The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local

About this activity

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.

Itinerary

1. Commercial Street · pass by

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

2. United States Custom House · pass by

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

3. Fort Allen Park · pass by

   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.

4. Eastern Promenade Trail · pass by

   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.

5. Portland Observatory · pass by

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

6. Eastern Cemetery · pass by

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

7. Congress Street · pass by

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

8. The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception · pass by

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

9. The First Parish Portland Unitarian Universalist · pass by

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

10. The Wadsworth-Longfellow House · pass by

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

11. Arts District · pass by

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

12. Portland Museum of Art · pass by

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

13. One Longfellow Square · pass by

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

14. Victoria Mansion · pass by

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

15. Fort Williams Park · pass by

    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.

16. Portland Head Light · 20 min

    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.

17. Fort Preble · 5 min

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

18. Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse · 5 min

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

19. Bug Light Park · pass by

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

20. Liberty Ship Memorial · pass by

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

21. Portland Breakwater Lighthouse · 5 min

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

22. John Ford Statue · pass by

    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.

23. Old Port · pass by

    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.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: 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.

Good to know

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The tour is in Portland, MAINE. Unfortunately no pets/animals of any kind can be accommodated on board.
• The tour does not pickup/drop off at hotels, and it does not pickup/drop off at the cruise ship terminal. Everyone has to be at the tour starting point ready to board at least 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time.
• Wheelchairs, walkers, and luggage do not fit in the van.
• This is not a private tour. The tour vehicle is a 13 passenger, high roof Ford Transit van. The tour often sells out, so you will be riding with a total of 13 people in the van.
• Please double check the month, day, and time of your booking to make sure it is accurate, as some folks make mistakes when booking online and choose the wrong date.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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