Location: Portland
Top Things to do in Portland
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10 Tours in Portland That You Shouldn't Miss
From ornate mansions to ocean views, this charming city - the largest in Maine - will enchant you. Saunter down the brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets of the revitalized Old Port District, where you can browse through bookstores, explore craft shops and eat to your heart's content. Visit the Portland Head Light, which dates back to 1791, and is the oldest lighthouse still in continuous use in the U.S. The great poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is the city's native son, and you can visit his childhood home, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House. With kids in hand, enjoy the highly interactive Children's Museum of Maine. And then go next door to the calmer Portland Museum of Art, a small, but eclectic museum with Impressionist works, Maine landscapes by Homer and Wyeth and other collections. Land or sea is an option here, so if you're tired of the street life, take one of the popular scenic cruises or whale watches, or hop on a ferry to the islands in Casco Bay. At the end of the day, and without kids in hand, unwind and rest your tired feet at one of the city's brewpubs.
Restaurants in Portland
1. Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Casco Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Learn the basics of stand-up paddle boarding on land before launching at Mere Point in Brunswick for a leisurely 2 hour morning tour of Northwest Casco Bay! We will wear face masks/coverings when on land. Stand-up paddle boarding is a great, fun way to sight see from the water. We are likely to see cormorants, sea gulls, osprey, great blue herons, snow egrets, ducks, and we might see fish jumping or a seal. Paddlers of all ages will love exploring Casco Bay in this protected, scenic, historic area! There will be a break on land where we will stretch and have some snacks that you bring.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Stand-up paddle board, paddle, board leash, and life jacket, Instruction
Exclusions: Gratuities, Bottled water
Reviewed By artnbeth111
Alice is so wonderful and responsible. I was a bit nervous to try sea kayaking but it was so special and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again with Alice. We plan to have more adventures with her in the future as she offers different programs.
2. Pedal Peaks Island Day Trip from Portland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Just a short 20-minute ferry ride from Portland, Peaks offers some breathtaking scenery and a glimpse into life on an island. Join your guides for a fun exploration of this wonderful little island.
Inclusions: Use of bicycle, use of helmet, Lunch
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Lauren R
We had a fantastic tour with Summer Feet in Portland! Visited 4 lighthouses with a stop for lunch. Our guide (Tom) was great - super knowledgeable about the area and very personable! Would definitely recommend!
3. Fall Foliage Private Sightseeing Cruise
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Experience COLORFUL Maine on this 2.5-hour sightseeing tour featuring Maine's fall color and the best coastal sights in the Portland area. It doesn't get any more "New England" than this! Book ONE TICKET for a group of up to 6. MONHEGAN, our sturdy lobster boat, is fitted with a retractable enclosure over her aft deck to ensure your comfort even if the autumn weather is a bit chilly. All charters are private (only one group per sailing), for up to 6 passengers. Children and infants are welcome. Customize your charter by adding onboard catering including lunches, charcuterie platters, and snacks. Beer and wine are available on board for purchase as well. Kindly contact us at least 48 hours in advance of your departure to order food.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Bottled water, Licensed Captain, Local guide, Cooler, glassware, plates, utensils for guest use. Beer and wine are sold onboard. No BYOB., This is a private charter. Maximum group size is 6 guests.
Exclusions: Gratuities, Parking in Portland's Old Port
Reviewed By kenedeau23
Wonderful private boat ride with family and friends out in the harbor. The service was great on board, we were comfortable, accommodated and felt very safe. There was a good selection of wine, local beer and soft drinks for all of us as well. Probably more of a $25-$35/person value if you’re not a drinker.
4. Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Immerse in and interpret the natural beauty of Maine by capturing the moment in a painting. We will hike and paint on location. No experience necessary. This is an all level class that can be enjoyed by beginner painters as well as more experienced.
Inclusions: Plein air painting equipment, supplies and chairs will be provided.
Exclusions:
5. 2 Hour Private Portland, Maine Lighthouse Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Visitors to Portland can easily miss some of Maine's most stunning sights. Avoid the headache of arranging your own transportation, or renting a car, on this guided tour of Portland's must-see sights. Enjoy a personalized experience on the tour with a local Mainer and lobsterman! We have the tour outlined but the time and stops can easily be adjusted to meet the requests of your group. Tour downtown Portland, visit three lighthouses, including Portland Head Light. See Portland's top sights, and working waterfront, with a local lobsterman. Visit Commercial Street, the Old Port District, and 3 lighthouses!
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Umbrella to use if it rains during the tour. , TV display with photos and video of tour stops and history of Portland
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By tippsieq
We had THE best tour ever and our tour guides Eric and Mario made the experience the best. It felt like hanging out with friends with them. The tour exceeded our expectation and everyone should check it out. We didn’t want it to end! Support this family run business and her an opportunity to see the beautiful lighthouses and learn about some really great history! Thank you for making such a special day for a group of lifelong friends who were celebrating 35+ years of friendship, a future bride and health and even better day!
6. The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 362 reviews
Welcome to my hometown! Hop aboard for an authentic 90 minute sightseeing tour of Portland and 3 lighthouses with an experienced guide who is a real local, born and raised in Portland, ME. Get an insider’s look at the current happenings and rich history of my hometown. We’ll go where other tours go, and then I'll take you places other tours don't - you'll see hidden gems and learn little known facts about Portland and the great state of Maine that only a real local knows! As a college librarian I'm always researching the hidden history of Portland, while at the same time keeping on top of what's new in town and visiting as many local establishments that I can. I take pride in representing this city, and providing an informative and entertaining tour, delivered with a true Mainer's sense of humor. This is The Real Portland Tour! Check my website for a complete listing of tour days, times, and availability.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Knowledgeable, entertaining guide with 20 years experience giving tours of his hometown of Portland.
Exclusions:
Reviewed By hennes6606
We really enjoyed the tour. It was very informational and entertaining. We made trips back to multiple of the locations visited on the tour.
7. 5 Lighthouse Bike Tour with XL Lobster Roll
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 16 reviews
Discover Portland Maine and the shores of Casco Bay by bicycle! Join us for the 5 lighthouse bicycle tour of Portland, Maine featuring the Maine coast, lighthouses, and Portland’s history. We have made some modifications to the 5 Lighthouse tour in response to COVID-19. We have modified the tour to allow us not to have guests in our vehicles. As a result of this change, guests will begin biking from the Ocean Gateway and return to the Ocean Gateway by bicycle. Groups will generally see only 4 lighthouses (Bug Light, Spring Point, Portland Head Light and Ram Island Ledge). Lunch will be provided by we will source all food from vendors.
Inclusions: Use of bicycle, The tour includes a extra large lobster roll lunch including a lobster roll, chips, local soda and desert. We can accommodate all dietary restrictions and preferences
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Lauren R
We had a fantastic tour with Summer Feet in Portland! Visited 4 lighthouses with a stop for lunch. Our guide (Tom) was great - super knowledgeable about the area and very personable! Would definitely recommend!
8. Private Sunset Charter on a Vintage Lobster Boat
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 19 reviews
Leave the crowds and join us aboard a vintage Maine Lobster Boat for a private 2-hour sightseeing and lighthouse viewing charter capped by a stunning Maine sunset. We will wind our way through the islands of Casco Bay passing by Portland's best coastal sights, including historic 19th century forts, lighthouses, and the scenic Maine Coast. Perfect for families and small groups, each charter is private for groups of up to 6. Book ONE TICKET for a group of up to 6. Customize your charter by adding onboard catering including lunches, charcuterie platters, and snacks. Beer and wine are available on board for purchase as well. Kindly contact us at least 48 hours in advance of your departure to order food.
Inclusions: Licensed Captain & Local Guide, Bottled water, Cooler, glassware, plates, utensils for guest use. Beer and wine are sold onboard. No BYOB., MONHEGAN is equipped with an environmentally friendly composting toilet, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By kenedeau23
Wonderful private boat ride with family and friends out in the harbor. The service was great on board, we were comfortable, accommodated and felt very safe. There was a good selection of wine, local beer and soft drinks for all of us as well. Probably more of a $25-$35/person value if you’re not a drinker.
9. Private Lighthouse Sightseeing Charter on a Vintage Lobster Boat
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 15 reviews
Step aboard a vintage Maine Lobster Boat for a private, 2-hour lighthouse viewing & sightseeing charter. Leave the crowds behind as we tour the islands of Casco Bay and pass by 4 lighthouses, historic 19th century forts, and the scenic Maine Coast. Book ONE TICKET for a group of up to 6 guests. Charters depart from Portland's Old Port or from our dock, where free parking is available. Perfect for families and small groups, each charter is private for groups of up to 6. Customize your charter by adding onboard catering including lunches, charcuterie platters, and snacks. Beer and wine are available on board for purchase as well. Kindly contact us at least 48 hours in advance of your departure to order food.
Inclusions: Licensed Captain & Local Guide, Bottled water, Cooler and ice, This is a private charter for groups of up to 6 guests (including children), Beer and wine available for purchase on board., MONHEGAN is equipped with an environmentally friendly composting toilet, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: No food or drinks included, but beer/wine available for purchase on board., Parking in the Old Port is not included (however, we do offer free parking if you choose to depart from our dock in South Portland)
Reviewed By JDean1986
The Sunset cruise was easily the most memorable part of our trip to Portland. Captain Nick was impeccable with his timing to provide a lovely view of the Sun setting while also allowing enough time during our 4 hour cruise to explore the surrounding area of Portland. Chris’ hospitality during our charter was amazing. He provided a wealth of knowledge and interesting information about the seaside town of Portland. We had the honor to experience Chef Paul’s 5 course dinner during our voyage and to say the cuisine was immaculate would be an understatement. Chef Paul does not make a meal twice and to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity will forever be a fond memory. The vessel was perfect. The trip consisted of me and my wife and we had a comfy booth along with enough pillows and blankets to support the chilly Portland seas. The sunset was breathtaking and we felt we had the view to ourselves during its captivating departure. The crew excused themselves to below deck or the front of the vessel to make the experience that much more private. Each crew member had their individual tasks and excelled at their craft.
10. Around The Peninsula Bike Tour
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 13 reviews
Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of the Portland peninsula. Only 3.5 miles long and 3/4 miles wide the Portland peninsula is packed full of food, history and culture. This 2.5-hour tour will show you the best of the peninsula.
Inclusions: Use of bicycle, helmet, Snacks, Guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Lauren R
We had a fantastic tour with Summer Feet in Portland! Visited 4 lighthouses with a stop for lunch. Our guide (Tom) was great - super knowledgeable about the area and very personable! Would definitely recommend!
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