Top Portland Sightseeing Tours in 2026

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

Board your boat, the Elizabeth Grace, near the Portland ferry terminal and cruise around Portland Harbor at sunset, when Casco Bay and the coast of southern Maine are the most romantic. See lighthouses, historic forts, and stray groups of swimming seals and enjoy local craft beer from the boat. As the sun sets, turn toward Portland to see the town light up before returning to harbor.

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 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.

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.

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.

Unearth the stories beneath historic downtown Portland, Maine on this self-guided walking tour! In the Old Port, colonial tales linger around the Customs House and the spots where the little settlement survived an invasion and even a riot over rum! Hilly streets reveal each historic building where abolitionists preached, suffragettes met, and the tales of Civil War bravery were honored. You'll find Longfellow lore at every turn, from One Longfellow Square to the Wadsworth-Longfellow House. Pause where you want, skip what you don't, and explore the stories that interest you most. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Our White Mountains Day Tour offers more than just scenic views—it’s a thoughtfully curated journey through New Hampshire’s most charming towns, historic covered bridges, and hidden natural wonders. Unlike larger, rushed tours, we keep our groups small for a more personal experience, allowing time to explore, photograph, and connect with each stop. From the iconic Kancamagus Highway to the massive Madison Boulder, every stop has a story—and our guides bring it to life. Guests also have the option to add a ride on the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway for an unforgettable summit experience.

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.

This isn’t just another sightseeing trip—it’s a curated journey through Maine’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems, woven together into one unforgettable day. From the elegance of Portland Head Light, the nation’s most photographed lighthouse, to the playful charm of Eartha, the world’s largest rotating globe, every stop reveals a different facet of Maine’s character. Guests walk a historic suspension bridge built by the engineers of the Brooklyn Bridge, explore the state’s proud maritime heritage in Bath, and visit the legendary L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport. What sets this tour apart is the balance of scenery, history, and culture: stunning coastal views, hands-on heritage at museums and memorials, and Maine icons you won’t find grouped together anywhere else. And because it’s a shorter itinerary, it’s the perfect choice for cruise ship passengers or travelers with limited time who still want a rich, memorable Maine experience.

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.

This two-hour sunset private sail is the perfect way to experience Maine's sunset on the coast - complete with lighthouses, seals, and seabirds. Sail aboard Heart's Desire, a 101 year old schooner, designed by famed yacht designer, John Alden. Heart's Desire measures 53' feet and features some of John Alden's trademark design elements including a long bowsprit and dramatic, raked transom. Built in 1925 by T.S. Soule in South Freeport, Maine, Heart's Desire has been used mainly for chartering along the Eastern seaboard in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maine.