Top Portland Art & Culture - page 2

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.

The most immersive way to see Historic Portland is on foot. Our 1 hour 15 minute walking tour takes you down the cobblestone pathways of our historic city in search of spirits that linger from times long past. Our knowledgeable guides will enchant you with tales of Portland’s most renown ghosts as well as the area's vast and rich history. You’ll hear fascinating and spooky tales from the first European settlement in 1632 right up to the present day. Discover the many times Portland has fallen and risen anew, and hear about the restless spirits who remain, unable or unwilling to move on. Follow our guides as they lead you by lantern-light sharing the ghost stories, legends, and folklore of this beautiful city.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of New England’s White Mountains on this private guided tour from Portland, Maine. This full-day adventure combines spectacular mountain scenery, historic rail travel, charming villages, and iconic landmarks that showcase New Hampshire’s famous mountain region. The highlight of the tour is the Mount Washington Cog Railway, where guests board the historic train and travel to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States. At the summit, guests can enjoy panoramic views, explore the observation area, and visit the small museum. The tour also includes scenic drives along portions of the famous Kancamagus Highway, widely considered one of the most beautiful mountain drives in the country. Along the way we visit picturesque villages such as Jackson and North Conway, see the historic Mount Washington Hotel, and stop at scenic overlooks and waterfalls that make the White Mountains unforgettable.

Explore the Portland Peninsula by bike with this small-group guided tour. Start at the Eastern Promenade, making your way along the waterfront bike path until you reach the Back Cove Trail. Your guide takes you to the Old Port to see some of the City of Portland's prettiest old brick buildings, and you learn the significance of local food, history, and culture of this area.

Discover the lighthouses and coastal landmarks of Portland on a small-group biking tour. Hop on a provided bicycle and follow your guide to the Bug Light, Spring Point Ledge, and Portland Head lighthouses. Along the way, learn about their storied histories. Other highlights include the Liberty Ship Memorial, Cape Elizabeth, and Willard Beach. Set at a leisurely pace, the adventure also includes a complimentary lobster roll lunch at an award-winning food truck.

Explore the charm, history, and vibrant culture of Portland, Maine with this self-guided walking tour! Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this picturesque coastal city as you traverse the cobblestone streets of Old Port and downtown. Learn about the city’s long, embattled history as you pass the myriad of shops, bars, and eateries which have put it on the map. And discover secrets only locals know! 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.

Charter a vintage lobster boat, dubbed MONHEGAN, and set sail with this two-hour tour into Casco Bay. You'll get great views of the Maine coastline, passing by four lighthouses as you go. This is a great opportunity to take photos of the coastline and waters, while learning about local nautical history from a knowledgeable captain.

Hop on the “Guardians of the Harbor” trolley tour, a narrated journey with three lighthouse stops. Explore Portland’s maritime history and scenic beauty, disembarking at each location. First, visit Bug Light Park and the Liberty Ship Memorial, reflecting wartime shipbuilding. Next, discover Fort Preble and Spring Point Ledge Light, learning its unique construction and the remaining WWII gun batteries. Finally, witness the iconic Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park, Maine’s most vital and the nation’s third oldest lighthouse, also revealing remnants of coastal defenses. The nation’s third oldest lighthouse and one of Maine’s most important beacons. This area also features great examples of remnants of coastal defenses.

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.

See Portland’s iconic lighthouses from the water for views you can’t experience from shore. This intimate harbor cruise showcases Casco Bay’s coastal scenery, historic forts, islands, and working waterfront while your captain shares local insights along the way. Relax with a drink as you enjoy a memorable perspective on Maine’s rugged coastline.

See a new vantage on Portland and the Maine coast—and enjoy a relaxing excursion out on the water—on this sailing tour. Make your own way to the Maine State Pier, and hop aboard a traditional, Maine-built windjammer. Once you set sail, soak up the sea breezes, look out for seals, and even take a turn at hoisting the sails or behind the ship’s wheel.

Explore the beauty and history of Portland with this combo of a walking and driving tour. Dig deep into the city’s history as you stroll down cobblestone streets and admire old brick architecture by the waterfront. Visit bustling neighborhoods like Old Port and the Art District, stop at shops and restaurants whenever you please, and breathe in the coastal air. Then take a drive out to the east and west promenades, before swinging down to the famous Portland Head Light lighthouse. It’s the most comprehensive way to experience this unique, quirky city! 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.

Looking for a romantic way to watch the sunset while in Maine? How about chartering a vintage lobster boat and heading out to Casco Bay, where you'll take in great views of the sea and coastline. Your captain and guide will be on board to point out lighthouses, historic forts, and natural features. A round of drinks is included to toast the sunset with, but more beverages are available to purchase onboard.

As night falls on Portland’s historic waterfront, discover why this is the #1 ghost tour in Portland, ME. Operating nightly, year-round, this one-mile walking tour is led by expert local guides who know the city’s legends, history, and hidden corners firsthand. This outdoor-only experience weaves together documented history, local folklore, and chilling tales that bring Portland’s past to life. Along the route, you'll visit iconic locations including Bell Buoy Park, Andy’s Old Port Pub, the Portland Harbor Hotel, and even a section of the Berlin Wall. Each stop is connected to real events, maritime tragedies, mysterious deaths, or unexplained stories that have become part of Portland’s haunted legacy. Perfect for private groups, bachelorette parties, birthdays, and special events, this unforgettable ghost tour is proudly USMC Disabled Combat-Veteran-owned and women- and minority-led, offering an evening of haunting history, immersive storytelling, and unforgettable mystery.

Uncover the mysteries of Portland’s history with an innovative outdoor escape game that weaves together facts, folklore, and fishy tales. Venture through the city’s historic landmarks as you solve puzzles connected to Portland's stories, from shipwrecks to whispered legends. Guided by a user-friendly app, each clue you discover immerses you deeper into the captivating narrative of Portland, blending reality with fiction. Ideal for families, friends, or team-building, this adventure offers a unique exploration experience where curiosity reigns and puzzle solving is key.

See some of Maine's most picturesque scenery with this private full-day tour from Portland. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel or vacation rental and take you out for a day of exploration, stopping by coastal towns, iconic lighthouses, viewpoints, and other areas of interest along the way.

Join us for an exciting **Private Coastal Tour from Portland to Camden**, exploring the beauty and history of Maine’s coastline! Start with Bath, home to the towering USS Wyoming sculpture and rich shipbuilding heritage. In Wiscasset, stroll through “The Most Beautiful Village in Maine” and visit the world-famous Red’s Eats lobster stand. In Rockland, enjoy a walk to the lighthouse and explore its maritime charm. In Camden, wander the charming streets, enjoy lunch, and see a unique waterfall flowing through town. The highlight of the tour is **Camden Hills State Park**, where you’ll take in the most breathtaking views of Midcoast Maine from the summit of Mount Battie. We'll finish with a brief stop at the Maine State Capitol, designed by the same architect as the U.S. Capitol, offering a fascinating glimpse of Maine’s history. This fun and adventurous tour is perfect for exploring Maine’s hidden gems. Book now to experience the best of the coast!

Go beyond the sights of Portland, Maine and take a day trip to Salem, Massachusetts. The town of Salem is known for its famous witch trials that took place in 1692. Learn about the history of Salem on a guided tour through the town and see several landmarks including the Salem Witch Museum, the memorial, and Phillips House. On your way to Salem, stop in Kennebunkport to explore the historic village.

This is a fully private Southern Maine coastal experience designed exclusively for your party (2–5 guests). No bus groups. No shared travelers — just your group, your pace, and a relaxed day along Maine’s scenic shoreline. Visit historic York’s colonial landmarks, walk through the Old Burying Ground, and enjoy views from John Hancock Wharf before stopping at Cape Neddick Light, one of New England’s most photographed lighthouses. Continue to Ogunquit for time at Perkins Cove, with the option for a short scenic stroll along the Marginal Way overlooking the Atlantic. In Kennebunkport, enjoy unhurried time in Dock Square to browse shops, walk the harbor, and dine at a local restaurant of your choice. A scenic stop at The Colony Hotel adds classic New England charm and sweeping coastal views. Because this tour is private, the experience remains flexible and comfortable, allowing you to explore at your own pace and focus on the scenery and stories that interest you most.

All of our tours are done in a comfortable vehicle with a local driver guide and can be done at your pace. Tours can always be customized to your interests. This particular tour will show you all the main sites of Portland proper and then all of the South Portland lighthouses, including admission to the Portland Headlight at Fort Williams Park. After Portland, you will head on down the highway to Kennebunkport to visit this popular coastal village that former President George W. Bush and family called their summer home. We have a standard routing but being a private tour, we can tailor your experience to you interests.

Experience the beauty of coastal Maine on this private guided tour featuring iconic landmarks, scenic harbors, and charming coastal villages. Your journey begins at Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States, where dramatic rocky cliffs and sweeping Atlantic views create unforgettable photo opportunities. From there, travel along Maine’s scenic coastline to the picturesque harbor village of Boothbay Harbor. Walk across the historic Footbridge, built in 1901, and enjoy views of working lobster boats, quiet marinas, and classic New England waterfront scenery. Guests also have the option to enjoy lunch along the harbor at a unique restaurant built from a historic tugboat. With a knowledgeable local guide sharing stories and insights throughout the journey, this private coastal Maine tour offers the perfect blend of history, scenery, and authentic coastal charm.

All our tours take place in a comfortable vehicle with a local driver-guide and can be tailored to your pace. This private tour is done in our larger passenger van that can take up to 12 passengers. We’re happy to customize the experience to match your interests. This particular tour covers all the major sights in Portland, followed by a visit to the South Portland lighthouses, including admission to Fort Williams Park to see the Portland Headlight. After exploring Portland, you'll journey down the highway to Kennebunkport, a charming coastal village that served as the summer retreat for former President George W. Bush and his family. While we have a standard route, as a private tour, we can personalize the itinerary to suit your preferences.

Skip the generic, slow-moving walking tours—instead, explore Portland with your crew via scavenger hunt. Solve riddles, take wild photos, and complete challenges as your smartphone leads you across the city’s best landmarks, clue by clue. As you race the clock, learn all about Portland’s nooks and crannies, testing your mettle and your will to win.