The largest city in Maine, Portland offers visitors some of the best shopping and fine dining in the state. Located along Portland’s working waterfront, the Old Port has a variety of shops and restaurants, amid the city’s cobblestoned streets and historic architecture. Visitors can walk up Congress Street to the Arts District, home to the state’s largest art museum and many small galleries.

A short drive over the Casco Bay Bridge, South Portland is home to more restaurants, the Maine Mall and the beautiful campus of Southern Maine Community College. On the other side of South Portland, the beautiful town of Cape Elizabeth is home to Fort Williams Park and Portland Headlight. The lighthouse, which was commissioned by George Washington, draws more visitors than any other lighthouse in the state.

10 things to do off Exits 44-46

1. Fore River Sanctuary

Trail heads are near 1601 Congress Street and at Rowe Avenue, off Brighton Avenue, in Portland. Go to the Portland Trails Web site at www.trails.org for specific trail maps.Step out of Maine’s biggest city and take a nature hike in the Fore River Sanctuary, where Portland Trails maintains paths through 85 acres of wildlife. A hike through the sanctuary is like stepping into a wilderness that offers marsh areas waterfalls and hills.

2. Back Cove Trail

Trail heads are off Preble Street Extension and the north side of Baxter Boulevard at Payson Park in Portland. Take a walk around Back Cove and take in one of the best views of Portland’s skyline. This 3.5 mile trail is a great place to take the dog or to walk, run or bike. A walkway under Tukey’s Bridge connects the path to Portland’s Eastern Promenade.

3. Eastern Prom

The Eastern Prom on Portland’s east end, offers some of the most breathtaking views of the city. It’s a great place for a picnic, tossing a Frisbee or taking in a spectacular view of Portland Harbor and Fort Gorges. A public park, the Eastern Prom has baseball diamonds, tennis courts and basketball courts. It’s also home to East End Beach, which is favorite gathering spot for dogs and their owners.

4. Portland’s Working Waterfront

Tour Portland’s working waterfront, located off Commercial Street in the Old Port, and see how the fishing industry continues to be a vital part of the state’s economy as well as a Maine tradition. The Gulf of Maine Research Institute and the Portland Fish Pier are both located on Portland’s waterfront as are numerous seafood restaurants.

5. Shopping

Shop the Old Port in downtown Portland or at the Maine Mall in South Portland. Whether it’s the unique shops and cobblestone streets of the Old Port or the state’s largest retail Mecca you desire, the Greater Portland area has it all. Located on the waterfront in downtown Portland, the Old Port has small shops, restaurants and pubs to explore. Home to Best Buy, Macy’s, Sears, JC Penney and dozens of other stores, the Maine Mall is open, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday-Saturday and, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Sunday.

6. Explore Portland Harbor

Kayak in Portland Harbor. Whether you own your own kayak or rent one sea kayaking can be a great way to explore Portland Harbor. Explore Back Bay or get an up-close view of Fort Gorges. Once a key military fort defending the harbor, Fort Gorges is now owned by the city and is open to the public during daylight hours.

7. Peaks Island

You have to take a ferry to get to Peaks Island, just off Portland in Portland Harbor. Call the Casco Bay Lines at 774-7871, or go online to www.cascobaylines.com, for a ferry schedule. Take a bike ride around Peaks Island. Peaks has great views of the ocean, as well as a few shops and restaurants. Bikes are available for rent on the island.

8. Crescent Beach State Park

Route 77 in Cape Elizabeth, 799-5871. Soak up the sun at Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth. Crescent is one of the state’s most scenic beaches. Named after its mile-long crescent shape, the beach has picnic areas with tables and grills, a playground, a snack bar and a bathhouse with showers.

9. Bug Light Park

Bug Light Park in South Portland is a great place to take in views of Portland Harbor and the city of Portland, just across the channel. The park is home to one of Maine’s most historic lighthouses, which is the symbol of the city of South Portland. Bug Light Park is also home to a Liberty Ship monument. During World War II, 266 liberty ships were built on the site.

10. University of New England Art Gallery

The Art Gallery is located on the Westbrook College campus of the University of New England on Stevens Avenue in Portland, 221-4499. A new exhibit entitled “On Island: Women Artists of Monhegan” will open at the Art Gallery on Thursday, July 26. The show will run through Sept. 23. An opening reception will be held at 5 p.m. and a conversation with the artists will be held at 3 p.m. both on July 26. The gallery hours are 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and 1-7 p.m. on Thursday.