Maine is famous for its delicious lobster, stunning coastal towns, and beautiful lighthouses. Here are some of the most remarkable lighthouses in Maine, along with interesting facts about each one!
Did we overlook any incredible Maine lighthouses that are worth visiting or learning about? We’d love to hear from you in the comments! Thank you!
Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse (Portland Head Light)
Location: Cape Elizabeth, ME
Two of the first lighthouses in Maine were established in Two Lights State Park in 1828 (thus the name!). Between 1780 and the 1990s, over 98 ships tragically sank along this coastline, making lighthouses essential for maritime safety.
When you visit the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, be sure to check out the ‘Into the Lantern: A Lighthouse Experience’ exhibit at the nearby Maine Maritime Museum, located about 45 miles north in Bath. Here, you’ll find a full-scale replica of the lighthouse from Two Lights State Park, complete with its tower lantern room and Fresnel lens.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Location: Bass Harbor, ME
Another must-see is the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
This lighthouse, located in Acadia National Park, one of the most-visited parks in the United States, stands proudly on Mount Desert Island. It serves as an iconic symbol of this national park, accessible via Blue Hill Bay.
Constructed in 1855, this lighthouse received its Fresnel lens in 1902 from the French company Henry-Lepaute, and it remains in operation today. Although the lighthouse is now a private residence, visitors can approach the bell and light via a concrete path leading to the tower.
The bell is located at the base of the tower, and the Bass Harbor Head Light Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s an excellent spot to visit in winter, summer, or during the shoulder season!
Marshall Point Lighthouse
Location: Port Clyde, ME
In southern Maine, the charming Marshall Point Lighthouse stands 24 feet tall and was built in 1858, alongside the keeper’s house, gardens, and museum.
Here, you can tour the lighthouse and then take a scenic hike to the beautiful fishing village of Port Clyde.
While in Port Clyde, indulge in fresh lobster and a variety of seafood before embarking on a cruise with the Monhegan Boat Line to view Maine’s incredible marine life, which includes harbor seals, minke whales, and even puffins!
At the lighthouse, you’ll see a light tower that’s accessible by a walkway, as well as a summer kitchen and the original oil house. There’s also a small room displaying research findings and memorabilia, including photographs and documents about the area’s history.
Cape Neddick Lighthouse
Location: York, ME
Situated in beautiful Cape Neddick, the legendary Cape Neddick Lighthouse, commonly known as Nubble Lighthouse, is one of the most famous lighthouses in Maine and certainly deserves a spot on your itinerary!
This historic lighthouse was constructed in 1879 and is perched on a small islet just a few hundred feet off the York coastline. Originally, the lighthouse was linked to the mainland by a cable car system that transported supplies to and from the keeper.
On the island, you’ll discover a stunning Victorian keeper’s house that resembles a whimsical gingerbread house. For the best views of the lighthouse, you can drive to Sohier Park, featuring excellent lookout points, or consider a scenic cruise with Finestkind to see the tower from the water and admire nearby coastal homes.
Owls Head Lighthouse
Location: Owls Head, ME
The renowned Owls Head Lighthouse is among the most iconic in Maine, located at the entrance of Rockland Harbor in the charming town of Owls Head (Knox County).
Found in the western Penobscot Bay, this lighthouse is owned by the US Coast Guard and licensed to the American Lighthouse Federation.
Upon arrival, you’ll discover a spacious parking lot near the lighthouse, and the grounds are open to the public.
You can view the lighthouse from a distance or even from the parking lot, enjoying stunning views high above the rugged Maine coast, as well as glimpses of the islands in the distance, including Maine’s windjammer fleet.
While in Owls Head, be sure to explore the lovely downtown area, as well as the harbor, and take a leisurely stroll along the nearly one-mile Rockland Breakwater path leading to the lighthouse.
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
Location: Bristol, ME
Located just 67 miles northeast of Portland, the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is one of the most iconic lighthouses in the state, featured even on the Maine state quarter!
With its tower dating back to 1827, it was constructed under the order of President John Quincy Adams and remains operational to this day.
While visiting the original keeper’s house, you’ll find the Fishermen’s Museum, which offers insights into the lighthouse’s history and the surrounding area.
Another unique feature of Pemaquid Lighthouse is its lodging options available in the upstairs apartment!
Additional activities include visiting the art gallery, the keeper’s house, an educational learning center, and enjoying a picnic in the beautiful gardens nearby.
Portland Head Lighthouse
Location: Cape Elizabeth, ME
Only about 5 miles south of downtown Portland, the majestic Portland Head Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in Maine, located on the striking rocky coast of Fort Williams State Park, a renowned New England state park.
First illuminated in 1791, it originally used sixteen whale oil lamps to assist ships in the area. Today, visitors can explore this beautiful lighthouse and the accompanying museum in the original keeper’s quarters.
Moreover, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens and explore the historical fortifications, all while taking in the breathtaking ocean views!
Once you finish, grab a lobster roll from the nearby Bite Into Maine food truck, which is highly acclaimed for having the best lobster rolls in Maine!
Seguin Island Lighthouse
Location: Phippsburg, ME
Constructed under the guidance of George Washington in 1795, the Seguin Island Lighthouse is the second oldest and one of the tallest lighthouses in Maine, famous for its 9-foot tall first-order Fresnel lens that lights up nearly 20 nautical miles away!
This lighthouse is less accessible than many others in Maine, as it can only be reached by private boat or ferry.
You can take a ferry from Popham Beach, which will also include a guided tour of the lighthouse upon arrival at Seguin Island. The 64-acre island features hiking trails and beautiful beaches, making it one of the best places to visit in Maine!
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
Location: South Portland, ME
The stunning Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is the only caisson-style lighthouse in the United States that allows visitors to walk to it!
Situated at the end of a 950-foot breakwater, it offers spectacular views over the Casco Bay Islands and Portland Harbor.
This lighthouse has played a crucial role in guiding ships safely to harbor, as well as warning them about the treacherous waters surrounding Portland Harbor.
After exploring the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, visit the nearby Buy Light Park to see the Cushing’s Point House Museum and the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (also known as the Buy Lighthouse).
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
Location: Lubec, ME
The West Quoddy Head Lighthouse is one of the most popular lighthouses in Maine and one of the few remaining candy-striped lighthouses in the United States. Originally commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1808, it has become an iconic symbol of Maine!
Located in the small town of Lubec, which is essentially the easternmost point of the United States, visitors can even catch glimpses of Grand Manan Island (in New Brunswick, Canada) from the lighthouse!
When visiting West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, you can stay in one of the historical buildings that once served as a life-saving station, explore the lighthouse, stroll the grounds, or stop by the Visitor Center to learn more about this legendary site.
Did we miss any of Maine’s best lighthouses? Share your favorite Maine lighthouses in the comments! Thank you!
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Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now resides in Finnish Lapland after previous stints in Norway, Germany, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She is passionate about winter travel and the Nordic countries, though she also enjoys indulging in Italian cuisine, exploring perfume shops in Paris, and road-tripping across the USA. Megan’s work has appeared in publications like National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, and the New York Times. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel’s ‘Essential Norway’ (2020) and has traveled to 45 US states and over 100 countries.
