Top Portland Historical Tours

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.

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.

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.

Learn about Portland's history with this walking tour, which will take you through the Old Port, downtown, and waterfront areas. You'll see all sorts of historic attractions, including the home of Hendry Wadsworth-Longfellow, the Eastern Cemetery, and the Abyssinian Church, all with a professional guide on hand to share stories about the city's past.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dive straight into Portland’s working waterfront—where the smell of the sea, the bustle of the wharves, and a warm bowl of classic New England clam chowder 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. The tour concludes with a warm bowl of classic New England clam chowder—a delicious taste of Maine’s coast and a comforting way to end your walk through history!

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

Maine’s lighthouses are beautiful, but they’re even more gorgeous from the water. You’ll get those epic views and more on this scenic, intimate cruise, traveling from Portland’s Old Port to the harbor’s best sights. You’ll witness the old-school lighthouses, the islands of Casco Bay, a Civil War–era fort, and so much more. With a drink in hand, it’s a great way to start—or end—your time in Portland.

Few things are more beautiful than a majestic sunset. However to see it from the waters of Portland's magnificent Casco Bay is a truly remarkable experience. Whether a first-time kayaker or experienced hand, this 2-hour tour offers phenomenal vistas of Portland harbor and cityscsape. Your only neighbors are your guide, your small group and the wildlife as you leisurely paddle back to shore.

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.

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.

Board the Elizabeth Grace for this exclusive one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you are a local or visiting from away, the stone fortresses built in the early 19th century in Portland Harbor are always captivating. They are imposing reminders of days not too far gone when the defense of our coastline required their presence. Despite their prominence, the forts are not easy to access for a variety of reasons, and most locals and visitors have never been to Fort Scammel, the only fort in the Harbor to see active combat. Fortunately, the owners of Fort Scammel have partnered with us to offer private tours of this incredible historic site. This is an experience NOT TO BE MISSED! Along the way, we’ll cruise past some of the other great sights in the bay, including the iconic lighthouses. GROUP OF 6 OR MORE? Please reach out to us about private charter options for the best experience possible! Our Fort Tour on a Private Island has a 4 PERSON MINIMUM to operate.

Maine's Black community is small, but its history here goes back more than 400 years. On this guided tour, you’ll dive deep into Portland’s Black history, discovering how this community—national leaders, laborers, skilled workers, activists, and more—fought for freedom and equality and defined the state's path. From Frederick Douglass to lesser-known Black Yankees, there’s far more here than meets the eye, and with this tour, you’ll learn all about it.

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.

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!

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.