Top 20 Experiences in Portland
The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local
Welcome to my hometown! Hop aboard for an authentic 90 minute sightseeing tour of Portland and 3 lighthouses with an experienced guide who is a real local, born and raised in Portland, ME. Get an insider’s look at the current happenings and rich history of my hometown. We’ll go where other tours go, and then I'll take you places other tours don't - you'll see hidden gems and learn little known facts about Portland and the great state of Maine that only a real local knows! As a college librarian I'm always researching the hidden history of Portland, while at the same time keeping on top of what's new in town and visiting as many local establishments that I can. I take pride in representing this city, and providing an informative and entertaining tour, delivered with a true Mainer's sense of humor. This is The Real Portland Tour! Check my website for a complete listing of tour days, times, and availability.
Downtown Portland, Maine City and Lighthouse Tour-2.5 hour Land Tour
This tour is for the Lighthouse Lovers!!! Unfortunately in Maine, we cannot go into the lighthouses, except 1 day in the year. This tour is visiting the lighthouse grounds with epic photo stops!! Whether this is your first visit or you've lived in Portland for years, you’ll explore the Greater Portland area from a new perspective. Travel through downtown Portland with a local lobsterman and hear about the working waterfront, commercial fishing industry and more! Next, visit 3 lighthouses and spend about 40 minutes walking around and taking pictures at historic Portland Head Light. 2 more photo stops are included on the tour at Spring Point Head Light and Bug Light. Transportation provided in a temperature controlled 12 passenger Ford Transit. Your guide provides tips for dining and activities during your stay in Portland, Maine. Call us directly for information on booking a custom or charter service tour!
Portland Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay
What better way to see the delights of Portland than from the sea in one of the famous schooner tall ships. Join us for this mid morning cruise that will make your visit to Portland live long in the memory.
A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland
Curious about Portland's history with railroads, fires, wars, famous poets and Hollywood producers? Join us for a Walk Through Time! This tour begins on Commercial Street and continues for 2 hours through the historic Old Port, downtown and waterfront areas, sharing highlights of Portland's history since 1632. Some of the locations we may feature on your tour include; the lobster statue, the home of Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow and his place of worship, the Eastern Cemetery, the Abyssinian Church, the U.S. Customs House and more. ***Tour duration is two "ish" hours, based on guest engagement and pace of the group. Planning on 2.5 hours for arriving early to check-in and make it back to your vehicle post tour is recommended.
Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise
Explore the bustling inner harbor, Diamond Pass, and the main shipping channel to get close up views of civil war era forts and as many as 4 lighthouses that guide mariners into Portland Harbor.
Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine
This 50-minute sightseeing tour is a fun and unique way to discover Portland, Maine. Board a Vintage Fire Engine and travel back in time as your knowledgeable guide helps relive Portland’s colorful history from a local’s perspective. See lighthouses, Civil War forts, city parks and buildings, interesting stories and a multimedia experience packed with historic images of Maine. This is one family-friendly tour you should not miss out on!
Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour
The most comprehensive tour of Portland! Hop on board a trolley and relax as we show you around. The tour covers all of our most famous sights on the Portland peninsula. Towards the end of the tour, we make a 20-30 minute stop out at Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth.
Old Port "Seafood Lovers" Walking Lunch Tour in Portland, Maine
Learn about Maine's most famous crustacean and the men and women who make their living from trap to table. Stroll along Portland's vital working waterfront , view lobster boats often unloading their catch and visit Old Port and waterfront district destinations for a progressive, iconic Maine lunch. - This walking tour is appx. 1 - 1.5 miles visiting local favorites with plenty of food, and food for thought - lots of time for Q/A. - There's always a whole lobster roll, a New England clam or seafood chowder, local craft beer (or soda) plus a whoopie pie or other Maine sweet, and a surprise seafood taste or two along the way. This is our most “classic heritage” Maine experience with a bit of modern flare.
Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay
Board the Elizabeth Grace for this exclusive one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you are a local or visiting from away, the stone fortresses built in the early 19th century in Portland Harbor are always captivating. They are imposing reminders of days not too far gone when the defense of our coastline required their presence. Despite their prominence, the forts are not easy to access for a variety of reasons, and most locals and visitors have never been to Fort Scammel, the only fort in the Harbor to see active combat. Fortunately, the owners of Fort Scammel have partnered with us to offer private tours of this incredible historic site. This is an experience NOT TO BE MISSED! Along the way, we’ll cruise past some of the other great sights in the bay, including the iconic lighthouses. GROUP OF 6 OR MORE? Please reach out to us about private charter options for the best experience possible!
Seven Portland Lighthouses Tour
As we cruise the waters around Portland Harbor we will make stops at Portland Breakwater Light, Spring Point Light and Ram Island Ledge Light before stopping at Maine’s oldest and most iconic lighthouse, Portland Headlight. This historic beacon, with its striking architecture and stark coastal backdrop, is a sight to behold from the perspective of the Atlantic Ocean as seafarers have done for more than 200 years. After photos and information about this iconic lighthouse, we continue the ride along the rocky shores of Cape Elizabeth to Two Lights State Park, whose twin lighthouses perch atop dramatic cliffs. Our best chance for wildlife comes during the next leg of the ride as we cruise open waters to Halfway Rock Lighthouse, a true maritime relic. Standing proudly on a remote ledge in the open ocean, it has guided mariners through thick fog and turbulent waters for over a century. Seals are often found hanging on the rocks and feeding in the nutrient-rich waters.
Portland Bicycle Tour with 5 Lighthouse Stops and XL Lobster Roll
Discover Portland Maine and the shores of Casco Bay by bicycle! Join us for the 5 lighthouse bicycle tour of Portland, Maine featuring the Maine coast, lighthouses, and Portland’s history. We have made some modifications to the 5 Lighthouse tour in response to COVID-19. We have modified the tour to allow us not to have guests in our vehicles. As a result of this change, guests will begin biking from the Ocean Gateway and return to the Ocean Gateway by bicycle. Groups will generally see only 4 lighthouses (Bug Light, Spring Point, Portland Head Light, and Ram Island Ledge). Lunch will be provided by the award-winning "Bite into Maine" Food Truck
Private Lighthouse Sightseeing Charter on a Vintage Lobster Boat
Step aboard a vintage Maine Lobster Boat for a private, 2-hour lighthouse viewing & sightseeing charter. Leave the crowds behind as we tour the islands of Casco Bay and pass by 4 lighthouses, historic 19th century forts, and the scenic Maine Coast. Charters depart from Portland's Old Port. This authentic Maine experience is perfect for families and small groups. Each charter is private for groups of up to 6 and all ages are welcome! Customize your charter by adding onboard catering including lunches, charcuterie platters, and snacks. Beer and wine are available on board for purchase as well. Kindly contact us at least 72 hours in advance of your departure to order food.
Acadia National Park and More Private Day Trip from Portland
Start your day tour from Portland, Maine, early in the morning to make the most of your visit to Acadia National Park. The scenic drive takes around 2.5 hours, but the breathtaking views make it worthwhile. Once you arrive at Acadia National Park, explore the Park Loop Road to witness stunning vistas like Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast. Don't miss the picturesque Sand Beach, Thunder Hole for impressive coastal formations. The park's diverse landscapes, including lush forests and serene lakes. Take a relaxing stroll along Jordan Pond and enjoy the iconic view of the Bubbles Mountains reflected in the water. Afterward, head to Bar Harbor for a taste of the charming seaside town. Savor fresh lobster and seafood delicacies at local restaurants and cafes. Explore the unique shops and galleries, offering local crafts and art. Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor offer an unforgettable experience, leaving you with memories of Maine's natural wonders and beauty.
Guided RIB Boat Adventure of Casco Bay
Depart with us from bustling Portland Harbor as we tour one of Maine’s most picturesque boating destinations. Casco Bay is littered with islands, historic forts, wildlife, birds, and lighthouses and our unique 14-passenger RIB boat is suited to tour the region while everyone gets a front-row seat so you can see and experience more of it. Learn about Portland’s nautical history, view wildlife like seals, harbor porpoises, and sea birds, and stop for photos at quintessential sights like all four lighthouses, Fort Gorges, seals, and the working waterfront while also escaping to lesser-known areas of the bay where wildlife viewing is the best. This is a unique tour that is unmatched in the breadth of its experience with a local captain to guide you and answer your questions about the region. Please join us for the Best Of Casco Bay!
Portland's Best Craft Beverages Bus Tour
Most recognize Portland, Maine for its vast selection of local craft breweries. And while we retain the title for ‘most breweries per capita,’ we’re experiencing profound growth in our craft beverage scene including a range of spirits and locally produced wine. Neighborhoods like Portland’s East Bayside are brimming with craft beverage options to suit any taste, from Three of Strong’s small batch, organic rum to wines from Blue Lobster Urban Winery which are blended with Maine wild blueberries and apples from local orchards. The third stop of the tour concludes at the Portland Beer Hub, the home of Maine Brews Cruise, and a blend of beer bar and retail space in the bustling heart of Portland’s Old Port. As a bonus, all guests snag a 10% discount on additional draft and to-go purchases at the Portland Beer Hub. Please note that tour stops may change without notice due to events and the availability of staff at each venue.
Sunset Lighthouse Cruise Tour from Casco Bay
This 105 minute cruise offers guests a chance to relax and unwind as we make our way around the inner islands and lighthouses of the bay at dusk. Enjoy evening breezes and city lights on this fully narrated tour of Casco Bay. A great way to end a hectic day or begin a romantic evening!
Sunset Sea Kayak Tour of Casco Bay
The hours just before sunset offer the best time for paddling on the waters of Casco Bay. The sky tends to explode with color and the seas often become glassy and calm. This trip involves a leisurely paddle just far enough along the waterfront or into the islands to enjoy a panoramic view of the sun setting over the city as we paddle back to the East End Beach. This two-hour tour is designed for paddlers of all experience levels -- including first-time kayakers. The exact route you take will depend on the weather conditions and the group's interests and experience, but the Sunset Tour often starts out venturing into the waterfront of Portland harbor, and then into the open waters towards the islands of Casco Bay. We will cancel this tour if there is steady rain, strong winds or other conditions that we believe will prevent guests from having a great paddling experience. However, we will run our tours when there are light showers, overcast skies or cooler than average temperatures.
2 Hours | Portland, Maine Hidden Histories Walking Tour
Meet Portland and the people—of all backgrounds and identities—whose wit and grit have made Maine's largest city what it is today. Your locally-raised guide will captivate you with extraordinary, exciting, and surprising stories largely left out of the history books. Get ready to broaden your sense of what Portland and Maine have been and could be. Brick sidewalks beneath your feet and beautiful Victorian-era buildings nestled around you, we'll casually stroll Portland’s lush, historic Old Port toward the sparkling waters of Casco Bay. We’ll see where Indigenous Wabanaki leaders made their earliest relationships with European colonizers and walk together through the centuries. Enjoy an inclusive, empowering, and surprising constellation of tales that offers a welcome contrast to the more obvious themes you’re likely to experience on other tours. You'll enjoy 2 hours of narration over a 1.5-mile route with owner and guide, Dugan Murphy. He is Portland's top-rated guide on TripAdvisor!
Portland's Original Beer Bus Tour
Kick off your Maine exploration with Portland’s Original Beer Tour, navigating through Portland’s eclectic neighborhoods to discover both emerging and popular breweries dotting the landscape. Portland’s Original Beer Tour sets off early, diving into the brewery world first thing, featuring three stops at industry darlings like Goodfire Brewing, celebrated for their flagship Citra IPA, Prime. An early start means more time to enjoy breweries’ extensive, often experimental, draft lists. This bus tour’s final tasting will be held at Portland Beer Hub, the home of Maine Brews Cruise. Portland Beer Hub is a combo beer bar and retail space in the heart of the Old Port. The selection here includes beers from over 30 breweries across the state of Maine. As a bonus, all guests snag a 10% discount on additional draft and to-go purchases. Please note that tour stops may change without notice due to events and the availability of staff at each venue.
Private Day Tour to Salem MA, Kennebunkport, Kittery
Experience the charm of early morning departure as we head to Fort McClary a historic stronghold offering a glimpse into military prowess and scenic beauty. Next, we venture to Salem, the bewitching city shrouded in fascinating history. Unravel the mysteries at the Witch Museum. In the fall season, Salem becomes an extraordinary destination with its bewitching charm. Experience the captivating allure of historical landmarks, and the mystique of the Witch City. The town and its rich history, creates an unforgettable and awe-inspiring visit. Lastly let's make a stop at Kennebunkport, where you'll witness the elegance of the Bush Compound and stroll along the quaint streets, savoring the coastal charm. Join us for an extraordinary tour where history, mystery, and picturesque landscapes await. Discover the allure of Salem and the coastal wonders of Kennebunkport, all in one mesmerizing adventure departing early from Portland, Maine. Don't miss this unforgettable experience!