Where to Spend a Snow Day in Portland

Snow days in Portland, Maine, bring out a different side of the city. Familiar places feel fresh, routines shift, and everything feels a bit quieter. No matter how you prefer to spend a snow day, here are a few local favorite spots that make winter in Portland so special, especially after a fresh snowfall.

Outdoor Places to Explore

The Eastern Prom

The Eastern Prom is one of the most scenic places to enjoy a snow day. It is a popular sledding hill for kids and adults, and the surrounding paths offer great winter walks with gorgeous views of Casco Bay and Fort Gorges. Pro tip: The Front Room on Munjoy Hill is a good place to stop for breakfast while you are in the neighborhood. There is nothing dreamier than sipping coffee while watching snow fall!

Imagine By: This Place in Maine

The Evergreen Woods

The Evergreen Woods is ideal if you want to feel like you are deep in the Maine woods without leaving Portland proper. This is a popular spot for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even fat biking, depending on the conditions. Trails are well-marked and connect to The Evergreen Cemetery and duck ponds, which offer more gorgeous walking trails and even ice skating at your own risk!

Riverside Golf Course

The Riverside Golf Course is a local favorite spot for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. Ski and snowshoe routes follow the course and trace the Presumpscot River, which makes it a beautiful place to spend a few quiet hours outside without traveling far.

Image By: Riverside Golf Course

Payson Park

Payson Park is a great family-friendly option, especially for younger kids. In the winter months, the park is a great place for ice skating, sledding, or skiing and snowboarding at the terrain park. The addition of snow guns has helped improve conditions throughout the season, and the smaller terrain park makes it an approachable place for beginners to get comfortable.

Image By: Outdoor Movement Project

Willard Beach

There is nothing more quintessential Maine than a beach walk on a snowy day and Willard Beach is a local favorite. Plus, you can make a stop at Scratch Baking Co. for some sea salt bagels and a wam cup of coffee on your way. Name a better winter morning!

Image By: The Confidant Collective

Ice Skating Options Around the City

Thompson’s Point Ice Rink

Thompson’s Point offers a well-maintained outdoor rink with a laid-back atmosphere. It is a good choice for casual skating, whether you are going out with family or meeting friends.

Image by: Portland Old Port

Deering Oaks Park

Deering Oaks is one of the most familiar winter skating spots in the city. When conditions are right, the pond attracts skaters of all ages, from families getting out for a short loop to locals who return year after year. Its central location makes it easy to pair with a walk or a stop nearby, but ice conditions can change quickly, so be sure to check safety updates before heading out.

Image By: Corey Templeton Photography

Capisic Pond

Capisic Pond offers a slightly quieter, more tucked-away skating experience. Surrounded by trees and neighborhood paths, it feels calmer and less busy than some other spots. It is a favorite for those who prefer a more relaxed setting, especially on weekday afternoons. 

Image by: Outdoor Movement Project

Here is a helpful map that shows ice skating locations nearby, making it easy to see what is close to you before heading out.

Easy Indoor Stops for a Snow Day

Via Vecchia

Via Vecchia is a natural snow day stop if you want to warm up with a drink in hand and watch the weather outside. The bar has large windows and a relaxed, refined feel that is perfect for an evening cocktail or a snowy winter date night in the Old Port.

Image By: Via Vecchia

Cuties

Cuties offers a casual, welcoming vibe, perfect for a snow day. It is an easy place to settle in, whether you stop by after a winter walk or plan to stay awhile. They offer a delicious lineup of snacks and drinks with options available both day and night. It is tucked in the heart of the Old Port, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the snowfall on the cobblestone streets.

Image By: Cuties

Supporting Local Businesses During Winter

Winter tends to be a quieter season for many Portland businesses, which makes snow days a meaningful time to show support. A coffee from a neighborhood spot, an afternoon at the rink, a meal out, or time spent browsing a local shop all add up. These small choices help keep the places that define the city moving through the slower months.

Portland works best in winter when you lean into it. A snow day does not need a packed plan. A few dependable places, a warm coat, and a flexible schedule usually do the trick.

If a move in the Portland area is something you have been thinking about this year, I am always happy to talk through options, timing, or next steps whenever it feels right.