This Map of Maine Highlights the State’s Scenic Lighthouses

Inland Maine has beauty to spare, but the coastline is the state's crown jewel. Besides fresh seafood and historic homes, people come here for the iconic lighthouses. 

These beacons of light ensure ships a safe passage through the rocky shores of Maine. And they do so while serving looks.

Find Maine's prettiest lighthouses, ordered from south to north.

Visiting Lighthouses in Maine

With this lighthouse map, you can plan an epic adventure through Maine's coast.

Cape Neddick Lighthouse

Location: York

Affectionately nicknamed the Nubble Light, this iconic lighthouse is one of the most famous, not just in Maine but in the entire U.S. Its a classic example of a white lighthouse with a black top, next to a red-roofed white keeper's house — a style that is popular in the state. 

The Cape Neddick Lighthouse was built in 1879 and is closed to the public. But you can see it from Sohier Park or from York Beach.

Portland Head Lighthouse

Location: Portland

As the oldest lighthouse in Maine, the Portland Head Lighthouse has a veritable claim to fame. The structure was commissioned by George Washington himself and built in 1791. 

To visit the tower, you have to come during Open Lighthouse Day, which usually happens on the second Sunday of September. At any time of year, however, you'll be able to see the historic beacon from Fort Williams Park and visit the keeper's quarters, which now houses a museum.

Seguin Island Light Station

Location: Phippsburg

Also commissioned by Washington, the Seguin Island Light Station is Maine's second-oldest lighthouse. It also boasts of being the tallest in the state.

Its light has been shining since 1795, which rightfully earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. And yet, for all of its superlatives, this landmark is relatively unknown and often skipped over by visitors — don't make the same mistake!

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

Location: New Harbor

Set upon dramatically jagged rocks, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is said to be the most photographed in the entire state of Maine. Of course, there's no way to actually know this, but its unrelenting popularity certainly makes the claim believable. 

It, too, was commissioned by a president, John Quincy Adams, and has stood proudly on Pemaquid Point since 1934. Visit the first floor of the keeper's house to learn about Maine's fishing history. Or plan for a truly memorable trip by staying on the second floor, which is now an apartment you can rent.

Owls Head Lighthouse

Location: Rockland

Located inside Owls Head State Park, spooky rumors surround this eerie lighthouse, which is said to be one of Maine's most haunted spots.

The building is open for visits, which often include popping into a lighthouse-themed museum in the old keeper's house. We should warn you, though, that two ghosts are said to be quite cozy here.

Isle au Haut Lighthouse

Location: Isle au Haut

Leave mainland Maine to experience this island lighthouse. Access is possible via ferry from Stonington. As the last brick lighthouse built in the state, it's one of the area's main attractions.

Don't waste the 6-mile trip for just an afternoon when you can stay the night at the keeper's house, which is now a vacation rental. But if you really have no time for an overnight stay, you can book a guided day tour. 

Bass Harbor Lighthouse

Location: Bass Harbor

Undoubtedly one of Maine's biggest draws, Acadia is the state's crowning jewels. The national park is easily accessible from Bar Harbor and boasts lakes, hills and breathtaking coastal hikes. 

Plan to stop at Mount Desert Island, which is located within the park. In its southern end, you'll be able to see the Bass Harbor Lighthouse. Though it's not possible to visit the tower, you can walk the grounds around it.

Or if you want to fully dedicate a day to all things lighthouses, do a themed boat tour that takes you to see six lighthouses — including Bass Harbor — from the water.

Prospect Harbor Point Lighthouse

Location: Prospect Harbor

One of Maine's few remaining wooden lighthouse towers, this structure differs from the norm by having a black roof instead of a red one. Standing over 38-feet tall, it is part of a U.S. Naval Base and is, sadly, not open to the public. 

This doesn't stop enthusiasts from driving to the base's entrance, from where you can get a pretty nice view of the tower and its matching house.

Little River Lighthouse

Location: Cutler

One of the lesser-known houses on this list, Little River is a rare iron lighthouse. Its green top pops out amongst the sea of black, red and white. 

Honored with a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, this is another structure whose keeper's house has been transformed into a rental home. (Don't worry! It's owned by the American Lighthouse Foundation and not a random private investor.)

Enjoy not having to share the beautiful views of the coast with anyone else.

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse

Location: Lubec

Although West Quoddy Head Lighthouse follows the typical colors of other structures in the state, it manages to set itself apart with its pretty stripes. 

It was commissioned by Thomas Jefferson, the second president of the country, and rises almost 50 feet from the ground. You can tour the tower and the museum in the keeper's house during the summer months when the weather cooperates to make the uppermost part of Maine seem like paradise.

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