lighthouses between portland and bar harbor

Fort Williams State Park has a number of trails along the coast that give different views of the lighthouse and other sights. Dont worry, I wont spam you. This photograph of Portland Head Light is available for purchase as wall art or on a variety of products. This beautiful South Portland symbol was originally built in 1897 to warn mariners of a dangerous ledge in Portland Harbor. There is one bus per day between Bangor and Bar Harbor, Mon-Fri only. Additionally, a different view of the lighthouse is available and titled, Keeping Watch. It doesn't take long after starting to plan that you notice that some lighthouses in Maine are far more accessible than others. Some well known lighthouse in the area -, Also check out this website for more information -, http://www.visitmaine.com/attractions/sightseeing_tours/lighthouse/. As the oldest lighthouse in Maine, the Portland Head Lighthouse has a veritable claim to fame. Ive never been all that drawn to lighthouses, but Ive also not seen all that many. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-69279557', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maine Open Lighthouse Day is Sept. 12 this year. The day can get long if one does that too often. Of the 50 caisson-style lighthouses built in America on sturdy, metal foundations, this is the only one you can walk to: It's connected to land via a breakwater on the campus of Southern Maine Community College. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Lobsters and lighthouses. From Bar Harbor, you can take the free Island . The Bug Light is located at Bug Light Park in South Portland. * Portland Headlight - Just outside Portland on Cape Elizabeth. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Of course, that means lighthouses are a part of Portland's fabric. amzn_assoc_linkid = "46d435408e8abde192a917c63d3ff710"; Across the road there is a rudimentary dirt parking area large enough for a maximum of two cars (without any signage). Today, the best This elegant-looking lighthouse is unique because it's believed to be the only lighthouse in the world shaped like a 4th-century Greek monument. The shorelines are enchanting, the little seaside homes charming, and the picturesque lighthouses nothing short of romantic. What's included. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-69238467', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maine: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=z8zq_hVEs0JA.kPprfi1DFr50. Even in winter, the park draws cross-country skiers, sledders, and ice skaters. But this lighthouse is perfectly viewable from Fort Point State Park where you can take in the beauty of this square lighthouse (built to replace an older lighthouse in 1857) as well as walk down to a rocky beach to enjoy views of the water. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. http://visitmaine.com/organization/pemaquid-point-lighthouse/?uid=vtmA4A53E72AF048924C. Approximately one mile south of Cape Elizabeth's town center, turn left at the sign for Two Lights State Park and follow to the twin lighthouses, built in 1828. Address. I agree most listings are overwhelming or sometimes just have one. There are some postings but from many years ago. Show only these on map. About the Author: Jeremy is a full-time travel writer based in Pittsburgh and primary author of this site. Work with us to be featured on our site! As we were traveling between Portland and Bar Harbor when we wanted to see some lighthouses, we had to recognize that we were already in for quite the long day driving on US-1 on its own. The best photographs of Bug Light are shot on a moody, dusky evening or even on a clear night, as stars and city lights begin to glow. 1. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-69236890', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maine later this month and I am having a hard time finding a lighthouse listing/itinerary for the drive from Portland to Bar Harbor. We are coming to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Great for views of the lighthouse but also for river views too! Take in the scenery, learn the history of the lighthouses, and be on the lookout for wildlife such as puffins, seals, eagles, and porpoise! This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Located eight miles south of Portland, the park was named for the 1828 Gothic Revival-style towers at the end of Two Lights Road; Maine's first twin lighthouses. So what may appear to be a short detour down a peninsula could become a decent drive outright and is why we think advanced planning is a must. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-69242411', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car. In the end I photographed 10 lighthouses along the coast of Maine. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; off the beaten path and head right up Maine's MidCoast & Islands; take U.S. Route 1 between Portland and Bar Harbor. Kim Knox Beckius is a Connecticut-based travel writer, author, photographer, and editor. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Bristol (pictured above) This still-operating lighthouse is owned by the US Coast Guard and is located about 67 miles northeast of Portland in the quiet town of Bristol. We plan on taking it slow and see the coast along the way. I was amazed at how beautiful these lenses were (Fresnel) that used to be the norm used in the lighthouses a century ago. Four Corinthian columns hold up the lens. The resources below contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You may recognize these attractive twins from Edward Hopper's famous 1929 painting, "The Lighthouse at Two Lights.". Build your lighthouse-themed itinerary with these tips for finding, visiting, and photographing Portland's lighthouses. It is visible along the ferry ride from Stonington, Maine, a 65-mile drive from Bar Harbor. Its visible from several locations along the coast in the Schoodic Peninsula portion of Acadia National Park. Year-round, you can capture impressive images of the lighthouse with the breakwater's giant granite blocks in the foreground, but be sure to exercise particular caution when these stones are wet or icy. Other days were completely cloud free. The lighthouse is the oldest in Maine and is still in operation. Location: Portland. You can watch the light constantly rotate, flashing every few seconds. The owner had a 'throw down' with Bobby Flay over a lobster club sandwich and she won. As the lighthouses along the coast are beautiful, you'll likely want to pick a few to see during your visit. Additionally, one of the best spots for photographing the Cape Elizabeth Lights is also one of the Portland area's top places to savor lobster in the rough. I viewed the western tower from the grounds of a local restaurant, and the eastern tower from the rocky shore just beyond the restaurant. If you are making the trip south of Portland to check out the Portland Head Light, be sure to add on a stop at Bug Light just across the water from downtown Portland. You could of-course view all them from outside. Are there any that are not too far off our route that we should detour by? Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is a great one to visit when exploring Acadia National Park as it is located just one peninsula over from the main areas of the park and Bar Harbor. Bass Harbor Head Light is within Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island not far from the village of Bass Harbor. Winter Harbor Light is located on Mark Island, not far from the town of Winter Harbor. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; We viewed the lighthouse from Acadia National Park on a drizzly day. Owls Head Lighthouse is located at 186 Lighthouse Road in Owls Head. All Rights Reserved. Built during the presidency of George Washington and first renovated in 1813, Portland Head Light (1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth) is among the most photographed lighthouses in all of America. It's free to park at and to visit Bug Light Park, located at the site of a former shipbuilding complex, so take time to stroll the walking path or to relax on a bench and enjoy the views or enjoy a nearby popular saltwater fishing spot. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Thomaston would be the jumping off spot on route one to reach Port Clyde. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is located on Lighthouse Road in Bass Harbor. Spring Point Ledge Light is very close to Bug Light, near the Southern Maine Community College in South Portland. Possibly the most scenic lighthouses, worth the detour, are the Pemaquid Point Light and Marshall Point Light. Rockland/Camden - Stop by Rockland Visitor center and pick up the lighthouse's in the area brochure. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Portland Breakwater Light, also called Bug Light for its small size, is located on shore at the entrance to Portland Harbor in Bug Light Park, South Portland. This goes back to the size of the state's coastline. To give some context to this figure, that is like driving from Bar Harbor to San Francisco with having a few miles to spare (50 hours drive time at highway speeds). Answer 1 of 15: Are there any lighthouses between Bar Harbor and Portland that you can go inside? Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There are some postings but from many. But the more we saw the more I found myself drawn to lighthouses, and the more we sought them out. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-42466633', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maine coast but only a few are open to public to go inside. Built of gray granite blocks in 1905 on a tiny rock island in Casco Bay, Ram Island Ledge Light strikes a solitary pose at the entrance to Portland Harbor, and it even has a twin, Graves Light Station in Boston, which was built during the same time. Maine Lighthouses Near Bar Harbor. The best way to discover the beauty and uniqueness of Vacationland is with a Boston to Bar Harbor road trip along the Maine Coast. The lighthouse isn't available to visit, but the grounds are. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "top"; Sign up to receive updates and stay current on the goings on of this website and blog. Intended AND Actual Itinerary: Stop in Freeport at the LL Bean Flagship store en . The Best Road-Trip Itinerary between Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine. One of the best aspects of this one is that since it is a river lighthouse it is not located high upon a hill but rather at the end of a short pier that you can walk out on. Please check out our Terms and Conditions for more information. It stands 40 feet tall and marks the entrance to Frenchman Bay, near Winter Harbor. We loved the Pemaquid and the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Marshall Point Lighthouse is the one featured in the movie Forest Gump. Ram Island Ledge Light, in Maine, with white sailboat in foreground. We were primarily in the region of Acadia National Park, but also visited the Portland area. Rivers, Popham Beach is a unique place in New England it's one of Maine's few long, sandy beaches. As this lighthouse is typically not open for visitors, the easiest way to catch a glimpse of this one is from a small overlook on the mainland. Is Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine a more walkable city? It will be a 1hr round trip detour from Route 1 to Bar Harbor. Other popular stops include Old Port, Freeport Outlets, and Paul Bunyan Statue. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. This view of the island was at quite a distance, so I used my longest lens (400mm) with a 1.4x teleconverter to get in closer. Meet-up in the heart of the historic Old Port, on bustling Commercial Street. I recently visited Maine with my father. The park is home to a fog signal bell just a few steps away from the lighthouse as well which you'll easily see at this viewing spot. Parking is free at the Bug Light. It is also the only Portland-area lighthouse visitors can step inside on a regular basis. There are memorial stones along the length of the walkway. The exact coordinates of the midpoint are: 44 42' 24" N 69 27' 17" W. The best place to meet based on recommendations from Trippy members is Bangor. Looking for apartment rentals during your Maine road trip? This makes it easily reached after hiking around Echo Lake or visiting Thurston's Lobster Pound nearby (both highly recommended). 2022 World of Discovery Media LLC. She's been with TripSavvy since 1998. Boothbay Area - Many lighthouses along the Boothbay coast but you might need to take a boat trip to see them all. Book a Maine lighthouse tour online below . This one has served Portland's harbor ever since and is not only in a scenic park for views of the lighthouse but also of the city itself! Bass Harbor Head Light, in Acadia National Park, Maine. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-43162624', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maine Lighthouse Museum has the largest collection of Fresnel glass from what I understand. The entry fee to this state park is $4 per person but is an honor system payment kiosk. Bar Harbor. I waited until the white sailboat was visible and not obscured by the rocks, and made sure Fort Gorges, on the left, was in the frame for a little added interest and context. . Open daily May through October and weekends in November and December, the museum features exhibits that dive into the city's people and its past. Winter Harbor Light is no longer in active use and is privately owned. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "thp03-20"; Built in 1897, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse (2 Fort Road, South Portland) sticks up at the mouth of the harbor like a giant spark plug, and it also has several distinctive features including a view of the entire Portland skyline from across the water. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed. Theres no extra cost to you, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. It is visible from the Schoodic Loop Road beyond Frazer Point Picnic Area. This tiny lighthouse was constructed in 1855 (rebuilt in 1875) and was inspired by Greek architecture which you can see reflected in the design. But perhaps the best part is that this one is just a 15-minute drive south of Portland proper- making for a great half-day trip when staying in the city! The oceanfront Lobster Shack at Two Lights, open seasonally (typically April through October), serves up fresh lobster and other Maine delights, and the views from outdoor picnic tables are unbeatable. This coastal route takes in the best of the north-eastern state's 52 functioning lighthouses, which stand guard between the seething Atlantic and Maine's vast forests. Dave Hensley/ Flickr / Creative Commons License. Enjoy your trip:). We were fortunate to have some interesting clouds in the sky during this visit. While Maine is only about 300 miles north to south, the coastline actually covers an impressive 3,478 miles thanks to the many inlets and bays you can find along the way. What is not readily apparent, however, is the small sign pointing out that you're in the right place- without spotting it you'd think it was a non-descript intersection and Google Maps is wrong. Visiting the park is free but the parking lots at the park are metered. If you see only one lighthouse during your Portland stay, make it Maine's oldest operating lighthouse. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Adventuresome types won't want to miss out on walking these beaches, sea kayaking around a New England harbor, or peeping puffins and whales. I am planning a trip to see lighthouses along the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Perhaps the best known lighthouse in Maine is the Portland Head Light, located within Fort Williams State Park in Cape Elizabeth, just south of Portland. I've driven this way many times and each time I discover something new. Public transit is quite limited in Portland, Maine. The top stops along the way from Portland to Bar Harbor (with short detours) are Mt Desert Island, Portland Head Light, and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. The facility: Active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation; property maintained by Maine Department of Parks . Think raw oysters, lobster rolls and a . Comment below to share more about it! Maine Open Lighthouse Day in September is your one chance to venture inside. Instead, veer off the beaten path and head right up the Maine Coast, take U.S. Route 1 between Portland and Bar Harbor. As such, we planned our lighthouses around those that were most accessible in an effort of time. The museum is manned by volunteers and is well worth the $5 entry fee. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. To reach the midway point from Portland (Maine) to Bar Harbor, you would drive for about 1 hour, 39 minutes or roughly 88 miles from Bar Harbor to the halfway stop. Pemaquid Point - A quintessential Maine lighthouse on a rocky Maine Coast. These make for a lovely photograph. Perhaps the best known lighthouse in Maine is the Portland Head Light, located within Fort Williams State Park in Cape Elizabeth, just south of . If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Day 3 - Portland to Bar Harbor . Also many of them sits on their own island. It gives you information & direction to all the lighthouses in the area. Do you have a favorite Maine lighthouse? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. When you see the state's rugged coastline, you'll quickly understand why so many are necessary- the coastal area is quite vast, rocky, and shallow which made early navigation a dangerous endeavor! Nearby, Portland Paddle offers a full-day Lighthouse & Fort guided sea kayaking tour that affords paddlers of all abilities a rare chance to see Casco Bay's lighthousesincluding Ram Island Ledge Lightfrom the water. Due to the growing seasonal ferry traffic to Bar Harbor, Egg Rock Lighthouse was constructed in 1875. awesome, this is great to know and makes sense! Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront, Holiday Inn Portland-by the Bay, an IHG Hotel, Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Waterfront, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Portland. It is located at the end of a long rocky walkway. This site shows what's open and how to get there: http://www.lighthousefoundation.org/maine-open-lighthouse-day/. So if you're looking for a spot where you can spend a bit of time simply beyond catching a glimpse of a lighthouse- this is the one to visit. There is also a lighthouse museum right in the visitor center. Beyond the lighthouse, the park is home to some hiking trails along the cliffside, the ability to see former military batteries, and of course grabbing a few Maine lobster rolls from food trucks which can often be found in the park. Photograph From Different Perspectives, Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company & Museum, Schooner Head Overlook, Acadia National Park, Maine, River Otter on the Schoodic Peninsula in Maine, Foggy Views From Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, Maine, Panorama of Cruise Ships at Bar Harbor, Maine, A Walk Through the Autumnal Woods of Prince William Forest Park, Gift Ideas For Nature & Outdoor Photographers. Not sure what are good stops along the way and what areas to stay in. Egg Rock Light is on an island in Frenchman Bay, and has a different look than most of the other lighthouses. The lighthouse tower is not open to the public. Thus the lighthouses are a detour down a peninsula and back for each one. After visiting the lighthouse, be sure to check out the Liberty Ship Memorial on the opposite side of the parking lot to learn about the area's shipbuilding history from WWII as well as the heroes from the area who served. There is no direct bus from Portland to Bar Harbor. Login | Register. The only lighthouse that you can drive to near Bar Harbor is Bass Harbor Lighthouse, which is within the grounds of Acadia National Park in the town of Tremont. Visibility went in and out as drizzle or fog moved through the area. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The Curtis Island Lighthouse Lookout is at 148 Bay View Street in Camden. But if you look in the direction of the water just a few feet away from the intersection you'll see a small sign noting the overlook. A black & white version of this photograph of Spring Point Ledge Light is available for purchase as wall art or on a variety of products. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Living the Dream is a travel blog sharing once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences from around the world. Pemaquid Point is found at the end of the peninsula by detouring from route one in Damariscotta. Portland Head Light, in Maine, with rocky shore and view of Ram Island Ledge Light on an island in the bay. This is at no extra cost to you. Visiting Maine is like stepping into the setting of a Nickolas Sparks romance novel. The lighthouse was constructed in 1875 and decommissioned in 1943, then reactivated in 2002. Curtis Island Lighthouse (opened 1835 and rebuilt in 1896) is the only lighthouse in this list you really can't see close up- because it is on an island in the harbor! There is a very basic bus system. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-69240371', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Rockland lighthouses. As of our visit in 2021, despite being located on private property the owners are gracious enough to allow visitors to view this gorgeous lighthouse (however, we view all private residence attractions as liable to change- so double check before heading out). The historical society also hosts events such as the Bug Light Kite Festival each May. Thanks! The Portland Head Light is the quintessential Maine lighthouse. Answer 1 of 8: We are coming to Maine later this month and I am having a hard time finding a lighthouse listing/itinerary for the drive from Portland to Bar Harbor. This makes it easily reached after hiking around Echo Lake or visiting Thurston's Lobster Pound nearby (both highly recommended). You'll also find the South Portland Historical Society Museum near the park entrance. Prospect Harbor Point Light, Maine, with fishing boats in Inner Harbor, viewed from the shore of Prospect Harbor. It will be a 1hr round trip detour from Route 1 to Bar Harbor. Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (Bug Light), Lighthouse & Fort guided sea kayaking tour. One way to support this site, if you enjoy it and find it useful, is shopping using the affiliate links below. For the western tower image I liked the juxtaposition of the lighthouse with the Thank You Please Come Again sign from the restaurant. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. The Cape Neddick Lighthouse was built in 1879 and is closed to the public. The Fisherman's Museum is in the original keeper's house and an art . amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "Maine Lighthouses"; Our team has visited 76 countries and even more guest authors have been sharing great travel tips from all all seven continents! Charming towns and rocky coasts. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; Here's an interactive map of the lighthouses of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The lighthouse dates back to 1827 and was commissioned by John Quincy Adams. Winter Harbor Lighthouse is located on Mark Island off the Schoodic Peninsula. Copyright 2022 - All Rights Reserved - Todd Henson -Terms of Service & Privacy Policy, 7 Tips For Photographing Insects And Other Little Crawly Things, 10 Maine Lighthouses near Portland and Acadia National Park, Storytelling Example Using Kayakers on Jordan Pond, Don't Just Stand There! We watched people fishing along the rocks at the base of the lighthouse. Couple these with a few you can see just outside of these two cities directly and we ended up seeing seven Maine lighthouses. July 24, 2021. These are iconic locations, so I figured Id try to create my own images of them. The eastern structure is still a working lighthouse, though not accessible to the public, and the other is now a one-of-a-kind private home. One problem with visiting lighthouses between Portland and Bar Harbor is that highway one does not actually go along the coast for most of this way. Aug 1, 2015 . We are going to fly into Portland and travel north to see lighthouses. With 41 acres of wooded trails, plus granite ledges, rocky headlands, and oceanfront paths lush with wild sea roses, bayberries, and sumac trees, Two Lights State Park (7 Tower Drive, Cape Elizabeth) offers lighthouse lovers so much more than views of the twin Cape Elizabeth Lights. 1. While you're on campus grounds, you'll also want to see the ruins of Fort Preble, which guarded this point of land against foreign invasion from 1808 until 1950. Still a critical aid to navigation, you'll see the Ram Island Ledge Light flash white twice every six seconds. Of the roughly 700 lighthouses in the United States, Maine is home to 65 of them. The existing 43-foot high stone tower, painted white, was . Fishing villages between Portland and Bar Harbor? We plan on taking it slow and see the coast along the way. Maine is known for many things, one of which is its lighthouses. News Reviews Articles Buying . Look into the bay and you can also see Ram Island Ledge Light. Call 207-733-2180. I had planned to photograph both the Portland Head Light and the Bass Harbor Head Light, two of the more well known lighthouses. I found a location where I could get down to water level, held the camera close to the water and used a wide aperture to give me a shallow depth of field, blurring out the foreground water. It's situated at the end of a 950-foot breakwater on the Southern Maine Community College South Portland Campus. In this one, we wanted to share those lighthouses! Pemaquid Point - A quintessential Maine lighthouse on a rocky Maine Coast. The Google map is a great resource but I find it a little overwhelming as it includes many hard to reach lighthouses. The eastern tower is still active, but the western tower is now privately owned. During World War II in 1942, lighthouse beacons were dimmed for security reasons, and Bug Light wasn't re-lit until 2002 when the Coast Guard added a solar-powered light. Answer 1 of 8: We are coming to Maine later this month and I am having a hard time finding a lighthouse listing/itinerary for the drive from Portland to Bar Harbor. Bug Light is no longer in active use. Parking is very limited and this is a popular spot. You can also take a lighthouse cruise from Bar Harbor to see other nearby lighthouses like Egg Rock, Bear Island . For a different photographic angle onPortland Head Light, book passage aboard one of Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours' lighthouse cruises. A singular structure built on a hill next to a sheer drop-off overlooking Penobscot Bay that requires ascending a steep staircase to reach. And please consider purchasing artwork or products from my online store, and using my affiliate links in the sidebar to the right when shopping online. Owls Head Lighthouse (built 1825 and rebuilt in 1852) is what we think of when we close our eyes and picture a lighthouse. Quite honestly, I had an idea of what a lighthouse looked like in my head and only one of the Portland locations even remotely resembled that. Stretching between the mouths of the Kennebec and Morse . amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; While you may need to temper expectations at this one as the viewing area for the lighthouse is quite small (it is a small walkway leading to the modest lighthouse with a single viewing angle), it really is hard to say no to getting in another lighthouse so close to Bar Harbor! Portland Head Light, in Maine, with rocky shore and view of Ram Island Ledge Light on an island in the bay. You just park at Bug Light Park and enjoy yourself. Answer 1 of 2: We are driving from Portland to Bar Harbor and plan to take the route through Belfast and along Route 1. Also called Bug Light, this 26-foot, cast-iron lighthouse is located at the entrance to Portland Harbor. The center and museum is open Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. I watched as some folks turned around before reaching the lighthouse. From Bug Light Park you can see both Fort Gorges in the bay and Spring Point Ledge Light further along the shore. . perfect! The map at http://watersidehideaways.com/trip_lh.php just shows lighthouses accessible by (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Maine is known as the land of 1000 lighthouses, and Portland is home to several. One can (carefully) walk out on the breakwater to visit this lighthouse. He has been to 70+ countries on five continents and seeks out new food, adventure activities, and off-the-beaten-path experiences wherever he travels. Thank you! Sign up to receive periodic emails with updates and thoughts. I wasnt able to get good views from the rocky shoreline this trip. It gives you information & direction to all the lighthouses in the area. Disclaimers: Our site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is a great one to visit when exploring Acadia National Park as it is located just one peninsula over from the main areas of the park and Bar Harbor. The photo was taken from across Inner Harbor along the shore of Prospect Harbor. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. It is a fair drive down a peninsula but worth every minute. We plan on taking it slow and see the coast along the way. Other popular stops include Old Port, Freeport Outlets, and Paul Bunyan Statue. Show only these on map. Fort Point Lighthouse is located at 180 Lighthouse Road in Stockton Springs. 13| Blue Hill. I know there are many lighthouses to see in Maine. For the eastern tower image, I positioned the yellow foliage between the rocks and the trees to add a little more interest and draw the eye from the rocks up to the lighthouse. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. You can walk up to the lighthouse and the buildings around it, which include a small gift shop. We'll start in South Portland and work our way north up the coast to Bar Harbor as you scroll through this list. Click here to find the perfect stay! There is parking in West Quoddy State Park, a short walk from the lighthouse. We had one today and my husband and I both said it was one of the best things we have eaten on this trip. Phone +1 248-795-3134. Built of gray granite blocks in 1905 on a tiny rock island in Casco Bay, Ram Island Ledge Light strikes a solitary pose at the entrance to Portland Harbor, and it even has a twin, Graves Light Station in Boston, which was built during the same time. Started Aug 1, 2015 | Discussions Forum: Threaded view: BobT Forum Pro Posts: 13,216 Fishing villages between Portland and Bar Harbor? Reading mode: Light Dark. Odds are good you'll only spend a few minutes enjoying Fort Point Lighthouse if only because this lighthouse is technically located on a private residence that is not open to the public. After so many trips to Maine, I put together this one to two-week Maine coast road trip itinerary from Beantown all the way up to . Fort Williams Park, adjacent to Portland Head Light, offers something for everyone: History buffs can explore the fort's remains; nature and birding enthusiasts can walk along cliffs that drop to the sea or along the rocky beach below; families can picnic on grassy hills or fly kites. Portland Head Lighthouse. Winter Harbor Light, on Mark Island, Maine, seen from rocky coast of the Schoodic Peninsula portion of Acadia National Park. The top stops along the way from Bar Harbor to Portland (with short detours) are Mt Desert Island, Portland Head Light, and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Whether you're looking to go on a grand adventure, dine at some of the world's best restaurants, or even go off the beaten path, our articles will help inspire and give practical tips to make your travel dreams a reality. Park here, cross the street, and head down to the lookout a few feet away to take in this glorious view. The (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Portland Headlight is located at 12 Captain Strout Circle in Cape Elizabeth. The lighthouse was first lit in 1875. Its no longer possible to visit the grounds of the lighthouse, but it is visible from a couple locations. The structure was commissioned by George Washington himself and built in 1791. The charming coastal town of Blue Hill in DownEast Maine offer endless surprises for travelers. Are you looking to promote your business or destination? amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; Portland, Maine, is one of New England's most vibrant seaside cities: a place where lobstermen and lawyers walk the same streets, and every quintessential coastal experience you've imagined is either within city limits or a short drive away. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Otherwise, you can take the bus from Bangor to Ellsworth (1h20m), then Ellsworth to Bar Harbor (45m). The Eastern Tower of Cape Elizabeth Light (Two Lights), in Maine, seen from rocky shore, The Western Tower of Cape Elizabeth Light (Two Lights), in Maine, seen from the grounds of a restaurant. A third lighthouse worth a visit would be the one in Rockland. I appreciate the links. Although this lighthouse, located about a mile offshore, is never open to the public, and the island is accessible only by private boat, you can view and photograph Ram Island Ledge Light from Portland Head Light (1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth). Portland Head Light. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. There are some postings but from many. It is truly impossible to visit the state and not be . Ram Island Ledge Light is at the entrance of the Portland Harbor and is visible from Fort Williams State Park and Portland Head Light. The drive is about 30 minutes. Baker Island The original tower, built in 1828, was made of wood. Prospect Harbor Point Light is located on Prospect Harbor Point, which is a point that extends into Prospect Harbor, separating Sand Cove from Inner Harbor. Indabelle / Flickr / Creative Commons License. Thank you for sharing this! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. It sits on a rocky island in the bay. Additionally, South Portland's Willard Beach adjoins the Southern Maine Community College Campus and is open to visitors. The day can get long if one does that too often. You can walk right up to and around the lighthouse. You'll pass quaint and colourful towns, where centuries of seafaring heritage have shaped the state's way of life and customs. In the end I photographed 10 lighthouses along the coast of Maine. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-42464014', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maine coast with my mom. Parking here is free but note it is a small lot and during the busy season cars line up for entry but was quite orderly during our visit. To get to Acadia by bus, take the bus from Portland to Bangor (2.5h). But you can see it from Sohier Park or from York Beach. From $65. Visit three of Maine's lighthouses, with stops to stroll and snap photos. Lake Twenty Two Makes for a Gorgeous Hike Near Seattle, The Perfect Christmas Dinner at La Ruta del Lechon, The Best Puerto Rican Rums to Try During Your Island Vacation, Where to Stay on Tybee Island Motels vs Private Rentals, 5 of Our Favorite Napa and Sonoma Wineries to Visit, Climbing Through the Trees at TreeTrekkers Frederick. But I meant to say that if you go there that you should check out the Brass Compass a restaurant right near the museum. This made Doubling Point Lighthouse one of our favorites stops. The setting of Pemaquid Point is a very classic rockbound shoreline. Thanks. For the image, I liked how the rocky walkway leads directly to the lighthouse. One problem with visiting lighthouses between Portland and Bar Harbor is that highway one does not actually go along the coast for most of this way. A black & white version of this photograph of Portland Breakwater Light is available for purchase as wall art or on a variety of products. Rockland/Camden - Stop by Rockland Visitor center and pick up the lighthouse's in the area brochure. After visiting, be sure to grab lunch at McLoons Lobster Shack just a short drive away- home to one of our favorite lobster meals we had while in Maine. Still a critical aid . Web Visit website. Bar Harbor Tourism Bar Harbor Hotels Bar Harbor Bed and Breakfast Bar Harbor Vacation Packages Flights to Bar Harbor Bar Harbor Restaurants Things to Do in Bar Harbor To get a closer view of the lighthouse I used my 200mm lens with a 2x teleconverter. New Englands 10 Most Beautiful Lighthouses, The Most Charming Towns to Visit on the Maine Coast, Cape Cod National Seashore: The Complete Guide, The Best Things to Do at Acadia National Park in Maine. POPHAM BEACH STATE PARK. Portland, ME 04108, USA. There is only one day each year when the Coast Guard allows a limited number of visitors inside this storied lighthouse: the annual Maine Open Lighthouse Day in September. For those looking to grab a bite, you'll appreciate the comfort food at Sandy's Cafe. Volunteer-led tours of the still-active light station are offered most Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Its at the end of a small rock walkway with a black fence. Both of the above lighthouses are not in your route from Portland to Bar Harbor and it will be a detour from your original route. Alternatively, you may use, Maple Hill Farm Inn and Conference Center, https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=z8zq_hVEs0JA.kPprfi1DFr50, http://watersidehideaways.com/trip_lh.php. In fact, the view out over the water here may be more impressive than the lighthouse itself, but we'll hold off on sharing the photos of that in order to let you get the full experience when visiting! From State Street in Portland, take the Casco Bay Bridge and follow Route 77 South toward Cape Elizabeth. I like the effect this gives. Additionally, a different view of the lighthouse is available and titled, Watching Over Prospect Harbor. To reach the lookout, you'll want to drive to the intersection of Bay View Street and Beacon Avenue in Camden- exactly where it is listed on Google Maps. Thus the lighthouses are a detour down a peninsula and back for each one. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Not sure if you have already gone on your trip or not but we are currently on our trip and today we went to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? scramble up the rocks, explore tidepools, and look for the two lighthouses on . Both are on private property, so you can't get close, but you can get a . Both Bar Harbor and Portland, Maine offer public transit options. I particularly love Pemaquid as you can walk down on the rocks and if you search around you can find rock pools with reflections of the lighthouse in. A black & white version of this photograph of Prospect Harbor Point Light is available for purchase as wall art or on a variety of products. As a hub of art, music and food, Blue Hill boasts many shops, restaurants, galleries, beaches, and hiking trails to explore. I was lucky to capture an image of it with a white sailboat passing by in the foreground. Marshall Point is in Port Clyde. Cape Elizabeth Light is home to two lighthouses known as Two Lights, located in Cape Elizabeth near Two Lights State Park, just south of Portland. We were fortunate to be able to tour inside the Pemaquid while there. The emphasis should be on the word small as we (along with another car stopping at the same time) passed the lookout multiple times before realizing where it was. Affectionately referred to as Bug Light because of its small stature, Portland Breakwater Lighthouse in Bug Light Park (Madison Street, South Portland) was built in 1855 of cast iron with a brick lining on a granite block foundation. You can walk out to and around the lighthouse, though it is not smooth walking, and can be a little nerve racking in a strong wind. Enjoy picturesque views of historical lighthouses while cruising from Bar Harbor along the scenic coast of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park! Portland Breakwater (Bug) Light, in South Portland, Maine, with distant view of Fort Gorges to the left in the bay. 1. Egg Rock is accessible only by boat. Listed prices and attraction details may have changed since our visit and initial publication. It strikes a stunning pose in every season, with waves crashing against jagged rocks below, but you'll capture the most dramatic photos on a windy day at high tide. Egg Rock Light on an island in Frenchman Bay, Maine, viewed from overlook in Acadia National Park. So any suggestions on best stops, especially lighthouses, but not shopping for that drive? The lighthouse, itself, is in a tower within the keepers house, so it looks like a large house with the light tower at the top. Doubling Point Lighthouse is located at Doubling Point Road in Arrowsic. * Nubble Light house - Near York beach on Cape Neddick - Approx 1hr South. It is located in a gorgeous park (Fort Williams Park), has an equally stunning building connected to the lighthouse, is the oldest lighthouse in Maine (commissioned by President Washington and opened in 1791), and overlooks some of the most dramatic coastlines you'll see. Driving to Doubling Point Lighthouse (built 1898 and moved 1899) on the Kennebec River is an experience in its own right as you will head off the main roads and onto some narrow dirt and gravel lanes before reaching the private residence where this lighthouse resides. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. One of Maine's most photographed beaconsPortland Head Lightis a treasured symbol of the city and a romantic spot for a strolland four more lighthouses are within a 20-minute driving distance. Just be sure to have a zoom lens ready to go for photos- our image above is a pretty accurate depiction of what you will see without one! Air-conditioned vehicle. Spring Point Ledge Light, in South Portland, Maine, with view of Fort Gorges and white sailboat in the bay. Kan Wu / Flickr / Creative Commons License. From Two Lights, you're just a six-minute drive away from Crescent Beach State Park, one of the Portland area's finest sandy beaches. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Travel comfortably by air-conditioned van, with only 13 fellow tour guests. Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is constructed in the caisson style. Isle au Haut Lighthouse (Robinson Point Light) is located on Isle au Haut outside the park boundary. The lighthouse is still in active use but tourists can walk up to the lighthouse, and along a trail to stairs that head down to the rocky shoreline to get different views. Fortunately, there is a museum operating from Memorial Day through October 31 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) inside the 1891 keeper's quarters where you can view several lighthouse lenses and interpretive displays. The photograph of the Eastern Tower of Cape Elizabeth Light is available for purchase as wall art or on a variety of products. 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