Portland, Maine

Food & drinks

Enjoy a fully-narrated trolley tour of scenic and historic Portland and visit Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light, during a 30-minute stop in Cape Elizabeth. Hop onboard a trolley and journey from city streets to the rocky coast. Cruise past landmarks such as the childhood home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the Victoria Mansion, the Arts District, and the bustling Old Port. With forward-facing seats and big windows, you won't miss a thing. See as your guide points out the famous sites and hidden gems of Portland and shares interesting stories behind them. Upon arrival at Cape Elizabeth, along the spectacular shores of Fort Williams Park, disembark for a 30-minute stop to explore the Portland Head Light on your own. Choose to walk around Maine's oldest lighthouse or visit the maritime museum inside.

Step onboard a historic schooner, some of which are over 100 years old, and set sail on Casco Bay in Portland, Maine. Help the boat crew hoist the sails or even get behind the wheel. Step into history aboard a locally-built wooden windjammer, with three of these vessels listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Experience the beauty of the rugged coastline, complete with a beautiful sunset, lighthouses, seals, and seabirds. Pack a meal, bring your favorite wine or beer, and sit back and relax as you slip through the pristine waters of Casco Bay.

Enjoy this fully narrated 60-minute scenic cruise through busy Casco Bay and its iconic islands to see lighthouses, forts, lobster boats, seals, and seabirds. Take in the views of Portland's historical lighthouses, including a close up view of Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest and most photographed lighthouse. As you cruise along the Casco bay, keep an eye out for Spring Point Ledge Light, Portland Breakwater Light (Bug Light), Ram Island Ledge Light, Portland Head Light, Fort Scammel, Fort Gorges, and Portland Harbor.

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.

Experience the beauty of Portland, Maine's rugged coastline on a historic windjammer sailing ship in Casco Bay. Sail by lighthouses, seals, and seabirds as you feel the wind in your hair. Learn how the wooden windjammer you are sailing on was built in Maine and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Pack a meal, bring your favorite wine or beer, and sit back and relax as you slip through the pristine waters of Casco Bay. Let your skipper take charge and take in the marine wildlife and views surrounding you. See Portland from a unique vantage point. Have fun with the whole family or with friends on a day out at sea, before heading back to port.

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 10+mile-long tour covers the essentials of Portland in 1-2 hours. Travel through the neighborhoods of Portland on a self-guided driving tour. Learn about the city’s history and culture from an audio-guided app on your smartphone and get panoramic views from the Eastern Promenade.  Drive down Commercial Street and hear about the industrial beginnings of the city. Along the way, you’ll see the wonderfully preserved Victoria Mansion, dating back to 1858. That’s followed by the even older Danforth Inn, which goes all the way back to 1823. As you drive up the Western Promenade, you’ll hear about some famous folks who were laid to rest in Portland, including the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (a statue of whom you’ll see next, in Longfellow Square). Go to the Art District (perfect for picking up a souvenir), followed by a church that was once destroyed by the British.  Continue toward the shore, passing the site of an observatory that once guided ships into Portland’s occasionally treacherous harbor. Spot a couple of picturesque lighthouses perfect for any photo collection. Explore the Eastern Promenade, a 68-acre seaside park sporting plenty of unforgettable ocean views. You’ll see the strange and controversial “baked beans” building, before passing through Old Port again for a second chance to stop at one of the neighborhood’s many restaurants and boutiques. Pass by a statue of Portland’s own John Ford. Cross the Casco Bay Bridge into South Portland, home to a quieter community than its buzzing northern neighbor. Finally, you’ll arrive at Fort Williams Park, full of beauty and history. The tour concludes here.

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.

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.

Embark on a relaxing cruise along the rugged coastline of Casco Bay in Portland. As you glide along on the tranquil waters around the Bay, you'll see lighthouses, seals, seabirds, and historic forts. Make the most of your cruise by packing a meal, bringing your favorite wine or beer, and sitting back and relaxing as you cruise along at an easy pace. Bring your family along as all ages are welcome aboard Ruth, a 39’ long classic, picnic-style tour boat built in 1935 at Handy Boat in Falmouth, Maine. For 84 years, she has been the longest continuously operated commercial vessel in the state and is now the newest member of the Portland Schooner Co. fleet with a capacity of 19 guests.

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.