The Lighthouse Road Trip On The Maine Coast That’s Dreamily Beautiful
Few things feel more like home than Maine’s lighthouses. They are the lights that guide us home, both literally and figuratively. For those who are only visitors to Maine, the lights represent happy memories and, for over a hundred years, they’ve been a beacon of home for sailors. But, they’re also incredibly beautiful. In honor of the state’s beautiful history, we’ll be taking you on a lighthouse road trip in Maine, folks. There’s no better way to see the state!
The sight of a lighthouse standing strong over the rocky Maine coast reminds us that we’re all pretty lucky to be here! And, we’ve certainly got enough to keep you busy sightseeing! If you want to get in as many as you can, consider taking this awesome road trip to see some of our favorites. Maine has plenty of lights to admire, but these few will get you started! Not great with directions? Fear not! We’ve got you covered with this set of directions and map from Google Maps. Get ready, folks. You’re about to experience a stunning lighthouse road trip in Maine.
If you choose to start this lighthouse road trip in Maine from South to North, you'll head to this spot first! Whaleback Light is located just offshore from Fort Foster and was originally positioned to protect the Portsmouth, NH harbor. The tower, built in 1872, now uses a revolving DCB-224 airport-style beacon. The keeper's quarters are integrated into the tower. For the best view, head to Fort Foster Park.
Nubble Light was built in 1879 and is the southernmost of our lighthouses, and is known as one of the most historic lighthouses in Maine. The name refers to the rocky island on which it sits, just off shore. It flashes red every six seconds, and is visible for 13 miles. Electricity didn't come to Cape Neddick until 1938. Before then, the extremely cold wind caused numerous problems to the flow of oil to the light's lamp. For the best view, head to the end of Nubble Rd. in York. There is a park with a clear view of the Nubble just off shore.
Portland Head has the distinction of being Maine's oldest lighthouse. Completed in January 1791, the original tower stood at 72 feet and was made of rubblestone and lime. One of the most notable features of the historic tower is its many changes in height. Between the years of 1813 and 1881, the tower was lowered and raised by about 20' 4 times! The only significant change since then came in 1989, when the previous light was removed and replaced with an airport-style revolving beacon.
Portland Head is also known for its ties to Maine's dear poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It was here that he wrote his beloved poem, "The Lighthouse."
Don't get too comfortable, your next stop is just down the road! Cape Elizabeth Light is Maine's most powerful! Cape Elizabeth Light's history begins in 1828 when two stone towers were in operation very near each other. In 1874 the two stone towers were replaced with 65 foot cast iron towers and were fitted with second-order fresnel lenses. In 1924 the Two Lights western tower was decommissioned. It's a definite must-visit on this lighthouse road trip through Maine.
Today Cape Elizabeth's light is a 4 million candlepower flashing white light visible for 27 miles.
Originally built in 1827 during the presidency of John Quicy Adams, the tower fell victim to accelerated deterioration as a result of some faulty construction. It was rebuilt with double walls in 1835. While the tower is only 38 ft tall, its location on a rock ledge gives the light a 79 ft. focal plane. Flashing a white light every 6 seconds, Pemaquid's light is visible for 14 miles.
Pemaquid has seen its fair share of disaster. One story has been told of a man who sailed for the new world in 1635 on the Angel Gabriel, leaving his wife behind to follow him when he had established a new home. The Angel Gabriel was wrecked during an August storm. Although the man survived, his wife was afraid to follow him on such a perilous journey, and he was unable to face the journey back to England, so they never saw each other again.
Here's the one that film buffs will love! Built in 1823, you may recognize Marshal Point from the blockbuster film, "Forrest Gump." Port Clyde has long been an artist’s retreat and the light at Marshall Point still serves as a classroom for art workshops. The 31-foot tower and light were automated in 1981.
By now you're probably a little tuckered out. Take a break and spend the night in Rockland. We recommend the LimeRock Inn. But, be ready for some potential spooky sights! Originally owned by a local Rockland doctor, the LimeRock is said to be haunted by the ghosts of former patients. They can be heard and seen going up and down the stairwell and spending quality time in the parlor. You'll find them at: 96 Limerock Street, Rockland / 207-594-2257. To learn more about it, visit their website here.
As shipping increased in Rockland due to the lime industry, it became clear that a light was necessary. One was built in 1826, but the present tower was constructed in 1852. The tower remains essentially the same as when it was built. Owl's Head is the subject of many unfortunate wreckage stories. One of the most well-known is that of the "frozen lovers" ... two people whose ship sunk at the point during the blizzard of 1850.
Bass Harbor Light is our personal favorite! It's located within Acadia National Park on Mt. Desert Island and has a distinctive fourth-order red lens, dating back to 1858. Bass Harbor Head Light guards the entrance to Blue Hill Bay. As one of the most historic lighthouses in Maine, it's a definite stop on this unique road trip.
Address: Nubble Lighthouse, Sohier Park Rd, York, ME 03909, USA
Address: Lighthouse Point Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
Address: Pemaquid Point, Bristol, ME 04554, USA
Address: Marshall Point Lighthouse, Marshall Point Rd, Port Clyde, ME 04855, USA
Address: LimeRock Inn, 96 Limerock St, Rockland, ME 04841, USA
Address: Lighthouse Rd, Owls Head, ME 04854, USA
Address: Bass Harbor Lighthouse Trail, Tremont, ME 04653, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
lighthouse road trip in Maine
April 29, 2020
Meghan Kraft
What is the most famous lighthouse in Maine?
It’s difficult to choose the most famous lighthouse in Maine since the state itself is known for its beautiful, historic structures. One of the most photographed lighthouses is perhaps the Portland Head Lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and locals love Cape Neddick. The Cape Neccick Lighthouse is known as the “Nubble Light,” and remains one of the most popular sights to see in the heart of the northern-reaching state. With more than 60 lighthouses along the jagged coast of the state, the most photographed lighthouse is a difficult call to make. Though there is no clear winner here, both Cape Neddick and the Portland Head Lighthouse lend themselves to a stunning photograph.
Are there any other unique road trips to take in Maine?
There are all sorts of great road trips to take throughout the state of Maine. The state is known for its scenic byways and haunted, out-of-the-way spots to visit, and both tourists and locals have had adventures galore throughout. Make your way to each of Maine’s beautiful, natural waterfalls, or perhaps take a natural wonders road trip from the Desert of Maine to Acadia National Park. You can even visit the “Gems of Route 26” by way of a vehicle, and locals rave about the State Route 27 Scenic Byway. If you’re bored in Maine, friends, you simply aren’t trying.
What else can I do along the coast in Maine?
The coast of Maine offers all sorts of experiences and opportunities. You can choose to swim high up in the mountains or try a juicy lobster at any one of the charming towns along the coast. Go whale watching and hiking, snag a sea kayak, and head to some of the most remote places in Acadia National Park. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are beautiful to visit, and Bar Harbor just might be the most charming town next to Kennebunkport. Touring the Maine Coast differs from the southern edge of the state to its northern tip, but each stretch is just as beautiful as the last.
Address: Whaleback Light, Maine, USA
Address: Nubble Lighthouse, Sohier Park Rd, York, ME 03909, USA
Address: Lighthouse Point Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
Address: Pemaquid Point, Bristol, ME 04554, USA
Address: Marshall Point Lighthouse, Marshall Point Rd, Port Clyde, ME 04855, USA
Address: LimeRock Inn, 96 Limerock St, Rockland, ME 04841, USA
Address: Lighthouse Rd, Owls Head, ME 04854, USA
Address: Bass Harbor Lighthouse Trail, Tremont, ME 04653, USA
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Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
