Summer is my favorite season in Maine. Days are warm and if you are near the ocean there is almost always a breeze. And there’s no better way to be near the water than while exploring lighthouses! Maine has 65 lighthouses up and down the coast. Some you can walk to, some you have to take a boat, and others are really only viewable from the air because of their remote locations. Here are my top 5 favorites for a great summer experience in Maine.

Marshall Point Light    

Port Clyde, Maine

Did you see Forrest Gump? This is the lighthouse where he turns around during his long run. Easily accessible and absolutely stunning at sunset, this lighthouse makes for a great afternoon excursion. Climb down on the rocks and explore the tidal pools. You may find crabs and periwinkles or just a quiet spot to sit and watch the waves crash over the rocks. You might even see a seal basking on the rocks like I did on my last visit. Do be careful though. The rocks can be slippery or shift unexpectedly. (I learned this the hard way recently!) 

There is a lovely museum in the keepers house which is on the edge of the shore. Be sure to check their hours before heading to Port Clyde. There are a couple of picnic tables as well and the parking lot is only about 100 feet from the museum entrance.

Rockland Breakwater Light      

Rockland, Maine

This light is at the end of an almost mile long breakwater built of granite blocks. It is a lovely walk out to the light but not accessible for those with mobility issues. Strollers would also be difficult on this walk as there are some large gaps between the stones. 

Sitting on the breakwater is a great way to enjoy the comings and goings in the harbor and if you are there on the right day, you might see the schooners bringing their passengers in.

Pemaquid Light   

Bristol, Maine

I absolutely love the lighthouse at Pemaquid. The setting is just stunning. This lighthouse is located on the end of a large peninsula and the rock ledge that it sits on is quite stunning because the rocks look like they are pushed up out of the earth. Just be careful! While these rock formations add to the beauty of the area, it can create vertigo in some people and it is not unheard of to be swept off the rocks. There is a small fee to get in to the park where the lighthouse is located but totally worth it. Be sure to check out the museum to get a taste of what life was like as a lighthouse keeper.

Portland Head Light      

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Perhaps one of the most recognized lighthouses in the United States, this lighthouse is routinely featured on calendars, post cards, key chains — you name it. It’s a beautiful setting overlooking the bay. There are also walking trails available to hike around the shoreline. Although the name would suggest that the lighthouse is in Portland, it is actually located in Cape Elizabeth. Be sure to spend some time exploring Fort Williams as well. There are also a couple of food vendors so take time to indulge in a lobster roll or some ice cream. Unlike other lighthouses on this list, there is a beach area where you can look for sea life or the perfect skipping rock to skim across the waters surface. Make sure to visit the museum where you can see some lighthouse lenses up close.

Spring Point Ledge    

 Portland, Maine

This spark plug lighthouse is located at the end of a granite jetty about 900 feet long. Similar to the walkway at the Rockland Breakwater lighthouse, there are large spaces between some of the stones that you'll want to navigate carefully. However, once you make it to the end, you'll be rewarded with some lovely views of Casco Bay.

Honorable mentions:

These 2 lighthouses (well, actually 3) are honorable mentions only because of their remote locations. If you are up for an adventure, I highly recommend both!

Matinicus Rock

off Matinicus Island, Maine

For me, this lighthouse represents the true spirit of lighthouse keeping. This light is located on a rock ledge approximately 5 miles beyond the last island in Penobscot Bay. It is the last outpost before open ocean. It is difficult to land a boat there because of the rock ledges and is best viewed by air — and what a stunning view!! You can see the waves crashing up over the rocks and you really get a sense of how remote and dangerous the job of lighthouse keeper could be.

To see this light by air, contact Penobscot Island Air and ask to arrange a flight. I went flying specifically to see lighthouses and the trip was fantastic. You can tell them which lights you’d like to see and they will be sure to provide a memorable experience! If you want to see this light by boat it is possible but you will need to arrange the trip with a local. Matinicus Island is nearby and you might be able to arrange with a lobster fisherman to take you to see the light. It can be a choppy ride so be warned!

West Quoddy Head     

Lubec, Maine

This is probably one of the most famous lighthouses because of its distinctive paint. It's in a stunning location but it is definitely a drive to get there. Located in Lubec, it is the easternmost point in the contiguous USA. There is a small park area where you can eat a picnic lunch at a couple of tables and you can walk the grounds and enjoy the spectacular view. Spend a bit of time in the museum in the keepers house. There's a wealth of interesting information about the lighthouse and the area.

 The staff are super friendly and helpful. An overnight stay in Lubec helps make the trip relaxing and you can enjoy some fresh seafood while you’re in town.

If you’re prepared to leave the country for a bit you can cross the bridge into Canada onto Campobello Island and see another lighthouse, East Quoddy Head. This lighthouse is accessible at low tide if you’re brave enough to walk across the slippery bottom and up the steep metal staircase. Just keep your eye on the clock or you’ll be stuck until the tide goes out again. Just you and the lighthouse on the edge of a rock outcropping!

There are so many wonderful lighthouses in Maine to visit. I could add several more to this list! Which ones are your favorites?