September 16, 2021

Did you know Maine has 3, 478 miles of coastline (including all the inlets and bays), beating out California by 51 miles?! Wow! And tucked away in all those little nooks and crannies are 65 lighthouses, just waiting to be explored.

Taking advantage of a few day stretch off from work, we headed up north to the “Pine Tree State.” From the quaint coastal towns to the rugged and rocky shores, we discovered Maine’s breathtakingly beauty! Choosing to slow down and enjoy ourselves, we opted for the scenic route (Route 1), which winds over hills, through valleys, and into the hearts of many seaside villages. In total, by the end of our trip, we visited 9 lighthouses, which left so many unseen. Perhaps another time…

Cape Neddick Light Station

Located just 12 miles across the Maine border, in the little town of York, you will find Cape Neddick Lighthouse. Affectionately nicknamed “Nubble Light,” it sits 100 feet off shore, on a little ‘nub’ of an island, all to itself. Plans for its construction were drawn up in 1837; however, it took numerous ships perishing at sea before it was finally built in 1879. Considered one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, its picture can also be found in space, having been sent, along with pictures of the Great Wall of China and Taj Mahal, via the space probe Voyager I in 1977.

Portland Head Lighthouse

Just a few miles south of Portland, situated on a rocky cliff, overlooking Casco Bay, is the historic Portland Head Lighthouse. Built in 1791, under the directive of George Washington, it is the oldest and most famous lighthouse in Maine. Adjacent to Fort Williams Park, a ninety acre sprawling space of green grass, it is the perfect place to spend the afternoon. Fly a kite. Eat at one of the nearby food vendors. Stroll the cliffside loop. Try your hand at photography, or take a walk down the granite cliffs. Just be careful, the rocks are slippery. Trust me. I know from experience…and I had a bruise, as a souvenir, for weeks!

Portland Breakwater Lighthouse

Affectionately called ”Bug Light” it stands only 30 feet tall and is the shortest lighthouse in Maine. What it lacks in height though, it makes up in design. With six Corinthian style columns and Greek roof edgings, called palmettes, it has safeguarded the harbor for over 150 years with an elegance appreciated by all who visit.

Pemaquid Point Light

If you rifle through your change, you might find Pemaquid Point Light. During the 50 States Quarter Program, the residents of Maine voted that Pemaquid Point be featured on their state quarter. While the lighthouse itself is nothing unusual, it’s the bedrock cliffs that make this site so spectacular. Dramatic ledges formed from metamorphic rock roll, wave, and splinter themselves along the coastline. Almost appearing as fallen trees, the peculiar formations are a wonderful lesson in geology and give a little peak into the earth’s past.

By far my most favorite lighthouse we visited, tucked away off the beaten path is Marshall Point Lighthouse. Standing alone at the edge of St. George peninsula, it welcomes boats safely into the harbor of the fishing village of Port Clyde. When we first arrived the air was heavy with fog, making it difficult to make out the lighthouse. By the time we left, the weather had changed completely into a bright and beautiful sunny afternoon. Fun fact: If you watch Forest Gump closely, you will get a glimpse of Marshall Point as he runs across the wooden walkway.

Bass Harbor Head Light Station

Perched on a granite bluff, Bass Harbor Head Light Station makes its home in Acadia National Park. At the southwestern end of Mount Desert Island, it has been aiding mariners through the treacherous Bass Harbor Bar since 1858. While the lighthouse is closed to the public, there is a wooden boardwalk and steps that lead directly to the rugged coastline. As the sun began to set, the rocky ledges became brimming with tourists and photographers alike, hoping to get amazing shots of the gorgeous lighthouse.

Honorable Mentions

While not the most notable or famous, we did catch a glimpse of a few others while making our way up the coast of Maine. Dave and I would have probably been content to try and see them all, but I’m afraid I would have had a mutiny on hand if the kids had had to visit one more!

Also known as ”The Vacationland State,” we throughly enjoyed basking in its natural beauty for a few days. Here’s some more fun pictures from our Maine adventures.