Top Maine Cultural Tours

Visitors to Portland can easily miss some of Maine's most stunning sights, since you really need a car to explore the scenic coastline. Avoid the headache of arranging your own transportation or renting a car on this small-group guided tour of Portland's must-see sights. Stop in downtown Portland and visit three lighthouses, including Portland Head Light—an historic lighthouse perched on the rocky coast.

Discover the highlights of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park on this small-group half-day tour. Enjoy convenient pickup from your Bar Harbor hotel, and stops at Sieur de Monts Spring, Thunder Hole, Cadillac Mountain, and more, with a local guide to provide live commentary. Includes a live lobster demonstration at Bar Harbor Lobster Pound and a tasty lobster roll.

Get more out of your time in Portland with this two-for-one adventure: a city trolley tour and lighthouse visit. You'll start with a narrated trolley journey, witnessing the most beloved sights of the Portland peninsula. After catching the Portland Observatory, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, and more, you’ll then visit the city’s most famous landmark: Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest—and most photographed—lighthouse.

Gain an insight into the history and early residents of Kennebunkport on this guided walking tour with a small group of just nine travelers. Escape the crowds of the Lower Village and follow your guide around the Historic District. Admire the houses where the first residents lived, with the possibility of entering some historic homes.

With this small-group walking tour, you'll go beyond lobsters and lighthouses and get a look at the true Portland, Maine—across 400 years of history. Meander downtown and the Old Port, visiting hidden landmarks and learning about Wabanaki leaders and other people and events left out of the history books. Discover centuries of destruction, revival, underrepresented perspectives, and other elements that mainstream tours gloss over.

Food lovers can explore Portland's historic Old Port independently, but to uncover the best places serving traditional local fare, you really need a guide to lead the way. Taste the best that Portland has to offer on this guided foodie walking tour, complete with stops at up to seven different eateries—and enough tastings to replace a meal. Along the way, your guide offers some stories about Portland's food scene, so you can get familiar with the local culinary stalwarts.

On this smartphone-guided adventure, you'll see Portland’s historic streets and discover its stories. Go at your own pace, anytime. The tour never expires. The tour is professionally produced with pro narration and music. It's location-aware walking step by step through the city. You’ll see the cobblestones streets, wharf street, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s home, stops on the underground railroad, city hall, exchange street, the lobster square, historic buildings, and the best spots to eat, including the best donut shop ever. Really, it’s that good. You'll hear the stories of Portland, Anna Kendrick’s favorite hangs, Longfellow’s history, stories of lighthouses, adventure, prohibition, bootleggers, the underground railroad, Japanese mailboxes, the revolution, colonial times, and much more.

This tour balances great food, stories, and a relaxed, local feel. Rather than rushing between stops or focusing only on tastings, this experience is designed to give you a genuine sense of Portland, how the food scene connects to the city’s history, and the people behind each kitchen. You’ll visit a mix of hidden gems and locally loved spots, from bold Colombian food to a cozy European bistro to classic Maine seafood, all thoughtfully paired to show the range of what Portland does best. With a small group size and a knowledgeable local guide, the experience feels personal, unhurried, and engaging, more like exploring the city with a well connected friend than following a script.

Relax and unwind at sunset on this guided cruise of Casco Bay, Maine. Set off from the city of Portland and listen as your guide narrates your journey, sharing interesting facts and history about the area as you pass lighthouses and former military forts. It’s an ideal way to end a busy sightseeing day or begin a romantic evening.

Explore the rich maritime history of Kennebunkport, Maine, on this small group walking tour. Discover how this charming seaside town evolved from a humble shipbuilding settlement to a renowned summer destination. As you stroll through Dock Square and the picturesque streets, experience the fascinating stories behind the town's bustling shipyards, the people who lived here, and the rise of present day Kennebunkport. Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, this tour provides an insider’s perspective on the cultural heritage of Kennebunkport. - Walk through the scenic streets of Kennebunkport and hear captivating tales - Learn about the town's transformation from shipbuilding to a tourist haven - Ideal for history buffs, families, and those seeking local insights - Tours available from May to October, offering a unique view of the town's past

Join us on a small group tour of scenic Bar Harbor, ME. The tour will start at the Village Green Park in the center of downtown. We will cover much of the downtown area, highlighting some of the most notable residents and what life was like long ago. Starting with the long history of Wabanaki summer stays, talk about early English settlements, and explore how the Hudson School of Art brought Bar Harbor to the attention of many. The tour typically last between 1 - 1.5 hours depending on the participation of you! Most of our tours are between 2-4 people, giving you a personalized experience you will not get anywhere else! Learn about the real Maine beyond the island and what it's like to live in this unique part of the world. In case of inclement weather, we will reach out 24hrs prior if the tour will be cancelled or changed. In the case that we decide to not run the tour, full refunds will be issued.

Dive straight into Portland’s working waterfront—where the smell of the sea, and the bustle of the wharves, set the tone for an unforgettable walk through the city’s past. This immersive experience blends local history with maritime culture, offering a deeper look at how Portland grew from a rugged seaport into one of New England’s most vibrant coastal cities. As you stroll the cobblestone streets and working wharfs, your guide will share tales of shipbuilders, merchants, fires, and fishermen who shaped Portland’s story.

Half maritime adventure, half sightseeing exploration, the best way to catch Portland’s history is from the water. Gliding along Diamond Pass, you’ll catch views of Civil War–era forts, historic lighthouses, and likely some lobster boats bobbing in the breeze. Perfect for all ages, you’ll get to know the city and its maritime heritage, all while taking in its most scenic side.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind perspective on Maine’s picture-perfect sunsets on this early-evening sailing tour. Departing from the scenic Camden Harbor, travel aboard a large, elegant windjammer that was built according to traditional methods. Sail past Curtis Island Light, admire Mt. Battie, and take in the ruggedly beautiful coastal scenery. En route, spot wildlife, enjoy drinks on board (available for purchase), and toast to the sunset.

Known for its rocky coastlines, wealth of wildlife, and evergreen forests, Acadia National Park promises dramatic scenery—and this fully narrated driving tour makes for an easy way to discover it. Set off from Bar Harbor in a luxury Berkshire minibus, and discover highlights like Cadillac Mountain (the highest point on the East Coast), Thunder Hole (where ocean waves roar), Sieur De Mont's Spring, Jordan Pond, and much more.

Skip the slow-moving walking tours and tourist crowds—with this self-guided audio tour of Bar Harbor, you’ll dive into the city’s lavish past at your speed. Learning all about the city’s Gilded Age history, its love affair with lobster, and more, you’ll get a guided look at this seaside gem and plenty of ideas for your trip, no WiFi required.

Experience historic architecture, harbor views, and rich seaside culture with this driving tour of Portland, Maine! Cross the cobbled streets of Old Port, chock full of shops, restaurants, and bars, all complemented by the sparkling bay. Dive into the city’s long and embattled history at a church still sporting British cannonballs. See iconic Maine lighthouses and visit pristine beaches. Portland may be a small city, but it packs a big punch! Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

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.

Take a deep dive into Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and Mt. Desert Island on this half-day bus tour. Since your transportation is provided, you can focus on the scenery and taking in the insightful narrative instead of driving and directions. Make three stops within the town of Bar Harbor and the National Park to witness firsthand the views and wildlife that make this island so special. Stops include Cadillac Mountain, Sieur de Monts Spring, and Thunder Hole.

On this walking tour, we’ll explore the city’s significant role in the Underground Railroad and the individuals who helped shape its fight for freedom. The tour is self guided on our walking tour app. It's hands free, plays as you walk and you can go at your own pace, anytime, it never expires. You’ll walk through historic streets where ordinary citizens took extraordinary risks to assist those escaping slavery. We’ll visit former homes, churches, and workplaces that served as safe havens and meeting places for abolitionists, reformers, and community leaders. Each stop demonstrates how Portland’s waterfront and neighborhoods became centers of courage, compassion, and quiet resistance. Let’s start our journey at the Mariner’s Church Banquet Center, a landmark that saw both Portland’s growth and its dedication to justice.

A historic coastal Maine town, a classic national park: this self-guided experience gives you an opportunity to experience both the city of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. You’ll download a tour guide app that provides both a walking tour of Bar Harbor and a driving tour through nearby Acadia National Park. Follow the loop around the park then explore Bar Harbor’s history as you pass by centuries-old buildings.

Discover the vibrant history of Portland’s Old Port on this engaging walking tour. Wander through cobblestone alleys and merchant blocks rich with stories of sailors, reformers, and immigrants. Learn about the Portland Freedom Trail, which honors the city’s fight for freedom and civil rights. The tour showcases the Old Port’s architectural charm and its transformation from a bustling shipping hub to a cultural center. Experience the tales of resilience embedded in its streets, from the Great Fire of 1866 to the revitalization efforts of the 1970s. Join fellow history enthusiasts for a memorable journey through Portland’s past and present. — Explore the historic Old Port district, a cultural and commercial hub — Walk along the Portland Freedom Trail, learning about civil rights — Discover stories of resilience, fire, and maritime life — Ideal for history lovers and those curious about Portland's heritage

Discover Acadia National Park at your own pace on a self-guided driving tour departing from Hulls Cove Visitor Center. Using GPS, engaging stories about each location play as you drive and even offer practical advice, such as where to park. Uncover hidden gems you may otherwise miss and pause whenever you want.