Portland Maine Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour
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Discover Portland, Maine, at your own pace with this comprehensive self-guided driving and walking audio tour bundle. Stroll through historic cobblestone streets, admire charming brick architecture by the waterfront, and explore lively neighborhoods like Old Port and the Art District. Feel free to stop at shops and cafes along the way, soaking in the coastal atmosphere.
Then, hop into your car and enjoy a scenic drive along the east and west promenades. Don't miss the iconic Portland Head Light lighthouse—an absolute must-see. This flexible tour lets you uncover the city’s hidden gems, vibrant history, and unique character whenever it suits you.
Once booked, simply download the Action Audio Tour Guide App via email or text while connected to WiFi or mobile data. The app works offline, guiding you with GPS and automatic audio stories. Use it as many times as you like—your access never expires. Whether you're visiting Portland for the first time or returning for a favorite trip, this tour offers the perfect way to explore at your leisure.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tour take?
The driving and walking tour typically lasts between 3 to 5 hours, depending on how many stops you choose to make.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it's suitable for adults aged 5 to 90, and accessible for all physical fitness levels.
Do I need a guide or tickets?
No live guide is included. This is a self-guided experience. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are not included.
Can I do this tour multiple times?
Absolutely! Your lifetime access means you can enjoy the tour as often as you like, on any trip.
What do I need to bring?
Just your car and phone. The app provides all the guidance, maps, and stories you need.
Is the tour accessible for everyone?
Yes, it's designed to be suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 3 hours – 5 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
- Support available via chat, email, or phone if needed.
- Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
- Private tour experience for your family, in your own vehicle.
- Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
- Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
- Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
- Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Not included
- No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
Itinerary
Explore Portland’s rich history and scenic sights at your own pace with over 30 audio stories covering key landmarks, neighborhoods, and hidden gems. The tour spans approximately 4 miles, taking about 2-3 hours to complete, with options to extend your visit.
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Stop 1
Portland’s Harbor is a deep water port that rarely freezes over in winter. The Gulf of Maine's strong tides bring warmer water to the surface along the coast. The tour covers over 4 miles with more than 30 audio stories, lasting about 2-3 hours.
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Stop 2
Victoria Mansion, built in 1858 by Ruggles Morse, is considered the finest example of Victorian art, architecture, and decoration. It was originally his summer home, named after Queen Victoria.
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Stop 3
Colorful brick rowhouses on the left were once built for servants but are now upscale condominiums. After fires, brick became the preferred building material, replacing wood throughout the city.
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Stop 4
Maine Medical Center’s Barbara Bush Children’s Wing honors the former First Lady, who dedicated much of her life to children's health causes. She passed away in 2018.
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Stop 5
Passing Neal Dow’s home, known as the father of American Prohibition, who in 1851 pushed through a statewide ban on alcohol, influencing national policies.
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Stop 6
Portland’s Arts District features galleries, studios, coffee houses, and restaurants. The Portland Art Museum is located here, showcasing local and national art.
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Stop 7
The Wadsworth Longfellow House, where poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow grew up, is the oldest brick house in Portland, built after the Revolutionary War by General Peleg Wadsworth.
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Stop 8
Portland’s oldest church, the 1st Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, occupies a historic site on the left side of the route.
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Stop 9
Portland’s City Hall, a beautiful and historic building, is the third on this site after previous ones were destroyed by fire.
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Stop 10
Franklin Tower, built in the 1970s, stands as Maine’s tallest building at 16 stories, on the left side of the route.
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Stop 11
Eastern Cemetery, the oldest in Portland, features headstones dating back to 1768, with some markers lost to fires.
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Stop 12
Back in the 1800s, ships entering Portland Harbor were visible only after rounding Spring Point Ledge, a key maritime landmark.
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Stop 13
Examples of the classic 'flattop triple-decker' tenement housing style, built from the 1880s to the 1920s, are visible along the route.
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Stop 14
Portland Harbor, part of Casco Bay, lies along the southern coast of the Gulf of Maine, with the Port of Portland within the bay.
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Stop 15
On your right, see South Portland, marked by land with oil tanks, a key industrial area.
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Stop 16
Eastern Promenade offers scenic views and space for outdoor enjoyment, with East End Beach nearby for relaxing by the sea.
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Stop 17
Built after the 1775 British attack, Portland’s fortifications are visible in the green space on the right, reflecting the city’s defense history.
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Stop 18
The historic streets of Old Portland—Fore Street, Middle Street, and Back Street—are named for their proximity to the water.
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Stop 19
The Casco Bay Bridge connects Portland with South Portland, offering stunning views during your drive.
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Stop 20
Meetinghouse Hill in South Portland features a historic cemetery, Civil War monument, and a picturesque church, exemplifying New England charm.
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Stop 21
Entering Fort Williams Park, you'll see historic military installations and enjoy scenic views along the coast.
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Stop 22
Explore Portland’s charm, history, and culture on this self-guided tour. Covering over 3 miles, it’s perfect for a 1-2 hour walk through the city’s highlights.
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Stop 23
Visit the historic summer home of Ruggles Sylvester Morse, built in 1860, showcasing 19th-century architecture and elegance.
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Stop 24
Dedicated to poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, this stop highlights his life and contributions to American literature.
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Stop 25
Founded in 1882, the Portland Museum of Art is one of the oldest art institutions in the country, with a rich collection and history.
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Stop 26
Longfellow’s childhood home, where he wrote some of his earliest works, is a key historic site in Portland.
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Stop 27
The statue of Our Lady of Victories, inspired by Minerva, stands in the city square as a symbol of resilience and faith.
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Stop 28
Portland’s City Hall, rebuilt after a fire in 1908, features Renaissance Revival architecture and serves as a civic landmark.
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Stop 29
Lincoln Park, born from the Great Fire of 1866, exemplifies Portland’s recovery and community spirit, with lush greenery and memorials.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the Visit Portland, Maine Information Center to start your tour.
Begin from the designated starting point. After booking, check your email or text for the 'audio tour' link. Finish setting up the tour while connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. Your tour is valid forever, so you can enjoy it at your convenience.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day prior
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours of the start time
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $24.99 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
