Portland tours, things to do and tickets

Welcome to my hometown! Hop aboard for an authentic 1 hour and 45 minute historical sightseeing tour of Portland, Maine and 3 lighthouses with an experienced guide who is a real local, born and raised in Portland, Maine. 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.

Explore the sights and scenes of Casco Bay on a fully narrated scenic cruise. See major sights like Portland Head Light and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse as well as local wildlife in the bay.

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.

Skip the city and head straight to the coast on this dedicated lighthouse tour of Maine’s best lighthouses. Explore three iconic beacons that have guided sailors for centuries, each offering a chance to delve into their rich history. While most lighthouses aren’t open for tours, you’ll still get up-close views and plenty of opportunities to admire their stunning architecture and scenic surroundings. As you navigate through Portland’s picturesque coastline, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views that are as storied as they are beautiful. This focused, relaxed tour is the perfect way to connect with maritime past while soaking in the charm of Maine’s coastal landscape.

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!

Jump aboard a trolley to join a fully-narrated sightseeing tour of Portland's diverse historic and hidden gems accompanied by engaging and informative guides.

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.

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!

Join a 50 minute fully-narrated tour of Portland while aboard an open air fire engine.

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.

Take in Portland's history and sights on this trolley tour. Hop aboard a classic trolley with an experienced guide, and learn about sites such as the Portland Observatory and Victoria Mansion.

- Portland's culinary culture is made up of many kinds of artisan food and beverage entrepreneurs from bakers, brewers and chefs to confectioners and more - wherever taste and creativity meet! - We combine a unique combination of social history, culinary education, the stories of talented entrepreneurs and current award-winning food scene narrated by friendly and engaging local guides - This tour visits 4-5 venues where you will enjoy a mix of Maine/Maine-inspired cultural, up-and-coming, and trending fare, plenty for lunch with a sweet treat to cap it off.

Climb aboard a spacious boat with indoor and outdoor seating and enjoy a fully-narrated cruise in Portland. Discover Casco Bay and see iconic lighthouses, forts, lobster boats, seals, and seabirds.

Walk through Portland's exciting old town. This 2-hour guided tour is packed with historic landmarks and commentary from a local history expert.

Soak in the views of Portland, Maine aboard a famous schooner tall ship. Cruise the rugged coastline of Casco Bay and catch sight of seals, lighthouses, and coastal wildlife.

Eat your way through one of Maine's most "foodie" centric cities on this culinary walking tour of Portland. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour that carves a path through the streets of the charming Old Port educating you on local food, drinks, and history.

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.

Portland, Maine’s harbor is packed with treasures waiting to be discovered. Aboard the Elizabeth Grace, with local craft beers in hand, enjoy a stunning journey through the waters.

Portland, Maine is known for its culinary scene, including amazing donuts. With this tour, you'll get to sample from the city's best donut shops, while also learning of Maine's connection to the invention of the donut and the city's history. Your tour guide will take you not only to the most famous of them all, The Holy Donut, to skip the line, but also to local favorites, that are equally delicious.

Explore Portland's downtown, Old Port, and working waterfront on foot in a small group with a locally-raised guide. Hidden histories are revealed about folks and events left out of the history books.