As June rolls in, Portland, Maine shakes off the last traces of spring and comes to life with energy, color, and coastal charm. With longer days, mild breezes, and the first real wave of summer events, June is the perfect time to experience this creative, culinary, and coastal city. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, The Press Hotel places you at the heart of it all-just steps from the action and moments from the sea.
Here’s how to make the most of Portland in June and start your summer with a story worth sharing.
1. Stroll and Shop the Old Port District
Just a short walk from The Press Hotel, Portland’s Old Port is a cobblestone-lined treasure trove of boutiques, galleries, coffee shops, and indie bookstores. In June, shopfronts spill onto the sidewalks, window boxes bloom, and there’s an irresistible buzz in the air. Whether you’re browsing handmade jewelry, rare books, or local art, Old Port captures the spirit of Portland: creative, independent, and endlessly walkable.
Don’t miss the First Friday Art Walk, held monthly, where galleries and studios open their doors to the public. It’s a great way to meet local artists and experience Portland’s vibrant art scene up close.
2. Hit the Water: Casco Bay Cruises and Ferry Rides
Warmer weather brings Portland’s working waterfront back to life, and one of the best ways to take it all in is from the water. Head to the ferry terminal and hop aboard a Casco Bay Lines cruise. Whether you choose a sunset run, a mailboat tour through the islands, or a day trip to Peaks Island, June is ideal for catching sea breezes and panoramic views of the harbor.
If you’re staying at The Press Hotel, the terminal is just a 10-minute walk away, making it easy to spend a morning on the bay and be back in time for happy hour at UNION.
3. Taste Your Way Through the City
Portland’s reputation as a culinary capital isn’t seasonal-it’s year-round. But in June, local ingredients hit their peak and patios fill with the sounds of clinking glasses and fresh-shucked oysters. It’s a perfect time to sample everything from gourmet donuts to innovative seafood dishes.
Start your culinary journey at UNION, The Press Hotel’s own signature restaurant, where seasonal menus highlight the best of the region. Then explore beyond the hotel with local favorites like Eventide Oyster Co., Duckfat, and Belleville for breakfast pastries that border on spirituality.
4. Outdoor Events & Live Music All Month Long
From concerts at Thompson’s Point to pop-up markets and outdoor yoga at Eastern Promenade, June kicks off Portland’s event season in style. Check local calendars for festivals like the Old Port Festival Weekend, Picnic Craft Fair, or Portland Schooner Co.’s sailing excursions.
Back at The Press Hotel, you may also stumble into an impromptu art opening or evening event in the in-house gallery, which features rotating works by Maine-based artists and creatives.
5. Take a Coastal Hike or Beach Break
If you’re looking to get outside the city center, June is an ideal time to explore Maine’s iconic coastal landscapes. Drive just 20 minutes to Two Lights State Park or Fort Williams Park (home of the Portland Head Light), where ocean views, cliff walks, and quiet picnic spots await. The weather is warm, the crowds are light, and the photo ops are endless.
Start Summer Where the Stories Are
Portland in June is a blend of energy and ease-markets and music by day, coastal calm by night. And with its literary roots, thoughtful design, and central location, The Press Hotel is the ideal home base for discovering it all. Whether you’re sailing, sipping, strolling, or simply soaking it all in, your summer story begins here.