Portland Maine: Trolley Tour & Portland Head Light

A trolley ride through two centuries of Portland, ending at a lighthouse that's still working

You board a narrated trolley that covers Portland's historic peninsula (Victoria Mansion, Longfellow's childhood home, the Portland Museum of Art, and the waterfront), then stops for 20-30 minutes at Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest operational lighthouse. No driving, no planning, no deciding which sights to skip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Victoria Mansionpassing by
2. Portland Head Light30m

Portland city sights and lighthouse visit

• Board trolley for city tour
• Pass historic maritime signal tower
• Pass Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's home
• Pass Victoria Mansion
• Pass Maine public art institution
• Pass Fort Allen Park and Casco Bay views
• Pass main shopping district
• Stop at Portland Head Light lighthouse

The experience

There's something about sitting on a trolley that makes a city feel like it's moving toward you instead of the other way around. Portland unfolds that way: the peninsula's brick buildings and tree-lined streets pass slowly enough that you actually see them, and the narration fills in the layers without you having to read a plaque or check your phone. The tour hits the main sights: Victoria Mansion, built in 1860 and one of the finest Italianate brownstones in the country; the childhood home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on Congress Street, the oldest standing structure on the peninsula; the Portland Museum of Art, which holds over 18,000 pieces from Winslow Homer to Andy Warhol. It's comprehensive without feeling rushed.

Then comes the part that stays with you. The trolley takes you out to Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth for a 20-30 minute stop, and you're standing in front of a lighthouse commissioned by George Washington himself, built in 1807, still operational after more than two centuries. It's the oldest in Maine and the only surviving tower of its type in the United States: a fact that hits different when you're actually there, watching the light work. The views across Casco Bay are the kind that make you understand why people settled here in the first place.

The whole thing is narrated, so you're not scrambling to remember which building is which or why it matters. You just sit, listen, and let the history accumulate. It works for anyone: families with kids, solo travelers, people who want the Portland city and lighthouse tour without having to figure out the route or timing themselves. The trolley does the moving. You do the noticing.

What’s included

Your tour includes the fully narrated trolley ride covering Portland's historic peninsula, entry to view all major attractions (Victoria Mansion, Longfellow's childhood home, Portland Museum of Art, Fort Allen Park, and the Old Port district), and a 20-30 minute stop at Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday8 departure times: the first at 09:15, the last at 13:30Last departure this season: 3 Nov

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to see Portland's main sights and the lighthouse without arranging transport or deciding which stops matter most: the trolley and narration handle both.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is Portland Head Light included in the tour?

Yes. The tour makes a dedicated 20-30 minute stop at Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine's oldest operational lighthouse.

What attractions are covered on the trolley tour?

The tour includes Victoria Mansion, Longfellow's childhood home, the Portland Museum of Art, Fort Allen Park with views of Casco Bay, and the Old Port shopping district, plus Portland Head Light.

Is the tour narrated?

Yes, it's a fully narrated tour, so you don't need to arrange a separate guide.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

What is Portland Head Light?

Portland Head Light is Maine's oldest lighthouse, commissioned by George Washington in 1807. It's the only surviving tower of its type in the United States and remains operational today.

Is there parking or public transportation nearby?

Public transportation options are available near the tour location.