Real Portland Tour: Old Port, Casco Bay & Three Iconic Lighthouses
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires only short walks at lighthouse stops
Overview
Ride a local’s 105‑minute storytelling loop through Portland’s Old Port, the Eastern Promenade and three signature lighthouses. Expect close-up photo stops, sea-spray viewpoints and insider history delivered by a born‑and‑raised guide.
Real Portland Tour: Old Port, Casco Bay & Three Iconic Lighthouses
Select participants and date
The van eases away from the cobblestones of Commercial Street and the city exhales — gulls cry, salt air slicks the glass, and brick facades slide past like pages in a maritime scrapbook. For the next 1 hour and 45 minutes a local guide born and raised in Portland will thread together the city's working waterfront, leafy promenades and three of Maine's most photographed beacons, stopping where the view is worth more than a caption.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early
Plan to be at 96 Commercial Street at least 10–15 minutes before departure; parking can be limited near the waterfront.
Light Layers for Coastal Wind
Bring a windproof layer even on warm days — the ocean can feel several degrees colder where the van stops for photos.
Travel Light
No luggage or pets allowed onboard and fold‑up wheelchairs/walkers don’t fit in the van; carry only a small daypack or purse.
Camera Ready
Have your phone or camera charged and accessible — stops are short and you’ll want to capture the lighthouses quickly.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Harbor seals near Portland Head Light
- Terns and gulls fishing off the breakwater
History
Portland’s maritime economy — shipbuilding, merchant trade and wartime shipyards — shaped its architecture and public spaces; Portland Head Light was commissioned in 1791 and is one of the nation’s oldest operational lighthouses.
Conservation
Fort Williams Park and local lighthouses are managed for both recreation and preservation; stick to marked paths, pack out trash, and avoid disturbing nesting seabirds.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windbreaker or light jacket
Protects against sea spray and coastal gusts during stops.
summer specific
Comfortable walking shoes
Non‑slip shoes are useful for brief walks on rocky headlands and breakwaters.
Portable charger
Keeps your phone and camera charged for photos and navigation.
Small daypack or bag
Carries water, ID, and small purchases — large luggage cannot be stored.