16 Lighthouses To Check Out In Maine

Maine has no shortage of lighthouses to visit and this is by no means an all-inclusive list. This list is comprised of lighthouses that I have personally seen or visited in Maine! Most of these are fairly easy to visit, although some of them might require a ferry or hike to check out.

Portland Head Light

Perched on the rugged coast of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Portland Head Light is one of the most iconic and photographed lighthouses in the United States. With its rich maritime history and stunning ocean views, it’s a must-visit destination for travelers and lighthouse enthusiasts alike. It’s a great spot to visit year-round.

Monhegan Light

This lighthouse requires a boat ride to visit, but it’s well worth the trip. This lighthouse is situated on Monhegan Island off of the coast of Maine. This lighthouse was established in 1824, but the current tower was built in 1850. You can’t climb this lighthouse, but there’s a great museum that covers the island’s history in the keeper’s house and there’s also an art gallery on the property.

Nubble Lighthouse

Nubble Lighthouse is perched on a small rocky island off of York, Maine. It is one of the most iconic and easily accessible lighthouses in New England. With panoramic ocean views and year-round photo ops, it’s a favorite stop for both locals and visitors. Be sure to also visit the gift shop while you’re here.

Hendrick’s Head Lighthouse

Tucked away on the coast of Southport Island, Maine, Hendrick’s Head Light is a quiet, scenic lighthouse with classic New England charm. While this lighthouse is technically private property, you can view it from Hendrick’s Head Beach. I checked it out before I went to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. However, the best way to view this lighthouse is from the water.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

Located just off the coast of South Portland, Maine, Spring Point Ledge Light offers a unique, up-close lighthouse experience with easy access via a granite breakwater. It’s in an interesting spot, located next to Southern Maine Community College, which you’ll have to drive through to get to the lighthouse.

Owl’s Head Lighthouse

Overlooking the Gulf of Maine from a high bluff, Owl’s Head Lighthouse offers stunning views and a rich maritime history in a compact, easy-to-visit spot. Located close to Rockland, Maine, it’s a popular destination for lighthouse lovers, hikers, and coastal explorers.

Bug Light

Bug Light, officially known as Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, is a small but striking historic landmark located in South Portland, Maine. With its unique design and scenic waterfront park setting, it’s a favorite for casual visitors, history buffs, and photographers alike.

Curtis Island Lighthouse

Curtis Island Lighthouse is a must-see for anyone exploring the Camden area. While the best way to see this lighthouse is by boat, it’s also viewable from the Curtis Island Overlook. The overlook is very quiet and picturesque. If you’re looking to photograph the lighthouse from the overlook, be sure to bring a telephoto lens. The photo in this post was taken with my 150-600mm lens.

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, set on dramatic rocky cliffs in Bristol, Maine, is one of the most picturesque and visited lighthouses in the state. Known for its sweeping ocean views and classic New England charm, it’s a top destination for travelers and photographers. There’s a lot to see and do on-site like a museum and an art gallery. I checked this spot out after a puffin cruise with Hardy Boat Cruises.

Squirrel Point Lighthouse

Squirrel Point Lighthouse, tucked along the Kennebec River in Arrowsic, Maine, offers a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience for lighthouse fans and nature lovers. Accessible by a scenic wooded trail, it’s a great spot for a quiet hike and river views. It’s definitely worth the hike to get there.

Bass Harbor Head Light Station

This lighthouse is one of three lights that are managed by Acadia National Park. It’s the most visited place on the west side of Mount Desert Island and the fifth busiest destination in the entire park. The lighthouse was built in 1858 and it marks the entrance to Bass Harbor.

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse

This lighthouse is located on the most eastern point of the continental United States. It’s a great spot to see the first rays of sun in the U.S. The lighthouse was established in 1808, but the current tower was built in 1858. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Lubec!

Fort Point lighthouse

Fort Point Lighthouse is a quiet and scenic spot along the Maine coast with panoramic views of Penobscot Bay and a touch of local history. Located within Fort Point State Park, it’s an easy stop for visitors looking to explore both nature and heritage. If you’re looking to just view the lighthouse, park in the small lot at the end of Lighthouse Road.

Rockland Breakwater Light

Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is situated at the end of a breakwater in Rockland Harbor. This lighthouse was built between 1881 and 1990. You can go right up to this lighthouse by walking the breakwater. It’s about a two-mile roundtrip to the lighthouse. Since the breakwater is made of granite, be sure to wear appropriate shoes and watch your step as you make your way to the lighthouse.

Marshall Point Lighthouse

Perched on the rocky coast of Port Clyde, Maine, Marshall Point Lighthouse is a striking symbol of New England’s maritime history. This lighthouse is known for its classic white tower and scenic walkway. It draws photographers, travelers, and lighthouse lovers year-round.

Dyce Head Lighthouse

Dyce Head Lighthouse in Castine, Maine, is a hidden gem with stunning coastal views and a peaceful, uncrowded setting. While the lighthouse itself isn’t open to the public, the surrounding area is accessible to the public. It’s really awesome that despite this being a private residence, the public can still visit and photograph it.

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