Things To Do
Walk around Peaks Island
A wonderful, fairly flat 3 1/2 mile walk around beautiful Peaks Island. See island cottages and gardens then walk along the back shore with waves crashing just a dozen feet away. Spectacular views, lots of rocks and benches on which to take a break. It is a great drive as well, but walking the island is an activity you'll never forget.
Peaks Island Playgound
Fun, quirky playground on the grounds of the PI Elementary School. Open to all except during school hours.
Hannigan's Island Market
As their slogan says, "If we don't have it, you don't need it." The only market on the island, Hannigan's is well stocked with most grocery items on freight days (Tuesday and Friday afternoons), fairly well stocked other times. Full liquor store, ice, deli, baby needs, fresh baked goods (sometimes). Friendly staff.
Down Front: ice cream and souveniers
Yummy ice cream, Peaks Island t-shirts and sweatshirts, other souvenirs.
Island Lobster Company
Fresh lobster rolls and other seafood (and burgers), big open deck overlooking the harbor. Great place for a sunset dinner.
Brad’s Bike Rental & Repair
Rent a bike for an hour, half-day, full day, or week. All sizes including kids. Helmets included. Even some tandem bikes. A ride around Peaks is a must-do.
Battery Steele
Running through the dark tunnel of this abandoned WWII battery is a rite of passage for island young people-and fun for visitors. With ever-changing art spray painted on the walls, the Battery is in the middle of the island. It is on most island maps, or ask any of the Parkers, Caseys, Eisenbergs, Simpsons, or any local person how to get there. Ride a bike or walk in.
The Cafe
The Cafe is the place for breakfast and COFFEE on Peaks. Great lunch too. Closes at 1 pm or 2 pm. Right up from the ferry, just below the ice cream store.
Peaks Island Beaches
Peaks has a number of sandy beaches, including Centennial Beach on the north side of the island (left from the ferry) and Sandy Beach on the south side (right from the ferry). They are small, but pretty. Water is chilly, but water temps in the middle of August are the best you'll get, so give it a try. Bracing is the most common word used, or the most polite one.
The Cockeyed Gull Restaurant
Great food at a smallish island restaurant. Right next to Hannigan's Store, down front. Reservations needed
Jones Landing
More formal dinner and a huge deck with one of the best views on the East Coast.
The Inn On Peaks Island
Island inn and restaurant, just up from the ferry. The Inn has some rooms for rent, but there are rarely openings. Restaurant with food and drinks. Great place to people watch. The bride and both of her sisters (and most of her island friends) grew up working there.
Baba’s Cafe
Gourmet coffee, espresso, pastries. Eclectic and cozy.
Peaks Island Map
Map of island with pins in some locations listed here.
Standard Baking Co
Moving on to PORTLAND (mainland) places to visit--Standard has yummy pastries, croissants. Best bread in town. Coffee too.
The Porthole Restaurant & Pub
Great place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Or just a drink on the wharf to watch the sunset.
Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant
Irish pub. Enough said.
Shipyard Brewing Company
Brewery tours, tasting room, brewery swag. One block from hotels.
Eventide Oyster Co.
Best restaurant in the state. Fresh seafood, beautiful cocktails, glorious deserts. Reservations absolutely needed--make it weeks ahead if you are able.
Oxbow Blending & Bottling
Great brewery in an area of the city brimming with restaurants, distilleries, and stores. Short-ish walk from the hotels.
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
Short, fun ride along the Eastern Prom. Kids love it (parents and grandparents too). It's a short walk from the hotel.
Eastern Promenade Children's Playground
Perhaps the playground with the best view in America. Walkable from the hotel, but a longish walk. Quick Uber.
Portland Museum of Art
Impressive collection for a small city
Casco Bay Lines
Casco Bay Lines, the ferry service you will take to the island for the wedding runs a Mailboat Run every day. It is about a 3 hour ferry tour, stopping at five of the islands in Casco Bay. You stay on the ferry and get a wonderful tour of beautiful Casco Bay. Bring sandwiches!