Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour
Description
Skip the city and head straight to the coast on this dedicated lighthouse tour of Maine’s best lighthouses. Explore three iconic beacons that have guided sailors for centuries, each offering a chance to delve into their rich history. While most lighthouses aren’t open for tours, you’ll still get up-close views and plenty of opportunities to admire their stunning architecture and scenic surroundings. As you navigate through Portland’s picturesque coastline, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views that are as storied as they are beautiful. This focused, relaxed tour is the perfect way to connect with maritime past while soaking in the charm of Maine’s coastal landscape.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Whether you're visiting for the first time or have called Portland home for years, this tour offers a fresh and engaging way to explore the Greater Portland area. Ride in comfort aboard one of our Ford Transit passenger vans, as we journey through the heart of the city and its scenic surroundings. Starting off on tour, we drive down Fore Street, a charming historic thoroughfare that runs parallel to one of North America's last working waterfronts. We will pass by cobblestone streets, brick row buildings, and some of Portland’s most iconic shops, brewpubs, and restaurants—many housed in the city’s oldest commercial and residential structures. The blend of old-world charm and modern energy makes this neighborhood a local favorite.
Walk around Fort Williams Park home to Portland Head Light! One of the most photographed lighthouses in the world! With cliff walks, memorials, and breath taking views, you will be able to take photos, visit the Lighthouse museum/giftshop "May-September" and also snag a bite/treat at a few of the parks food trucks, lobster Rolls, chowder, gelato, whoopie pies!
Spring Point Ledge Light we will park and stop for 10 minutes. Here your guide will breakdown the importance of this lighthouse which is situated out on a 900 ft. granite breakwater, early 1800's military instalments in the area, and scenic views of our coastal islands of Casco Bay! Please ask your guide for pictures taken during this stop.
Here at Portland Breakwater Light, known as "Bug Light" to locals, you will be given 20 min to visit one of Maine's smallest lighthouses still in commission. With beautiful Greek Corinthian Columns this lighthouse is situated on a much shorter/safer breakwater where you'll be able to walk out and enjoy amazing views of Portland's waterfront!
As we finish our tour, we drive through Commercial Street, you'll get a glimpse of one of North America’s last working waterfronts. This iconic stretch in Portland’s Old Port district features cobblestone streets, 19th-century fishing wharves, and bustling piers still used by lobstermen and local fisheries. You’ll also see a vibrant mix of boutiques, restaurants, and pubs, all set within some of the city's oldest brick/granite buildings.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tour pick up is approximately 10 minutes walking from cruise ship terminal, less than 1/2 mile.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended to enjoy the full experience at the lighthouse!
- This tour is fully on land. We will be driving in a high-end van.
Reviews(983)
Fun trip! The headlight is amazing. Pete was a great guide. Very hot weather but nice to have A/C in the van.
Seeing three lighthouses around Portland was absolutely amazing! This tour however was not really a tour, there was no talk about history or culture, as the link said. This was disappointing because we were really looking forward to it. This tour is truly a drive and drop to each lighthouse. If you have transportation- you can do it yourself. If you do not have transportation- then its helpful. The guide was nice, but truly a let down.
Billy was very knowledgeable and friendly. The van was comfortable. We loved the lights houses. Over all a great trip. .
What a fantastic tour! Allie was an amazing tour guide, and her passion for the Portland community and our understanding of it was infectious. Great tour!!!
We would recommend to others. Chris did a great job showing us around and sharing his knowledge of the area.
John was a wonderful tour guide. The van was comfortable and he took us to three lovely lighthouses. We were able to spend about 20 minutes at each site, exploring the area and listening to its history. We recommend this tour.
Billy was an amazing tour guide. The tour was just long enough to see 3 lighthouses. Highly recommend.
Thank you so much for joining us on the Lighthouse Tour! Billy really knows his history and we're glad to see he showed the group a fun time. Hope to see you in town again sometime soon!
Great tour! Pete W. knew the area well and gave us lots of information in a conversational way. This was a great way to get an overview of Portland without having to find our way around on our own.
Thank you so much for joining us on the lighthouse tour! Pete's knowledge of the area and the history is second to none, and we're happy to hear that he showed the group a good time. We hope to see you again soon next time you're in town!
The perfect lighthouse tour! Billy was an excellent guide. We were able to spend enough time at each spot. The Portland Beer Hub was a great meeting point. It had friendly staff and wonderful drinks.
We're so glad to hear you had a good time on the Lighthouse Tour with Billy! His knowledge of the area and appreciation for the history are contagious so we're happy to hear he showed the group a fun time. Thanks for joining us!
great tour loved it great great great thank Very enjoyable very knowlegable tour guide would recomend to anyone
Thank you so much for the kind words and for joining us on the Lighthouse Tour! Portland's geography and maritime history are things we absolutely love to highlight on these tours, and we're thankful you could join us for one. Hope to see you again soon!
