Portland Observatory Tours

Built in 1807 this is the last remaining maritime signal tower left in the USA. Local merchants paid the owner a yearly fee and he would watch for the different merchant ships to come into Portland Harbor then would raise the flag of the merchant the ship belonged to so they would know their ship had arrived.
Built in 1807 this is the last remaining maritime signal tower left in the USA. Local merchants paid the owner a yearly fee and he would watch for the different merchant ships to come into Portland Harbor then would raise the flag of the merchant the ship belonged to so they would know their ship had arrived.
Navigation
The Portland Observatory, an octogonal 26.2 m (86 ft) high tower on Munjoy Hill, served as a communication station for Portland's harbor until 1923. It was designed to give a competitive edge to ship owners who paid a subscription fee to alert them when their ships were arriving. #Portland #Maine #Landmark #Travel

Reviews of Portland Observatory

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
52
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
37
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
11
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 3%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Closed. Went there at the end of my trip. Unfortunately I only seem to be in Portland in Winter so I have to remember once again not to bother going " off season". Reopens only on May 23rd. Tha is weak!

4/5 - Good

Vince

Lots of steep steps to climb. People with knee,hip,or cardiac problems may want to avoid.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great view of city. Interesting history.

Popular places to visit

Maine Jewish Museum which includes signage and a park

Maine Jewish Museum

Located in the immigrant-era Etz Chaim Synagogue, this museum tells the stories of Maine’s Jewish families and showcases Jewish artists from the area.

Maine Jewish Museum
East Prom Trail which includes a park and a bay or harbor as well as a couple

East Prom Trail

Former rail beds are often turned into trails. At this one you can walk, run, bike or swim for active relaxation within the city.

East Prom Trail
Eastern Promenade showing a bay or harbor and general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Eastern Promenade

5/5(1 review)

Built on an old rail corridor along the easternmost portion of Portland’s peninsula, this waterfront trail offers stunning views of the harbor and Atlantic Ocean.

Eastern Promenade
East End Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach as well as a small group of people

East End Beach

Swim in the Atlantic Ocean, stroll along the sand-and-pebble shoreline or enjoy a picnic with unbeatable views at Portland’s public beach.

East End Beach
Wadsworth-Longfellow House showing interior views, heritage elements and a house

Wadsworth-Longfellow House

4/5(78 reviews)

As you tour this historic brick home, trace three generations of Maine family history and learn about the cultural and political impact of its family members.

Wadsworth-Longfellow House

Abyssinian Meeting House

Learn about the local history of Portland when you take a trip to Abyssinian Meeting House.

Abyssinian Meeting House

Best Lodging Options Near Portland Observatory

Portland Harbor Hotel

Portland Harbor Hotel

4 out of 5
468 Fore Street Portland ME
Portland Harbor Hotel
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
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Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown-Old Port

Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown-Old Port

3 out of 5
25 HANCOCK STREET Portland ME
Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown-Old Port
Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront

Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront

2.5 out of 5
209 Fore St Portland ME
Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront
Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square

Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square

3 out of 5
433 Fore St Portland ME
Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

4 out of 5
9 Center Street Portland ME
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
AC Hotel Portland Downtown/Waterfront, ME

AC Hotel Portland Downtown/Waterfront, ME

3.5 out of 5
158 Fore St Portland ME
AC Hotel Portland Downtown/Waterfront, ME
Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay by IHG

Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay by IHG

4 out of 5
88 Spring St Portland ME
Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay by IHG
Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront

Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront

3 out of 5
65 Commercial St Portland ME
Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
See all 1,271 properties in Portland Observatory
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.