Portland, Maine, a vibrant jewel on the New England coastline, beckons with its unique blend of maritime heritage and modern charm. Here, the working world of lobstermen intertwines with the professional sphere of lawyers, creating a dynamic and authentic atmosphere. Every quintessential coastal experience imaginable lies within easy reach, making Portland, Maine a truly unforgettable destination. Central to this coastal allure are its lighthouses, beacons of history and symbols of the region’s seafaring past. Among them stands Portland Head Light, one of Maine’s most photographed landmarks, a cherished emblem of the city and a romantic destination for leisurely strolls. Within a mere 20-minute drive, four additional lighthouses await discovery, each offering its own unique story and visual appeal. This article serves as your guide to crafting a memorable lighthouse-themed itinerary, providing insights into finding, visiting, and photographing these captivating sentinels of Portland, Maine.
Portland Head Light
If your time in Portland, Maine allows for only a single lighthouse visit, make it Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest operating lighthouse. A testament to American history, it was commissioned by George Washington and first illuminated in 1791. The lighthouse underwent its first renovation in 1813. Located at 1000 Shore Road in Cape Elizabeth, this iconic structure stands as one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States.
Portland Head Light presents a breathtaking spectacle in every season. Witness the dramatic dance of waves crashing against the rugged rocks below, capturing particularly striking images on windy days at high tide. While access to the interior is typically restricted, an exception is made each year during Maine Open Lighthouse Day in September, when the Coast Guard allows a limited number of visitors inside. However, throughout the season, from Memorial Day through October 31 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the 1891 keeper’s quarters houses a museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lighthouse’s history. Inside, you can examine historic lighthouse lenses and informative interpretive displays.
Adjacent to Portland Head Light lies Fort Williams Park, a sprawling landscape offering something for everyone. History enthusiasts can explore the fort’s weathered remains, while nature lovers and birdwatchers can wander along the dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea or explore the rocky beach below. Families can enjoy picnics on the park’s grassy hills or fly kites in the ocean breeze. Even in winter, the park transforms into a haven for cross-country skiers, sledders, and ice skaters. For a unique photographic perspective of Portland Head Light, consider booking a lighthouse cruise with Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours, providing a stunning vantage point from the water.
Ram Island Ledge Light
Constructed of sturdy gray granite blocks in 1905, Ram Island Ledge Light stands on a small, rocky island in Casco Bay. This lighthouse marks the entrance to Portland Harbor. It bears a striking resemblance to its twin, Graves Light Station in Boston, built during the same era.
Serving as a critical aid to navigation, Ram Island Ledge Light emits a distinctive signal: two white flashes every six seconds. Located approximately a mile offshore, the lighthouse is not open to the public, and access to the island is restricted to private boats. However, the lighthouse is easily visible and can be photographed from Portland Head Light (1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth).
For a more immersive experience, consider a guided sea kayaking tour offered by Portland Paddle. Their full-day Lighthouse & Fort tour provides paddlers of all skill levels with the unique opportunity to view Casco Bay’s lighthouses, including the Ram Island Ledge Light, from the water, offering an unforgettable perspective.
Two Lights State Park
Two Lights State Park (7 Tower Drive, Cape Elizabeth) offers more than just views of the twin Cape Elizabeth Lights. Encompassing 41 acres of wooded trails, granite ledges, rocky headlands, and oceanfront paths adorned with wild sea roses, bayberries, and sumac trees, this park provides a diverse landscape for exploration and photography.
Located eight miles south of Portland, Maine, the park derives its name from the twin Gothic Revival-style towers built in 1828 at the end of Two Lights Road, Maine’s first twin lighthouses. The eastern tower remains a working lighthouse, though it is not accessible to the public, while the other has been transformed into a private residence. Art enthusiasts may recognize these iconic structures from Edward Hopper’s renowned 1929 painting, "The Lighthouse at Two Lights."
A short six-minute drive from Two Lights will lead you to Crescent Beach State Park, known as one of the finest sandy beaches in the Portland area. For a memorable dining experience and stunning photographic opportunities, visit the Lobster Shack at Two Lights. Open seasonally (typically from April through October), this oceanfront eatery serves fresh lobster and other Maine delicacies. Enjoy your meal at the outdoor picnic tables while soaking in the unbeatable views of the lighthouses.
Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (Bug Light)
Affectionately known as Bug Light due to its diminutive size, the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse resides in Bug Light Park (Madison Street, South Portland). Constructed in 1855 from cast iron with a brick lining on a granite block foundation, the lighthouse was first illuminated in 1875. During World War II, the beacon was dimmed for security reasons in 1942, and it remained unlit until 2002, when the Coast Guard installed a solar-powered light.
This elegant lighthouse is thought to be the only lighthouse in the world designed after a 4th-century Greek monument, and its unique design features four Corinthian columns supporting the lens. Maine Open Lighthouse Day in September provides the only opportunity to venture inside. For optimal photographs, visit Bug Light on a moody, dusky evening or on a clear night, when the stars and city lights begin to illuminate the scene.
Admission and parking at Bug Light Park are free. You can stroll along the walking path, relax on a bench and admire the views, or try your luck at a popular saltwater fishing spot. Near the park entrance, the South Portland Historical Society Museum is open daily from May through October and on weekends in November and December. The museum features exhibits that delve into the city’s people and history. The historical society also hosts events such as the annual Bug Light Kite Festival each May.
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
Constructed in 1897, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse (2 Fort Road, South Portland) rises at the mouth of the harbor, offering a complete view of the Portland skyline. This lighthouse possesses several unique characteristics. Out of the 50 caisson-style lighthouses built in America on sturdy metal foundations, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is the only one accessible by foot, connected to land by a breakwater on the campus of Southern Maine Community College.
This is also the only Portland-area lighthouse that regularly offers interior tours. Volunteer-led tours of the still-active light station are typically available on Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Year-round, you can capture striking images of the lighthouse with the breakwater’s large granite blocks in the foreground. However, exercise caution when the stones are wet or icy.
While on the campus grounds, be sure to explore the ruins of Fort Preble, which protected this point of land against foreign invasion from 1808 until 1950. Adjacent to the Southern Maine Community College Campus is Willard Beach, a popular destination for visitors.
These five lighthouses, each with its unique charm and history, offer a fascinating glimpse into the maritime heritage of Portland, Maine. Whether you are a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a scenic coastal escape, these beacons of the sea are sure to captivate and inspire. Embark on your lighthouse adventure and discover the beauty and history that awaits you in Portland, Maine.
