The Eastern Promenade
The Eastern Promenade was designed in 1905 by the Olmsted Brothers landscape firm, renowned for creating New York's Central Park and the Boston Commons. Today, the 68-acre historic landscape on the northeastern slope of Munjoy Hill (east end of Portland peninsula) offers unparalleled views of Casco Bay and Portland Harbor, as well as abundant opportunities for public recreation and enjoyment in all four seasons.
"The Eastern Promenade has a more beautiful outlook than any other vacant space in the city and should be preserved as an open space." -William Goold, Portland historian, 1883
The two-mile Eastern Promenade Trail is Portland’s finest harbor-side stroll. It begins in downtown Portland and connects to the Back Cove Trail and Bayside Trail. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad runs along the edge of the Eastern Promenade with special trains all season.
- The Eastern Promenade is dog friendly, with an off leash area next to Fort Allen Park and East End Beach. See Dog Rules + Regulations.
- Public transportation – Metro buses #1 and #8 to Eastern Promenade.
- A history of the park is available at Master Plan for the Eastern Promenade.
- The East End beach is situated off Eastern Promenade and Cutter Street, and is a popular destination for recreational activities including swimming, sunning, kayaking, rowing or just making sand castles. Facilities include a public boat launch, a boat mooring field, public restrooms and changing areas.
There are tennis and basketball courts, baseball fields, a playground, and multi-use trails that snake alongside the shoreline. It’s a popular spot for picnics, frisbee, kite flying, walking, running, biking, winter sledding, marathons, fundraising walks, swimming events and band concerts. All activities add life and joy to the park.