Morning: Board the Amtrak Acela Express at Union Station and enjoy scenic views of the New England coastline during the 6‑hour ride.
Afternoon: Arrive in Portland, check into your downtown hotel, then take a leisurely walk through the historic Old Port district, admiring its brick streets and waterfront boutiques.
Evening: Dine on fresh lobster at a waterfront restaurant on Commercial Street and watch the sunset over Casco Bay.
Find HotelsMorning: Grab a coffee and bike to the famous Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, exploring the lighthouse and its dramatic cliffside views.
Afternoon: Return to downtown for a visit to the Portland Museum of Art, where you can see works by Winslow Homer and contemporary Maine artists.
Evening: Stroll along the Eastern Promenade park, enjoy panoramic harbor vistas, and finish with a craft‑beer tasting at a local brewpub.
Find HotelsMorning: Hop on the Casco Bay Lines ferry for a short cruise to Peaks Island, where you can rent a bike and explore the island’s quiet beaches.
Afternoon: Back on the mainland, tour the beautifully preserved Victoria Mansion, a masterpiece of 19th‑century architecture and interior design.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in the South End neighborhood, sampling farm‑to‑table cuisine at a cozy bistro.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a final walk along the Portland Harbor Trail, stopping for a pastry at a local bakery before checking out of your hotel.
Afternoon: Board the Amtrak train at Portland Station for the return journey to Washington DC, reflecting on the coastal charm you experienced.
Evening: Arrive back at Union Station and unwind after a memorable New England getaway.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, add a half‑day to explore the charming seaside town of Kennebunkport or take a guided food tour of Portland’s famous lobster shacks. To shorten the trip, you could skip the Peaks Island ferry and spend the afternoon of Day 3 visiting the Old Port’s galleries before heading home.