Lighthouses

Maine lighthouses in Greater Portland & Casco Bay are among the grandest of all

Greater Portland, Maine, is a haven for lighthouse lovers, featuring some of New England’s most iconic coastal beacons.

Visit the legendary Portland Head Light, soak in the charm of Bug Light, or explore the serene beauty of Spring Point Ledge Light.

These historic lighthouses not only offer breathtaking ocean views but also share stories of Maine’s seafaring past.

With nearby parks, trails, and scenic picnic spots, Greater Portland’s lighthouses are perfect for a day of adventure and relaxation.

You can also explore the scenic coastline around Portland on one of American Cruise Line's New England cruises.

6 places to visit

Spring Point Ledge Light

Location: West side of southern approach to Portland Harbor

South Portland, ME 207-699-2676

Accessibility: Open to visitors June 16 through Labor Day weekend, Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Children less than 55 inches tall are not permitted inside the lighthouse. Climbing of narrow stairs and through hatches is required; tennis shoes or hiking shoes are recommended. Open house may be cancelled because of weather; for information, call 207-699-2676 to check. There is parking nearby, and the public may walk out on the breakwater to the lighthouse. The facility: Active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation. Station established in 1897. Light flashes white every six seconds with two red sectors; fog signal is one blast every 10 seconds.

Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse

Location: Entrance to Casco Bay

Cape Elizabeth, ME

Accessibility: The keeper's house is privately owned; the lighthouse and grounds are not open to the public. Views are available at the end of Two Lights Road (turn at the Two Lights State Park sign on Route 77), but parking can be difficult in summer. The facility: Active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation. Lighthouse built in 1874. Light flashes four white flashes every 15 seconds; fog signal is two blasts every 60 seconds.

Halfway Rock Lighthouse

Location: Casco Bay, eastern approach to Portland Harbor

Near Harpswell, ME

Accessibility: The lighthouse is not open to the public. It can be reached only by boat or helicopter, and landing a boat is very difficult. It can be seen distantly from Land's End at the southern tip of Bailey Island.
The facility: Active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation lighthouse built in 1871. Light flashes red every five seconds; fog signal is two blasts every 30 seconds.

Portland Head Light and Museum

1000 Shore Road Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 207-799-2661

Accessibility: The lighthouse tower is not open to the public, but there is a museum in the keeper's house at 1000 Shore Road. Phone: 207- 799-2661. The museum contains a number of lighthouse lenses and interpretative displays. Also on the site is a seasonal shop featuring lighthouse and Maine-related gifts. Free parking at the site.
The facility: Active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation. Lighthouse built in 1791. Light flashes white every four seconds; fog signal is one blast every 15 seconds.

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Ram Island Ledge Light

Location: Approach to Portland Harbor, Casco Bay

Portland, ME

Accessibility: The facility: Active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation. Lighthouse built in 1905. Light flashes two white flashes every six seconds; fog signal is one blast every 10 seconds.

Bug Light (Portland Breakwater Lighthouse)

Location: Entrance to Portland Harbor and the Fore River

Bug Light Park South Portland, ME 04106

Accessibility: The lighthouse is not open to the public. There is free parking near the lighthouse at Bug Light Park in South Portland.
The facility: Lighthouse built in 1875. Light flashes white every four seconds. Managed by the city of South Portland.