LIGHTHOUSES
OF THE MAINE BEACHES
These majestic landmarks are a uniquely Maine experience .
Every mile of our coastline has long offered sailors and sea captains the guidance and protection of a Maine lighthouse . Even in blinding snowstorms and powerful Nor ’ easters , our Maine lighthouse keepers would work tirelessly to keep the light on for the safety of ships . The stories of bravery and peril that have made it into the history books are thrilling and sometimes frightful .
The days of the manned lighthouse are all but gone , replaced by superior automation tools , alerting commercial and pleasure boaters of the danger that lies in wait should they come too close to Maine ’ s beautiful but rocky shoreline .
These distinctive , masterfully engineered , often cheery buildings hold a special place in the heart of those who come to the Maine Beaches . One lighthouse , in particular , Cape Neddick ’ s Nubble Light , is considered the most photographed lighthouse globally , being hash-tagged in various ways , all including “ nubble ,” more than 45,000 times in a recent Instagram search .
All Maine Beaches lighthouses are visible from land . Gaze across at the harbor to Goat Island Light from the Cape Porpoise Pier , where you can grab a great lobster roll , too . Kittery ’ s Fort Foster , with its trails , beaches , and long boardwalk , offers a view of Whaleback Light , which marks the mouth of the Piscataqua River just a stone ’ s throw from the Maine-New Hampshire state line . We invite you to find ways to get up close , perhaps by boat or sea kayak , or get an even closer peek on Maine Open Lighthouse Day .
Celebrated statewide every year on the second Saturday of September , Maine Open Lighthouse Day offers visitors to our coast the opportunity to explore more and learn about the vital role that lighthouses have played throughout our maritime history . Two of The Maine Beaches lighthouses that open up each year are Goat Island Lighthouse at the entrance to Cape Porpoise Harbor and Wood Island Lighthouse , which sits in Saco Bay .
Long after you return home , these majestic landmarks will stay with you as a uniquely Maine experience . Be sure to visit at least one and snap a memorable photo while you ’ re here , whether as part of a scenic drive along the shore , by boat excursion , or picnicking at Sohier Park in York with its picture-perfect view of the Nubble .
For more about our lighthouses , check out the chart on page 12 .
Whaleback Lighthouse - Boon Island Light - “ Nubble Lighthouse ” Goat Island Light - Wood Island Lighthouse
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