pick up golf cart (2 hour rental)
11:15 – 12:15: Drive the perimeter (counterclockwise) stopping at any beaches or coves you find interesting. Wade into the shallow waters. Take lots of pics.
12:15 : Drive back around again this time to investigate Battery Steele.
12:45: Pick a big flat rock on the coast and eat snacks.
1:15: Return golf cart
1:30: Investigate shops near the pier
2:00: Late lunch/early dinner at Island Lobster
3:30: Return to Portland by boat, in time to explore Commercial street and head home.
Interested in learning more about life on Peak’s Island? Consider this wonderful true story about a doctor building a medical practice on the Island, and getting to know it’s people and culture:
Go By Boat – by Dr. Chuck Radis. (#ad)
I hope you find this guide helpful in planning your first trip to Peaks Island. Love hearing about other hidden gems, email me your tips!
kit@astrayfish.com
Unless otherwise stated, all photos throughout this blog are my own and cannot be printed or distributed without my permission.
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