Maine has more than 60 lighthouses along its rugged coast. After three decades running the Maine Resource Guide, these are the ones most worth seeing – the most beautiful, historic, and accessible.
The best lighthouses in Maine are Portland Head Light, Pemaquid Point Light, Bass Harbor Head Light, West Quoddy Head Light, Nubble Light, and Rockland Breakwater Light. Portland Head is the oldest and most famous, and Pemaquid Point is on the Maine state quarter. Each is covered below.
1. Portland Head Light
Portland Head Light is the best and most famous lighthouse in Maine. Commissioned in 1791 and Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth is the most photographed lighthouse in the state, set on rugged cliffs in Fort Williams Park with sweeping ocean views. It is ★ 4.8 from 17,000+ Google reviews, the most of any lighthouse in the state.
2. Pemaquid Point Light
Pemaquid Point Light is the most scenic lighthouse in Maine. Pemaquid Point Light near Bristol sits atop dramatic striated rock ledges dropping into the sea – so iconic it was chosen to represent Maine on the state quarter. It is ★ 4.8 from 3,400+ Google reviews.
3. Bass Harbor Head Light
Bass Harbor Head Light is the best lighthouse in Acadia. Bass Harbor Head Light on the quiet side of Mount Desert Island is one of the most photographed spots in Acadia National Park, especially at sunset. It is ★ 4.4 from 4,900+ Google reviews.
4. West Quoddy Head Light
West Quoddy Head Light is the easternmost lighthouse in the United States. The candy-striped West Quoddy Head Light in Lubec marks the easternmost point of the U.S. – a dramatic Downeast setting on the Bold Coast. It is ★ 4.9 from 1,600+ Google reviews.
5. Nubble Light (Cape Neddick)
Nubble Light (Cape Neddick) is the most charming lighthouse in southern Maine. Nubble Light in York sits on its own tiny rock island just offshore – compact, picturesque, and one of the most beloved and accessible lighthouses in Maine, ★ 4.9 from 800+ Google reviews.
6. Rockland Breakwater Light
Rockland Breakwater Light is the best lighthouse you can walk to. Reached by a nearly mile-long granite breakwater across Rockland Harbor, this lighthouse offers a memorable walk out into Penobscot Bay, and is ★ 4.8 from 1,400+ Google reviews.
Best Lighthouses in Maine: FAQ
What is the most famous lighthouse in Maine?
Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth is the most famous lighthouse in Maine. Commissioned in 1791, it is the state’s oldest lighthouse and the most photographed, set on dramatic cliffs in Fort Williams Park.
Which Maine lighthouse is on the state quarter?
Pemaquid Point Light near Bristol is the lighthouse featured on the Maine state quarter, chosen for its dramatic setting atop striated rock ledges above the sea.
Can you visit lighthouses in Maine?
Yes. Many Maine lighthouses have public grounds and parks – Portland Head, Pemaquid Point, Nubble, and Bass Harbor Head are all easily visited. Some towers open for climbing on select days, though most interiors are not open year-round.
See also our best things to do in Maine and most beautiful towns in Maine. MaineGuide.com has been Maine’s resource guide since 1995.
More Maine guides: Most Beautiful Towns · Best Things to Do · Best Time to Visit · Prettiest Foliage Towns · Best Beaches · Best Coastal Towns · Best Small Towns
More Maine guides: Most Beautiful Towns · Best Things to Do · Best Time to Visit · Prettiest Foliage Towns · Best Beaches · Best Coastal Towns · Best Small Towns · Best Hikes · Most Charming Towns · Best Scenic Drives · Best State Parks · Best Seafood · Best Islands · Best Waterfalls · Best Fall Activities · Best Wildlife Watching