Portland Historical Sightseeing Tour and Lighthouses

Welcome to my hometown! Hop aboard for an authentic 1 hour and 45 minute historical sightseeing tour of Portland, Maine and 3 lighthouses with an experienced guide who is a real local, born and raised in Portland, Maine.
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.

Meeting Point

96 Commercial St

96 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, USA

Please arrive at 96 Commercial Street (in front of the Casco Variety Store) at least 10-15 min before your tour time. The tour departs from the tour bus parking spot next to the US Customs House, which is located directly across the street from the Casco Variety Store.

What's included:

• Knowledgeable, entertaining guide with 20 years experience giving tours of his hometown of Portland.

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Commercial Street

Portland, Maine

We start at historic Commercial Street, the heart of Portland's working waterfront. See original cobblestone and brick that was laid in the 1850s.

Pass by without stopping

United States Custom House

312 Fore St, Portland, 04101-4110, Maine

See one of the most beautiful granite buildings in all of Portland.

Pass by without stopping

Fort Allen Park

Maine

We'll drive through Fort Allen Park and get a majestic view of Casco Bay and its Calendar Islands. Also get up close views of memorials from the Civil War, Spanish American War, and WWII located in the park.

Pass by without stopping

Eastern Promenade Trail

Portland, 04101, Maine

You'll see the Victorian era homes once owned by sea captains and merchants that line the Eastern Promenade, as well as Eastern Promenade Park which offers endless views of Casco Bay, islands, and forts.

Pass by without stopping

Portland Observatory

138 Congress St, , Portland, 04101-3608, Maine

We'll get a great view of the only remaining maritime signal tower in the U.S.

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Eastern Cemetery

224 Congress St, Mountfort St., Portland, 04101-3639, Maine

Hear about the legends and lore regarding the oldest cemetery in Portland, first established in 1668.

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Congress Street

Portland, Maine

One of the busiest streets in all of Maine, we'll see Portland's eclectic downtown, Monument Square, and arts district.

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The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception

307 Congress St, Portland, 04101-3638, Maine

The neo-Gothic architecture of this cathedral built in 1869 dominates the skyline of Portland.

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The First Parish Portland Unitarian Universalist

425 Congress St, Portland, 04101-3505, Maine

This church is the oldest in Portland, and you'll learn about its rich history.

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The Wadsworth-Longfellow House

489 Congress St, Portland, 04101-3414, Maine

See the home where Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow grew up and wrote his early poetry.

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Arts District

Congress Street, , Portland, Maine

We'll tour the center of downtown Portland, and its highly acclaimed Arts District.

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Portland Museum of Art

7 Congress Sq, , Portland, 04101-3802, Maine

See one of the finest art museums in New England, and learn about its exhibits.

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One Longfellow Square

181 State St, Portland, 04101-3701, Maine

See the statue of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, born in Portland in 1807.

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Victoria Mansion

109 Danforth Street, , Portland, 04101-4504, Maine

Get an up close view of the Victoria Mansion, the finest example in the country of a 19th century Italianate brownstone.

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Fort Williams Park

1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, 04107-1916, Maine

We enter one of the most beautiful parks in the state, Fort Williams Park, and drive to Portland Head Light (located in the park) where you will be let off to explore.

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Portland Head Light

1000 Shore Rd, , Cape Elizabeth, 04107-1916, Maine

This iconic lighthouse located within Fort Williams Park is the most photographed lighthouse in the country. Walk right up to the lighthouse, explore Fort Williams Park, and take in the views of Maine's rugged, rocky coastline.

20 minutes

Fort Preble

South Portland, Maine

Get an up close view of Fort Preble (one of the oldest forts in Casco Bay) and learn about its storied history.

5 minutes

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

2 Fort Rd, Southern Maine Community College Campus, South Portland, 04106-1611, Maine

Get out for a photo of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and its 900 foot long breakwater connecting it to the shore.

5 minutes

Bug Light Park

South Portland Greenbelt Pathway, South Portland, 04106, Maine

Enjoy panoramic views of the Portland skyline from this beautiful park that sits directly across the bay from Portland.

Pass by without stopping

Liberty Ship Memorial

Bug Light Park, 0 Madison St, South Portland, 04106 , Maine

Get an up close view of the Liberty Ship Memorial, and learn about the thousands of shipbuilders who worked here during WWII.

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Portland Breakwater Lighthouse

Bug Light Park, End of Madison Avenue, South Portland, 04106 , Maine

Get a photo of Portland Breakwater Light (affectionately called "Bug Light" because of its small size).

5 minutes

John Ford Statue

Gorhams Corner, Portland, 04101, Maine

Get an up close view of this statue dedicated to one of the most distinguished movie directors in history, and learn about his connections to his hometown of Portland.

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Old Port

Commercial St, Portland, 04101, Maine

See the center of the bustling downtown/waterfront district known as the Old Port. Learn the history of this vibrant area of Portland that is home to countless eclectic shops, businesses, and world class restaurants and bars.

Pass by without stopping