Overview
Welcome to my hometown! Hop aboard for an authentic 90 minute sightseeing tour of Portland and 3 lighthouses with an experienced guide who is a real local, born and raised in Portland, ME.
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.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Knowledgeable, entertaining guide with 20 years experience giving tours of his hometown of Portland.
In-vehicle air conditioning
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting 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.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation. No refunds are allowed if customers cancel within 24 hours of the tour time. No changes/reschedules are allowed within 24 hours of the tour time.
Contact us by phone or email to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows, or those who are late and miss the tour, will not be rescheduled or refunded and will be charged the full price. If your cruise ship or flight is delayed or cancelled, and you do not provide the required 24 hours notice, you will not be refunded or rescheduled.
Unfortunately no pets/animals of any kind can be accommodated on board. No food or alcohol is allowed on board.
Please double check the month, day, and time of your booking to make sure it is accurate.
Fold-up walkers/wheelchairs do not fit in my van. Please let me know ahead of time if you have a walker or wheelchair. Luggage cannot be stored anywhere. Please do not arrive with luggage, as there is no place to store it. Small handbags/backpacks are fine. Most tours sell out, so you’ll be riding with a total of 13 people.
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.
The tour starts next to the US Customs House, which is located across the street from the Casco Variety store, 96 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101.
Parking can be challenging, so give yourself plenty of time. The closest parking garage is the Custom House Parking Garage located at 25 Pearl St, Portland, ME 04101 (this parking garage is closed on Sundays). On Sundays, the nearest parking garage is the Fore Street Parking Garage located at 427 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101.
Some GPS users have been confusing 96 Commercial Street in South Portland as my address. South Portland is a different town. Make sure you are selecting 96 Commercial Street in PORTLAND, ME.
What to expect
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Commercial Street
We start at historic Commercial Street, the heart of Portland's working waterfront. See original cobblestone and brick that was laid in the 1850s.
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United States Custom House
See one of the most beautiful granite buildings in all of Portland.
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Fort Allen Park
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.
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Eastern Promenade Trail
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.
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Portland Observatory
We'll get a great view of the only remaining maritime signal tower in the U.S.
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Eastern Cemetery
Hear about the legends and lore regarding the oldest cemetery in Portland, first established in 1668.
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Congress Street
One of the busiest streets in all of Maine, we'll see Portland's eclectic downtown, Monument Square, and arts district.
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The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception
The neo-Gothic architecture of this cathedral built in 1869 dominates the skyline of Portland.
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The First Parish Portland Unitarian Universalist
This church is the oldest in Portland, and you'll learn about its rich history.
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The Wadsworth-Longfellow House
See the home where Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow grew up and wrote his early poetry.
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Arts District
We'll tour the center of downtown Portland, and its highly acclaimed Arts District.
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Portland Museum of Art
See one of the finest art museums in New England, and learn about its exhibits.
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One Longfellow Square
See the statue of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, born in Portland in 1807.
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Victoria Mansion
Get an up close view of the Victoria Mansion, the finest example in the country of a 19th century Italianate brownstone.
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Fort Williams Park
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Bug Light Park
5 min
Enjoy panoramic views of the Portland skyline from this beautiful park that sits directly across the bay from Portland.
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Liberty Ship Memorial
5 min
Get an up close view of the Liberty Ship Memorial, and learn about the thousands of shipbuilders who worked here during WWII.
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Portland Breakwater Lighthouse
5 min
Get a photo of Portland Breakwater Light (affectionately called "Bug Light" because of its small size).
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John Ford Statue
5 min
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.
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Old Port
5 min
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/New York).
Additional Information
- 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.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 13 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local
Can I cancel The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 1 hour 45 min.
Where does it start?
Please arrive at 96 Commercial Street (in front of the Casco Variety Store) at least 10-15 min before your tour time.
What's included?
- Knowledgeable, entertaining guide with 20 years experience giving tours of his hometown of Portland.
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Which places does it visit?
It visits Commercial Street, United States Custom House, Fort Allen Park, Eastern Promenade Trail, Portland Observatory, Eastern Cemetery, Congress Street, The Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by The Real Portland Tour
