Portland, Maine

Portland was founded in 1632 by the British as a fishing and trading post and named Casco. In 1658 the name was changed to Falmouth and Portland was put on the map in 1786. While Portland's name has changed over the years the essence of the area has not changed. Today, Portland still remains a vibrant fishing and commercial port, Maine's largest city, and its cultural, social and economic capital.

From the renovated Old Port with its brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets to the quaint seaside village of Kennebunkport, the summer home of President George H. Bush, Portland and the surrounding area have something for everyone. Photographers are sure to delight at the photo opportunities including the Portland Head Lighthouse and the picturesque White Mountains on the Cog Railway. Shoppers will enjoy the Old Port and downtown area that feature many unique boutiques, shops, galleries and restaurants. Outdoor enthusiast will surely want to visit the world-renowned outdoor outfitter L.L. Bean® and the many other brand name outlets in nearby Freeport, Maine.

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Points of Interest

  • Old Port
  • Kennebunkport
  • Fort Williams Park
  • Portland Head Light
  • Eastern Promenade Pathway
  • Victoria Mansion
  • Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House
  • Lobster Bake

More about Portland, Maine Points of Interest

  • Old Port

    Just steps from Casco Bay, this area was known as the city's warehouse district but today is full of chic shopping, dining, and entertainment.

  • Kennebunkport

    This beautiful coastal village is home to pristine beaches, rolling green hills and mansions of the rich and famous including Walker's Point, the summer home of former President George H.W. Bush.

  • Fort Williams Park

    Situated in the town of Cape Elizabeth, this former Army outpost, commissioned in 1899, is now a popular park and home of Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest lighthouse.

  • Portland Head Light

    Commissioned by President Washington in 1797, its white conical tower, charming Victorian buildings with rambling red roofs makes Portland Head Light not only Portland's most recognizable landmark but the most photographed lighthouse in the U.S.

  • Eastern Promenade Pathway

    This two-mile trail along Casco Bay is Portland's finest stroll featuring spectacular views of the harbor and the Calendar Islands.

  • Victoria Mansion

    A Portland landmark, it's considered the finest surviving Italian villa-style house in America. Completed in 1860, 90% of the paintings, carpets, gas lighting fixtures, stained glass, porcelain, silver and glassware are still intact.

  • Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House

    Built by Wadsworth's grandfather in 1786, the home once served as George Washington's headquarters during the Revolutionary War. Willed to The Maine Historical Society in 1901, it became one of the state's first museums.

  • Lobster Bake

    Plucked fresh from the coastal waters of Maine, lobster is the star and undisputed king of lobster dinners and known as a "downeast" meal including corn on the cob, potatoes, and all the trimmings.

12 EXCURSIONS

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Beyond the Old Port Walking Tour

2 hours | Portland | P W M - 3 9 0
  • Eastern Promenade Pathway
  • Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House

Embark on a guided walking tour through Portland's distinctive neighborhoods and past its notable landmarks, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

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Moderate Activity

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$44.95

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Easy Portland Highlights & Lighthouse (Wheelchair Accessible)

2 hours | Portland | P W M - 1 2 1
  • Old Port
  • Eastern Promenade Pathway
  • Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House
  • Fort Williams Park
  • Portland Head Light

Enjoy a scenic drive through Portland to discover why it's been voted one of America's "most livable cities" by Forbes Magazine. Traveling along the Eastern Promenade you'll pass Victorian homes, Old Port's quaint streets and make a stop at Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the U.S.

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Wheelchair Accessible, Easy Activity

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$59.95

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Easy Portland Highlights & Lighthouse

2 hours | Portland | P W M - 1 2 0
  • Old Port
  • Eastern Promenade Pathway
  • Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House
  • Fort Williams Park
  • Portland Head Light

Enjoy a scenic drive through Portland to discover why it's been voted one of America's "most livable cities" by Forbes Magazine. Traveling along the Eastern Promenade you'll pass Victorian homes, Old Port's quaint streets and make a stop at Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the U.S.

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Easy Activity

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$59.95

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Freeport & L.L. Bean® Shopping Transfer

4 hours | Portland | P W M - 2 9 5
  • Old Port

The ultimate shopping tour - Home to the L.L. Bean® Factory Outlet and 170 other retailers, the charming town of Freeport has become a mecca for brand-name designer stores as well as a unique mix of shops featuring Maine artisans.

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Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity

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$59.95

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Kennebunkport & Scenic Drive

4 hours | Portland | P W M - 2 0 0
  • Old Port
  • Kennebunkport

Travel to the charming seaside town of Kennebunkport, home of former President George H. Bush. Situated along the beautiful rocky coast, view Walker's Point, the Bush estate, before enjoying some free time to visit the lovely boutiques, cafes and art galleries in Dock Square.

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Easy Activity

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$64.95

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Lighthouses of Maine

3.5 hours | Portland | P W M - 2 0 5
  • Old Port
  • Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House
  • Fort Williams Park
  • Portland Head Light

The spectacular rocky coastline of Maine is studded with lighthouses dating back over 200 years. Explore a trio of Portland's historic lighthouses. First you'll tour the scenic sights of Portland then venture out to Portland Breakwater (commonly known as "Bug Light"), Spring Point Ledge Light, and Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the U.S.

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Easy Activity

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$69.95

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Portland Highlights & Victorian Mansion

2 hours | Portland | P W M - 1 1 0
  • Old Port
  • Eastern Promenade Pathway
  • Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House
  • Victoria Mansion

Enjoy a scenic drive through the quaint streets of Portland, past some of the city's most popular sights then take a guided tour of Victoria Mansion, America's finest example of residential design from the pre-Civil War era.

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Easy Activity

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$74.95

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Best of Portland, Kennebunkport & Lighthouse

5.5 hours | Portland | P W M - 1 0 0
  • Old Port
  • Eastern Promenade Pathway
  • Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House
  • Kennebunkport
  • Fort Williams Park
  • Portland Head Light

Spend a day exploring Portland's historic and colorful sights. Start your tour with a visit to Portland Head Light, America's most photographed lighthouse. Then travel to the charming seaside town of Kennebunkport for some free time and shopping.

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Easy Activity

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$99.95

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Kennebunkport & Scenic Cruise

5 hours | Portland | P W M - 6 2 0
  • Old Port
  • Kennebunkport

This exciting excursion offers the best of Kennebunkport by land and sea. Your air-conditioned transportation will take you to the picturesque coastal village of Kennebunkport to board a harbor cruise passing Walker's Point, summer home of former President George H. Bush. You will have free time at Dock Square to explore the charming town on your own.

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Easy Activity

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$99.95

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Portland Highlights & Schooner Adventure

4 hours | Portland | P W M - 6 1 0
  • Old Port
  • Eastern Promenade Pathway
  • Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House
  • Fort Williams Park
  • Portland Head Light

Enjoy a scenic tour of Portland en route to the Portland Head Light lighthouse. Then board a classic wooden schooner and set sail for a cruise around Casco Bay. Help the crew hoist the sails or sit back and watch the seals, seabirds, and coastline as you glide by.

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Easy Activity

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$124.95

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Maine Lobster Bake on Peaks Island

3.25 hours | Portland | P W M - 2 5 5
  • Old Port
  • Lobster Bake

Cruise through Casco Bay en route to Peaks Island, just one mile from Portland's waterfront. Then sit down to a delicious "downeast" feast of Maine lobster with all the trimmings.

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Moderate Activity, Includes meal

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$179.95

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