Fari

Standing watch over rocky headlands, harbor entrances and offshore islands, Maine’s lighthouses were built to guide mariners safely through coastal waters. Their history stretches back to 1791, when Portland Head Light first shone—the oldest lighthouse in Maine. These enduring beacons embody the state’s deep ties to the sea, reflecting generations of fishing, shipbuilding and maritime trade while creating some of its most recognizable coastal views.

With thousands of miles of rugged coastline, you’ll discover more than 60 iconic lighthouses in Maine—there’s even one on Cobbosseecontee Lake, the only landlocked lighthouse in the state.

Giornata dei fari aperti del Maine

Maine Open Lighthouse Day is held every September, and participating lighthouses welcome visitors to climb their historic towers, take in sweeping ocean views and discover the stories behind these coastal landmarks—including spaces rarely open to the public.

Best Driving Routes for Famous Maine Lighthouses

Southern Maine: The Maine Beaches and Greater Portland & Casco Bay regions

Hop on I-95 for the fastest path, or follow Route 1 through charming coastal towns including Kennebunk, Biddeford and Saco.

Approximately 64 miles total 

Nubble Lighthouse (Cape Neddick Light Station)

This lighthouse on a rocky island off the coast of York is one of the most photographed in Maine. View it from Sohier Park, which features a Welcome Center and seasonal gift shop.

Trip Tip: On your way to the next spot, stop and grab a locally roasted coffee and a fresh-baked pastry at the wellness-focused Swell House coffee and vintage shop along Route 1.

Cape Elizabeth Light

Built in 1828 (and rebuilt in 1874 with cast iron), the eastern lighthouse is still active and viewable from Two Lights State Park.

Trip Tip: Sit at the picnic tables and enjoy a lobster roll with oceanfront views at The Lobster Shack at Two Lights (open seasonally).

Luce di testa Portland

See the oldest lighthouse in Maine from Fort Williams Park, a 90-acre oceanfront park with tennis courts, a playground, vast fields, picnic tables, walking trails and an off-leash dog area.

Trip Tip: Walk up to the seasonal, on-site food truck Bite Into Maine for a modern lobster roll and a whoopie pie. 

Bug Light (Portland Breakwater Lighthouse)

See this small lighthouse modeled after an ancient Greek monument, located on a walkway extending from Bug Light Park. 

Trip Tip: See the sculpture and exhibits at the park’s Liberty Ship Memorial to learn about South Portland’s shipbuilding and maritime heritage.

MidCoast e isole del Maine

Follow Route 1 through Damariscotta and Waldoboro, branching onto coastal roads that wind toward rocky points, working harbors and seaside villages.

Approximately 51 miles total

Faro di Pemaquid Point

Perched above dramatically striped rock ledges in Bristol, this lighthouse offers sweeping Atlantic views. Explore the grounds, visit the Fishermen’s Museum in the keeper’s house and climb the tower during seasonal tours.

Trip Tip: Stop at Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site in Damariscotta, where riverside trails reveal the history of enormous oyster-shell heaps left by Indigenous people over centuries.

Faro di Rockland Breakwater

Walk nearly a mile along a granite breakwater to reach the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse at the entrance to Rockland Harbor, with views of sailboats, fishing vessels and the surrounding coastline. Wear sturdy shoes for the uneven granite blocks.

Trip Tip: In downtown Rockland, grab a waterfront lunch at Dry Dock with a lobster roll, clam chowder and shrimp cocktail overlooking the harbor, then explore the nearby Maine Lighthouse Museum and the Sail, Power & Steam Museum.

Faro di Owls Head

This white brick lighthouse sits atop a rocky bluff, its light shining from 100 feet above sea level. Take in sweeping views of Penobscot Bay and its islands, then explore the interpretive center in the historic keeper’s house.

Trip Tip: Pull over at Owls Head Transportation Museum to see vintage aircraft, antique automobiles, motorcycles and other pristine machines that helped put the world in motion.

Downeast e Acadia

Follow coastal roads from Mount Desert Island to Route 1, then venture along the Bold Coast toward Lubec, where dramatic headlands overlook Canadian waters.

Approximately 113 miles total

Stazione luminosa di Bass Harbor Head

Perched above rocky ledges on the southwestern edge of Mount Desert Island, this lighthouse has guided mariners since 1858. Explore the grounds and viewing areas for a classic glimpse of its white tower overlooking the sea.

Trip Tip: Stop at the Wendell Gilley Museum in Southwest Harbor to discover intricate bird carvings, then unwind with an overnight stay at Acadia Yurts & Wellness Center. Extend your trip to explore more of Acadia National Park.

Faro di Little River

Located on a wooded island at the entrance to Cutler Harbor, this lighthouse requires a boat ride to visit. Plan around a scheduled open house or reserve an overnight stay, then follow a woodland walkway to the light station overlooking the Atlantic.

Trip Tip: Stretch your legs at Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land, where rugged trails wind through spruce-fir forests to dramatic cliffs and remote coves along Maine’s Bold Coast.

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse

With its distinctive red-and-white stripes, this lighthouse in Lubec stands at the easternmost point of the U.S. mainland. Explore the visitor center in the keeper’s house and take in views across the waters to Canada.

Trip Tip: Head into Lubec to pay your respects at the Lost Fishermen’s Memorial and explore the town’s herring-smoking heritage at McCurdy Smokehouse Museum. Finish with a hearty meal overlooking the water at Water Street Tavern & Inn.

Frequently Asked Questions