The Most Amazing 11 Tours in Portland, Maine, 2025
Welcome to the coastal gem of the Northeast, where historic charm meets vibrant culture – Portland, Maine. Nestled on the shores of Casco Bay, this picturesque city is renowned for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and many exciting activities. If you’re planning a visit and wondering how to make the most of your time, you’re in for a treat with these amazing tours in Portland, Maine.
Although raised in the South, I adore Maine, especially coastal communities like Portland. I’ve spent a fair amount of time exploring this beautiful state, visiting Portland numerous times with my family, and recently on a summer getaway with my husband. I’m excited to share my insights into Portland.
My Top 3 Picks: Tours in Portland, Maine
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Real Portland Tour
✔️ great way to see Portland’s main attractions
✔️ small group
✔️guided by a local historian
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
Best Sightseeing Tours to Experience Portland in 2025
Join us as we journey through the best tours in Portland, Maine, uncovering the hidden gems, rich history, historic neighborhoods, and unique experiences that make this destination special. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie eager to explore local flavors, or an adventurer seeking the thrill of the sea, Portland has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the top tours that promise to make your visit unforgettable.
If traveling with kids, many of these tours are family-friendly.
1. The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local
Portland, photo credit: R. Schwartz
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour Length: 1 hour & 45 minutes | ✅ Check Availability
Lighthouses are one of the iconic sites in New England, especially Maine. While visiting this region, you want to see these beauties, and this tour ensures that. The Real Portland Tour is led by an experienced local who guides you through Portland’s history, unique gems, and three historic lighthouses.
Perks
- The guide is a historian
- Small group (max size of 13)
- Viator’s Badge of Excellence
- Great way to see a lot of Portland in a short amount of time
⭐️ ⭐️ Book The Real Portland Tour NOW!⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
2. Portland Walking Tour
Portland, photo credit: R. Schwartz
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour Length: 2 hours | ✅ Check Availability
This is a terrific option if you want a great walking tour of Portland. Guided by a local expert, you will see major highlights such as Congress Street, Old Port, The Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Portland Observatory, and City Hall. The tour is a great way to see the Portland area if it is your first time here.
Perks
- Moderate size group of 20
- Snacks provided
- Stroller accessible
⭐️ ⭐️ Book your walking tour of Portland!⭐️ ⭐️
3. Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour Length: 50 minutes | ✅ Check Availability
Looking for a fun and unique tour? Then, you’ve come to the right place. The vintage fire truck tour guides guests on a vintage fire engine truck through this beautiful city.
Perks
- One of the most unique tours of Portland
- Trucks grant guests scenic views compared to buses
- The tour starts in historic Portland right outside the Portland Lobster Company, so pair the excursion with a delicious lobster roll
⭐️ ⭐️Book the Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour⭐️ ⭐️
4. Scenic Lighthouse Boat Cruise from Portland’s Old Port
Portland, photo credit: R. Schwartz
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour Length: 1.5 hours | ✅ Check Availability
The scenic boat cruise guides you through the Portland Harbor and beautiful lighthouses. On the cruise, you’ll pass Bug Light, Portland Head Light, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and Ram Island Ledge Light. This is a great experience and one of the best harbor tours.
Perks
- Cash bar for drinks
Pro tip- there are no restrooms on this boat tour
⭐️⭐️Book the Scenic Lighthouse Boat Cruise ⭐️⭐️
5. Donut Tasting Walking Tour
Portland’s donuts, photo credit: R. Schwartz
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour Length: 1.25 hours | ✅ Check Availability
My kids and I love donuts, so this is a fun tour of local landmarks. When my husband and I visited recently, I made him check out several of the best donut places in Portland. If you enjoy donuts, I’d check out this tour.
⭐️⭐️Book the Donut Tasting Walking Tour!⭐️⭐️
6. Lighthouse Bicycling Tour
photo credit: R. Schwartz
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour Length: 3 hours | ✅ Check Availability
You will want to book this Lighthouse Bicycling Tour for the active traveler. Your local guide will lead you to the major lighthouses for three hours and stop for a lobster roll.
Perks
- Small, intimate group
- Opportunity to try a lobster roll for lunch
- Stop at Willard Beach, which isn’t included in most tours
7. Hidden Histories Tour
Portland, photo credit: R. Schwartz
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour Length: 2 hours | ✅ Check Availability
I teach AP US History when I’m not traveling, so I completely nerd out when we travel. I love to learn about the history of my travel destinations, and my husband and boys are the same. If you also love history, then this is the tour for you!
On this historical tour, your guide will teach the rich history of Portland’s past while you explore the city on beautiful cobblestone streets to Old Port and other key places of interest.
Perks
- Small guide with a knowledgeable guide
- one of the best history tours
- Fully narrated tour which is the best way to immerse yourself,
- Unique twist- part of your tour fee is a donation towards restoring one of the oldest Black churches in the US, the Abyssinian Meeting House
⭐️ ⭐️ Book Hidden Histories Tour NOW!⭐️ ⭐️
8. Best of Portland Brewery and Spirits Bus Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour Length: 3 hours | ✅ Check Availability
The Portland Brewery Bus tour is perfect for an adult looking to try craft beers in this adorable city. The tour will stop at three local breweries.
Perks
- Snacks and bottled water included
⭐️ ⭐️Book the Best of Portland Brewery and Spirits Bus Tour⭐️ ⭐️
9. Sunset Sea Kayak Tour of Casco Bay
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour Length: 2 hours | ✅ Check Availability
If you want to capture the natural beauty of the New England coastline, book this sea kayak tour of the waters of Casco Bay. Guided by a professional on a relaxing bay tour, guests of all skill levels are welcome!
Perks
- Family friendly
- Small Group sunset cruise
- Paddling gear included, as well as a dry bag for your phone
⭐️ ⭐️Book your Sunset Tour of the Beautiful Casco Bay⭐️ ⭐️
10. Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour
Portland, photo credit: R. Schwartz
⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour Length: 1-2 hours | ✅ Check Availability
For travelers with a tighter budget, consider a self-guided audio tour. You can’t beat the price and can spend as little or as much time as you desire through this charming city. The tour starts at Commercial Street.
Perks
- Most affordable
- Do at your own pace
⭐️Book the Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour⭐️
11. Portland: Old Port Seafood Lovers Tour
Lobster roll, photo credit: R. Schwartz
⭐️ Rating: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour Length: 3 hours | ✅ Check Availability
The Old Port Seafood Lovers Tour is a unique excursion in Portland as it blends the history of Portland’s harbor economy with local landmarks. You’ll experience learning the rich history of Maine’s lobster industry.
Pro tip- not suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions, vegetarians, or guests with strollers
⭐️Book the Old Port Seafood Lovers Tour ⭐️
While in Portland, consider a day trip to some adorable towns further south, such as Kennebunkport and Ogunquit.
In Conclusion: The Most Amazing Tours in Portland, Maine, 2025
Portland is a fantastic city for a vacation for travelers of all ages. I hope my guide of the best tours in Portland, Maine, helped you plan your next great adventure.
Portland Resources
Portland, Maine, with kids
Best Lobster Roll in Portland
