What are some ideas for day trips from Portland? I am going to be there this weekend? Also, when driving up from Boston, should we make stops along the coast on the way up? If so, which towns are the best?

The Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful area with several large waterfalls and great vistas.

The Columbia River Gorge would indeed be a good day trip from Portland, Oregon, but probably not from Portland, Maine. (I presume if srmartin78 is "driving from Boston" he/she probably meant Portland, ME).

Andrew

What are your interests? Outdoorsy stuff, shopping, bar hopping, museums, architecture, music?

Here's a website to get you started, though it covers more of Maine than just the Portland area: http://elsurfo.com/todo/me.htm

You may want to stop in York at Stonewall Kitchen, Ogunquit, and or Kennebunkport on the way. You could go to Freeport and or Boothbay Harbor for a day trip.

I would defnitely stop along the way. Newburyport is really pretty, then get on Route 1 North, Rye is very pretty and the new Marriott is a sight, it's the old Wentworth-by-the-Sea they sunk millions into. Then to Portsmouth, good place for lunch and a beverage in downtown, very quaint. I'd then stop in Kittery if you like outlet shopping or the Weathervane for a seafood meal. If you have a few hours, I'd continue on Route 1 North (coastal route), lots of pretty towns, York, Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunkport, etc...worth the drive!

Hmm, daytrips from Portland, depends on what you want to do. If you want to see some scenery, you could drive out to Cape Elizabeth and go to Portland Headlight or Two Lights State Park or take a drive down Route 1 south and go to Wells, Ogunquit, Perkins Cove, York areas. On the other hand, if you feel like going outlet shopping, go north on 95, 15 miles to Freeport and go to LL Bean and all the other little outlets up there. Lunch or dinner at the Broad Arrow Tavern at the Harraseeket Inn would be great!! Followed up by an ice cream at Ben and Jerry's, right in front of Bean's.

Also, on the way up from Boston, you could stop in Portsmouth, NH or Kittery, ME and go to the shops, outlets and restaurants in those towns.

Hmm, or finally, if you feel like getting out on the water, go down to Commercial St. Ferry Terminal in downtown Portland and take a ferry out to Peaks Island and go for a bike ride??? Hope this helps, there's a lot to do in Portland Old Port as well.

Have fun.