Top Maine Lighthouses You Can VISIT
Top Maine Lighthouses Accessible by Car
Lighthouses You Can Visit in Maine
Maine’s iconic lighthouses have long been a major tourist attraction drawing visitors from around the world. Many of the state’s most famous lighthouses allow you to drive right up to their historic towers and keeper’s quarters. People flock to admire picturesque lights like the Cape Neddick “Nubble” Lighthouse in York, perched photogenically on a rocky island just offshore. Others draw visitors with their scenic parks and sweeping ocean outlooks, like Portland Head Light and West Quoddy Head Light marking the easternmost point in the U.S. Take memorable photos, learn maritime history, and experience Maine’s dramatic rocky coastline by visiting the lighthouses that continue guiding ships along the state’s shores just as they have for over a century.
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Maine Lighthouse Museum
Rockland, ME
The Maine Lighthouse Museum provides an in-depth look at Maine’s rich maritime heritage. Located in Rockland, the museum displays artifacts like foghorns, logbooks, and lighthouse lenses. Visitors can view exhibits detailing the history of Maine lighthouses, and learn about the role lighthouses have played guiding ships along Maine’s rugged coastline for 200+ years.
1 Park Drive,
Rockland, ME 04841
Cambria Hotel Old Port
Downtown Portland, ME
25 Hancock Street
Portland, ME 04101
TOP 10 MAINE LIGHTHOUSES
Maine’s Top 10 Accessible Lighthouses
Top 10 Maine Lighthouses
Maine’s rugged coastline boasts over 60 historic lighthouses, many of which are still active today. Ten of the state’s most stunning, picturesque, and famous lights can be driven up to and toured along Maine’s southern and midcoast regions. From Portland Head Light illuminating Casco Bay to the candy-striped West Quoddy Head Light guarding the Canadian border, visitors flock to Maine’s postcard-worthy beacons. Explore museum exhibits, climb winding stairs for amazing views, or simply stroll the grounds snapping photos. This post covers the Top 10 Maine Lighthouses you can cruise up to and experience firsthand as you discover the maritime heritage of Vacationland.
TOP MAINE LIGHTHOUSES
Bass Harbor Head Light
116 Lighthouse Road,
Bass Harbor, ME 04653
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, located in Bass Harbor, Maine, is a historic beacon built in 1858. It guides mariners along Mount Desert Island’s rugged coast, offering picturesque views and a rich maritime history.
Bug Light
S Portland Greenbelt Pathway,
South Portland, ME 04106
Known locally as “Bug Light”, this small classic lighthouse sits picturesquely on a breakwater in Casco Bay in South Portland. Visitors can walk out to admire the iconic lighthouse and enjoy scenic views of the Portland Harbor waterfront.
Cape Elizabeth Lights (Two Lights)
Lighthouse Point Road,
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Cape Elizabeth Eastern Light in Cape Elizabeth, is owned by the U.S. Coast Guard and is not open to the public. However, the surrounding grounds offer a good viewpoint, and visitors can enjoy the exterior and the nearby coastline.
Cape Neddick "Nubble" Light
Sohier Park Road,
York, ME 03909
Cape Neddick (Nubble) Light in York, Maine, erected in 1879, is a beloved landmark. Perched on a small island, this picturesque lighthouse captivates visitors with its scenic beauty and enduring maritime legacy.
Fort Point Lighthouse
180 Lighthouse Road,
Stockton Springs, ME 04981
The historic Fort Point Light has guided ships into Penobscot Bay since 1836. Visitors can explore the keeper’s house and grounds at this scenic Maine lighthouse managed by a preservation group dedicated to upkeep of the site.
Hendricks Head Lighthouse
42 Light House Lane,
Southport, ME 04576
Perched dramatically on a rocky coastal headland, the stately Hendricks Head Lighthouse has warned mariners of danger since 1829. Visitors can take in the sweeping views of the Sheepscot River from this picturesque Maine lighthouse.
Marshall Point Lighthouse
Marshall Point Road,
Port Clyde, ME 04855
The scenic Marshall Point Lighthouse has guided ships into Maine’s Muscongus Bay since 1832. Visitors can tour the museum inside and walk out to the tower for incredible ocean views at this iconic and unique Maine lighthouse.
Owls Head Light
186 Lighthouse Road,
Owls Head, ME 04854
Standing guard over Rockland Harbor since 1825, the picturesque Owls Head Light offers breathtaking ocean views of Penobscot Bay. Visitors can admire this historic Maine lighthouse from the seaside Owls Head State Park just steps away.
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
3115 Bristol Road,
New Harbor, ME 04554
Perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses. Visitors can tour the lighthouse tower and explore the surrounding park’s rocky scenic coastline and tidal pools.
Portland Head Light
1000 Shore Road,
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Standing tall above the rocky Maine coast since 1791, the renowned Portland Head Light is one of America’s oldest lighthouses. The most photographed lighthouse in Maine, visitors can explore the lighthouse museum to learn about its long maritime history.
Portsmouth Harbor Light
25 Wentworth Road,
New Castle, NH 03854
Located in New Castle, NH on the Piscataqua River between the border of NH & Maine, Portsmouth Harbor Light stands as a historic beacon since 1771. Overlooking Portsmouth Harbor & Kittery ME, it offers rich maritime tales and panoramic views of the surrounding coast.
Rockland Breakwater Light
Samoset Road,
Rockland, ME 04841
Jutting out nearly a mile on a man-made breakwater into Rockland Harbor, the Rockland Breakwater Light has warned ships since 1902. Visitors can walk out along the granite breakwater to admire views of the harbor & lighthouse up close.
Spring Point Ledge Light
2 Fort Road,
South Portland, ME 04106
Guiding ships into Portland Harbor since 1897, the scenic Spring Point Breakwater Light sits perched at the end of a granite breakwater. Visitors can walk out to admire this classic lighthouse while taking in sweeping views of Portland Harbor.
West Quoddy Head Light
973 S Lubec Road,
Lubec, ME 04652
Sitting on the easternmost point in the continental US, the striking red and white striped West Quoddy Head Light has warned mariners since 1808. Visitors can tour one of Maine’s tallest lighthouses for amazing coastal views.
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