Portland to Davis train

Portland is Maine's largest city and, because of that, the main transportation hub in the state. From Portland, travelers can easily reach destinations such as Boston, Albany, and even Gainesville, Texas, by a combination of buses, trains, and ferries. And there’s plenty to do in the city, even if you’re traveling solo.

Since its foundation in 1786, Portland has recovered from no less than four major fires, creating a fascinating blend of old and new. The dedicated Arts District around upper Congress Street has a smattering of important museum collections, including the Portland Museum of Art, the state's oldest public art institution.

The West End hosts the majority of Portland's historic buildings, creating an olde worlde feel. However, the presence of several well-regarded schools and colleges ensures Portland remains one of the most vibrant small cities in the U.S.

After several years of hardship, the Old Port district has once again become the center of the action. Its attractive cobblestone streets and 19th-century red-brick warehouses now contain a selection of on-trend cafes, bars, and boutique stores. At the same time, it's still possible to watch the time-honored tradition of fishermen unloading their lobster pots onto the foreshore.

East of the downtown area, you'll find Munjoy Hill. It's a district with strong Irish and Italian roots, making it one of the best places in Portland to enjoy the authentic cuisine of Italy. It’s no wonder we named Portland one of our top vacation destinations in Maine.

Davis, located west of Sacramento in California, is famous for its small-town charm, green spaces, and bike-friendliness. Bring your bike to enjoy 50 miles of bicycle paths packed into the city, and pedal just about anywhere – including to the US Bicycling Hall of Fame, complete with antique bikes and trophies. Or, if you’d prefer to stay on your own two feet, talk a walk through any of the 399 acres of park land with picnic spots and sports fields. Swing by Central Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays to bag some fresh fruit and veggies at the Davis Farmers Market.

The event of the year is the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, held in mid-April at Sudwerk Brewery. This hanami-inspired event celebrates Japanese and Asian culture with live music, local artist galleries, seasonal beer, and cultural activities like mochi pounding. The best part? The whole event is a fundraiser, usually supporting one or more charities.

Other unique attractions in Davis include the California Raptor Center, an educational and research facility, and the UC Davis Arboretum, botanical garden and research center. Pick your own boysenberries, blackberries, and cherries at Impossible Acres, just east of town. The Explorit Science Center is an interactive science museum perfect for hands-on kiddos– and adults.

For food and entertainment, visit Roots Of Happiness, a coffee and tea lounge with karaoke and a piano. Check out Putah Creek Winery to learn about (and taste) a variety of different wines. The Artery is the perfect place to find decor, gifts, jewelry and more all while supporting local artists in Davis.

Amtrak Station is the central train station in Davis, and trains connect to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Seattle. There are three main bus stops across the city with service from Flixbus and Amtrak Thruway, including popular routes from Sacramento – making it easy to get to the nearest airport, the Sacramento International Airport.