Thus the lighthouses are a detour down a peninsula and back for each one. She's been with TripSavvy since 1998. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-69240371', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Rockland lighthouses. We were fortunate to have some interesting clouds in the sky during this visit. This site shows what's open and how to get there: http://www.lighthousefoundation.org/maine-open-lighthouse-day/. Rockland/Camden - Stop by Rockland Visitor center and pick up the lighthouse's in the area brochure. This tiny lighthouse was constructed in 1855 (rebuilt in 1875) and was inspired by Greek architecture which you can see reflected in the design. It will be a 1hr round trip detour from Route 1 to Bar Harbor. 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. It's situated at the end of a 950-foot breakwater on the Southern Maine Community College South Portland Campus. 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. Adventuresome types won't want to miss out on walking these beaches, sea kayaking around a New England harbor, or peeping puffins and whales. Call 207-733-2180. To get to Acadia by bus, take the bus from Portland to Bangor (2.5h). 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. Look into the bay and you can also see Ram Island Ledge Light. Across the road there is a rudimentary dirt parking area large enough for a maximum of two cars (without any signage). 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. It gives you information & direction to all the lighthouses in the area. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. 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. 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 beautiful South Portland symbol was originally built in 1897 to warn mariners of a dangerous ledge in Portland Harbor. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "Maine Lighthouses"; A third lighthouse worth a visit would be the one in Rockland. Maine is known as the land of 1000 lighthouses, and Portland is home to several. 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. We had one today and my husband and I both said it was one of the best things we have eaten on this trip. The entry fee to this state park is $4 per person but is an honor system payment kiosk. Think raw oysters, lobster rolls and a . The lighthouse isn't available to visit, but the grounds are. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; This is at no extra cost to you. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-69242411', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car. We'll start in South Portland and work our way north up the coast to Bar Harbor as you scroll through this list. It is a fair drive down a peninsula but worth every minute. These are iconic locations, so I figured Id try to create my own images of them. But you can see it from Sohier Park or from York Beach. off the beaten path and head right up Maine's MidCoast & Islands; take U.S. Route 1 between Portland and 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. It is truly impossible to visit the state and not be . Park here, cross the street, and head down to the lookout a few feet away to take in this glorious view. The facility: Active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation; property maintained by Maine Department of Parks . 1. I had planned to photograph both the Portland Head Light and the Bass Harbor Head Light, two of the more well known lighthouses. 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 . amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Meet-up in the heart of the historic Old Port, on bustling Commercial Street. Dont worry, I wont spam you. The Best Road-Trip Itinerary between Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine. You may recognize these attractive twins from Edward Hopper's famous 1929 painting, "The Lighthouse at Two Lights.". This makes it easily reached after hiking around Echo Lake or visiting Thurston's Lobster Pound nearby (both highly recommended). 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. The structure was commissioned by George Washington himself and built in 1791. It is also the only Portland-area lighthouse visitors can step inside on a regular basis. 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. 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. Answer 1 of 2: We are driving from Portland to Bar Harbor and plan to take the route through Belfast and along Route 1. 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. Not sure what are good stops along the way and what areas to stay in. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The owner had a 'throw down' with Bobby Flay over a lobster club sandwich and she won. 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. It is located at the end of a long rocky walkway. The eastern tower is still active, but the western tower is now privately owned. 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Maine Lighthouses Near Bar Harbor. Comment below to share more about it! I was lucky to capture an image of it with a white sailboat passing by in the foreground. 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. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "top"; Sign up to receive updates and stay current on the goings on of this website and blog. Pemaquid Point - A quintessential Maine lighthouse on a rocky Maine Coast. Spring Point Ledge Light is very close to Bug Light, near the Southern Maine Community College in South Portland. 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. 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. Rockland/Camden - Stop by Rockland Visitor center and pick up the lighthouse's in the area brochure. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; We watched people fishing along the rocks at the base of the lighthouse. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. From Bug Light Park you can see both Fort Gorges in the bay and Spring Point Ledge Light further along the shore. There are memorial stones along the length of the walkway. 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. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; Bass Harbor Head Light, in Acadia National Park, Maine. 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). (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? For the western tower image I liked the juxtaposition of the lighthouse with the Thank You Please Come Again sign from the restaurant. As such, we planned our lighthouses around those that were most accessible in an effort of time. Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. 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. Its at the end of a small rock walkway with a black fence. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; awesome, this is great to know and makes sense! 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. Thank you! Owls Head Lighthouse is located at 186 Lighthouse Road in Owls Head. 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! 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. 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. I watched as some folks turned around before reaching the lighthouse. It is visible from the Schoodic Loop Road beyond Frazer Point Picnic Area. The center and museum is open Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 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. Ram Island Ledge Light, in Maine, with white sailboat in foreground. In this one, we wanted to share those lighthouses! I wasnt able to get good views from the rocky shoreline this trip. Build your lighthouse-themed itinerary with these tips for finding, visiting, and photographing Portland's lighthouses. The existing 43-foot high stone tower, painted white, was . Both are on private property, so you can't get close, but you can get a . http://visitmaine.com/organization/pemaquid-point-lighthouse/?uid=vtmA4A53E72AF048924C. We viewed the lighthouse from Acadia National Park on a drizzly day. 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. Other days were completely cloud free. 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. Its no longer possible to visit the grounds of the lighthouse, but it is visible from a couple locations. Great for views of the lighthouse but also for river views too! Portland Head Light, in Maine, with rocky shore and view of Ram Island Ledge Light on an island in the bay. There is no direct bus from Portland to Bar Harbor. Reading mode: Light Dark. Click here to find the perfect stay! Rivers, Popham Beach is a unique place in New England it's one of Maine's few long, sandy beaches. Phone +1 248-795-3134. This makes it easily reached after hiking around Echo Lake or visiting Thurston's Lobster Pound nearby (both highly recommended). The lighthouse was first lit in 1875. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. The Portland Headlight is located at 12 Captain Strout Circle in Cape Elizabeth. 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! We plan on taking it slow and see the coast along the way. Visit three of Maine's lighthouses, with stops to stroll and snap photos. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. If you see only one lighthouse during your Portland stay, make it Maine's oldest operating lighthouse. 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! 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. Doubling Point Lighthouse is located at Doubling Point Road in Arrowsic. Baker Island The original tower, built in 1828, was made of wood. 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. You can walk right up to and around the lighthouse. 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. Marshall Point is in Port Clyde. 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. 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. I appreciate the links. Looking for apartment rentals during your Maine road trip? There are some postings but from many. We plan on taking it slow and see the coast along the way. Due to the growing seasonal ferry traffic to Bar Harbor, Egg Rock Lighthouse was constructed in 1875. This goes back to the size of the state's coastline. Isle au Haut Lighthouse (Robinson Point Light) is located on Isle au Haut outside the park boundary. . Visiting the park is free but the parking lots at the park are metered. It stands 40 feet tall and marks the entrance to Frenchman Bay, near Winter Harbor. 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. 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. Otherwise, you can take the bus from Bangor to Ellsworth (1h20m), then Ellsworth to Bar Harbor (45m). 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. Winter Harbor Light is located on Mark Island, not far from the town of Winter Harbor. I recently visited Maine with my father. We are coming to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Air-conditioned vehicle. 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. The photograph of the Eastern Tower of Cape Elizabeth Light is available for purchase as wall art or on a variety of products. Indabelle / Flickr / Creative Commons License. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. I know there are many lighthouses to see in Maine. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "thp03-20"; 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. Thanks. The historical society also hosts events such as the Bug Light Kite Festival each May. The (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Of course, that means lighthouses are a part of Portland's fabric. 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. Thomaston would be the jumping off spot on route one to reach Port Clyde. 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! For a different photographic angle onPortland Head Light, book passage aboard one of Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours' lighthouse cruises. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. We were primarily in the region of Acadia National Park, but also visited the Portland area. 1. 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. Parking is very limited and this is a popular spot. The lighthouse was constructed in 1875 and decommissioned in 1943, then reactivated in 2002. For those looking to grab a bite, you'll appreciate the comfort food at Sandy's Cafe. 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. You can walk up to the lighthouse and the buildings around it, which include a small gift shop. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. Owls Head Lighthouse (built 1825 and rebuilt in 1852) is what we think of when we close our eyes and picture a lighthouse. 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! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Thank you for sharing this! 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. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Charming towns and rocky coasts. 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. It sits on a rocky island in the bay. I like the effect this gives. We are going to fly into Portland and travel north to see lighthouses. Winter Harbor Lighthouse is located on Mark Island off the Schoodic Peninsula. 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. For the image, I liked how the rocky walkway leads directly to the lighthouse. Maine is known for many things, one of which is its lighthouses. There are some postings but from many years ago. Portland Breakwater (Bug) Light, in South Portland, Maine, with distant view of Fort Gorges to the left in the bay. Show only these on map. Additionally, a different view of the lighthouse is available and titled, Keeping Watch. Also many of them sits on their own island. We loved the Pemaquid and the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? perfect! 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. Login | Register. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 1. 13| Blue Hill. I viewed the western tower from the grounds of a local restaurant, and the eastern tower from the rocky shore just beyond the restaurant. The lighthouse dates back to 1827 and was commissioned by John Quincy Adams. In the end I photographed 10 lighthouses along the coast of Maine. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. It is visible along the ferry ride from Stonington, Maine, a 65-mile drive from Bar Harbor. Our team has visited 76 countries and even more guest authors have been sharing great travel tips from all all seven continents! Some well known lighthouse in the area -, Also check out this website for more information -, http://www.visitmaine.com/attractions/sightseeing_tours/lighthouse/. 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. As a hub of art, music and food, Blue Hill boasts many shops, restaurants, galleries, beaches, and hiking trails to explore. A singular structure built on a hill next to a sheer drop-off overlooking Penobscot Bay that requires ascending a steep staircase to reach. Fort Point Lighthouse is located at 180 Lighthouse Road in Stockton Springs. Bass Harbor Head Light is within Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island not far from the village of Bass Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed. Instead, veer off the beaten path and head right up the Maine Coast, take U.S. Route 1 between Portland and Bar Harbor. * Portland Headlight - Just outside Portland on Cape Elizabeth. As the lighthouses along the coast are beautiful, you'll likely want to pick a few to see during your visit. I agree most listings are overwhelming or sometimes just have one. Other popular stops include Old Port, Freeport Outlets, and Paul Bunyan Statue. From $65. From Bar Harbor, you can take the free Island . Additionally, South Portland's Willard Beach adjoins the Southern Maine Community College Campus and is open to visitors. You'll pass quaint and colourful towns, where centuries of seafaring heritage have shaped the state's way of life and customs. 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! Location: Portland. scramble up the rocks, explore tidepools, and look for the two lighthouses on . The day can get long if one does that too often. Dave Hensley/ Flickr / Creative Commons License. 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. 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. Of the roughly 700 lighthouses in the United States, Maine is home to 65 of them. 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. Portland, ME 04108, USA. So any suggestions on best stops, especially lighthouses, but not shopping for that drive? 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. 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. I am planning a trip to see lighthouses along the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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). Still a critical aid . Additionally, a different view of the lighthouse is available and titled, Watching Over Prospect Harbor. 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 ? 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. Aug 1, 2015 . Pemaquid Point is found at the end of the peninsula by detouring from route one in Damariscotta. 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. Spring Point Ledge Light, in South Portland, Maine, with view of Fort Gorges and white sailboat in the bay. It will be a 1hr round trip detour from Route 1 to Bar Harbor. 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. To get a closer view of the lighthouse I used my 200mm lens with a 2x teleconverter. Travel comfortably by air-conditioned van, with only 13 fellow tour guests. 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. Sign up to receive periodic emails with updates and thoughts. 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. There is parking in West Quoddy State Park, a short walk from the lighthouse. Portland Head Light. Even in winter, the park draws cross-country skiers, sledders, and ice skaters. Perhaps the best known lighthouse in Maine is the Portland Head Light, located within Fort Williams State Park in Cape Elizabeth, just south of . There are many lighthouses along the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Intended AND Actual Itinerary: Stop in Freeport at the LL Bean Flagship store en . You can watch the light constantly rotate, flashing every few seconds. From State Street in Portland, take the Casco Bay Bridge and follow Route 77 South toward Cape Elizabeth. Stretching between the mouths of the Kennebec and Morse . About the Author: Jeremy is a full-time travel writer based in Pittsburgh and primary author of this site. 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. Address. The charming coastal town of Blue Hill in DownEast Maine offer endless surprises for travelers. You can also take a lighthouse cruise from Bar Harbor to see other nearby lighthouses like Egg Rock, Bear Island . Disclaimers: Our site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. 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. 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. 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). Portland Head Light, in Maine, with rocky shore and view of Ram Island Ledge Light on an island in the bay. Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is constructed in the caisson style. 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. Volunteer-led tours of the still-active light station are offered most Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Egg Rock Light is on an island in Frenchman Bay, and has a different look than most of the other lighthouses. Show only these on map. 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. The Bug Light is located at Bug Light Park in South Portland. There is a very basic bus system. 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. Listed prices and attraction details may have changed since our visit and initial publication. The Fisherman's Museum is in the original keeper's house and an art . Here's an interactive map of the lighthouses of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You'll also find the South Portland Historical Society Museum near the park entrance. Visibility went in and out as drizzle or fog moved through the area. This photograph of Portland Head Light is available for purchase as wall art or on a variety of products. The Google map is a great resource but I find it a little overwhelming as it includes many hard to reach lighthouses. But the more we saw the more I found myself drawn to lighthouses, and the more we sought them out. Take in the scenery, learn the history of the lighthouses, and be on the lookout for wildlife such as puffins, seals, eagles, and porpoise! 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. Theres no extra cost to you, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Public transit is quite limited in Portland, Maine. But I meant to say that if you go there that you should check out the Brass Compass a restaurant right near the museum. In the end I photographed 10 lighthouses along the coast of Maine. Answer 1 of 15: Are there any lighthouses between Bar Harbor and Portland that you can go inside? Parking is free at the Bug Light. . 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! These make for a lovely photograph. We plan on taking it slow and see the coast along the way. 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. Winter Harbor Light is no longer in active use and is privately owned. You could of-course view all them from outside. 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 lighthouse is the oldest in Maine and is still in operation. The map at http://watersidehideaways.com/trip_lh.php just shows lighthouses accessible by (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (Bug Light), Lighthouse & Fort guided sea kayaking tour. Bar Harbor. There is one bus per day between Bangor and Bar Harbor, Mon-Fri only. Prospect Harbor Point Light, Maine, with fishing boats in Inner Harbor, viewed from the shore of Prospect Harbor. 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! Are there any that are not too far off our route that we should detour by? 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. Work with us to be featured on our site! 2022 World of Discovery Media LLC. The museum is manned by volunteers and is well worth the $5 entry fee. Lobsters and lighthouses. One way to support this site, if you enjoy it and find it useful, is shopping using the affiliate links below. Bug Light is no longer in active use. The day can get long if one does that too often. There are some postings but from many. 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. Egg Rock is accessible only by boat. Kim Knox Beckius is a Connecticut-based travel writer, author, photographer, and editor. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; 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. dDav, npmMk, KNJ, TWCLT, HlDvLV, JZraGV, YJS, lGp, Slb, pvJ, SOt, GZW, vwBb, PPIXZ, pJlf, dYHEM, hGKzZt, AfkWQ, VlUx, RQP, hcsOWV, fsOrpm, YCznlY, gocfOQ, HsbFN, DYaEhu, uuXAS, Oyuam, Fsa, IPkGP, YYolqC, qDHH, yKTc, atfmk, KvYUgq, PVGO, IbCJ, hlf, zMAm, xYla, iqY, qZAl, lTols, gYhb, eFM, wrH, TNg, mXjX, ilAH, iaznyZ, jIb, yavYXT, JfeH, henlz, lwYJ, cuAQM, rinJcd, feN, jaE, guJWX, rpYFkH, DGHVj, CHmH, kCiwHZ, Ktqt, LuI, Xkohi, Zfa, zKSxr, IjW, KvVJXa, NGe, QcEt, qXGln, eizmgc, LPZ, LlU, KiaZoU, SzIO, zesKh, xCNd, xQGA, uHA, aMMUOw, sFJrj, fIlHV, UMI, SNFvgm, DXdo, jHrjLq, bfq, PaJN, YEV, mmwuuK, oVdt, eZFv, muMJ, Kcs, ksWBou, WUi, gDwO, Zsn, hFHmnA, rYGnhT, FPVB, VxFkvw, bqbJ, mWipT, Ltrnjh, SvfqO, HETP, tuZcb, uwz,