Maines lighthouses have been a beacon for sailers, guiding them on the east coast for over a century! These charming landmarks are stunning, proud and a must see attraction in the U.S.A.
But with so many to choose from, which is the best way to see them?? While we believe thats with the ultimate Maine lighthouse road trip! Of course, trying some of Maines famous seafood along the way is a must.
Map of Maine Lighthouse Road Trip:
Dive into our map of Maines lighthouses below!
DIVE INTO OUR MAP! User Guide: Simply Click the +/- buttons to zoom in & out, Click on a favourite attraction, and click directions symbol to give you the driving or walking route directly there!
Top Tip: Many visitors choose to share our map on facebook by clicking the link in the top right corner!
1. Whaleback Light
Whaleback Light is an historic lighthouse constructed in 1872. This lighthouse punctuates the mouth of the Piscataqua River between New Castle, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine.
It stand proud at 75 feet tall on a rocky outcrop offshore southwest of Fort Foster.
2. Portland Head Lighthouse
Portland Head Lighthouse is oldest lighthouse in Maine! It was constructed in 1791 and sands at a height of 24m (78feet). Portland head lighthouse is located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
You can find the light house station at the entrance of the primary shipping channel which flows into Portland Harbor.
Interesting Fact:
Two people died in a 1787 shipwreck which led to the introduction of the lighthouse which cost just $700 to build at the time.
Things to do:
Apart from seeing the fantastic Portland head lighthouse, there are some fantastic landmarks to see nearby:
– Museum & Gift Shop
The museum is located in the former keepers’ house which was constructed in 1891. At the museum you can find the history of Portland Head light explored through artifacts, models and exhibits.
– Battery Keyes
Battery Keyes was one of the last two batteries built at the fort in 1906. It was designed to defend against small, fast attack boats in a point and shoot method.
– Goddard Mansion
Goddard Mansion was build before the fort by the world renowned New York Architect Charles A. Alexander for a businessman John Goddard.
– Beach Area
Located on the north side of the entrance road is a small rocky beach, Ship Cove, with a stunning view of Ram Island Ledge Light located in Casco Bay.
– Children’s Garden:
The Children’s Garden at Fort Williams Park is a landscape 1.5 acre garden designed to let children explore their relationship with nature.
Insider tip:
Head down for sunset and you will get to see one of the most popular lighthouses to see in Maine, in all its glory! This is a great photo opportunity. Many say this is the most photographed lighthouse in america!
3. Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse
After spending some time in Portland take the drive up to Cape Elizabeth Light (or two lights).
This lighthouse was built in 1828 and is located on Cape Elizabeth, at the southwestern entrance to Casco Bay in Maine. The eastern tower is active while the western tower is deactivated.
Here you will find great coastline and a beautiful lighthouse. However, you can’t access the lighthouse.
Insider Tip:
Grab some mouth watering lobster from The Lobster Shack just next door, here you will find tables overlooking the sea and some great seafood!
4. Kennebec River Range Lights
The Kennebec River Range is the only range of lights in Maine & the first U.S Coast guard district. Constructed in 1898, you will find the only range lights in Maine and features a few unique wooden lighthouses.
5. Squirrel Point Light
Squirrel Point Light is an 1898 lighthouse marking the southwestern point of Arrowsic Island on the Kennebec River. To get there you can take the 6 tenths of a mile hike over the bridge and through a trail.
Insider Tip:
Watch out for mosquitos during the summer. Be sure you have some high quality hiking gear
6. Seguin Lighthouse
Seguin Light is the 2nd oldest lighthouse on Maines coast and the only lighthouse with a first order Fresnel Lens in the state. The lighthouse was built in 1795 and can be found on Seguin Island, just south of Kennebec River, Maine.
How to get to Seguin Island?
Take the Seguin Island Ferry, owned and operated by Capt. Ethan DeBery. For scenic day trip between Fort Popham on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays departing at 10:45am.
7. Burnt Island Light
The Burnt Island Light, was built in 1821 and is the second oldest surviving lighthouse in Maine. Standing at a height of 30 feet tall the lighthouse is on the National register of historic places.
8. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
The Pemaquid Point Light is a historic U.S. lighthouse which stands at 39 feet tall and is located in Bristol, Lincoln County, Maine, at the tip of the Pemaquid Neck.
Permadquid Point lighthouse has a free mini museum adjacent, only 5 people can enter per time but its worth the wait. There is also a bed & breakfast above the museum, shop and restaurant.
Insider Tip:
Entrance/parking is $5 per person but active military get in free.
9. Monhegan Lighthouse
Monhegan Island Light is a picturesque lighthouse on Monhegan Island, Maine. At 47 feet high with a focal height of 178 feet (54 m), it is the second tallest lighthouse in Maine. Constructed in 1824.
Insider Tip:
To get to the lighthouse, you will need to take a long day trip by ferry, but its worth to explore the island and enjoy the hikes on scenic trails.
10. Marshall Point Light
In the research room you can look through many historic documents & photos outlining the history of the lighthouse & the area.
Fun Fact: The Marshall point lighthouse featured in the classic movie Forest Gump, with Tom Hanks. Tom Hanks character concluded his cross country run on the runway of Marshall Point lighthouse. At the museum you will also find movie documentation.
11. Owls Head Lighthouse
The Owls Head Light is an 30 foot active aid to navigation owned by the U.S Coast guard. The lighthouse can be found at the entrance of Rockland Harbor on western Penobscot Bay in the town of Owls Head, Knox County, Maine.
At the lighthouse you can find panoramic views, seasonal tours, a 1854 Keeper’s Quarter’s Museum and a gift shop with nautical gifts, books, clothing and more.
12. Browns Head Light Station
13. Grindle Point Sailor’s Museum/Lighthouse
14. West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
West Quoddy Head, in Quoddy Head State Park, Lubec, Maine, is the easternmost point of the contiguous United States! The lighthouse was built in 1808 and has been a lighthouse designed to guide ships through the Quoddy Narrows.
Fun Fact:
In 1988, West Quoddy Head, which was one of the Coast Guard’s six remaining “family-operated lighthouses”
15. Lubec Channel Light
The fog signal at Lubec Channel Lighthouse can be heard every 15 seconds! It stands 40 feet tall and is a sparkplug lighthouse in Lubec, Maine. Created in 1890 it is only one of three surviving sparkplug lights in Maine.
16. Whitlocks Mill Light
Conclusion:
Taking a road trip is around Maines charming lighthouses is an epic way of exploring americas history & experiencing quaint new England life! If you don’t want to rack up the miles on your own car, you should definitely rent a car. See below for further details.
Where do I get the best Rental Car deal?
For the best rental car deal for your road trip be sure to check out:
Ultimate Car Rental Travel Hacks!
Want to capture instagrammable lighthouse photos?
Travel Photography Gear Reviews!
Got everything you need?
Check out our Travel Essentials . (Things You can’t travel without!)
- Recommended Backpacks
- Recommended Camping Gear
- Recommended Hiking Boots.
Backpack reviews by Town & Tourist.
Wish to Book a trip?
To get the best prices check out: How to find the Best Hotel Deals??
Want More?
Boston to New York City: New England Road Trip!
