Summary
The lighthouses of Maine are full of history and offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Recently, we embarked on an extensive road trip across the state to visit some of the most remarkable Maine lighthouses. This travel guide is the outcome of that adventure.
Maine boasts a grand total of 65 historic lighthouses along its rugged coastline and outer islands. Impressively, 55 of these have operational lights that are maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Many have been guiding ships safely for hundreds of years, and each lighthouse narrates a unique human story.
Certain lighthouses are only accessible for viewing and photography from a distance, while others allow visitors to explore inside and even climb to the top of the light tower. Some sites even offer the chance to rent the keeper’s house for an overnight stay, creating a memorable experience!
Portland, Maine, is home to several famous lighthouses that are easily accessible. Additionally, good lighthouses near Acadia National Park are also available for exploration. With a bit of effort, you can discover some hidden gems that are less frequented by tourists.
We hope you enjoy this map and list of the best Maine lighthouses! Although this is not a comprehensive list of every lighthouse, these selections stand out as particularly accessible, picturesque, or interesting!
Maine Lighthouses Map
Here’s a Maine lighthouse map that you can use to plan your visit. Click on the icons to get directions and more information for each lighthouse. Please note that some locations on this map may be approximate.
Best Lighthouses In Maine
1. Portland Head Light
Maine’s most iconic lighthouse is undoubtedly the picturesque Portland Head Light!
This is the most photographed lighthouse in America, and likely the world. It features everything one might expect from a classic Maine lighthouse, including a dramatic rocky shoreline, crashing waves, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
If you can only visit one lighthouse in Maine, it should be this one. Portland Head Light is conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from the city and the airport. The park is open to visitors year-round from sunrise to sunset.
There are many fascinating stories tied to the Portland Head Light. Commissioned by George Washington in 1787, the lighthouse was completed in 1791, making it the oldest lighthouse in Maine.
Plan to spend at least a couple of hours walking along the coastline, snapping pictures, visiting the museum and gift shop, enjoying lobster rolls from local food trucks, and exploring the grounds of Fort Williams. Keep an eye out for the distant Ram Island Ledge Light as well!
Admission to the Portland Head Light is free, and parking is also complimentary if you don’t mind a short walk from the overflow parking area. A small fee applies for the museum, which you can verify on their website (which also includes a convenient map).
2. Spring Point Ledge Light
Just a 10-minute drive from Portland Head Light lies the Spring Point Ledge Light. This lighthouse is unique as it is the only caisson-style light station in the United States to which visitors can walk.
Built in 1897, this lighthouse was designed to protect ships entering Portland Harbor from a dangerous ledge that was previously causing boats to run aground.
In 1951, a granite breakwater path was added to connect the lighthouse to the mainland. Visitors can now use this path to walk up close, but exercise caution, as there are large gaps between rocks, which may pose a challenge for small children and elderly folks.
The Spring Point Ledge Light is free to visit, with complimentary parking available. It’s a worthwhile stop after Portland Head Light for those interested in watching boats pass by. You can also view the historic Fort Preble nearby.
3. Portland Breakwater Light
Commonly referred to as Bug Light, this diminutive lighthouse holds the title for the shortest lighthouse in Maine. It is conveniently situated near the other Portland lighthouses.
The original wooden structure was built in 1855, but was replaced in 1875 with the current design featuring decorative Greek columns. The lighthouse serves as a marker to signify the end of the rocky breakwater protecting Portland Harbor.
This lighthouse is open daily and free to visit, supplemented by a pleasant pet-friendly park ideal for picnics or kite flying!
4. Cape Neddick Light
Also known as Nubble Light, this stunning lighthouse near Portland is easily visitable on a day trip from the city. It is located less than an hour’s drive south of Portland.
Constructed in 1879 and currently automated since 1987, the grounds of the ‘Nubble’ are not open to the public, but visitors can enjoy magnificent views from the parking area and along the coast.
This iconic American lighthouse is among the most photographed in the country, particularly as the scenery shifts with the seasons; sunrise and sunset offer especially captivating moments. I personally witnessed the most incredible sunrise of my life here one October morning!
Cape Neddick is free to visit with ample parking, but it fills up quickly as it is a popular destination. It is indeed one of the best lighthouses in Maine to experience during your travels!
5. Doubling Point Lighthouse
Doubling Point Light is a somewhat hidden gem, easily accessible with a 45-minute drive from Portland or Boothbay Harbor. During our visit in October, we found the location peaceful and uncrowded, with few parking spaces available.
This lighthouse, still an active navigational aid with the U.S. Coast Guard, was completed in 1898 to warn of dangerous double bends on the Kennebec River.
Free to visit, guests can walk along the wooden pier around the lighthouse with car access available via privately maintained gravel roads, welcoming visitors from 9 AM to 5 PM.
UPDATE: The Doubling Point Lighthouse is currently undergoing renovations and is temporarily closed to the public. You can check the latest updates on their official website.
6. Squirrel Point Light
The Squirrel Point Light is another hidden gem along the Kennebec River, located about an hour’s drive from Portland or Boothbay Harbor, making it a feasible addition to a visit to Doubling Point!
Requiring a half-mile hike to reach, Squirrel Point features an easy path, though it may prove slightly challenging for smaller children and seniors due to tree roots and uneven terrains.
Constructed in 1898, the Squirrel Point Light is not open for interior visits, but visitors are welcome to explore the area and take photographs, providing a lovely afternoon outing!
7. Pemaquid Point Light
Pemaquid Point Light is among my top favorite lighthouses in Maine. Featuring a seasonal entrance fee, visitors can climb the tower and enjoy a small fisherman’s museum located on the first floor of the keeper’s home.
The ideal vantage point for photos of Pemaquid Light lies on the distinctive, smooth bedrock below the lighthouse, offering a unique backdrop. If lucky, visitors can capture stunning reflections in the tide pools.
With beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque coastline, it’s easy to see why this location was chosen for Maine’s state quarter.
This lighthouse attracts many tourists in the summer, yet it remains a must-visit if you are in the region!
Originally commissioned in 1827 by President John Quincy Adams, the lighthouse helps guide ships over Pemaquid Point and Muscongus Bay, close to Bristol, Maine.
Interestingly, the original mortar included salt water, which led to early decay. Hence, the Pemaquid lighthouse was restored in 1835 and remains sturdy to this day.
Located just a 1.5-hour drive from Portland, it also necessitates only a brief detour from Route 1, making it incredibly accessible for coastal travelers.
8. Marshall Point Lighthouse
Renowned for its sunset views, Marshall Point Light is a top choice among Maine lighthouses! The sun sinks directly behind it, providing captivating photo opportunities almost every day.
This lighthouse is located in a somewhat secluded area, making it not the easiest to visit, requiring a 2-hour drive from Portland or 2.5 hours from Acadia National Park. We enjoyed a day trip from Rockland, which was a short 30-minute drive.
Marshall Point was famously featured in the 1994 film Forrest Gump, showcasing the location where the character Forrest (played by Tom Hanks) paused during his cross-country run.
Built in 1832 to facilitate navigation for boats entering and exiting Port Clyde Harbor, the original tower was replaced in 1857 and has been automated since 1980.
Accessible via paved roads, it welcomes visitors daily from sunrise to sunset; entry is free, and a small seasonal museum and gift shop are available.
As you finish taking photos, venture down to the rocks to observe crabs and other marine life in tide pools. In summary, it’s one of my favorite lighthouses in Maine!
9. Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
This fascinating lighthouse sits at the end of a 4,000-foot-long breakwater built to protect ships in Rockland Harbor during severe storms. Construction of the breakwater was completed in the 1890s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, followed by the addition of the lighthouse in 1902.
Visitors can walk along the breakwater to see the lighthouse up close, creating an exciting experience. However, there are crevices between the large granite rocks, so caution is advised as they can be slippery. Nevertheless, my parents managed it just fine in their senior years, so it’s definitely doable!
Upon reaching the lighthouse, guests can explore the historic keeper’s dwelling and ascend to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the harbor and passing vessels.
About 700,000 tons of rock were employed in constructing the Rockland breakwater! The walk to the lighthouse is approximately 1 mile (or nearly 1.6 kilometers), and it typically takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on your pace and footing.
In summer, ensure to carry bottled water, while winter visits require warm clothing since the breakwater can experience brisk winds, resulting in a surprisingly chilly atmosphere.
The Rockland Breakwater Light is a 1.5-hour drive from Portland, making it a great option for a day trip. The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset, and entry is free. Highly recommended!
10. Maine Lighthouse Museum
Although not a lighthouse in itself, the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland serves as an exceptional place for those intrigued by Maine’s lighthouses, their operations, and the historical narratives that surround them!
Within the museum, visitors can observe giant Fresnel lenses along with a variety of maritime displays and historical artifacts.
A comprehensive map is available showcasing all Maine lighthouses along the entire coastline, along with impressive models of famous lighthouses near Portland and beyond.
This relatively compact museum includes a few rooms and a gift shop, yet it houses the largest collection of lighthouse memorabilia in the United States.
Most visitors will likely spend an hour or less within the museum; nonetheless, it remains worth a look. We enjoyed our visit on a rainy day! Current admission fees can be checked on their website.
Conveniently located in Rockland, this museum is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Portland or a 2-hour drive from Acadia National Park, making it an excellent addition to your lighthouse itinerary!
11. Owls Head Lighthouse
Owls Head is a quaint lighthouse and state park situated on a hill at the entrance of Rockland Harbor, just a 15-minute drive from Rockland.
Owls Head Light offers sweeping views of Rockland Bay and the ocean, allowing visitors to observe boats coming and going. The keeper’s house features a small museum and a gift shop with lighthouse-themed memorabilia, and seasonal tours inside the lighthouse tower are available.
Constructed in 1825, it remains an active navigational aid, although it was automated in 1989. Although it’s a state park, this lighthouse is free to visit!
12. Fort Point State Park
Fort Point is a charming state park located in Penobscot Bay, situated between Rockland and Acadia National Park. It’s easily accessible within an hour’s drive from either location.
This serene park hosts hiking trails and breathtaking ocean views, and it includes the remnants of Fort Pownall, a British fortification constructed in 1759 during the French and Indian War.
While there is a small entrance fee to visit this park, we found it very worthwhile! It provides an ideal backdrop for a picnic.
13. Bass Harbor Light
The Bass Harbor Head Light was constructed in 1858 to protect navigation into Bass Harbor on the southwestern side of Mount Desert Island. It’s the only lighthouse within Acadia National Park.
While inside tours of the keeper’s house and tower are not permitted, visitors can walk around the lighthouse from both sides. A short path leads down to the shore for tide pool exploration, wave watching, and admiring the lighthouse from below.
Admission and parking are free, but spots fill quickly, with only about 20 available. Although the sunset is the most popular (and busy) time to visit, any time during the day is magnificent for photos, so I recommend visiting at different times unless the sunset is a must.
Bass Harbor Light claims the distinction of being the sole lighthouse within Acadia National Park and along Mount Desert Island.
14. Burnt Coat Harbor Lighthouse
Burnt Coat Light is one of a few lighthouses near Acadia National Park, though somewhat concealed on a small island only accessible via ferry, which is an adventurous experience in itself.
The ferry to Swan’s Island from Mount Desert Island (Bass Harbor) operates several times each day, even during winter months, with a journey time of about 40 minutes each way.
You may drive your car onto the ferry, take your bicycle, or simply walk on. Current schedules and fares are available on the MaineDOT website.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time on the tranquil Swan’s Island, gaining insight into rural New England life on an island. The trip is engaging even before you reach the lighthouse.
Constructed in 1872, this lighthouse marks the entrance to Burnt Coat Harbor and was fully restored in 2006, revitalizing it with fresh paint and life.
The tower is climable seasonally, with accommodations available for rent in the upstairs apartment of the keeper’s house. More information can be found on their official website.
15. West Quoddy Head Light
Among Maine’s most distinctive lighthouses, West Quoddy Head Light straddles the Canada border, marking the easternmost point of the continental United States!
This lighthouse is one of my personal favorites due to its vibrant red and white striped design. It is a 2-hour drive from Acadia National Park, making it feasible to visit as a day trip from the region or elsewhere.
We found the drive to West Quoddy from Acadia to be thoroughly enjoyable!
Constructed in 1858, it guides vessels through the Quoddy Narrows and remains an active aid to navigation. The keeper’s house has been transformed into a small museum for visitors, and tours to the tower top are occasionally conducted in July and August.
A small entrance fee applies at West Quoddy, open year-round, though the museum and visitor center are closed during the off-season.
Of course, there are countless opportunities for photos at this lighthouse, and it is also enjoyable to walk down to the beach to explore the coast!
Best Lighthouses Near Portland Maine
If your focus is on visiting lighthouses near Portland, Maine, here are some top recommendations.
All of the following lighthouses are in close proximity to Portland, making them easily reachable:
- Nubble Lighthouse (1 hour drive south of Portland)
- Portland Head Light (located in Portland)
- Bug Light (located in Portland)
- Spring Point Ledge Light (located in Portland)
- Doubling Point Light (45-minute drive northeast of Portland)
- Squirrel Point Light (1-hour drive northeast of Portland)
- Pemaquid Point Light (1.5-hour drive northeast of Portland)
- Maine Lighthouse Museum (1.5-hour drive northeast of Portland)
- Rockland Breakwater Light (1.5-hour drive northeast of Portland)
- Owls Head Light (1.5-hour drive northeast of Portland)
Most of these lighthouses lie between Portland and Acadia National Park, making them excellent stops if you are traveling to (or from) the park!
Best Maine Lighthouses Near Acadia National Park
While there aren’t countless lighthouses around Acadia National Park, a few noteworthy options are available with a little driving.
Below are your best choices within a 2-hour driving distance from Acadia:
- Bass Harbor Light (located in Acadia National Park)
- Burnt Coat Harbor Light (reachable by ferry from Mount Desert Island)
- Fort Point State Park (1-hour drive west from Acadia)
- Rockland Breakwater Light (2-hour drive west from Acadia)
- Maine Lighthouse Museum (2-hour drive west from Acadia)
- Owls Head Light (2-hour drive west from Acadia)
- West Quoddy Head Light (2+ hour drive east from Acadia)
How Many Lighthouses In Maine?
Maine is home to an impressive total of 65 lighthouses, situated along its 3,500 miles of coastline, inlets, and islands. This is why it’s often affectionately called ‘The Lighthouse State.’
Here’s a fun fact: the oldest lighthouse in Maine is Portland Head (built in 1791), while the last lighthouse constructed within the state is Whitlocks Mill (completed in 1910).
The lighthouses of Maine vary significantly in shape and size. The tallest, Boon Island, reaches a height of 133 feet (40 m), while the shortest, Bug Light, measures just 19.5 feet (6 m).
We hope you enjoyed exploring this Maine lighthouses map and our compilation of some of the finest lighthouses in Maine to visit.
If you are planning a trip to the Pine Tree State soon, don’t miss our travel guide featuring the best hikes in Acadia National Park!
