Back Cove Travel Guide
Portland
Visit Back Cove
Popular places to visit
State Theatre
The beautiful mix of architectural styles, from Art Deco to Moorish, makes this newly renovated performing arts venue one of New England’s best.
Portland Museum of Art
Maine’s largest and oldest art institution showcases three centuries of American art and European masters in its architecturally impressive museum complex.
East End Beach
Swim in the Atlantic Ocean, stroll along the sand-and-pebble shoreline or enjoy a picnic with unbeatable views at Portland’s public beach.
University of Southern Maine
Enjoy the student vibe at University of Southern Maine as part of your travels around Portland. Stroll along the seaside or attend a sporting event in the area.
Eastern Promenade
Built on an old rail corridor along the easternmost portion of Portland’s peninsula, this waterfront trail offers stunning views of the harbor and Atlantic Ocean.
Portland Observatory
After visiting Portland Observatory, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Portland. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.
Things to do
Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour
Portland Smartphone Audio Tour: Self-Guided Drive
Downtown Portland: Coastal Vibe and Old Mansions with In-Add Audio Tour
Top hotels in Back Cove
Clarion Hotel Portland Airport ME
"Great stay, clean room. Shuttle was available to take to nearby hot spots. Would recommend this hotel to anyone staying in the Portland area."
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
Portland Harbor Hotel
"The only thing I can complain about is the attitude of the bartender. Everyone else has pleasant helpful."
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown-Old Port
"This is such a nice property and a great location. We’ve stayed here twice and I wouldn’t hesitate to book again. Clean and comfortable."
Reviewed on 8 Jun 2026
Quality Inn & Suites South Portland
"This place was very run down. I would have been ok with it, but it was also not very clean. The common areas were fine, but the floors, furniture, bathtub, etc. in our room we're not clean. My dog spilled water after we'd just arrived and when we used a towel to wipe it up it came away very dirty. ..."
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
"We had a great stay at the Regency. Our room was very comfortable and the location is ideal, right in the Old Port with many excellent restaurants, fun stores, and the waterfront steps away. Very friendly and helpful staff. We appreciated the airport shuttle. Our only disappointment was that the ..."
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Portland DT/Maine Med
"Excellent staff. Easy location. Well kept and clean’n"
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Back Cove
Downtown Portland
A noteworthy feature of Downtown Portland is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Cross Insurance Arena and Merrill Auditorium.
Old Port
The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Old Port. A stop by Cross Insurance Arena or Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal might round out your trip.
West End
If you're spending some time in West End, Victoria Mansion and Portland Fire Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Portland Arts District
The ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Portland Arts District. A stop by Cross Insurance Arena or Portland Museum of Art might round out your trip.
East Bayside
If you're spending some time in East Bayside, Maine Jewish Museum and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception are top sights worth seeing.
