Maine’s rugged coastline stretches for over 3,500 miles when you factor in all the coves, inlets, and jagged edges that make this state so captivating. These towering sentinels have guided mariners safely through treacherous waters for centuries, each one telling its own story of survival, innovation, and maritime heritage. From the iconic Portland Head Light to hidden gems tucked away in remote corners, Maine’s lighthouses represent some of the most photographed and beloved landmarks in New England.
Here is a list of 16 must-see lighthouses that showcase the very best of Maine’s rocky coastline and maritime history.
Portland Head Light
Portland Head Light stands as Maine’s most famous lighthouse, and for good reason. Commissioned by George Washington himself in 1791, this 80-foot tower has been guiding ships into Casco Bay for over two centuries. The lighthouse sits dramatically on the rocky cliffs of Cape Elizabeth, offering visitors stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby islands.
Its classic white tower and red roof make it one of the most photographed lighthouses in America, appearing on countless postcards and travel brochures.
Pemaquid Point Light
Pemaquid Point Light perches on some of the most dramatic rock formations you’ll find anywhere along the Maine coast. Built in 1827, this 38-foot lighthouse overlooks the entrance to Muscongus Bay, where the granite ledges create a natural amphitheater of stone.
The striped rock formations beneath the lighthouse look like they were painted by an artist, with layers of ancient geological history visible in every crack and crevice. Visitors often spend hours exploring the tide pools and watching waves crash against the weathered granite below.
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Nubble Light
Also known as Cape Neddick Light, Nubble Light sits on a small rocky island just off the coast of York Beach. This picture-perfect lighthouse, built in 1879, can only be reached by boat, which adds to its mystique and charm. The red-roofed lighthouse and keeper’s house create a postcard-worthy scene that attracts photographers from around the world.
During the holiday season, local volunteers string Christmas lights across the entire structure, creating a magical winter wonderland that’s visible from the mainland.
Bass Harbor Head Light
Tucked away in Acadia National Park, Bass Harbor Head Light offers one of the most scenic lighthouse experiences in Maine. This 32-foot tower, built in 1858, sits on the western side of Mount Desert Island and provides spectacular sunset views over the Atlantic.
The lighthouse is surrounded by dense forests and rocky cliffs, making it feel like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. The wooden walkway leading to the lighthouse winds through wild blueberry bushes and provides perfect vantage points for photography.
West Quoddy Head Light
West Quoddy Head Light holds the distinction of being the easternmost lighthouse in the United States, making it the first place in the country to see the sunrise each day. Built in 1808, this distinctive red and white striped tower stands 49 feet tall and overlooks the Bay of Fundy.
The lighthouse sits in Quoddy Head State Park, where visitors can explore hiking trails that lead to dramatic cliff-top views and pristine beaches. The surrounding area is also famous for its whale watching opportunities, particularly during the summer months.
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Marshall Point Light
Marshall Point Light gained fame as the lighthouse where Forrest Gump ended his cross-country run in the beloved movie. Built in 1832, this 31-foot lighthouse sits on a small peninsula in Port Clyde, connected to the mainland by a long wooden walkway. The lighthouse overlooks the entrance to Penobscot Bay and provides excellent views of the surrounding islands and fishing boats.
The museum housed in the former keeper’s quarters offers fascinating exhibits about local maritime history and the lighthouse’s role in the community.
Owls Head Light
Owls Head Light sits atop a 100-foot bluff overlooking Penobscot Bay, offering some of the most commanding views of any lighthouse in Maine. Built in 1825, this 30-foot tower requires a bit of hiking to reach, but the effort is well worth it. The lighthouse is surrounded by Owls Head State Park, where visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, and beachcombing along the rocky shoreline.
The nearby Owls Head Transportation Museum houses an impressive collection of vintage aircraft and automobiles, making it a perfect complement to a lighthouse visit.
Monhegan Island Light
Monhegan Island Light requires a ferry ride to reach, but this remote lighthouse offers an authentic Maine island experience. Built in 1824, the 47-foot tower sits on a dramatic cliff 178 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest lighthouses in Maine.
The island itself is a haven for artists and nature lovers, with no cars allowed and miles of hiking trails through pristine wilderness. The lighthouse museum showcases the island’s rich history as both a fishing community and an artists’ colony.
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Rockland Breakwater Light
Rockland Breakwater Light sits at the end of a nearly mile-long granite breakwater that extends into Penobscot Bay. Built in 1902, this unique lighthouse can only be reached by walking across the massive stone blocks that form the breakwater.
The journey takes about 20 minutes each way and offers constantly changing views of the harbor and surrounding mountains. The lighthouse itself is relatively small at 25 feet tall, but its location at the end of the breakwater makes it feel like you’re walking on water.
Hendricks Head Light
Hendricks Head Light guards the entrance to the Sheepscot River and offers visitors a quieter, more intimate lighthouse experience. Built in 1829, this 39-foot tower sits on a small point surrounded by rocky shores and tidal pools. The lighthouse is particularly beautiful during low tide when visitors can explore the exposed rock formations and search for sea glass and shells.
The surrounding area is also popular with kayakers who paddle among the nearby islands and coves.
Seguin Island Light
Seguin Island Light stands as one of Maine’s most historic lighthouses, first established in 1795 and rebuilt in 1857. This 53-foot tower sits on a 180-acre island about two miles offshore from the mouth of the Kennebec River. The lighthouse is notable for housing the only first-order Fresnel lens still operating in Maine, creating a beam visible up to 20 miles at sea.
Visitors can reach the island by boat tour or private vessel, and the island offers excellent hiking trails and bird watching opportunities.
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Whitehead Light
Whitehead Light sits on a remote island in the St. George River, accessible only by boat or kayak. Built in 1807, this 75-foot tower is one of the tallest lighthouses in Maine and offers spectacular views of the surrounding islands and open ocean.
The lighthouse is surrounded by wild meadows and rocky shores, creating a pristine wilderness setting that feels untouched by modern development. The island is also home to a small fishing community and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
Burnt Coat Harbor Light
Burnt Coat Harbor Light, also known as Hockamock Head Light, sits on Swans Island in Blue Hill Bay. Built in 1872, this 32-foot lighthouse guides vessels into the island’s protected harbor and offers visitors a glimpse into Maine’s island life. The lighthouse is surrounded by wild roses and bayberry bushes, creating a charming cottage garden atmosphere.
Swans Island itself is a working fishing community with a year-round population of about 350 residents who maintain a traditional way of life.
Goat Island Light
Goat Island Light sits in Kennebunkport Harbor, just a short distance from the famous Bush family compound. Built in 1835, this 25-foot lighthouse has been guiding boats safely into Cape Porpoise Harbor for nearly two centuries. The lighthouse is surrounded by summer cottages and lobster shacks, creating a quintessentially Maine coastal scene.
Visitors can view the lighthouse from several vantage points along the harbor, and the area offers excellent opportunities for lobster roll dining and gift shopping.
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Doubling Point Light
Doubling Point Light sits on the Kennebec River about 20 miles inland from the coast, making it one of the few river lighthouses in Maine. Built in 1898, this 23-foot tower helped guide ships carrying ice and lumber down the river to the sea.
The lighthouse is surrounded by dense forests and offers a peaceful retreat from the more crowded coastal lighthouses. The nearby Doubling Point Range Light works in conjunction with the main lighthouse to provide precise navigation guidance for river traffic.
Spring Point Light
Spring Point Light sits at the end of a 900-foot granite breakwater in South Portland, offering easy access and stunning views of Portland Harbor. Built in 1897, this 54-foot tower is connected to the mainland by the breakwater, making it possible to walk right up to the lighthouse.
The structure is unique among Maine lighthouses because it’s built of cast iron rather than traditional stone or brick construction. The lighthouse is surrounded by Fort Gorges and other historic military installations, creating a fascinating blend of maritime and military history.
Timeless Guardians of the Pine Tree State
These 16 lighthouses represent more than just navigational aids; they’re living monuments to Maine’s maritime heritage and the brave keepers who maintained them through countless storms and seasons. While modern GPS technology has largely replaced their original function, these towers continue to serve as beloved landmarks and windows into a bygone era when lighthouse keepers were the unsung heroes of coastal safety.
Today’s visitors can experience the same dramatic views and rugged beauty that have inspired generations of mariners, artists, and travelers who’ve made the pilgrimage to Maine’s rocky shores.
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