Explore the heart of Portland and head out to see some of the area's hidden gems and less-visited spots with this guided sightseeing tour. Your guide, a born-and-raised Portlander who works as a college librarian by day, shows you off-the-beaten-path locations and shares with you all sorts of local lore along the way.
Get off-the-beaten-path on a guided tour of the real Portland, Maine
A historian and librarian guide leads the way
Travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle
Visit three picturesque lighthouses
What To Expect
Commercial Street
We start at historic Commercial Street, the heart of Portland’s working waterfront. See original cobblestone and brick that was laid in the 1850s.
• Admission Ticket Included
United States Custom House
See one of the most beautiful granite buildings in all of Portland.
• Admission Ticket Included
Fort Allen Park
We’ll drive through Fort Allen Park and get a majestic view of Casco Bay and its Calendar Islands. Also get up close views of memorials from the Civil War, Spanish American War, and WWII located in the park.
• Admission Ticket Included
Eastern Promenade Trail
You’ll see the Victorian era homes once owned by sea captains and merchants that line the Eastern Promenade, as well as Eastern Promenade Park which offers endless views of Casco Bay, islands, and forts.
• Admission Ticket Included
Portland Observatory
We’ll get a great view of the only remaining maritime signal tower in the U.S.
• Admission Ticket Included
Eastern Cemetery
Hear about the legends and lore regarding the oldest cemetery in Portland, first established in 1668.
• Admission Ticket Included
Congress Street
One of the busiest streets in all of Maine, we’ll see Portland’s eclectic downtown, Monument Square, and arts district.
• Admission Ticket Included
The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception
The neo-Gothic architecture of this cathedral built in 1869 dominates the skyline of Portland.
• Admission Ticket Included
The First Parish Portland Unitarian Universalist
This church is the oldest in Portland, and you’ll learn about its rich history.
• Admission Ticket Included
The Wadsworth-Longfellow House
See the home where Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow grew up and wrote his early poetry.
• Admission Ticket Included
Arts District
We’ll tour the center of downtown Portland, and its highly acclaimed Arts District.
• Admission Ticket Included
Portland Museum of Art
See one of the finest art museums in New England, and learn about its exhibits.
• Admission Ticket Included
One Longfellow Square
See the statue of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, born in Portland in 1807.
• Admission Ticket Included
Victoria Mansion
Get an up close view of the Victoria Mansion, the finest example in the country of a 19th century Italianate brownstone.
• Admission Ticket Included
Fort Williams Park
We enter one of the most beautiful parks in the state, Fort Williams Park, and drive to Portland Head Light (located in the park) where you will be let off to explore.
• Admission Ticket Included
Portland Head Light
This iconic lighthouse located within Fort Williams Park is the most photographed lighthouse in the country. Walk right up to the lighthouse, explore Fort Williams Park, and take in the views of Maine’s rugged, rocky coastline.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Fort Preble
Get an up close view of Fort Preble (one of the oldest forts in Casco Bay) and learn about its storied history.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
Get out for a photo of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and its 900 foot long breakwater connecting it to the shore.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Bug Light Park
Enjoy panoramic views of the Portland skyline from this beautiful park that sits directly across the bay from Portland.
• Admission Ticket Free
Liberty Ship Memorial
Get an up close view of the Liberty Ship Memorial, and learn about the thousands of shipbuilders who worked here during WWII.
• Admission Ticket Free
Portland Breakwater Lighthouse
Get a photo of Portland Breakwater Light (affectionately called “Bug Light” because of its small size).
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
John Ford Statue
Get an up close view of this statue dedicated to one of the most distinguished movie directors in history, and learn about his connections to his hometown of Portland.
• Admission Ticket Free
Old Port
See the center of the bustling downtown/waterfront district known as the Old Port. Learn the history of this vibrant area of Portland that is home to countless eclectic shops, businesses, and world class restaurants and bars.
• Admission Ticket Free
Highlight
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
The tour is in Portland, MAINE. Unfortunately no pets/animals of any kind can be accommodated on board.
The tour does not pickup/drop off at hotels, and it does not pickup/drop off at the cruise ship terminal. Everyone has to be at the tour starting point ready to board at least 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time.
Wheelchairs, walkers, and luggage do not fit in the van.
The tour vehicle is a 13 passenger, high roof Ford Transit van. The tour often sells out, so you will be riding with a total of 13 people in the van.
Please double check the month, day, and time of your booking to make sure it is accurate, as some folks make mistakes when booking online and choose the wrong date.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 13 travelers
Include
Air-conditioned vehicle
Knowledgeable, entertaining guide with 20 years experience giving tours of his hometown of Portland.