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Portland Head Light

Historic Coast Guard photo of Portland Head Light

Courtesy USCG Historian's Office

Historic Coast Guard photo of Portland Head Light taken prior to 1891

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Portland Head Light: Explore the Historic Lighthouse, Museum, Natural Grounds & Gift Shop in Cape Elizabeth

Portland Head Light was built in 1791. Commissioned by George Washington and dedicated by the Marquis de Lafayette, it is the state's oldest lighthouse. Portland Head has a white conical tower and a Victorian keeper's house with a red roof and eyebrow eves on the porch. You can visit the museum in the former keeper's house, which sits in Fort Williams Park, off Shore Road in Cape Elizabeth. Many Casco Bay boat tours pass this light. You can also take a bus tour to the lighthouse. The tower is only open in September on Open Lighthouse Day, when access is very limited.

Interested in Maine Lighthouses? Check out Two Lighthouses: Portland Head Light and Spring Point Ledge .

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Boothbay boat rental.

Based in Midcoast Maine, Boothbay Boat Rental offers guests safe and reliable boat rentals.

Phone: 207-633-2970

Website: www.boothbayboatrental.com

Address: 100 Ebenecook Road , Southport

Fore River Sportfishing

Private Fishing Charters and Harbor Cruises

Phone: 207-671-5995

Website: www.foreriversportfishing.com

Address: 1 Spring Point Dr , South Portland

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park

Pemaquid Point Light is located in Pemaquid Lighthouse Park.

Phone: 207-677-2492

Address: PO Box 339 Bristol ME 04539 3115 Bristol Road , New Harbor

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Phone: (603) 431-9155

Website: www.lighthouse.cc

Address: 125 Bluefish Blvd. , Portsmouth

American Lighthouse Foundation - Interpretive Center & Gift Shop

Caring for 9 historic Maine lighthouses from Downeast to Kittery

Phone: (207) 594-4174

Website: www.lighthousefoundation.org

Address: PO Box 565 , Rockland

Schooner Olad & Cutter Owl

Sailing with the public daily from Camden Harbor May through October

Phone: (207) 236-2323

Website: www.maineschooners.com

Address: 29 Main St, PO Box 432 , Camden

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Portland Head Light

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Portland Head Light - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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A Complete Guide to Portland Head Lighthouse

Portland Head Light, one of only four lighthouses still standing from George Washington’s presidency, marks Portland Harbor on Casco Bay. The 1790-built tower is situated near Portland Head in Cape Elizabeth. It offers beautiful views — soaring over Casco Bay’s signature rocky shoreline, which juts out dramatically into the water below.

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History of Portland Head Lighthouse

Portland Head Lighthouse enjoys enduring appeal and fame not only in the state of Maine but across the entire Northeastern United States. There are many reasons for this — but chief among them is a sense of unspoiled tradition.

The General Court of Massachusetts issued the station’s first order in 1787, allocating $750 for the building of the beacon.

When the United States government took control of all lighthouses in 1790, an extra $1,500 was made available for the station’s completion. The light, made of rubblestone with a brick lining, was built over the course of four years.

Indeed, the lower part of the tower remains today in the same form as when it was originally built well over two centuries ago. That tower was first illuminated on January 10, 1791 and stands tall to this day. The construction had a distinctly local flavor right from the beginning. Rubblestone from the surrounding area and coastline were used to build the tower. Furthermore, John Nichols and Jonathan Bryant, two local masons, led the building effort.

Bryant also had a lime kiln where he burnt limestone mined from Rockland quarries. The original building had a 15 foot lantern and was 72 feet high.

Twenty feet were taken off the tower in 1813. However, after the British ship Bohemian capsized in 1864, resulting in the deaths of 40 immigrants, the tower was elevated close to its previous height again, and its fourth-order Fresnel lens was replaced with a second-order one. Nevertheless, another 21 feet were taken off in 1883.

It was elevated again with bricks in 1885 in response to popular outcry. However, a more authentic restoration effort followed in 1900 using the original stones from the 1813 removal.

The first keepers’ quarters, a one-story cottage measuring 34 x 20 feet, was constructed in 1816. A new and updated keeper’s residence was built in 1891 on top of the original cottage’s foundations.

The Portland Head Lighthouse has undoubtedly played a significant role in Maine’s culture and maritime history over the centuries.

The tower has loyally served mariners for over two centuries but is equally beloved as a picturesque and beautiful landmark.

Today, the 80-foot conical tower of the Portland Head Light shines for 24 miles at 102 feet above sea level.

The station was automated in 1989, and a DCB-224 aerobeacon that flashes white every four seconds was added in 1991. A reproduction of the foghorn structure from 1880 was built in 1975.

The original keeper’s quarters are now home to the Museum at Portland Head Light.

A rock with the inscription “in memory of the ship Annie C. Maguire, wrecked here, December 24, 1886” is also close by. The keeper and his family saved the 14 passengers on board that ship, but a few days later, a storm sank the vessel.

In the beginning, Portland Head Light was a popular destination for writer Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who is credited with drawing inspiration for the romantic lighthouse in his poem “The Lighthouse.”

The U.S. Coast Guard has access to the station’s optical and audible signals since it is a functioning navigational aid. Today, the property itself is owned by the Town of Cape Elizabeth.

Portland Head Lighthouse is an iconic landmark woven into Maine’s maritime past. It was built from rubblestone sourced in the area and constructed by local stonemasons. Numerous improvements and modifications have taken place over the centuries, but the main section of the tower retains its original character and materials.

Planning Your Visit

Visitors to Portland Head Light arrive at Cape Elizabeth’s Fort Williams Park, situated at 1000 Shore Road. This 90 acre park is home to the lighthouse among numerous other historic buildings.

Although visitors can enjoy the museum and grounds, and capture stunning up close photographs in the process, the light tower itself is open for tours only one day per year (see FAQs below for this and more information on parking, hours, and fees).

What you’ll see

The site’s light tower, keepers’ quarters, whistle house, paint storage, and garage are all part of the complex of structures. From the base to a stone ledge part way up, you’ll notice the tower is constructed of haphazard stone fragments.

Brickwork dominates from this ledge to the metal structure housing the light itself. Stone and brick are also used in the construction of the tower chamber and whistle house.

The keepers’ quarters (now a museum) is a wooden structure with clapboard on the exterior. The foundations for each structure are made of stone and brick masonry.

A duplex with a mixed hip and gable roof serves as the keepers’ quarters. The first level houses a living room, dining room, and kitchen, with the second level home to numerous bedrooms.

• Take Route 77 south to South Portland from the 295 in Portland
• Follow Cottage Road to the right after turning left onto Broadway
• At the town border of Cape Elizabeth, Cottage Road changes to Shore Road
• Take Route 1 north to Oak Hill in Scarborough if coming from the south
• To get to Cape Elizabeth, take Route 207 to the right, then Route 77 to the left
• Right-turn onto Shore Road
• Fort Williams Park is home to Portland Head Light

Portland Head Lighthouse is located inside the 90 acre Fort Williams Park, operated by the town of Cape Elizabeth. Admission is free but donations are accepted. The light tower is open for tours just one day per year but the grounds and converted keepers’ quarters (now a museum) can be enjoyed daily.

Interesting Facts

There were no lighthouses in Portland Harbor, or anywhere else along the coast of Maine for that matter, despite the fact that Portland was the sixth busiest port in America in the late 1700s.

Dozens of businessmen from Portland petitioned the Massachusetts government in 1784 for a light to be installed at Portland Head to mark the entrance to Portland Harbor because they were worried about the effects shipwrecks were having on their businesses.

As mentioned earlier, construction was indeed authorized for $750 and started in 1787, but owing to a lack of funding, it was soon stopped.

Congress allocated an extra $1,500 in 1789, only a few months into George Washington’s administration, to be used to finish building the light tower.

As a result, Portland Head Light was the first lighthouse to be paid for by the newly established federal government. Costs were kept low by contracting local stonemasons to construct the lighthouse out of rubblestone found nearby.

When the tower was being built, it became clear that the light would be obstructed from the south, therefore it was decided to increase its height to 72 feet from the intended 58 feet.

Over the century to come after its completion, the light tower underwent a number of improvements and modifications. The keeper’s home and the light tower were reportedly in disrepair by 1810.

Repairs were undertaken to shore up the construction and replace decaying wood.

Mistakes made in the construction of the top part of the tower led to problems with persistent leaks. In addition, the lantern was deemed unfit for purpose. The authorities removed 25 feet from the tower’s height and installed a new light. Over the decades to come, the tower was walled with brick, and a cast-iron spiral staircase was constructed in 1855. The light was again upgraded in 1864 with the introduction of a second-order Fresnel lens.

Although the tower was elevated by 20 feet, almost returning to its previous height, the Lighthouse Board believed that Portland Head Light was of reduced navigational importance after Halfway Rock Light was finished in 1871.

In 1883, the tower was once again reduced in height by 20 feet, and the second-order lens was changed back to the inferior fourth-order lens.

Protests from local shipping interests quickly followed and by early 1885 the tower had been raised back to its original height and a second-order lens was once again fitted.

In 1929, Portland Head Light became electrified. The light tower was dimmed for three years during World War II, like many other lights around the eastern shore.

The second-order Fresnel lens was replaced by aerobeacons in 1958.

An event honoring the 200th anniversary of the Lighthouse Service was conducted at Portland Head Light in August 1989. The Coast Guard keepers were transferred at that time, and the light was automated.

In 1992, the former keeper’s home became a museum. The tower’s original second order Fresnel lens is one of the exhibits. The title to the lighthouse was transferred to the Town of Cape Elizabeth in October 1993.

Key Information

Where is the best place to park?

Portland Head Lighthouse is situated inside Fort Williams Park, which in turn is owned and operated by the Town of Cape Elizabeth. Strictly speaking, there is no admission fee and parking within the complex is also free. However, from April 1 – November 15, “premium” parking spots do come with a charge. The overflow lot is always free.

What other facilities and views are available?

Fort Williams Park is sizeable at 90 acres and thus offers space for a range of activities to suit different tastes. There are picnic tables, recreation/sports areas, other historic buildings, and opportunities for short hikes.

The light tower itself is only open to the public once annually in honor of the Maine Lighthouse Open Day event, typically held in September.

The museum and gift store are open from 10am – 2pm (M-F) and 10am – 4pm (weekends) from Memorial Day to Indigenous Peoples Day. The museum admission fee is $2 for adults, $1 for children (6-18) and free for younger children.

More interesting things to see and do in the park can be found on the official website. They include sustainability projects, the Blair & Keyes batteries, the Goddard Mansion, a beach area, and a children’s garden.

What are the best dining and accommodation options nearby?

During peak visitation season, the park itself hosts numerous food vendors with a range of interesting options. Among them are a specialty gelato maker, a sandwich joint, a hot dog vendor, and a place for fresh lobster rolls.

Although Portland Head Lighthouse is easily accessible by car for those staying in the city of Portland, there are a number of closer accommodation options. Among them is the Sea Rose guesthouse with views over the bay.

Live Footage (Casco Bay)

Jim Hudspith

Jim is a lifelong enthusiast of maritime history but strives to make his writing as accessible and fun as possible for casual readers. That means you'll find plenty practical tips and photographs with just a smattering of quirky heritage to keep things interesting!

Jim has traveled extensively, soaking up and photographing lighthouses all across the world, with a particular emphasis on the USA, Canada and Northwestern Europe. He presently works for a maritime engineering company in Northern England but never misses an opportunity to get back on the road!

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Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park

• About the Park and Lighthouse
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• The Lighthouse
• The Ecology Project
• Battery Keyes
• Goddard Mansion
• Battery Blair
• Children’s Garden
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1000 Shore Road Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

p: (207) 799-2661

e: send us a message  

For visiting hours and directions go here »

Welcome to Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park

Welcome to the website for Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park, located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Here you will find the best of what our town has to offer – a location steeped in history, framed by picturesque ocean views and quiet, open space for passive recreation – all within view of one of the most iconic lighthouses in the world. We hope you enjoy your visit!

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Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Portland Head Light (Guide & Tips)

Looking to visit Portland Head Light in Portland, Maine? We’ve got you covered! Welcome to the oldest lighthouse in Maine and the most photographed lighthouse in the United States! Not to mention, one of (if not the most) beautiful lighthouses on the East Coast .

On a weekend in Portland, Maine you can easily spend a good chunk of it here just witnessing the beauty of this Cape Elizabeth lighthouse overlooking the Casco Bay coastline and scenic trails around Fort Williams Park and plenty of picnic and photo spots.

This guide to Portland Head Lighthouse and Fort Williams Park will help you plan your visit should you spend as little as 20 minutes to a few hours. Just keep in mind, during your visit to Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park that you will need to carry out what you bring in, which means if you bring a picnic you will have to take all of your trash out with you. Just something to keep in mind before we dive into this incredible destination in New England and the Atlantic coastline!

Be sure to also check out the other amazing Portland, Maine lighthouses to check out while you’re here too!

History of Portland Head Light

As mentioned, Portland Head Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in Maine and is known as one of the most popular lighthouses in New England.

Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth has protected Portland and was constructed in 1787 when the Massachusetts legislature provided $750 to the city to build it after George Washington had approved its construction.

While there were lighthouses constructed before the United States was considered a nation, Geroge Washington, our first president, enacted management of protecting the new nation’s shores by passing the Lighthouse Act in 1789. 

The first lighthouse to be built after this law was the Portland Head Light. 

However, in 1790, the United States took over and Congress gave $1,500 toward the completion of this lighthouse. It was first lit in 1791.

This landmark was 72 feet high when it was first built and originally went into service in 1791. However, since then, it has gone under many revisions and been made over 20 feet taller! In 1791, this lighthouse was kept by veterans from the American Revolution. During this time, the keepers lived in the side house and fished and farmed.

After getting many residents in the town to sign off on a petition, the keeper of the house got a raise and convinced those who ran the lighthouse to rebuild the keeper’s house. This is when it became a one-story stone house! It has an attached kitchen, attic, and is joined to the tower itself.

Now formally known as the keeper’s quarters building, it is a two-story duplex that was last remodeled in 1891. Those who stayed there include the lighthouse keepers and their families. 

Now, this Cape Elizabeth lighthouse is protected under the National Register of Historic Places.

If you’re fascinated with lighthouses and history, check out our guide to Montauk which features the famous Montauk Point Lighthouse on Long Island, the oldest lighthouse in New York state and also commissioned under George Washington.

Visiting Portland Head Light

You can visit Portland Head Light in as little as 20 minutes if you snag a parking spot quickly and just catch a few of the coastal views from the path or you can easily spend a few hours here enjoying a picnic or a meal from one of the vendors here, enjoying walks along the trails, and head to the museum.

Portland Head Lighthouse and Fort Williams Park are open to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset. The months of April 1 through November 15th are considered peak season and have some parking options that cost money during this season, more on that below.

There is no admission fee for visiting, although donations are appreciated if you can spare a few bucks. And if you’re traveling or visiting with your furry friend, Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park is dog-friendly as long as you have your dog on a leash.

Here’s the essential information you need to know about visiting Portland Head Lighthouse.

Parking at Portland Head Light

The best way to get to Portland Head Light is by car, especially if you’re visiting out of town. However, if you’re staying nearby, this is a popular stop for cyclists.

There are plenty of paid parking options at the Portland Head Lighthouse at Fort Williams Park from the months of April through mid-November, during off season it’s free.

There are quite a few parking lots, if it’s not a busy day, I suggest driving closer to the lighthouse and find parking so you’re closer to the actual lighthouse.

However, if you do get a spot at one of the other parking lots you can walk over to the coastal trail and also enjoy the view the whole way towards the lighthouse from your parking spot.

Parking at Portland Head Light is $2 per hour and $10 per day for all non-residents. A season pass is $15 for anyone who plans on visiting multiple times.

There are many kiosks in the actual parking lots that make parking easy. After you find a parking spot, head over to a kiosk that accepts credit cards and come prepared with your license plate number.

You print out your tickets to display on the dashboard of your car to avoid a ticket. 

There is a free parking option too in the overflow lot area which is just a little further distance away if you don’t mind the extra walk.

Food at Portland Head Lighthouse

You’re more than welcome to bring your own picnic and food to Fort Williams Park. However, keep in mind they have a carry in carry out policy meaning there are no public trash cans and guests need to leave Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park better than they found it by taking out any trash they bring in, and if you’re a sweetie and see a piece of rubbish laying around you will pick it up and take it out!

There are also a few excellent food options in Fort Williams Park and near this Cape Elizabeth lighthouse!

One of the most popular vendors located in Fort Williams Park is Bite of Maine lobster truck . They serve up lobster rolls, chowder, and other delicious options like lobster grilled cheese. Their lobster rolls have received critical acclaim and have even been named the best lobster roll in America by various publications like Food and Wine, Buzzfeed Food, and Yelp.

Don’t be surprised if there’s a line for this spot, if you roll up early and there’s no line, EAT first! Trust us! This lobster roll is heaven.

Other food vendors available at Portland Head Lighthouse and Fort Williams Park include Cousins Maine Lobster , another great spot for lobster rolls and fresh Atlantic lobster and for those with a sweet tooth you can have dessert or your afternoon sugar fix at Gorgeous Gelato which serves housemade gelato, coffee, and Italian hot chocolate! 

If you’re on the hunt for some sit-down options, UNION Restaurant is a great pick that isn’t far from the Portland Head Lighthouse. This New American restaurant is known for its American fare, delicious cocktails, and sophisticated space.

One of the best dessert spots near the Cape Elizabeth lighthouse is The Cookie Jar Pastry Shop ! This 5-star, family-owned bakery is known for its custom cakes, donuts, and pastries. However, you can also come here to order sandwiches, soups, and salads during the day!

If you’re looking for fine dining, Evo Kitchen + Bar is a great pick! This Middle Eastern bistro is known for its classic cuisine and creative cocktails. Whether you’re in the mood for ahi tuna or fingerling potatoes, you’ll be able to find it here along with the great service. 

If you’re looking for small plates, Central Provisions is the place for you! Not far from Fort Williams Park, this upscale restaurant is known for its eclectic small plates and cocktails. On top of the unique, brick wall setting and quaint atmosphere, this restaurant has many vegan and vegetarian options on the menu as well. 

Portland Head Light Museum 

The Portland Head Lighthouse has such an interesting history and the best way to learn more about it is to visit the Portland Head Lighthouse museum located in the former keeper’s house that was built in 1891, this museum features many artifacts, photographs, and documents that will help you understand the timeline of this famous landmark.

By going to this museum, you’ll learn more about the origin of the Portland Head Light, the lives of the keepers, and how the technology within the Portland Head Lighthouse has changed over the past 200 years.

Entering the museum is only $2 for adults, $1 for children, and free for children under the age of 6.

There is also a gift shop within the museum where you can find things like A Portland Head Light book, photographs of the lighthouse, ornaments of the lighthouse, and other fun keepsakes & merchandise. 

Fort Williams Park 

This scenic Cape Elizabeth lighthouse is located in the 90-acre Fort Williams Park overlooking Casco Bay which offers no shortage of coastal views and scenic trails.

We recommend planning a meal around here and taking in the coastal paths and cliffside loop, gander at the arboretum, make your way down to the rocky beach (just be careful not to slip on wet rocks), and for those with kids there is even a playground.

Since you’re along the coast here with a breeze, this is also a great place to bring a kite or just grab one of the many benches and take a break soaking in those views.

Things to do at Portland Head Light

Other than everything we have already mentioned, there are a few other great things to do at Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park.

From Portland Head Lighthouse you can actually see other lighthouses off the coast in the distance. On a clear day, you may be able to see the three other lighthouses that are nearby: Spring Point Ledge Light, Ram Island Ledge Light, and Halfway Rock Light Station. 

As briefly noted before, be sure to visit the arboretum ! Completed in 2016, this arboretum was started with the goal of increasing native biodiversity and supporting the wildlife that lives near this Cape Elizabeth lighthouse.

Now, this arboretum features multiple landscapes that educate visitors on the park’s unique features. The landscapes here include the cliffside landscape, the lighthouse view landscape, the cliff walk landscape, and the children’s garden.

All of these landscapes are great places to spend time with your family, learn more about the surrounding plant life, or host your picnic. They also each boast their own unique views based on the name, so be sure to check all of them out while soaking in the views and watching the excursion boats pass by on the water.

You can also take a look at the Goddard Mansion that guards the park. This ruin was originally built for Colonel John Goddard, a commander in the American Civil War.

However, in 1900, this mansion was acquired by the federal government while they were expanding the park. It was then converted into quarters for officers. To this day, the mansion overlooks Fort Williams Park and looks like a castle from the outside. 

Be sure to also check out Ship Cove , the small rocky beach that offers great views of Casco Bay and Ram Island Ledge Light House off in the distance. If you’re visiting at low tide you may even enjoy a bit of a sandy beach, but most of the time expect it to be a little rocky.

For history buffs you can check out the Battery Blair Memorial which served as a gun battery to protect the coastline, which was the largest of its kind in the country’s battery arsenal. This site dates back to 1903 , although it hasn’t been used in ages but is one of the most visited spots in Fort Williams Park as it’s just along the coastal path by the lighthouse.

Another battery located on Cape Elizabeth is Battery Keyes , located closer to Goddard Mansion along the coast above the rocky beach of Ship Cove. This was one of the final two batteries built at this military fort in 1906 to protect the coastline. 

If you do find yourself wanting to explore Battery Keyes beyond glancing at it, be sure to watch your footing as there has been erosion from heavy foot traffic as well as watching out for plants like poison ivy.

Lastly, be sure to check out the nature preserve in Fort Williams Park! Also known as Children’s Garden , this 1.5-acre preserve was designed to let children explore nature and the wildlife that resides there. Here, you’ll find a pint-sized woodland full of birds, a garden with wildflowers, plants with insects, and a pond with frogs and dragonflies! You’ll also find a rest stop, tree lookout, and many seating areas that are great for family picnics. 

Portland Head Light is famous for being one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States, its picturesque location in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and its rich maritime history.

Yes, Portland Head Light is still an active lighthouse and plays a vital role in aiding navigation for ships along the rugged coastline of Maine and Cape Elizabeth.

There is no cost to visit Portland Head Light itself as it is located in a public park, although donations are appreciated. However, there may be parking fees depending on the specific parking area used.

The best time of day to visit Portland Head Light is during sunrise or sunset when you can witness breathtaking views and capture beautiful photographs of the lighthouse against the golden light.

There you have it! Enjoy your visit to this beautiful Cape Elizabeth lighthouse and the surrounding Fort Williams Park. Don’t forget your camera and if you found this guide helpful be sure to bookmark for later or share the love on Pinterest below.

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Tramel's travel blog: Portland Head Light is awesome by land or by sea

We stood on the cliffs, just a few feet from Portland Head, the tiny jut of land that marks the confluence of Casco Bay and the Gulf of Maine, and I knew I would need my thesaurus. 

I have used “spectacular” and “stunning ,” “magnificent” and “gorgeous,” during this week of Maine travel blogs . But I needed a new word after seeing the majesty of Portland Head Light. 

Awesome seems best. Not awesome as in, this is an awesome lobster roll. Awesome as in “when I in awesome wonder.” 

The setting for Maine’s oldest lighthouse is awesome. The North Atlantic waves crashing into the rocky cliffs of the mainland, with Portland Head Light standing above it, alongside the charming lightkeeper’s house, now a small maritime museum. 

Portland Head Light is Maine’s most iconic scene, and it’s breathtaking. Trish the Dish and I were there late Friday afternoon, after seeing the lighthouse from the water during a boat tour of Casco Bay. 

Tramel's travel blog: Visiting Maine's Old Orchard Beach is a time machine

And we capped the evening with dinner a few miles down the coast at The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, a worthy supplement to Portland Head Light. Two Lights State Park is named for two more lighthouses, which I’d estimated to be a few hundred yards apart. 

A strip of non-opulent homes leads to a cliff’s edge, where the lobster shack sits. The restaurant has 12 tables inside and 31 picnic tables on a small clearing adjacent to the bluff, above the sea. I have eaten many a dinner on the beach, a few times virtually on the sand. But at Two Lights, you can eat dinner literally on the edge of an Atlantic Ocean cliff. 

What a day in Portland, one of America’s most underrated tourist meccas. Portland, Oregon, is a distant No. 2 in our country’s Portland rankings. 

What is population of Portland, Maine?

Portland is Maine’s largest city, but with a population of just 68,408 in the 2020 census. That makes it about 56,000 people smaller than Norman. Portland’s metro population is 556,000, making it about the size of Modesto, California, or Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

Portland has undergone a downtown renaissance in recent decades, with its waterfront. Portland has its own Bricktown story, the gentrification of downtown.  

Businesses and retail fled downtown Portland in the 1970s, particularly with the construction of the Maine Mall in suburban South Portland. But downtown Portland rallied in the 1990s as the old seaport was revitalized with shops and tourists, building upon Maine’s reputation as a vacation haven. Lobsters are the No. 2 industry in Maine . Tourism is No. 1. 

Tramel's travel blog: Lobster BLT & leather shopping in beautiful, rainy Camden, Maine

Portland’s waterfront is notable for its brick buildings in a state where brick rarely is used in construction. Portland four times has been virtually destroyed by fire – once during conflicts with Native Americans in the 18 th century, once during the French & Indian War in the 1760s, once during the War of 1812 and once in a fireworks-to-blame blaze of 1866. After the latter, built back not with the native wood products of Maine, but with brick. 

Today, the Bayside neighborhood of downtown Portland is bustling with ships and shops, restaurants and tourists. Portland remains a busy seaport, and the maritime theme draws people from both sides of the globe. 

The Dish and I walked Commercial Street on Friday morning and found all kinds of cool shops, many of them related to Maine’s history. One store had an incredible collection of kerosene lamps. Danged near burned my hand. 

We grabbed a light lunch of chowder at Dewey’s saloon on Commercial Street, then walked across the street to the waterfront and checked in for our boat tour. 

Portland Harbor contains 136 small islands, several of which have residents, a few of them even year-round. The Casco Bay Ferry transports people back and forth on the hour, including children to and from school. 

Our tour gave us an up-close look at those islands, a few military forts from previous days and a variety of stately lighthouses. It was one of the more scenic boat tours we’ve taken, and we’ve taken a bunch. 

Portland’s military history is vast. The British tried to get into Casco Bay during the American Revolution and succeeded in the War of 1812. And as recently as World War II, the U.S. strung submarine nets below the water from island to island, to keep German U-boats at bay. 

Tramel's travel blog: Life-sized rocking horses & blueberry pop in Bar Harbor, Maine

Portland Head Light history

And the best part of the tour was Portland Head Light, seeing the great lighthouse built in 1791, set at the entrance of the primary shipping channel into Portland Harbor. 

George Washington himself directed the construction of Portland Head Light, with the U.S. government giving $1,500 for the project. Even in 1791, that wasn’t enough. The people of Maine cobbled together the resources to finish the lighthouse. 

The lighthouse has been modified over the centuries; today it stands 80 feet above the ground 101 feet above the water (seems more). 

Today, the grounds and keeper’s house are owned by the city of Cape Elizabeth, an affluent suburb of Portland. But the U.S. Coast Guard owns and maintains the lighthouse, which still serves as a beacon for ships at sea. 

After our boat returned to port, we walked back to our hotel and watched our granddaughter’s Alcott Middle School softball game via GameChanger, which indeed is a game changer. Thanks to live streaming via a cell phone, we can watch her play softball 1,800 miles away. 

Then we headed out for Portland Head Light via our rental car, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Portland. 

The lighthouse is part of 90-acre Fort Williams Park, owned by the city of Cape Elizabeth and also including the decommissioned and somewhat demolished Fort Williams, which was operational during the two world wars. But a variety of buildings remain. The city also constructed a one-mile walking trail hard by the cliffs. Quite a place. 

Then came dinner at Two Lights. We had lobster rolls that were good – not the best of the week, but it was difficult to even care about the food, the view was so spectacular. Beyond the picnic area are not cliffs but rock formations that allow a gradual descent to the sea. Not particularly dangerous for kids. 

Tramel's travel blog: Maritime villages in Maine's Mid-Coast

Visiting L.L. Bean in Maine

It was sundown, which means we had time for only one more activity. We drove to Freeport, about 20 miles north of Portland, to shop at L.L. Bean. 

I wrote about the famed Maine retailer on our visit two years ago. The condensed story: Leon Leonwood Bean founded a company in 1912, selling a single item, the Maine Hunting Shoe, which people today call duck boots. 

From that humble beginning, L.L. Bean has become a worldwide retailer. He set up a nationwide mail-order business. Sorry, Generation Z’ers, but Amazon did not invent the notion of home delivery for goods. The likes of the Speegle Catalog, Sears & Roebuck and L.L. Bean pioneered the concept. 

Today, L.L. Bean sells a variety of outdoor gear, from hunting and fishing equipment to clothes and boots to firearms and tents. Over the years, L.L. Bean has opened retail and outlet stores in a variety of places, but its anchor remains Freeport. 

The massive complex is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It includes a home goods store; a bike, boat and ski store; and a huge store that is half outdoors, half clothing. 

What a place. We arrived about 8:30 p.m., spent about an hour and a half there, and lots of shoppers remained when we left. An employee told us few people shop in the middle of the night, when the store is restocked and set up for the next day, but occasionally celebrities come to browse in the wee hours. 

I bought a shirt and a pair of pants. I figured they would be nice reminders of a special day in Maine, when I saw Portland Head Light from the cliffs and from the sea. 

Berry Tramel: Berry can be reached at 405-760-8080 or at [email protected]. He can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal radio network, including FM-98.1. Support his work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today. 

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A Walk Around the Portland Head Light

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Despite the advance in modern technology, I still find it amazing how historic lighthouses are still used to this day to assist in maritime navigation. Of course technology has developed these iconic structures but one thing that has remained consistent is the preservation of their notorious architectural design. I am sure whenever you see a lighthouse, you pretty much know what it is!

On our recent trip to the New England states, I knew that this would be the best chance to see some of USA’s most famous lighthouses. One in particular, the Portland Head Light , given it’s legendary status among America’s finest was the one that I most looked forward to exploring. I am sure that Portland, Maine has a lot more to offer than just the lighthouse , but given that our time there was limited this was the only attraction we were able to experience.

Located in Cape Elizabeth, just outside the main center of Portland, the Portland Head Light sits proudly on  a head of land overlooking the Gulf of Maine and beyond into the Atlantic Ocean. Approaching the Fort Williams State Park where the lighthouse is situated, we immediately noticed the overcast conditions as the fog swept across the ocean.

The eerie yet beautiful appearance of the lighthouse was certainly an impressive sight among the rugged landscape of the surrounding cliffs. We had not been there for very long whenever the fog began to lift and the sun started to break through.

It was really cool to peer over the ocean and notice other islands appear in the distance as the fog disappeared. You can just imagine those sea fairers fighting through the fog-swept seas with their only assistance being the Portland Head Light . We were fortunate enough to hear the foghorn several times, helping those vessels navigate their way along the New England coastline.

The original fog bell is located outside the lighthouse and although it is no longer in use, it still stands proudly as an iconic resemblance of the historic signals that took place over the years.

We really enjoyed our time at the Portland Head Light and would highly recommend anyone visiting this if you are in the region. The history of this lighthouse makes it one of the best to visit and definitely worth exploring on a weekend getaway to Portland!

Lighthouses are such mysterious and interesting pieces of architecture. Of course they are still a necessity in maritime navigation but even without that, their unique appearance makes them a worthwhile place to visit.

Do you enjoy visiting lighthouses or other maritime locations? Where have you experienced something similar?

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71 COMMENTS

I am in love with lighthouses! I think they are just so neat looking, and there is always an interesting story behind all of them. Beautiful photos, I’d like to visit here someday!

Definitely agree Lauren! They all have a unique story behind them that is so cool to learn about. There is always something mysterious about them as well which I think is interesting. Thanks for your kind comments!

Awesome images Chris, and seemed like the perfect day to do a shoot. Love the mist, and overcast conditions for seaside or mountain shoots. Thanks!

Cheers Ryan, yes it was a perfect day to take some great shots of the lighthouse especially with the contrasting conditions that we experienced during our short time there!

Just love your blog! It’s so inspiring that you can work full time and travel as well. I’m doing exactly the same thing, but I felt a little bit strange reading other blogs of full-time-travelers.

Thank you 🙂 I thing I will start using your #WeekendWanderlust on twitter and fb 🙂

Travel safe! Isabella (from Poland)

Thanks so much for your kind comments Isabella! I definitely agree with you that whenever you have a full-time job but still love to travel, it’s difficult sometimes to relate to those that are fortunate enough to travel all the time. Please continue to link-up with us for #WeekendWanderlust every week, it’s certainly a great way to get some extra exposure for your blog and also find some great spots around the world worth exploring!

Looks so beautiful! I especially like the first one, with the fog all looks so misterious!

It certainly has a very mysterious vibe to it whenever you approach the lighthouse from a distance and you can only see the bottom half. But then to watch the fog clear, well you can see from the photographs just how cool it looks.

I love lighthouses! I think they’re amazing. Have you ever stayed in one? I really want to do that!

I have never stayed in one before Sammi but I have read several folks experiences and they all said that despite the eerie feeling, they are really worth it! I am sure there are many great stories to tell from those that have stayed in one. However, I also think it’s a shame for those that are renovated into places where you can stay rather than just maintaining them as a historic landmark along a coastline.

The fog offers a beautiful detail in these photos.

Definitely Alli, plus whenever you are fortunate enough to be there to see the contrast between foggy conditions and clear conditions it’s a really cool experience.

Hey I was not finished yet! (It posted my comment too early) I was also going to say that I find lighthouse photography so beautiful and almost kind of eerie sometimes! (In a good way). I can just hear the foghorn now 😉

I hear you Alli! They are just really majestic pieces of architecture. Even modern day designs maintain the old-school look in lighthouses which is great to see.

I love lighthouses – they make great photographs especially with all the fog! 🙂

They certainly do Ashley! Honestly have never really taken many photographs of them before but after visited this lighthouse and seeing the great shots that you can get, we will definitely be doing more of this in the future.

I’ve walked past the lighthouse on the cliffs above Dover and one near Land’s End, but never had the opportunity to get nearer to have a good nosey round. They are amazing pieces of architecture though – I also like old windmills dotted across the landscape.

We also walked past the lighthouse at Land’s End and took some good pictures but didn’t really spend too much time there exploring the history of that lighthouse because we were more interested in walking along the scenic coastal path. Will definitely have to check out the one near Dover. Definitely agree with you on windmills. They are just as iconic as lighthouses, in fact what a great combination they are together and anywhere in the world that offers both of these are certainly a must-see spot for us!

I was far more interested in the coast too 🙂 The lighthouse at Dover is owned by the National Trust I think; it was open the day we walked past but we didn’t have time to have a peek.

I’ve always loved visiting places with lighthouses and this one is exceptional. Wish I could visit on a sunny day, never get that opportunity whenever I visit one.

You make a great point there Noel that the fog seems to descend over lighthouses all too frequently and tends to be always when you head there to capture some great shots! I think you can still get some cool shots with the fog and overcast conditions but whenever the sun breaks through, that’s when you can really capture the perfect picture.

I have always had a thing about lighthouses – I love them, and love visiting them! We saw so many when we were on Cape Cod but I never got bored! You definitely got the best weather to see them as you saw how eerie but how important they are. Even on a clear day they are incredibly useful to sailors – as you can use them as way points as well as often they are the only distinguishing feature that can be seen over a long distance along a coast line

Were you able to go inside, Chris?

I visited the lighthouse on the Lizard Peninsula in the UK earlier this year which doesn’t look too dissimilar to this one.

There are a number in the UK now that you can not only visit, but can also stay in… I haven’t done that yet but would like to one day!

Unfortunately not Paul! I believe it is only open on the weekends, at least it was whilst we were there and our visit was on a Thursday so we missed out on the opportunity to experience the interior of the lighthouse. They are such iconic structures along a coastline, not only for sailors but also for tourists who seem to be attracted to visiting them (for good reason too!).

We have also visited the lighthouse at Land’s End, again we weren’t able to go inside, in fact I can’t recall ever going inside one though I may have done with my parents when I was younger. I really think that staying in one would be a cool experience!

So many people are raving about Portland. I have got to go one day. It looks really picturesque.

Well if you take the lighthouse and the beautiful scenery along this part of the Maine coastline, then yes it certainly is worth a trip to experience Portland. I am not sure there is much to see and explore in terms of the town, away from the coast or at least nothing beyond spending a day or two here but Portland is in such a great location if you are heading further north across the Canadian border or south towards Boston. It certainly is a very picturesque part of the country!

I LOVE lighthouses! There’s something old-timey about them that really appeals to me so I check them out whenever I get the chance. Great shot of the lighthouse in the fog- what a perfect setting!

Love the pictures. I think the fog adds to it. I love stopping and taking pictures of lighthouses but have never really stopped at one long enough. I am sure there are tons in Maine, which I need to get to. I have a few cousins that retired there and absolutely love it.

Cool photos! I love that top one in the mist. Lighthouses make such cool photography subjects.

Cheers Emily, it definitely was a worthwhile experience and I guess you could say that we lucked out by being there at the right time to capture both the foggy and clear conditions! But as the old saying goes, you have to be in the right place at the right time!

I’ve never even seen a lighthouse, let alone stayed in one 😛 But I do hope to someday. LOVE picture no 2!!

I am another one who loves lighthouses…so it’s great to read this article. Thinking about lighthouses makes me feel how we have no control over the sea, and also makes me think about mermaids and sirens. Of course sleeping in a lighthouse, with one’s other half, with the waves crashing against the rocks would be extremely romantic.

beautiful post guys. I know why the area is called New England… the weather is similar to Old Blighty! And Chris, as a Brit, I’m sure you appreciate that! There’s a charm to lighthouses I’ve always been unable to resist, and I harbour the ambition of spending a night in one…

I find lighthouses fascinating – they’re such a distinctive form of architecture. I think some of the New England ones do B&B – it would be great to stay in one some time.

Portland is such a great city. I have not been there since I was younger, but friends that moved there really enjoyed it. Lighthouses like these are a nice link to the past. That black and white shot captures the Maine coast perfectly – precisely how I remember it and how I continue to envision this part of New England.

I do love lighthouses, especially in a storm. I actually stayed in one in Cromer on the Norfolk coast in the UK which was great, though unfortunately I didn’t get to go up to the top.

Love the pictures Chris. Especially the ones covered with fog creates a soul stirring mood…must have been quite romantic to walk around the lighthouse. I love lighthouses and capturing them within frame just makes the picture even more beautiful. Have been fantasizing of staying in a light house lately.

What a beautiful lighthouse! I love visiting them, too. They usaully have so much history and can be found on gorgeous sections of coast. I love the picture with the fog!

Thanks for this post, I’ll be travelling to coastal Maine soon and we’ll be visiting as many lighthouses as we can!

We will definitely look forward to hearing about your experiences Brianna exploring the Portland Head Light and other lighthouses along the New England coastline.

Lovely pictures. I have heard so much about Portland and would one day hope to visit.

Thanks Bianca, even though we really only experienced this lighthouse, I would highly recommened anyone to visit Portland just for that very reason! But I am sure there are many other things there that are worth seeing, and I hear the cuisine in this part of Maine is amazing, so do you need any more reason to visit here 🙂

Great post. I don’t know what it is, but there is something so romantic about lighthouses <3

I’m with you there Siobhan, maybe it’s just because of their unique structure and their iconic position along coastlines as you feel like you are at the end of the world as you stand there looking out over the ocean!

I’m such an old romantic but lighthouses seem so protective and emotive. Whether its stormy seas or fog, its just such a dramatic scene and so much history in these places. The idea of a beacon of light to safely guide mariners is brilliant (and an ancient practice) but the fact lighthouses have the same shapes around the world makes them so distinctive. Really great photos and it seems like a beautiful place in Maine

Cheers Kate, we appreciate your kind remarks! Just standing close to the lighthouse made me peer out over the ocean and start thinking about all the old tales from books that I read a child. I remember reading many stories of lighthouses and how sailors were shipwrecked only to seek asylum in the lighthouses which came to their rescue in the middle of nowhere. Great memories for sure!

I love the fact that lighthouses are so distinctive and pretty standardized throughout the world.

Beautiful photos! I really hope you get to go back to Portland soon. In addition to having the best lobster in the world, it is such a cool town! Love that its right on the waterfront, with so many awesome restaurants, and that it’s totally walkable.

Thanks so much! That was one thing we noticed Kristen how walker friendly Portland seemed! In fact that was one of the best aspects of all North East USA that we found, particularly in Boston where we spent a day wandering around. But of course hopefully we will get back to Portland sooner rather than later and you can let us know some of your favorite restaurants and other spots worth exploring!

There is so much of the US I have yet to visit and posts like this really highlight just how much I really want to head there soon! Love the photo of that lighthouse!

Cheers Mike! Hopefully you will get over to the States sometime soon and really get a chance to explore some of these hidden gems. Of course places like NYC and San Fran appeal but sometimes just taking the time to experience these lesser known spots are equally rewarding.

I would love to visit more lighthouses. I’ve only been to a few, including in Savannah. They have so much history! I follow a gal in Michigan who wants to visit all of the ones in her state. Fantastic pictures!

Thanks Muriel for your kind comments! As we are located in the heart of USA, we rarely get the opportunity to see lighthouses either so this was a really great experience to see the Portland Head Light. Will have to check out the one in Savannah also.

Looks like a nice spot. While I have seen plenty of lighthouses in the distance, It is on my list to climb a lighthouse one day. And maybe even stay in one for the night sometime,

That really would be a cool experience to stay in a lighthouse overnight! I know that many have been converted from their original purpose but just exploring them is worthwhile even if you don’t get the opportunity to stay in one overnight!

I spent most of my life in the US but have seen precious little of the New England states. Maine in particular is the most intriguing. Glad to see you made the time to visit here.

The New England states really appealed to me Bob before exploring here. I love the fact that everything is closely packed together with 6 different states relatively close and some major cities such as NYC and Boston scattered among them. But the hidden gems are the spots that I really love experiencing because you never know if you will get the opportunity to see them again!

Beautiful pictures. Would like to be at the lighthouse right now. The mist and the fog add a lot to the picture.

Cheers Christina! The contrast and the outline of the lighthouse is really spectacular with the foggy background.

Excellent photos, those lighthouses and the fog are gorgeous!

Cheers Laura, we picked a great day to explore the lighthouse for sure!

The lighthouses look so lovely! There is something so romantic about lighthouses in the fog… in theory. In practice, I assume that’s pretty dangerous and undesirable 😛

We can stay in that dream world because I agree with you that the fog really adds to the quality of the image. But as you state, I am sure the sailors are not too fond of the foggy conditions!

Great post. Somehow I always have a “thing” for lighthouses, they seem to have a lot of history and a lot to tell… I hope they won’t dissapear altogether now in the modern days…

I hope you are right as well Antonette. It would be a real shame to see them disappear though I have a feeling they will be around and have a place in maritime navigation at least for the rest of our lifetimes!

Heather and Chris! I love a New England road trip, for the tiny villages and the lighthouses. Jim and I visited the Portland one a couple years ago, and loved it. I think it would have been great to see on a foggy day! BTW: Your B&W photo is stunning!

Thanks Corinne, we really appreciate your comments! Credit to Heather on that black and white photo, she is the pro photographer in our relationship and I agree it really turned out great capturing the eerie feeling of the conditions. As I have mentioned to everyone else, the reality is that we picked a perfect day to visit the lighthouse because we got the best of both worlds with the foggy and clear conditions! Makes for some great contrasting pictures.

Looks nice! There is something about lighthouses that makes me dreamy… Also love the history of it!

Every lighthouse has their unique stories and I always find it interesting to try and find an old local who has been around over the years to tell you some of the hidden, untold stories within the lighthouse.

I’ve never been to Portland, but reading your post really made me feel like I was there right now ! Loved the photos with the lighthouse and the smog, stunning !

HOME!!! I miss Maine SO much sometimes, I used to run around Portland head light and its such a beautiful area. I’m always happy to see other love it as much as I do.

[…] The iconic Portland Head Light once played an integral role in the maritime industry around the Gulf of Maine. The history of this lighthouse dates back to the late 18th century and despite some renovations, today it is still proudly standing at the head of the primary shipping channel into Portland Harbor. […]

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Beautiful Lighthouses in Maine to Visit, from Portland to the Canadian Border

L ighthouses are a quintessential symbol of Maine’s maritime history, and visitors have the unique opportunity to explore these fascinating icons year-round. Here is a list of the easiest  lighthouses  you can visit in Maine, organized by geographic location. I say the “easiest” because there are lots of lighthouses far out in the water.

As you’re planning your trip to Maine, keep in mind that there are very few lighthouses you can actually go into, but these ones you can visit and explore the grounds and such. Also,  visiting Maine in winter  means far fewer people than in peak summer, so keep that in mind too as you plan.

Easiest Southern Maine Lighthouses to Visit

So you’ve arrived in Maine, maybe you flew into Portland International Jetport (PWM) or maybe you drove in from Massachusetts’s or New Hampshire, and you’re ready to visit some of Maine’s best lighthouses… Let’s start in the Portland area, as there are some beautiful, easy to visit lighthouses here.

Portland Head Light

The  Portland Head Light  is a historic lighthouse located in the coastal town of Cape Elizabeth, near Portland, Maine. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the country and has been guiding ships into Portland Harbor since 1791. The lighthouse tower is a classic New England style, with a white clapboard exterior and a bright red roof. During the summer the landscaping around the Portland Head Lighthouse is full of flowers, and walking paths make it a fun place to visit with kids.

Visitors can tour the lighthouse and climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of Casco Bay  ONLY ONE DAY EACH YEAR , Lighthouse Day in September. The Portland Head Light is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Its enduring legacy and stunning beauty make it a must-visit for anyone exploring coastal Maine.

Cape Elizabeth Light at Two Lights State Park

The Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, also known as  Two Lights , is located in the coastal town of Cape Elizabeth, near Portland, Maine. This historic lighthouse is actually two lighthouses, standing side by side, and has been guiding ships into Portland Harbor since 1828. The lighthouses are set on a beautiful rocky promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, providing breathtaking views of the coast and the surrounding islands.

Visitors cannot tour the lighthouse, but can enjoy the tidepools and take in the gorgeous views from the point. The surrounding grounds are a perfect spot for picnicking or taking a stroll, and there’s even a restaurant near the parking area. The Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse is a must-visit for anyone exploring Maine’s rugged coastline, and is a part of the state’s maritime history.

Spring Point Ledge Light

The  Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse  is located in the area of South Portland, Maine, basically Portland. It sits on a rocky ledge just offshore and is easily accessible via a walkway from the mainland. The lighthouse tower is a classic New England style, with a bright red roof and white clapboard siding. Visitors can walk about to and around the lighthouse, and there are exhibit plaques at the nearby fort to learn about its history. The Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is really unique in both its location and the view from it: you can see three other lighthouses from its point!

Midcoast Maine Lighthouses Not to Miss

As you head north from Portland, you get into the Midcoast Maine area. Nobody calls it the central coast (that’s in California); this is MIDCOAST. Here you’ll find a number of both river lights and epically built light stations. We’ve picked the easiest lighthouses to visit in Midcoast Maine, and they’re easy to add to a road trip through the area.

Owls Head Light

The Owls Head Lighthouse is located in the coastal town of Owls Head, Maine. It sits on a rocky promontory overlooking Penobscot Bay and has been guiding ships into Rockland Harbor since 1825. Visitors can tour the lighthouse grounds and museum, and climb to the top of the point to circle the tower for stunning views of the coast and surrounding islands.

Also, be sure to visit the nearby  Owl’s Head Transportation Museum  for even more history and fascinating Maine memorabilia.

Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

The  Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse  is located in the coastal city of Rockland, Maine. It sits at the end of a 1,200-foot breakwater, which serves as a protective barrier for the harbor. The lighthouse tower is a distinctive octagonal shape, and its beacon has been guiding ships into Rockland Harbor for over a century. I enjoyed watching sunset on the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse from the roof of the  250 Main Hotel  in Rockland. Amazing view of it!

Visitors can walk out to the lighthouse on the breakwater and take in the surround Penobscot Bay. The lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The Rockland Breakwater lighthouse is also special because it’s one of the few lighthouses in Maine that you can actually go into. It’s only open for visitors a few days a year and is fully dependent on volunteers, so check with the lighthouse website before you plan your visit.

Pemaquid Point Light

Pemaquid Point Light  is a historic lighthouse located in Bristol, Maine, United States. It was first built in 1827 and replaced by the current tower in 1835. The lighthouse is located on a rocky point overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the more popular lighthouses to visit in Maine.

One of the unique features of Pemaquid Point Light is its distinctive white conical tower, which stands 38 feet tall and is made of rubblestone. The tower is attached to a one-and-a-half-story keeper’s house, which has a distinctive red roof. Before COVID visitors could go up in the lighthouse tower, and hopefully it’ll reopen in 2023.

The Pemaquid Point Light is also notable for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the rocky coastline, the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, and the picturesque fishing village of New Harbor, which is located nearby. The lighthouse has been featured in many works of art and literature, including the Maine state quarter, and it is a popular spot for photographers, artists, and tourists to visit. It is also a functioning aid to navigation and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Fort Point Light

The  Fort Point Lighthouse  is located in the coastal town of Stockton Springs, Maine, near Searsport. It sits on a historic fortification that dates back to the War of 1812, offering a unique blend of maritime and military history. The lighthouse tower is a square style, with a bright red roof and white clapboard siding.

Visitors can tour the lighthouse and learn about its history, as well as enjoy the panoramic views of Penobscot Bay. The surrounding fortifications and grounds provide a unique backdrop for the lighthouse, and the area is a popular spot for picnicking and exploring via trails. The Fort Point Lighthouse is one of the more unique lighthouses to visit in Maine.

Marshall Point Light

The Marshall Point Lighthouse is located in the small coastal town of Port Clyde, Maine, near the picturesque island of Monhegan. This iconic lighthouse has been guiding ships into the harbor for over 150 years and is famous for its appearance in the film “Forrest Gump”. Visitors can walk the boardwalk out to the lighthouse and enjoy awesome bird watching all around the point. The town of Port Clyde is a charming fishing village with a great general store, and is surrounded by beautiful rocky beaches and dense forests. Also, this is where you can  catch the puffin cruise!

Monhegan Island, just a short ferry ride away, is a peaceful escape from the mainland, and is home to stunning cliffs, serene hiking trails, and an artist community. Both Port Clyde and Monhegan offer a unique blend of natural beauty and coastal charm, making them a must-visit for anyone exploring Midcoast Maine.

Northern Maine Lighthouses

Heading from the Midcoast Maine region up towards Canada there are even more lighthouses to visit. After you’ve toured Down East Maine and up to the border, catch the hydrofoil to Yarmouth,  Nova Scotia and keep on visiting more lighthouses . I’m in love with them all, so maybe don’t listen to me, because you’ll be touring the Maritimes and looping back down the Maine coast for the rest of your summer.

West Quoddy Head Light

The  West Quoddy Head Light  is a historic lighthouse located on the easternmost point of the contiguous United States, in Lubec, Maine. It was first built in 1808 and replaced by the current tower in 1858. One of the unique features of West Quoddy Head Light is its distinctive red and white striped tower, which stands 49 feet tall and is made of brick. The tower is attached to a one-and-a-half-story keeper’s house, which is also painted in red and white stripes.

The West Quoddy Head Light is also notable for its scenic location on the rocky coast of Maine, overlooking the  Bay of Fundy  and the Atlantic Ocean (you MUST visit the Bay of Fundy!!!). It is surrounded by a state park and hiking trails that offer visitors views of the coastline and to Canada.

Another unique feature of the West Quoddy Head Light is its fourth-order Fresnel lens, which is still in use today and can be seen from up to 18 nautical miles away. The lighthouse is also equipped with a foghorn and a radio beacon to aid in navigation, just like the Passamaquoddy Lighthouse from  Pete’s Dragon .

Bass Harbor Head Light

This lighthouse is located in Bass Harbor, near Southwest Harbor on Mount Desert Island. It actually lies within one of the parts of  Acadia National Park . Visiting the Bass Harbor Head Light is easy, but getting down to the spot that all of the epic photos you may recognize of the lighthouse, that’s a different story.

Parking is limited at the Bass Harbor Light, so be patient, and then once there, be efficient so others can see the lighthouse and the grounds as well.

To get to the really beautiful view of the Bass Harbor Light, you do have to take the trail into the woods, and then scale the wooden staircases down to the rocks. Where the stairs end, you then have to traverse the rocks and tide pools until you get the view you want. The best time to visit is in the morning so the morning sun hits the Bass Harbor Lighthouse just right.

“Where is the Lighthouse from Pete’s Dragon?”

So, that’s a complex question. You CANNOT visit the lighthouse from  Pete’s Dragon  because it was actually a movie set built in Morro Bay, California, not in Maine. Yes, the original “Pete’s Dragon” movie was partially filmed in Maine and, specifically, the film crew shot some scenes in the town of Rockport and at the nearby Marshall Point Lighthouse in Port Clyde, but a lot of it was filmed in California.

As for which lighthouse is most like the Passamaquoddy light from the movie, it’s difficult to say for certain since the Passamaquoddy light in the movie is a fictional creation. However, the lighthouse used in the film’s exterior shots is actually fashioned after the lighthouse at Quoddy Head State Park as well as other hexagonal lighthouses on the west coast. The West Quoddy Light is known for its distinctive red and white stripes versus the solid white like in the movie.

FAQ about Lighthouses in Maine

How many lighthouses are in Maine?

There are 65 lighthouses in Maine. Not all are operational, in good shape or can be visited easily, but there are indeed 65 still standing in full form.

What is the oldest lighthouse in Maine?

The Portland Head Light is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. They started building it in 1787.

Are Maine’s lighthouses still in use?

Yes! 57 Maine lighthouses are still operational. Some are fully managed by the US Coast Guard and some privately or through local societies.

Can you visit Maine’s lighthouses?

You can visit MANY of Maine’s lighthouses, but there are a lot that are off limits for safety or because they are so remote. When you visit the Portland Head Light you can actually see two lighthouses in the far distance out in the water that you cannot visit and that are not operational. Most lighthouses can be visited with access to the grounds or breakwater, but usually not the lighthouse tower.

What are the most popular lighthouses to visit in Maine?

The most popular lighthouses in Maine are the Portland Head, Nubble Light (to the south), Rockland Breakwater and Bass Harbor Lighthouses.

What is the history behind Maine’s lighthouses?

Maine’s lighthouses started getting built in the late 1700s as navigational beacons for the many sailing ships coming from Europe and Canada.

How are Maine’s lighthouses maintained and preserved?

The lighthouses in Maine are preserved through a variety of channels, including private societies, city municipalities, the US Coast Guard and Maine State Parks.

Are Maine’s lighthouses haunted?

Some people believe a lot of lighthouses to be haunted, but concrete evidence of any specific haunting does not exist.

What is the function of a lighthouse?

Lighthouses, to this day, serve the purpose of providing a navigational beacon to ships at sea, whether in the dark or cloudy days. Lighthouses each have a different flash and look which helps sailors identify where they are based on the light flash and color/shape of the lighthouse.

What is the most remote lighthouse in Maine?

Mount Desert Rock Lighthouse is 25 miles off the coast of Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island in the Down East area of Maine.

Whether you’re in southern, central, or northern Maine, there’s a lighthouse waiting to be explored. These are some of the easiest lighthouses to visit, and really, did you even go to Maine if you didn’t see at least one lighthouse?

If you have any questions or want to leave some comments about YOUR favorite lighthouses in Maine, leave a note or  send us a message . We’re always happy to share!

Your Guide to Visiting Portland Head Light With Kids

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Portland Head Light  is one of the most commonly photographed lighthouses in the United States and is by far the most popular one to visit here in Maine. It is located in Fort Williams Park, about 20 minutes south of Portland in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. From Portland Head Light, you can also view Spring Point Ledge to your left (North) as well as Ram Island Ledge Light directly in front of you. On a clear day, you can also see Halfway Rock light station which is located about 10 miles off the coast. Finally, to your right (South), you can see Cape Elizabeth light.

Portland Head Light / Fort Williams Park is a popular destination for tourists and as well as locals. It attracts nearly one million visitors each year and is home to numerous special events including the TD Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race (if you’re a runner, we highly recommend adding this to your race bucket list!), Family Fun Day, and the Labor Day Art Show. Some use the gorgeous backdrop for intimate wedding ceremonies or private and corporate events as well. It’s an incredible place to visit if you’re in the Portland area and it never gets old no matter how many times you visit!

If you want to learn about the history of Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park, keep reading! If you’re just here for parent tips for visiting Portland Head Light with kids, feel free to skip down to them.

History of Portland Head Light

At the time of construction, Maine was part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and Portland had become one of the busiest ports in America by the late 1700s. After American independence from British rule in 1776, the town of Cape Elizabeth posted a guard at Portland Head in order to warn people of incoming British attacks.

Fun fact :  Did you know Portland was called Falmouth until 1786? I didn’t!

1784 –  Merchants petitioned the Massachusetts government for a light to mark the entrance to Portland Harbor. The Massachusetts legislature provided $750 to begin construction of the lighthouse.

1790 –  The United States Government took over the responsibility of all lighthouses so Congress gave $1,500 to have the lighthouse completed. Construction of the first Keeper’s Quarters began as the result of a contract signed by Governor John Hancock (the Governor of Massachusetts at the time).

1791 –  Completed in 1791, Portland Head Light is the oldest lighthouse in the state of Maine. The original plan was for a 58-foot tower which ended up being changed to a 72-foot tower from base to lantern deck. It was lit with 16 whale oil lamps and was first lit on January 10, 1791. Captain Joseph Greenleaf was appointed the first keeper by President George Washington.

1816  – A one-story home was built to replace the first keeper’s house. It measured 34′ x 20′ with two rooms, a cellar, and a porch.

1852 –  Management of the lighthouse was transferred to the U.S. Lighthouse Board (now known as the Bureau of Lighthouses as of 1910).

1864  – A 4th order Fresnel lens, as well as a cast-iron staircase, were installed.

1865 –  The tower was raised 20′ and the 2nd order Fresnel lens was installed. This lens was in the lighthouse until 1958 and a portion of it can now be seen at the Museum at Portland Head Light.

1886 –  The Annie C. Maguire struck the ledge at Portland Head. The cause of the crash is still unknown.

1891 –  The current Keeper’s Quarters building was constructed at a two-story duplex. This building houses the head and assistant lighthouse keepers and their families until 1989.

1939 –  The U.S. Coast Guard took over

1990 –  Portland head Light was leased to the Town of Cape Elizabeth.

1993 –  The property was deeded to the Town of Cape Elizabeth thanks to the efforts of United States Senator George Mitchell. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains the light and the fog signal, but the remainder of the property is managed by the Town of Cape Elizabeth.

History of Fort Williams Park

Fort Williams  originally operated as a military installation for the Army. Construction of defensive structures began in 1873, but it wasn’t formally established as a “military reservation” until 1891. The reservation became a sub-post of Fort Preble and then became an independent post a few months later. The post was formally named Fort Williams in 1899.

Although batteries were completed in time for the Spanish-American War, they never ended up being used. Fort Williams actually never even saw combat. Instead, the fort houses and trained troops and served as a command post and headquarters for the military.

By the early 1960s, the Fort was rarely being used anymore and was closed down completely in 1963. Bronze plaques can be found throughout the park, explaining the various remains of buildings and batteries along with further details on the history of the Fort. Cape Elizabeth purchased the 90-acre property on December 1, 1964, for $200,000 and in 1976, the Town officially designated it a park.

How to View the Lighthouse

Since Portland Head Light is on the mainland and owned by the Town of Cape Elizabeth, viewing it is incredibly easy. You can go right up to it and touch it! The lighthouse is located in Fort Williams Park which is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. If you want a different angle, there are plenty of boat tours out of Portland that take you right by this iconic lighthouse.

Related:  12 Toddler-Approved Summer Activities To Do In Southern Maine

When to visit

While the park is open 365 days a year, the summer and autumn months are by far the best times of year to visit. Summer tends to be the busiest time of year to visit due to it being tourist season, but the gorgeous weather makes it so much more enjoyable to be outdoors. You also have the option of taking the kids down to the beach for a dip in the ocean during these months. Autumn is another great time of year to visit with all the fall foliage and the crowds during these months aren’t nearly as bad as the summertime. This makes for cool temps and beautiful fall hikes along the coast.

As for the time of day, we highly recommend visiting in the afternoon/early evening. While the afternoons tend to be a bit busier, it can be super foggy on the coast in the early mornings. Because of this, it can be really hard to view the full lighthouse and see the ocean views (although the fog can be super beautiful to photograph if you’re into photography). So be mindful of the weather and what time of day you’re visiting.

What to see and do

• Visit t he Children’s Garden
• Take a trolley tour
• Tour Battery Blair
• Find geocaches
• Watch a soccer game or tennis match
• Play at either of two playgrounds
• Battery Keyes
• Visit Goddard Mansion
• Dip your toes in the water
• Enjoy food from the food trucks
• Hike the trails
• Have a picnic overlooking the ocean
• Check out the museum and gift shop
• Climb the rocks
• Go sledding in the winter

As of July 1, 2019, you do have to pay for parking at Fort Williams Park. Metered parking is charged from 8 am to 5 pm and is $2 per hour (with a 2-hour minimum). A full-day parking pass is $10 and a season pass is $15 so if you live in the area or visit frequently, it doesn’t hurt to have a season pass! All passes are purchased at the meters at Fort Williams Park and only credit cards are accepted for payment.

Related: The Ultimate Maine Summer Bucket List

All proceeds from the parking meters are used for improvements to the park property (i.e. safety improvements along the cliff walk, improved pedestrian circulation, restoration of historical structures and views, expanded parking, and more) . 

There is also plenty of parking here as well so unless there’s a big event going on, it’s usually very easy to find a good parking spot. We typically park right next to the Bite Into Maine food truck since this lot is right in the middle of everything.

Our tips for visiting

Bring a jogging stroller.

If you are visiting with young children, I highly recommend bringing a jogging stroller (or babywear if that’s your preference). The paths surrounding the lighthouse are pretty stroller-friendly, but a jogger definitely works a lot better than a more basic stroller. Also, keep in mind that there can be a lot of walking depending on how long you’re staying or what you’re doing. Some of the paths have steep inclines and being that they’re dirt, it can get slippery as well. So if your little ones don’t last long on their feet or are prone to falling, then that’s another great reason to have the stroller handy!

For reference: On our most recent visit, our girls were 5 and 2 (as pictured here) and our youngest walked the vast majority of the trails without issues (holding our hand, obviously)!

The paths heading up to the forts are similar to those around the lighthouse: dirt, but flat and super easy to navigate with any stroller. If you happen to want to take the trails through the woods to the mansion then we highly recommend baby wearing since these trails won’t accommodate any sort of stroller. Small legs could have issues through here as well. You can also view the mansion from the front lawn so the trails aren’t necessary to see it. It’s just a fun, added bonus “hike” for those who want to explore more.

Eat at Bite Into Maine

There are a few food trucks at Fort Williams, but out of all of them, we highly recommend Bite Into Maine. They by far have one of the best lobster rolls I’ve ever had and I end up buying one every single time we visit. Down the hill, closer to the lighthouse, you also have Cousin’s Maine Lobster which you may have seen from the show Shark Tank. I haven’t personally tried their lobster rolls, but I do hear great things about them!

Take the time to explore

I’d set aside at least a couple of hours or so in order to walk the trails and see everything Fort Williams has to offer. Especially if you have kids with you. The views are gorgeous and there’s so much history here so it can be easy to soak up a lot of time here. Walk the trails, eat lunch, dip your toes in the water, explore the forts, visit the museum and gift shop. Do it all!

Bring a light jacket or sweater

This is applicable even in the summer months. The coast can very easily be 10+ degrees cooler and the ocean breezes can make it even chillier (especially for small children, babies, or those who may be visiting from warmer climates). Even as a local, we bring sweatshirts whenever we visit just in case they’re needed. It’s far better to have it and not need it then it is to get there and be chilly and miserable.

Pets are welcome at Fort Williams as long as they’re on a leash. There are a few areas throughout the park where they can go off-leash, but be sure to  check out the map  for those locations.

Bring bags for trash

There are no trash cans on site. Fort Williams has a carry-in/carry-out policy so anything you bring into the park must leave with you. If you’re planning on having a picnic or another activity that may result in trash, then I highly recommend bringing a small bag or two for trash purposes. Diaper trash bags are always handy as a mom so I always keep some attached to my purse.

There are no permanent restrooms in the park. Instead, there are portable restrooms located throughout the park that are cleaned and inspected daily. Keep this in mind if you have little ones! It could make it slightly challenging if you have kids who are potty training.

Going along with this, if you have babies that will need a changing at some point, I recommend changing them prior to getting out of the car so they’re less likely to need a changing while walking around. If they do happen to need one when you’re away from your vehicle, a changing pad in the grass is super easy and handy to have!

Address & Contact Info

1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, Maine 04107 207-799-2661 www.portlandheadlight.com

Hours of Operation

365 days a year Sunrise to Sunset

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Keating is the Owner and Editor-in-Chief of Mainely Parents, a Maine mom of two, and a special educator. When she's not working, she can be found working out, exploring Maine with her family, or catching up on true crime documentaries.

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Portland Lighthouses – A Picture Perfect Experience in Maine

In this Article

You can’t leave Maine without eating lobster or touring one of its 65 historic lighthouses. If Portland is your Maine destination, here’s everything you need to know about the Portland lighthouses.

For more than 200 years, lighthouses have stood tall along Maine’s rugged coast, helping sailors steer clear of shallow spots and avoid crashing into the Pine Tree State’s rocky shores. From the Portland Head Light, constructed when George Washington was President , to the Ladies Delight Light, first illuminated more than a century later, it’s easy to understand how Maine has earned the nickname “the Lighthouse State.”

When you visit Maine’s largest city, take a few hours to tour all six of its lighthouses. Although this guide begins in Cape Elizabeth, a 20-30 minute drive south of Portland, and heads north back to the city, you can easily explore it in reverse. Driving between these Portland, Maine lighthouses will take about 30 minutes. Allowing at least 30 minutes to explore each stop, this Maine activity will take between two and a half to four hours.

Portland Lighthouse Map

How to Use This Map

• Zoom in or out using the + and – keys in the bottom right corner.
• Click the “More options” text link in the upper left corner to open this embedded map in a new browser window and take advantage of more  options including the ability to send these directions to your phone.

Sage Advice:   Explore more of Portland, Maine, with this  interactive scavenger hunt .

To help offset the costs of running EverydayWanderer.com, you’ll find affiliate links lightly sprinkled throughout the site.   If you choose to make a purchase via   one of these links , there’s no additional cost to you, but I’ll earn a teeny tiny commission.   You can read all of the legal blah blah blah (as my little niece says) on the   full disclosure page .

Have You Visited Any Portland Lighthouses?

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Cape Elizabeth Lights

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Start your tour where Cape Elizabeth juts out into lobster-filled Maine waters near Two Lights State Park. As the name suggests, this destination will treat you to not one but two Portland lighthouses. The twin Cape Elizabeth lighthouses were built in 1828. Despite the valiant effort of their lightkeepers, they witnessed several shipwrecks during the decades they served sailors. Unfortunately, both beacons are on private property, so you can’t get too close. But, you can still appreciate them from afar.

Sage Advice:   Look for brightly-colored buoys bobbing in the water around the point. They are used to mark lobster traps, and you might be able to see a lobsterman pull in traps as they do several times a week.

Although it is on private property, the easternmost light tower is still active. For the best view of this Portland lighthouse, park near The Lobster Shack at Two Lights and walk along Dyer Cove. Here, long slabs of stone covered in golden lichen make a craggy foreground for the towering white light. The coastline looks as if it’s made of petrified wood, but it’s actually quartzite and dark grey phyllite.

Fun Fact:  If you get a sense of deja vu gazing at the Cape Elizabeth lighthouse, that might be because of artist Edward Hopper’s painting, The Lighthouse at Two Lights . On display at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, the piece inspired a 1970 postage stamp celebrating Maine’s sesquicentennial.

The other twin tower was decommissioned as a Maine lighthouse in 1924 and served as a fire control tower during World War II. Today it is a private home once owned by Gary Merrill, the fourth (and final) husband of Hollywood legend Bette Davis.

Sage Advice:  One popular way to see Maine’s historic lighthouses is by taking a lighthouse road trip. If that’s your plan, the check out this ultimate road trip packing list .

Portland Head Light

Surrounded by 90 acres at Fort Williams Park, the Portland Head Light is the oldest (and perhaps the most famous) of all Portland lighthouses. Construction began back in 1787 when the United States was a brand new nation and Maine was still part of Massachusetts. Once the tower was built to the specified height of 58 feet, the two local masons constructing the lighthouse discovered that it was too short to be seen from the south. The plans were altered to add another 20 feet to the tower.

Visiting the Portland Head Light is the quintessential Maine experience. As you take in the postcard-perfect sight, breathe in the fresh ocean air and listen to the waves gently crashing below. You’ll also hear the deep monotone sound of the fog horn, even if only softly on a clear day.

Sage Advice:  If your itinerary allows, take some additional time to explore Fort Williams Park, the land surrounding the lighthouse. Although it is now largely in ruins, it was an operational Army fort from 1872 to 1964.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

To reach the next stop on the tour of Portland lighthouses, you must first wind through the oceanside campus of the Southern Maine Community College. I admire the willpower it must take the students to remain focused on their education in such a beautiful setting!

If you haven’t yet stretched your legs, you’ll certainly want to allow time for that when you visit the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. If you feel up to it, visitors are permitted to walk along the granite rock wall to the base of the light. But keep in mind, this is not a smoothly paved wall. Rather, it’s a 950-foot-long breakwater made by piling 45 tons of granite in the water between this Portland lighthouse and the dry land.

Fun Fact:  With 5,000 miles (8,500 km) of shoreline, inlets, and islands, Maine has more coastline than California.

Consistent with the other Portland lighthouses, an old military fort is adjacent to the light tower. Built in 1808 of stone, brick, and sod, the original fort was established to protect the United States from the growing threat of attack from the United Kingdom and France. The fort’s hospital tended to released American prisoners of war during the War of 1812, and it was the headquarters of the 17th infantry during the Civil War. In 1952, the fort was sold to the State of Maine and the former fort has been a technical college ever since.

Sage Advice:  When visiting the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, look to the east to see Fort Scammell on House Island. Named for Alexander Scammell, a Revolutionary War general, the island was nicknamed the “Ellis Island of the North” because it was used as an immigration quarantine station in the early 1900s.

Portland Breakwater Light (AKA Bug Light)

Officially known as the Portland Breakwater Light, but often referred to as the Bug Light, this final, historic Portland lighthouse is also steeped in history. Originally a wooden structure, built in 1855, the Bug Light looks across the Casco Bay at Fort Gorges. The fort was built on the Hog Island Ledge around the same time, but 19th-century improvements in military technology rendered the fort obsolete before it could be used.

Fast forwarding to World War II, the breakwater surrounding the lighthouse was filled in by the New England Shipbuilding Corporation to establish two shipyards next to the lighthouse. From 1941 to 1945, more than 30,000 people built 266 Liberty Ships, a special type of cargo ship used during the war. With the land built up around it, the lighthouse was unneeded. It was decommissioned in 1942.

Fully restored and reactivated, today the Bug Light sits at the northernmost tip of eight-acre Bug Light Park that the lighthouse shares with the Liberty Ship Memorial. This ship-shaped steel structure honors the men and women who built Liberty Ships on the site during World War II.

Sage Advice: Are you craving more beautiful water views? Check out Capisic Pond, Clark Pond, or one of these other beautiful lakes in Southern Maine .

Have You Visited Any Of The Lighthouses In Portland, Maine?

Which lighthouse was your favorite? Any other history, tips, or advice to pass along about the Portland lighthouses? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

Here's More Information And Inspiration For A Visit To Portland, Maine

• Recently named Restaurant City of the Year by Bon Apétit , here’s what to eat in Portland , Maine. Or enjoy this land and sea to fork food tour , a farm to table concept with a coastal twist!
• Portland, Maine, has been recognized by an up and coming US travel destinations for two consecutive years. Be sure to visit before the secret gets out about this amazing town!
• Get the lay of the land with this narrated sightseeing tour of Portland aboard a vintage fire truck.
• Acadia National Park is a scenic, three-hour drive north of Portland, Maine. Read why it’s one of the best RV road trips in the US .
• Get additional information and inspiration for a trip to Portland and beyond via this Maine-specific Pinterest board .

Ready to Go? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

• Find low fares with  airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
• Book your plane ticket with   Expedia or Kayak
• Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
• From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo  
• Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
• Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS , Tiqets , and Viator
• Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
• Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
• Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!

Thank you for sharing!

3 thoughts on “Portland Lighthouses – A Picture Perfect Experience in Maine”

Great set of pictures!

Thanks so much!

I love Portland Head Light! Such a pretty sunset photo 😀

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