When you’re planning a visit to Maine, I’m pretty sure an iconic lighthouse is included in the itinerary.
I’m sharing more about the best lighthouses to see during your visit to Portland, Maine.
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Portland Head Lighthouse
12 Captain Strout Cir, Cape Elizabeth, ME
Portland Head Lighthouse lived up to the hype as the oldest, most iconic, and photographed lighthouse in Maine.
The first time I saw the Portland Head Lighthouse was by boat during the Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise.
I loved seeing the lighthouse from the vantage point of the water.
(Check out the Land and Sea Combo Tours for the best value.)
We saw several lighthouses along the shoreline and Civil War-era forts on our scenic tour.
This tour provides a great overview of the Portland area. Passengers enjoy beautiful scenery and interesting history along the way.
Allow about an hour to visit the Portland Head Lighthouse, Museum, and Gift Shop.
Portland Head Lighthouse is within Fort Williams Park, which offers hiking and picnic areas with stunning views of the ocean.
Other points of interest are the Battery Keyes, the arboretum, Goddard Mansion, the cliffside loop, and Battery Blair.
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
2 Fort Rd, South Portland, ME
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is located near Southern Maine Community College in South Portland.
The lighthouse dates back to 1897 and is the only caisson-style light station in the U.S. that visitors can walk to.
I first noticed this lighthouse during our scenic cruise and immediately wanted to go there once I saw people walking on top of the breakwall.
Half the fun of visiting this lighthouse is choosing which rocks you will step on to get to the end of the break wall. It’s like a giant walking puzzle path.
The reward is a 360-degree view once you reach the lighthouse.
I also want to note that I saw a fox roaming the college campus, which was also a rare treat for me to see.
Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse
Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse was built in 1905 to prevent shipwrecks on the reef. This granite lighthouse is privately owned and is easiest to see from a boat.
We noticed Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse in the distance during the scenic boat tour. You can also see the lighthouse in the distance from Fort Williams Park.
Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse
15 2 Lights Terrace, Cape Elizabeth, ME
I noticed this lighthouse in the distance while dining at The Lobster Shack at Two Lights.
Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse is privately owned, and the grounds are not open to the public, so you’ll have to enjoy this view while you dine.
Enjoy a Meal at The Lobster Shack at Two Lights
225 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME
The lobster roll at The Lobster Shack at Two Lights is fantastic, along with the scenic views.
There is plenty of outdoor seating with deep blue ocean views.
If it’s chilly during your visit, there’s additional seating inside the restaurant.
During our visit, we ordered two Lobster Roll Boats and Lobster stew. This restaurant is typically open seasonally from May until late October, so plan accordingly.
Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (Bug Light)
S Portland Greenbelt Pathway, South Portland, ME
“Bug Light” is the smallest lighthouse to visit while you are in the area, but it’s still worth visiting.
Built in 1875, the style of the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse is inspired by and reminiscent of a Greek monument.
You can appreciate all the architectural details at closer inspection.
While at the park, you can enjoy another perspective of Portland along the water.
You can also learn more about its history as a major site for shipbuilding during WWII.
The inside of the ship sculpture has plaques with images sharing more about that era in time.
Portland Observatory
38 Congress St, Portland, ME
This isn’t technically a lighthouse, but I still think it’s worth mentioning since it’s the only remaining historic maritime signal station in the United States.
We passed by the Portland Observatory during the Peek at Portland trolley tour.
The 60-minute sightseeing tour shares many of the highlights and history of downtown Portland.
The 86-foot octagonal tower was constructed in 1807 to give Captain Lemuel Moody a competitive edge over shipowners who wanted to be alerted when their ships arrived in the harbor.
This was a major advantage because Captain Moody could identify incoming vessels as far away as 30 miles, vs. waiting until the ships were almost in the harbor as they rounded the land near Spring Point Ledge.
Check the Portland Observatory website for upcoming tours.
Are You Ready to Plan a Visit to Portland, Maine?
Fall is a popular season to visit Maine, but it’s also a beautiful destination in the spring and summer.
Closest Airport to Portland, Maine
Portland International Jetport – 1001 Westbrook St, Portland, ME
Save on Accommodations in Portland, Maine
There are a variety of vacation rentals and hotels to choose from in Portland, Maine.
321 Commercial Street, Portland, ME
I’ve previously stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott in Downtown/Waterfront, which was very convenient for walking around downtown Portland.
You can save on your stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown/ Waterfront here
I’m so happy you included the Portland Observatory. It has a tremendous history and the best views of all the lighthouses. Sadly it is often omitted from lists of Lights to see in Portland.