“Portland whispers its secrets from cobblestones to lighthouses. Ready to listen?”
Portland grew from a rough shipbuilding port into America’s first major city destroyed by fire, then rebuilt with Victorian grandeur that still lines its streets. Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow grew up here, Oscar-winning director John Ford was born nearby, and British cannonballs still lodge in church walls from the War of 1812, reminders that this small city packs outsized stories into every waterfront view and historic square.​
We are proud to be a part of the official Maine Tourism Association.
Road trippers chasing “things to do in Portland Maine” find harbor charm, seaside parks, and architecture that spans fishing villages to Gilded Age wealth. Old Port’s cobbled streets burst with shops and restaurants around sparkling Casco Bay, Western and Eastern Promenades offer 68 acres of oceanfront escape, and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse guides ships past Spring Point Ledge. Lighthouses dot the coast while Victoria Mansion (1858) and Danforth Inn (1823) showcase preserved elegance, all connected by a 12-mile drive blending maritime grit with postcard perfection.​
Portland Maine Self-Guided Driving Tour delivers GPS-triggered stories, letting you circle from Visit Portland Center through Commercial Street, Western Promenade, Longfellow Square, Art District, and back via Casco Bay Bridge to Fort Williams Park at your own pace with hands-free navigation.​
British cannon-marked churches stand beside Wadsworth Longfellow House while Victoria Mansion and Danforth Inn preserve Victorian splendor. Old Port’s Exchange Street hums with boutiques around the observatory that once guided ships, Eastern Promenade’s 68 acres frame Casco Bay vistas, and the “baked beans” building sparks smiles en route to John Ford’s statue. Fort Williams Park caps the loop with Portland Head Light’s timeless beam sweeping Spring Point waters.​
Lighthouse Keeper Warning: This Portland drive may cause sudden urges to collect lighthouse photos, recite Longfellow poetry at dinner, and declare every seafood meal “just like Maine.”
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Nearby Tours
Driving
48
2 - 3 Hours
Driving / Walking
Each Tour 35+
Each Tour 2-3 Hours
Driving
40+
2 - 3 Hours
Walking
27
1 - 2 Hours
Portland Maine Map
Where To Start?
14 Ocean Gateway Pier, Portland, ME 04101
(The tour begins in the parking lot of the Visit Portland Information Center at 14 Ocean Gateway Pier. This is a suggested starting point, and we’re not affiliated with the information center or any businesses here,  so their staff will not have any information about this tour.)
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Audio Story Highlights
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Welcome
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Commercial Street
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The Victoria Mansion
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The Danforth Inn
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Danforth and Vaughn/Western Prom
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West Street and Western Prom
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Fore, Middle and Back
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Congress and State Streets Longfellow Square
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Art District - Congress and High Streets
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Congress and Brown Streets, The Wadsworth Longfellow House, Monument Square
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Congress and Temple Streets
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Congress and Exchange City Hall
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Congress and Franklin Streets, Franklin Tower and The Cathedral
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Eastern Cemetery
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Observatory
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Casco Bay
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Eastern Promenade
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Obelisk
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Baked Beans
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Fort Sumner North and Walnut St
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Fore and Pearl
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John Feeney Gorham's Corner
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The Casco Bay Bridge/ South Portland
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Meetinghouse Hill-Portland Players
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Cape Elizabeth Story
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Joan Benoit Samuelson
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Fort Williams Park
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Conclusion
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Portland, Maine is popular for its picturesque waterfront, vibrant arts scene, rich maritime history, and renowned culinary offerings.
Four popular walking trails in Portland, Maine include the Eastern Promenade Trail, Back Cove Trail, Casco Bay Walkway, and the historic Old Port district.
Yes, Portland, Maine is pedestrian-friendly, with walkable neighborhoods, well-maintained sidewalks, and designated pedestrian crossings.
Old Port in Portland, Maine features streets like Commercial Street, Fore Street, and Exchange Street, known for their historic charm, shops, and restaurants.
Portland, Maine has a single main port, known as Casco Bay, which encompasses several small islands and is a hub for maritime activity.
Portland, Maine is home to several lighthouses, with the most iconic being the Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth.
The Portland Head Light is known for being Maine’s oldest lighthouse, offering stunning coastal views and a picturesque setting.
In a few hours, you can explore the Old Port area, visit local boutiques, enjoy a seafood meal, and take in waterfront views.
Yes, downtown Portland offers a variety of attractions, including museums, galleries, shops, restaurants, and access to scenic waterfront areas.
Yes, Portland, Maine is considered a foodie city with a thriving culinary scene featuring fresh seafood, farm-to-table dining, and diverse cuisines.
Spending 2-3 days in Portland, Maine allows you to explore its attractions, enjoy its dining scene, and take in the coastal beauty.
Explore 200+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free. Assistance available all day via call, chat, or email.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Valid for multiple visits up to 1 year after purchase.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated videos, text guides, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
