Maine’s lighthouses are full of history and offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, so we recently took a big road trip across the entire state to see some of Maine’s best lighthouses. This travel guide is the result.
There are a total of 65 historic lighthouses in Maine that stretch along the rocky coastline of the state and its outer islands, and 55 of these buildings still have working lights maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Many of them have been leading ships to a safe haven for hundreds of years, and each has a human history.
Some lighthouses can be seen and photographed only from a distance, while others allow you to look inside and climb to the top of the lighting tower. In some places you can even rent the caretaker’s house and spend the night at the lighthouse, which is a great experience!
There are several famous lighthouses in Portland Maine that are easy to visit, and there are also some good lighthouses near Acadia National Park. With a little exploration, you can also find hidden gems that are not so frequented by tourists.
I hope you like this map and the list of the best lighthouses in Maine! This is not a complete list of everyone, but in my opinion these are just some of the best ones to visit. These are particularly accessible, photogenic or interesting!
Map of the lighthouses of Maine
First of all, here is a map of the Maine Lighthouse that will help you plan your own trip. You can click on the icons to get directions and more information for each point of interest, but keep in mind that some of the places on this map may be approximate.
Best Lighthouses In Maine
1. Portland Headlight
Of course, Maine’s most famous lighthouse-Portland’s beautiful and photogenic lighthouse!
It is the most photographed lighthouse in America and probably the world. It has everything you would expect from a classic Maine lighthouse, with a dramatic rocky coastline, breaking waves and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
If you only have time to visit one lighthouse in Maine, it should be this one. Portland Head Light is also the easiest lighthouse to visit in Maine, as it is only a 15-minute drive from the city and the airport. The park is open to visitors all year round, from sunrise to sunset.
There are many interesting stories behind the Portland headlamp. It was first commissioned by George Washington in 1787, then the building was completed in 1791, making it the oldest lighthouse in Maine.
You should allocate at least a couple of hours to walk along the coast and take pictures, visit the museum and souvenir shop, eat lobster rolls in the food trucks and walk through Fort Williams Park. If you take a closer look, you can also see another lighthouse in the distance, the Ram Island Ledge Light.
The light of Portland Head is free to visit, and parking is also free if you don’t mind the short walk to the overflow parking lot. There is a small fee for the museum, which you can view on their website (and it also has a convenient map)
2. Featherpoint Edge Light
Just a 10-minute drive from the Portland Lighthouse is another lighthouse called the Spring Point Ledge Light. It is the only caisson-style lighthouse station in the United States that visitors can reach on foot.
This lighthouse was built in 1897 to protect ships entering the port of Portland from a peril ledge or obstacle near the shipping channel, which caused boats to run aground.
The granite breakwater path was added in 1951 to connect the lighthouse to the mainland, and you can use it today to get there and see the building up close. Note that there are large gaps between the rocks, so the path may not be suitable for young children and the elderly.
