Add dates

Things to do in Portland, Maine

Our most recommended things to do in Portland, Maine

Portland: Best of Maine Lighthouse Scenic Cruise

1. Portland: Best of Maine Lighthouse Scenic Cruise

Sit back and relax as you cruise along the serene Casco Bay in Portland, Maine. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Portland and see the four iconic lighthouses, the sights of Portland Harbor, and the picturesque waterway Diamond Pass. During the cruise, explore the bustling inner harbor and main shipping channel to get close-up views of civil war era forts and the lighthouses that guide mariners into Portland Harbor. Along with the historical waterfront, you'll also get the chance to see the Portland Head Light, Bug Light, and the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse.

Portland: Schooner Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay

2. Portland: Schooner Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay

Set sail on a two-hour cruise from Portland along the rugged coast of Casco Bay. Pack a meal and your favorite wine or beer, and sit back and relax as you slip through the peaceful waters of Maine. Enjoy views of lighthouses, seals, and other coastal wildlife aboard a famous schooner tall ship. Join the crew to hoist the sails or take a turn at the ship's wheel if you feel inspired. Whether you're nine years old or 99, sailing aboard a Maine schooner is a unique adventure. Learn more about the wooden windjammers which are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places and were built in Maine.

Portland Maine: Tour in Vintage Fire Engine

3. Portland Maine: Tour in Vintage Fire Engine

Enjoy seeing Portland in an unforgettable way. Hop on board a vintage fire truck with onboard multimedia system, including a large, flat-screen LED TV. Experience Portland in a unique and fun way with this local-led tour aboard a classic fire engine. Explore the city’s peninsula as you drive along the cobble-stoned streets. Enjoy great views of lighthouses, civil war forts, and the historic architecture that make up the wonderful Maine city. Enjoy a 50-minute tour narrated by local guides who love sharing their knowledge of Portland Maine. Get to know the vibrant neighborhoods of this city by the sea from high up on your truck.

Portland: Sunset Harbor Cruise in Casco Bay with Drinks

4. Portland: Sunset Harbor Cruise in Casco Bay with Drinks

Enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise around the islands of Portland's Casco Bay. Pass historic lighthouses, early-19th century forts, and quaint fishing piers as you explore the area at sunset. Guests over 21 can enjoy 1 craft beer or hard seltzers per person. As you cruise, keep an eye out for seabirds and the occasional seal that call Maine's coast home. When the timing's right, the boat will turn its bow towards Portland so you can enjoy the sunset and the city's skyline from the water.

Portland: Maine Lighthouses Sightseeing Cruise with Drinks

5. Portland: Maine Lighthouses Sightseeing Cruise with Drinks

Uncover the beauty of the Portland Harbor and Casco Bay aboard the Elizabeth Grace on this sightseeing cruise from Portland. Sail past iconic lighthouses, historic forts, and rocky islands while sipping on 1 complimentary alcoholic beverage. Hop aboard a comfortable and spacious ship at the Custom House Wharf. Take in views of the city's charming skyline as you embark on your cruise. Unwind with a delectable craft beverage in hand as you sail. Feel the wind in your hair as you cruise by lighthouses, 200-year-old forts, and rocky and stunning islands. Cruise with confidence knowing that the ship is regularly maintained to the highest safety standards. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like loons, black ducks, and buffleheads as you sail. Return to your starting point at the Custom House Wharf at the end of your cruise.

Portland: Old Port Culinary Walking Tour

6. Portland: Old Port Culinary Walking Tour

Enjoy this experience that showcases the culinary culture of Portland, Maine comprised of talented food and beverage artisans, from bakers and brewers to confectioners, chefs, and more. Visit the spots the locals enjoy visiting on a daily basis. Join a friendly and engaging tour guide as they take you to several Old Port and neighboring artisanal shops, restaurants, and pubs. You’ll sample a delectable mix of classic Maine, Maine-inspired, up-and-coming, cultural, fancy foods, and beverages.  Meet and greet culinary artisans along the way, learn what inspires them and how they got their start with a lively narration from your guide. Along the way, your guide will dish about the colorful, social, and culinary history unique to the “Port City” with lots of additional recommendations on how to dine and imbibe. You are sure to leave full of delicious food and local history. This experience works with gluten (not celiac), seafood, nut, and vegetarian dietary preferences and sensitivities to the best of our ability. Guests may pick and choose their participation for any further food issues. Your foodie experience may include: fresh-picked lobster, from-scratch confections, locally-sourced temaki (raw fish) roll, Maine seafood “chowdah”, iconic Maine craft beer, Maine honey wine, and dark chocolate truffles made with Aroostook County potatoes.

Portland, Maine: 2-Hour Guided History Tour

7. Portland, Maine: 2-Hour Guided History Tour

Meet your local guide, a history lover who will bring the stories and facts from Portland’s past alive throughout the tour. Starting on Commercial Street, walk through the cobble stone streets of the historic Old Port, downtown, and waterfront areas.  Some of the locations that may be featured as part of the tour include the lobster statue, the home of Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow, the Eastern cemetery, the Abyssinian Church, and more. Your tour will finish on a sweet note with a local treat.

Portland, Maine: Sightseeing Trolley Tour with a Guide

8. Portland, Maine: Sightseeing Trolley Tour with a Guide

Hop on this classic 1-hour trolley tour and explore the rich history and beautiful sights of Portland! On this fully narrated tour, you’ll learn about hundreds of years of history and pass some of Portland's most iconic landmarks. Weaving between Old Port, East Bayside, Downtown, and the Arts District, you’ll learn about places like The Portland Observatory, The Longfellow House, and Victoria Mansion. Once the tour is complete, you'll have a wealth of knowledge and recommendations for the city of Portland. Please arrive to the tour meeting point 15 minutes before the tour begins.

Portland: Old Port Seafood Lovers Tour

9. Portland: Old Port Seafood Lovers Tour

Explore Portland’s vibrant working waterfront to view lobster boats often unloading their catch, learn about the historic wharves and their relationship to the sea. Visit a mix of Old Port and waterfront district destinations, and sometimes a locale or two on the fringes, for a progressive lunch. Servings vary from dine-in and to go from restaurants, pubs, markets, and artisanal shops. Learn about the life of lobsters dwelling on the ocean floor and hear about how hardy lobstermen and women haul in their catch year-round, rain, snow, and shine.

Portland, Maine: Hidden Histories Downtown Walking Tour

10. Portland, Maine: Hidden Histories Downtown Walking Tour

Discover Portland's hidden histories on a guided walking tour of the Old Port, downtown, and the working waterfront. Marvel at images of the past and at the colorful storytelling your guide shares with you to make the past come alive. Hear stories only a local knows about the city's sights, streets, and buildings. Brick sidewalks beneath your feet and beautiful Victorian-era buildings nestled around you, on this tour you’ll casually stroll Portland’s lush, historic Old Port toward the sparkling waters of Casco Bay. Enjoy two hours to slow down and immerse yourself in the best Portland has to offer. End your tour in a waterfront park, about a 5-minute walk from where you started, surrounded by boutiques, restaurants, and other activity opportunities to continue your own discovery of the city. Entertainer-historian Dugan Murphy leads unforgettable jaunts through his hometown, telling an inclusive, empowering, and surprising constellation of tales you won't hear on other tours. Find out why TripAdvisor named him Portland's #1 tour guide!

Top activities

Top sights in Portland, Maine

Available activities

24 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 2

Other Sightseeing Options in Portland, Maine

Want to discover all there is to do in Portland, Maine? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Portland, Maine

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 278 reviews

Ross gave us an outstanding tour of Portland, combining his deep historical knowledge with a keen eye for good restaurants/bars, and is a genuinely interesting person. I cannot recommend a tour with him highly enough.

The tour was well worth it. Our guide, Ross, was very informative and interesting. We saw lots of things we would never have found on our own.

Guide was great. Very helpful and informative. Made the tour a lot of fun. Highly recommend.

Guide was great. Very informative and helpful. Made the tour a lot of fun.

Very knowledgeable and personable guide; enjoyed very much!