Top Maine Culture

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.

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.

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.

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. Note that the NPS Non-US Resident Park Entrance Fee is not included.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

This 10-mile non-electric bicycle tour includes stops at all the scenic and historical highlights of the Kennebunk and Kennebunkport areas. You’ll get up close to a 19th-Century shipbuilder’s home, view breathtaking seascapes, tour a stunning seaside chapel, marvel at the sweeping compound of two American presidents, and gaze at a classic Maine lighthouse — among many other points of interest. The route itself is worth the ride: one of the most iconic coastal byways in Southern Maine. All your guides are locals, with deep knowledge of the region’s history and culture and a gift for storytelling. We love talking about this area, and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have along the way. The bikes themselves offer pure, human-powered, eco-friendly enjoyment — maintained to the highest standards by expert mechanics. You can choose from an 8-speed cruiser bike with swept-back handlebars or a sportier hybrid. Smaller bikes are available for younger participants.

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.

The historic Goat Island Lighthouse, forever-wild islands, a charming fishing village, and a tranquil harbor set the scene for a quintessentially Maine kayak outing. No kayak experience necessary! Your tour will be led by a Registered Maine Kayak Guide with years of experience and local expertise. Starting from your launch near the charming fishing village of Cape Porpoise, you'll paddle out into the harbor and among the small wooded islands that shelter these waters from the Atlantic current. Every tour includes a landing on Goat Island to visit the lighthouse, which has guarded this harbor since the 19th Century. You will enjoy the island's beautiful ocean views and, weather permitting, enter the lighthouse to snap some vacation-defining photos from the top deck. A Maine-style lobster roll to enjoy during your island stop is included with your booking! The paddling is easy on calm water. Your guide will show you how to paddle properly and will monitor you throughout your tour.

Visit Portland’s scenic coast, historic sites and most vibrant neighborhoods with a sightseeing and shopping tour on a classic fire engine. Get great views of picture-perfect lighthouses and architecture from high up on the engine, and listen to live narration as you tour the city. Learn about Portland’s maritime past as you explore cobblestone streets with enjoy plenty of time to browse souvenir shops and sample the area’s most distinctive foods. Finish your tour in the heart of downtown, near historic wharves, restaurants and boutiques.

Experience Portland's rich history from its most impressive vantage point: the water. Adventuring along Diamond Pass, you'll glimpse a Civil War–era fort, old-school lobster boats, and all the lighthouses Portland is so famous for, including Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest. Suitable for all ages, this excursion is both a dive into Portland's past and a sightseeing adventure, a two-fer that’s leisurely, scenic, and fun.

Weird tales include the strange goings-on at Boothbay Harbor's famous Opera House, a wealth of haunted B&Bs, and several other supernatural hotspots about town. We also introduce you to the compelling mystery of the Lady of the Dusk. Who was she? And what do the numbers scribbled on a strange note found on her body mean?

Explore the wines and meads of Maine! Take your tastebuds on a trip around the state and explore the wide variety of wines made right here in our state - including those made with imported grapes, those made with cold-hardy grapes grown in Maine, and those made from ingredients that aren't grapes at all! Participants will be introduced to six Maine-made wines and meads from six different producers - and hear the stories behind the wineries that brought them to your glass. This guided, 30-minute experience is a fantastic introduction to Maine's wine landscape and history. We recommend scheduling this class at the beginning of your time in Maine so you can take advantage of all you've learned during the rest of your trip. Stick around afterwards for personalized recommendations from your MTC host about wineries, breweries, markets, farms and other agritourism experiences to seek out while in Maine - customized to your interests and the regions you plan to visit while in Maine.

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.

Discover the captivating history of Bar Harbor, Maine, once the summer playground of America’s elite. This self-guided walking tour unveils the rise and fall of this glamorous resort town, where the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers built grand estates along the rugged coastline. With GPS-triggered narration, stroll from Agamont Park to the iconic Bar Island Land Bridge, exploring historic sites, stunning architecture, and hidden stories shaped by both opulence and tragedy. - Self-guided audio tour with GPS navigation for flexibility - Duration of approximately 60–120 minutes—explore at your own pace - Visit landmarks like the Bar Harbor Inn and La Rochelle Mansion - No internet needed; download and go offline for convenience

It is the only regularly operating pedicab in Portland. Portland Pedicab creates the feeling of joy for all by allowing passengers to spend the time viewing Portlands scenery while heading to their destination. This is a great mode of transportation for those that like to be outside! Music which is provided, is always an option while enjoying the views of Portland.

Avoid the tourist traps and taste Portland, Maine's best donuts on a small-group walking tour. Follow your guide around the Old Port and sample several hand-picked donuts at award-winning bakeries with coffee or water included. Walk a scenic loop while hearing stories of Portland’s history and the invention of the donut. This tour offers a flavorful mix of food and local tales, perfect for food lovers and families alike.

Acadia National Park is as big as it is beautiful, making it simple to get lost when going on your own. Instead, choose this Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour and see the park’s pristine wilderness while hearing about its history from the safety of your own vehicle. You’ll follow a route through the park on an easy-to-download app that gives recommended speed limits and commentary for a unique experience.

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.