Top Portland Sightseeing 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.

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.

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.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Atlantic Ocean on our whale-watching tour departing from Portland, Maine. Set sail from the historic harbor, where you'll board a comfortable vessel equipped for a thrilling marine adventure. As we cruise along the rugged coastline, keep your eyes peeled for the majestic giants of the sea – humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales are frequently spotted in these waters. Our experienced naturalist guides will be with you every step of the way, providing fascinating insights into the behavior and biology of these incredible creatures. The tour also offers the opportunity to observe a variety of other marine life, including seals, porpoises, and a wide range of seabirds. Don't forget to bring your camera, as you'll want to capture these unforgettable moments.

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.

Experience the scenic coastline of Casco Bay in Portland, aboard a traditional Maine windjammer. Sail past lighthouses, rocky islands, and wildlife while enjoying the peaceful pace of a classic schooner cruise. Bring your own picnic and drinks to enjoy on board as you take in the views. Suitable for all ages, this relaxing sailing experience offers an authentic way to discover the beauty of the coast.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Maine's picturesque coastline on the South Coast Tour, featuring iconic locations like Nubble Lighthouse and the charming villages of York, Ogunquit, and Kennebunkport. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views along Marginal Way, savor the freshest New England clam chowder, and indulge in delicious Maine lobster. This private driving tour, lasting 6.5 hours, is perfect for couples, families, or groups, with flexible pick-up options along the coast. Whether you're an avid photographer or a history enthusiast, the knowledgeable guides will tailor the experience to your interests, ensuring a memorable adventure along Maine's stunning shores. Explore coastal gems including Nubble Lighthouse and Perkins Cove Enjoy lunch featuring Maine lobster along the water Private tour accommodating up to 5 passengers. We have larger vehicles at an additional cost. Guided experience with insights into local history and culture

Take in the famous autumn foliage of New England during a private 2.5-hour sightseeing cruise from Portland. With room for six people, it's an ideal intimate experience for couples, friends, or families. It’s also a great opportunity to photograph the leaves and wildlife from a unique perspective. Learn about the area from your private guide as you cruise at a gentle pace.

Explore one of Maine’s most picturesque boating destinations—and enjoy a more up-close experience of the sights than most other tours offer—on this excursion by rigid inflatable boat. Departing straight from the marina, you’ll set off into the bay with just a small group for company. Spy the region’s many islands and lighthouses; look out for seals, porpoises, and other wildlife; and really immerse yourself in the maritime scenery.

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.

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.

Spend three hours kayaking through Casco Bay with this small-group tour led by a professional guide. You'll launch from Mere Point in Brunswick and paddle over to a couple of different islands, with the opportunity to see all sorts of marine birds, and maybe even a seal or two, along the way.

Lighthouses are an iconic image associated with coastal Maine and Portland showcases some from the 1800s. Join this bicycling tour in Portland and see two of the city’s lighthouses from the 19th century. Follow quiet roads along South Portland’s coast to reach a small lighthouse called Bug Light, still in use today. Ride farther to Spring Point where a larger lighthouse awaits at the end of a long granite breakwater.

Explore the lighthouses of the South Portland Greenbelt Pathway by bicycle with this guided tour. You'll visit Bug Light, Point Ledge Light, and Portland Head Light with a local guide. You'll also have the chance to stop at a local food truck for a lunch of lobster rolls before returning to your starting point.

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.

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.

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!

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

Some cities are best seen from a car window. Portland, Maine is not one of them. On this fully private e-bike tour, it's just your group, a local guide, and five hours of spectacular coastal scenery — with a Maine lobster roll along the way. Ride through the Old Port's cobblestone waterfront and fishing piers. Climb to Fort Allen Park for sweeping Casco Bay views. Cruise the Eastern Promenade before crossing to South Portland to walk the breakwater to Bug Light, designed by the architect of the U.S. Capitol dome. Continue to Spring Point Ledge — the only lighthouse of its kind you can reach on foot — then Portland Head Light, commissioned by George Washington in 1791. Finish on the Western Promenade, a hidden hilltop park with views to the White Mountains that most visitors never find. Lunch is a fresh Maine lobster roll at a waterfront spot worthy of the occasion. No strangers, no set pace — just your group and the best of coastal Maine.

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.