Portland Maine Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour
See more
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 along the waterfront, and explore vibrant neighborhoods like Old Port and the Art District. You can stop at shops and cafes whenever you wish, soaking in the coastal atmosphere.
After booking, simply download the Action Audio Tour Guide App via email or text—connect to WiFi or mobile data, enter the provided password, and enjoy offline access. The tour is designed for flexibility: start, pause, and stop whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for families or solo explorers wanting an immersive experience without a guide.
This tour offers lifetime access, meaning you can revisit it anytime on any trip. It’s a fantastic way to uncover Portland’s hidden gems, local stories, and rich history at your own convenience.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tour take?
The self-guided tour lasts approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on how many stops you choose to explore and how long you spend at each location.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is suitable for adults aged 5 to 90 and is accessible for all physical fitness levels.
Do I need a guide or tickets?
No guide is included, and this isn’t an entrance ticket. You just need your car and phone. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
Can I use this tour multiple times?
Absolutely! Once purchased, you have lifetime access to the tour, so you can enjoy it on any trip, as many times as you like.
What do I need to get started?
After booking, check your email or text for the download link. Download the app, enter the password, and the tour will work offline with GPS guidance and audio stories.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start time 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 car.
- Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
- Works offline with GPS 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, scenic waterfront, and vibrant neighborhoods with over 30 audio stories across 4+ miles of driving and walking. The tour takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete, but you can take your time.
-
Stop 1
Portland’s Harbor is a deep water port that rarely freezes over in winter, thanks to the Gulf of Maine's strong tides bringing warmer water to the surface.
-
Stop 2
Victoria Mansion, built in 1858 by Ruggles Morse, is a prime example of Victorian art, architecture, and decoration. It was originally Morse’s summer home.
-
Stop 3
Colorful brick rowhouses on the left were once built for servants but are now high-end condos. After fires, brick became the preferred building material in Portland.
-
Stop 4
Maine Medical Center’s Barbara Bush Children’s Wing honors the former First Lady, who dedicated her life to children’s health causes. She passed away in 2018.
-
Stop 5
On the right, see Neal Dow’s home. As Portland’s mayor in 1851, Dow championed the first statewide prohibition law, influencing national policies.
-
Stop 6
Portland’s Arts District features galleries, studios, cafes, and restaurants. The Portland Art Museum is nearby, showcasing local and national art.
-
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.
-
Stop 8
Portland’s oldest church, the 1st Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, is on the left. It’s the second building to house this congregation.
-
Stop 9
Portland’s City Hall, a beautiful historic building, is on the left. It’s the third city hall on this site, rebuilt after previous fires.
-
Stop 10
The Franklin Tower, built in the 1970s, is Maine’s tallest building at 16 stories, visible from the city skyline.
-
Stop 11
Eastern Cemetery, the oldest in Portland, features headstones dating back to 1768. Many original markers were wooden and lost to fires.
-
Stop 12
In the 1800s, ships entering Portland Harbor were hidden until they rounded Spring Point Ledge, a key point in maritime history.
-
Stop 13
Look for the classic 'flattop triple-decker' tenement houses built from the 1880s to the 1920s, typical of New England housing styles.
-
Stop 14
Portland Harbor, part of Casco Bay, is a vital inlet on the Gulf of Maine. The city sits along its southern edge, with the port bustling with activity.
-
Stop 15
Over your right shoulder, see South Portland, marked by the landmass with oil tanks—an important industrial area.
-
Stop 16
Eastern Promenade offers scenic views, walking paths, and a small beach called East End Beach, popular among locals for outdoor enjoyment.
-
Stop 17
After the British burned Portland in 1775, city leaders built a fort. The green space on the right marks that historic site.
-
Stop 18
Streets like Fore St, Middle St, and Back St are named for their proximity to the water, reflecting Portland’s maritime history.
-
Stop 19
The Casco Bay Bridge connects Portland with South Portland, spanning Casco Bay and facilitating regional travel.
-
Stop 20
Meetinghouse Hill in South Portland features a historic cemetery, Civil War monument, and a picturesque church—classic New England scenery.
-
Stop 21
Fort Williams Park hosts several military installations and offers scenic views, including the iconic Portland Head Light.
-
Stop 22
Explore Portland’s charm, history, and culture on this self-guided walking tour. Covering over 3 miles, it’s perfect for 1-2 hours of sightseeing.
-
Stop 23
Learn about Ruggles Morse, who transformed his summer home into a beautiful residence in 1860, showcasing Portland’s historic architecture.
-
Stop 24
Dedicated to poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, this stop highlights his childhood home and literary legacy in Portland.
-
Stop 25
Founded in 1882, the Portland Museum of Art is one of the oldest art institutions in the U.S., with a rich collection and history.
-
Stop 26
Longfellow lived and wrote many works here, including his first poem at age thirteen, a key site for literary enthusiasts.
-
Stop 27
The statue of Our Lady of Victories, inspired by Minerva, stands in the city square, symbolizing wisdom and victory.
-
Stop 28
Portland’s City Hall, rebuilt after a fire in 1908, features Renaissance Revival architecture and serves as a city landmark.
-
Stop 29
Lincoln Park, rising from the 1866 fire, showcases Portlanders’ resilience with its historic monuments and green spaces.
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' download instructions. Follow these steps while connected to Wi-Fi or data to set up your offline tour. Do not wait until you arrive onsite to start the setup process.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start time for a full refund.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day in advance
- 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
