“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
3-4 Hours
60+ stories
57+ Miles
Driving / Walking
2 to 3 Hours per tour
90+
20+ Miles per tour
Driving
2-3 hours
35+ Stories
33+ Miles
Walking
1 - 2 Hours
27
2.5+ Miles
Portland Maine Map
Starting Point
You can begin the tour at the suggested starting locations provided below.
14 Ocean Gateway Pier, Portland, ME 04101, USA
The tour begins in the parking lot of the Visit Portland Information Center at 14 Ocean Gateway Pier.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Portland Audio Tour
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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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.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.
GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.
Tour anytime: Your tour is available for unlimited use, anytime and any day.Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.
Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.
Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
Stories, stops, and directions:Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.
Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.
Admission:Entry tickets and reservations are not included.
Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.
Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours.
