Are you a lighthouse lover? Love a good road trip? The coast of Maine holds some of the most scenic drives you can experience in the United States. A road trip through the state known as Vacationland includes its rugged Atlantic Coastline, iconic Maine lighthouses, quaint New England towns, and Acadia National Park.
My daughter, some family, and myself ventured out during the summer on a Maine Coast road trip, and visiting the Maine lighthouses was definitely a highlight. In total, the Maine coast is home to 65 lighthouses, each with a unique history and stunning view. While it would be hard to visit all of them, we have made a list of some of our favorite Maine Lighthouses we think you should include in your itinerary!
11 Maine Lighthouses to Visit
Cape Neddick Lighthouse (York)
The Cape Neddick Lighthouse, commonly called the Nubble Lighthouse, is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. The lighthouse, built in 1879, sites on the “nubble”, a small rocky island just off the coast (about 300 ft.) of Cape Neddick, Maine.
While the lighthouse itself is not open to the public and you cannot go onto the island, you can still enjoy some great views! You can find free parking in Sohier Park which will take you directly across from the lighthouse. There are plenty of benches and rocks to sit on in the area. If we had the time, we could have spent half the day just relaxing and enjoying views.
The Cape Neddick Lighthouse remains active and has been automatic since 1987.
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse (Bristol)
The historic Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is one of the most popular Maine lighthouses, and is actually featured on the state of Maine quarter. The lighthouse marks the entrance to Muscongus Bay and Johns Bay. It was built in 1827 and was commissioned by John Quincy Adams.
One of the best things about visiting the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is you can actually go inside and climb the lighthouse. It is open for tours daily from Memorial Day through early October.
The lighthouse grounds are one of the most scenic of the Maine lighthouses. It sits on a granite ledge against open ocean views. The original keeper’s house now features the Fisherman’s Museum. There is also a learning center and art gallery onsite.
The Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is still active today.
Two Lights State Park (Cape Elizabeth)
Get double your value with a visit to Two Lights State Park! The park is home to two twin lighthouses located next to each other off of the end of Two Lights Road. The lighthouses were built in 1828 and the state park was officially opened in 1961. The park consists of 41 acres of rocky headlands.
There is a small beach located within the park where you can cool off from the summer heat and plenty of rocks to climb across and watch as the waves crash into them. The eastern lighthouse remains active today and the Western lighthouse is inactive and is now a private residence.
Portland Head Lighthouse (Cape Elizabeth)
The Portland Head Lighthouse is one of the most iconic Maine lighthouses and one of the most well known lighthouses in the country. It was built in 1791 at the entrance to the main shipping channel leading into the Portland Harbor.
The lighthouse is located inside Fort Williams Park. While visitors can’t climb to the top of the lighthouse there is a small museum and gift shop located at the base. While here, be sure to check out the other attractions in the park, including the Children’s Garden, Ship Cove (a small, rocky beach), Battery Blair, the Goddard Mansion, and Battery Keyes (the remains of a historic fort).
The Portland Head Lighthouse remains active and is automatic.
Owl’s Head Lighthouse (Owl Head)
The Owl’s Head Lighthouse is located at the entrance of Rockland Harbor in Owl’s Head, Maine. It is located in the Owl’s Head State Park. It was built in 1852. You do have to climb some stairs to get to the lighthouse, but nothing too strenuous. The view also overlooks Penobscot Bay, making it a good spot for wildlife watching.
The keepers house now holds a museum about the lighthouse and history of the area. You can also find some other trails in the state Park, including some down to beach on the South side of Owl’s Head. There is parking onsite, but the parking area is a short walk along a gravel pathway from the lighthouse (about a ten minute walk).
Owl’s Head Lighthouse is still active today.
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse (Portland)
Located in the city of Portland, the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is one of the most easily accessible Maine lighthouses to add to your list. It was built in 1897 after several ships crashed into the Spring Point Ledge in Portland Harbor.
Also located at this site is the ruins of Fort Preble, sandy beaches, and a shore trail that is perfect for a relaxing stroll. The walk to the lighthouse itself is a mini adventure, with a large rocky path leading out onto the water.
The lighthouse is open for tours during the summer months. There is limited parking available near the lighthouse, so you may have some difficulty finding a spot.
The lighthouse is active and flashes a bright white light every 6 seconds.
Marshall Point Lighthouse (Port Clyde)
The Marshall Point Lighthouse sits at the entrance to the Port Clyde Harbor. It was built in 1832. The lighthouse features a long, wooden boardwalk extending out over the rocks to the lighthouse. While you cannot go into the lighthouse, you can explore the grounds and walk along the boardwalk.
There is a museum onsite in the old keeper’s house that highlights the history of the lighthouse and the St. George peninsula. A fun fact about the Marshall Point Lighthouse is it is the one that Forest Gump famously ran to in the movie when he ends his cross country run. There is parking onsite.
The Marshall Point Lighthouse remains an active lighthouse.
Petite Manan Lighthouse (Bar Harbor)
The next lighthouse on our list, the Petite Manan Lighthouse, is visible only by boat. The lighthouse was built in 1817 and is one of the tallest lighthouses in the state. It is located on Petite Manan Island between Narraguagus and Frenchman Bay.
The lighthouse is closed to the public, but can be viewed by boat. Many of the tours leaving from Bar Harbor will take you up close to the lighthouse, where you can often times see Puffins and Seals hanging out in the water.
The Petite Manan Lighthouse is active and automatic.
Egg Rock Lighthouse (Bar Harbor)
The Egg Rock Lighthouse in Bar Harbor is another one of the best Maine lighthouses. Egg Rock Lighthouse is located on Frenchman Bay. It was built in 1875 after a petition was made due to the high numbers of shipwrecks that occurred at Egg Rock.
The lighthouse is not open to the public, but can be viewed up close by boat or from a distance from Bar Harbor and Cadillac Mountain. Visitors viewing the lighthouse by boat will oftentimes be delighted with sunbathing seals and swarms of birds hanging out near the island.
The Egg Rock Lighthouse is active and flashes a red light.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse (Tremont)
The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is one of the best Maine lighthouses to visit with kids. The lighthouse sits inside Acadia National Park on the southwestern side of Mount Desert Island. It marks the entrance to Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay. It was built in 1858.
There are two great viewing spots for the lighthouse. When you arrive at the parking area, a path on the right side will take you to the lighthouse viewing area with panoramic views. The path to the left of the buildings will take you to a set of stairs that takes you down the cliff, giving you stunning views of the lighthouse along the Rocky coastline. This area can be slippery and extreme caution is necessary.
There is parking available onsite. You can explore the grounds, but visitors are not allowed in the lighthouse.
The lighthouse is still active today and is automatic.
The Winter Harbor Lighthouse (Winter Harbor)
The Winter Harbor Lighthouse is located on Mark Island. It is best viewed by boat, although it can be seen from a distance. The lighthouse was built in 1856, with the keeper’s house and boathouse being added on later. The lighthouse was built near the entrance to Frenchman Bay to help guide ships in.
The lighthouse is privately owned at this time and can not be visited by the public. However, the lighthouse can be viewed by boat or from Grindstone Point in Winter Harbor or the Schoodic Penisula in Acadia National Park. While driving along the Schoodic Penisula you can get some great views of the lighthouse with Mount Dessert Island’s Cadillac Mountain in the background.
The Winter Harbor Lighthouse originally functioned with a fifth-order Fresnel Lens, but is currently inactive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lighthouses are in Maine?
There are 65 lighthouses in Maine. Not all are open for visitation, and some can only be seen by boat. But there are plenty of gorgeous lighthouses you can visit
Are Maine lighthouses still active?
Yes, many of the Maine Lighthouses are still active today and still serve as a navigational guide.
What is the best time of year to visit Maine lighthouses?
The best time of year to visit the Maine lighthouses are the summer and fall months. Summer has the warmest weather and museums are more likely to be open. During the fall, the views are enhanced by fall foliage.
Are Maine lighthouses good to visit with kids?
Yes! Many lighthouse parks feature easy walking paths, rocky beaches, picnic areas, and educational exhibits that make them good for families.
Are dogs allowed at Maine lighthouse parks?
Many lighthouse parks allow leashed dogs, though rules vary by location. Be sure to check the specific lighthouse you will be visiting before your trip.
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