15 Best Things to Do in Portland, Maine, From Seafood Tours to Island Day Trips | Condé Nast Traveler

"Peaks Island isn’t about any one thing in particular; it’s about settling into a slower pace of life. The 720-acre island is home to about 1,000 full-time residents (which turn into 3,000 come summer) focused on maintaining the area's natural beauty, history, and laid-back living. With the ferry ride from Portland clocking in at just 15 minutes, Peaks attracts many day trippers, while others rent cottages or stay at The Inn on Peaks Island for a few days or a week or two (camping isn’t allowed). Most non-residents get around by foot, bike, or rent a golf cart on Island Avenue. To witness what makes Peaks Island such a distinctive place, do one of two must-hit activities: Walk (or bike) the loop of the island and soak up its quiet calm for an afternoon, or get yourself a seat outside at the Cockeyed Gull restaurant around lunchtime. Nothing offers a better window onto the way of life here." - Alexandra Hall