portland maine land and sea tour

See you in Spring 2024!

PORTLAND DISCOVERY

Portland, maine tours by land & sea, choose your dates and book today.

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Discover Land & Sea Portland, Maine Tours!

Portland city and lighthouse tour.

Enjoy a 1 hour and 45 minutes, fully narrated trolley tour of scenic and historic Portland and visit Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light for a 30 minutes stop. The childhood home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the Victoria Mansion and the bustling Old Port are just a few of the landmarks you will see as we travel from city streets to rocky coast!

most popular land tour!
Calendar April 27 – October 27
Hour Glass 1 hour and 45 minutes
User All ages

Enjoy a 1 hour and 45 minutes, fully narrated trolley tour of scenic and historic Portland and visit Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light for a 30 minutes stop.

Featured Tours

Calendar June 17 – October 14
Hour Glass 1 hour

Peek at Portland Tour

Hop aboard our classic trolley and get a peek at all that Portland has to offer. Explore the rich history and highlights of the “Forest City” with our experienced guides.

Calendar September 3 – October 20 (12:30 p.m.)

Lighthouse Lovers Cruise

Enjoy this narrated 1 hour scenic cruise through busy Casco Bay and its innermost islands to see lighthouses, forts, lobster boats, seals, and seabirds.

Calendar May 24 – September 22

Sunset Lighthouse Cruise

This 1 hour and 45 minutes cruise offers guests a chance to relax and unwind as we make our way around the inner islands and lighthouses of the bay at dusk.

An Exhilarating Experience with Portland Discovery Tours!

Had a spectacular tour!

Our operators (thanks Bill!) were refreshingly knowledgeable and did a great job conveying the history and sights of Portland. Walking away with a wealth of new knowledge.

Highly recommend!

Do the sunset tour! We had a wonderful time touring the bay and learning about Portland. Saw some wildlife, lighthouses, and awesome sunset colors. The boat experience itself was calm and enjoyable.

Great experience!

Had a great experience with these guys and gals! They provided a wonderful Lighthouse Sunset Tour. It was so enjoyable for our whole family. We will do this again the next time we are in Portland!

Definitely worth it!

Well executed tour that shows you most of the areas attractions and tells you about the history and how people live here. No motion sickness. They sell have a bar and sell basic snacks.

Fantastic tour guide!

So knowledgeable and the history of Portland and all the views were amazing. We are glad we came in early may right before the busy season because to tour was small and intimate. A must do activity while visiting!

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Portland Discovery Land Sea Tours

Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours

Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours specializes in narrated sightseeing tours of Portland and Casco Bay. Our open-air trolleys and classic boats provide the perfect way to see the best of Portland, Maine by both land and sea! In addition to a regular schedule of cruises and city tours from May to October, we also offer private charters on both the trolleys and the boats.

Address P.O. Box 68 Portland, Maine 04112
Phone (207) 774-0808
Website www.portlanddiscovery.com

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Travelers from all U.S. states are able to travel to Maine without providing a negative COVID-19 test result or quarantining, unless otherwise determined by the Maine CDC. International travelers from approved countries will be subject to any federal requirements for travel.

Learn how our safe travel protocols are helping ensure everyone's visit is a safe one.

Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours

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Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour

Peek at Portland Sightseeing Trolley Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours

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Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour

Peek at Portland Sightseeing Trolley Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

CLOSED FOR 2023 ~ See you in 2024!

Land & Sea Historical Tour of Portland and Casco Bay

Quick Details

Info Early Bird Price: $2 discount for all except WEE ONES. Only for 10am tours and only for booking online

On our history and sightseeing tour, we’ll travel aboard a modern land & sea vehicle to explore many different points of interest. Climb aboard as we twist n’ turn through the historic city of Portland, Maine and without skipping a beat, we splash (you will not get wet) into beautiful Casco Bay! We operate Maine’s only modern land and sea vehicle that can show you Portland by land and water without ever leaving your seat.

This is a fully narrated 60-minute tour that is perfect for all ages. All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Chevron down Check-In Time and Place
All customers must check-in at 177 Commercial St (look for The Blue Lobster Gifts’ blue awning), Portland, ME 04101. Tours depart directly across the street from here.
Please arrive for check-in 30 minutes prior to your tour time, boarding begins 15 minutes prior
Plan ahead to find parking – See our Contact and Directions page for parking suggestions
Chevron down Points of Interest

Tour highlights include the following (routes vary)

Victoria Mansion
Narrow Gauge Railroad
Portland Observatory
Fort Gorges
Longfellow Home
Eastern Promenade
The working waterfront
Portland Headlight
Spring Point Lighthouse
Breakwater Light
Arts District
Portland Museum of Art
Harbor seals
Calendar Islands
Restaurants & shops to visit and more!
Chevron down FAQ

*What is a “Duck” boat?**

This vehicle is able to drive on land and also motor in the water! It’s a bus…It’s a boat….. It’s the “Duck” boat!!

*What kind of “duck” is the Maine Duck?

M/V Bufflehead is a custom built, US Coast Guard approved amphibious vessel that was built right here in the state of Maine in 2005. It is 38′ long, 12’2″ tall, and has a 175 horsepower turbo charged Diesel engine.

*Do the Ducks run in the rain?

The Maine Duck will operate in moderate rain and weather conditions. The top and sides can be covered as rain passes by.

*Do I need to buy tickets for babies?

Yes, due to Coast Guard regulations, all passengers must purchase a ticket for a total head count.

*Can pregnant women come on the tour?

Pregnant women should attend at their discretion. The ride can be a tad bumpy, so please consult with a doctor beforehand if you have any concerns.

*Will I get wet on the tour?

No, you shouldn’t get wet while on the water (unless there is a little rain).

*Can I bring food and drink on board?

Yes, but no alcohol is allowed on our public tours.

*Is there assigned seating on the tour?

All seating is first come, first served.

*Can I bring a stroller on board?*

We will happily store trollers (and wheelchairs) at the duck stop which is monitored throughout the duration of the tour. Keep in mind that the Maine Duck is not responsible for these or any personal items.

*Is there a bathroom on board?

There are NO facilities on board. Please make a stop before you board your tour. There will be public restrooms available within two blocks of our meeting spot and we can direct you to them!

*Is there parking nearby?

Yes, there are parking meters on street and several parking garages nearby. See our Contact and Directions page.

*Can I book a private tour or charter?

Yes, we offer private charters. There are also discounted rates available for groups of 20 or more people.

Chevron down Accessibility

*Can I bring a stroller on board?

*Is the tour handicapped accessible?

The Maine Duck has nine steps to board. If you have limited mobility and are able to climb aboard, with the help of our crew, we will store wheelchairs at the Duck Stop.

* Parking See our Contact and Directions page

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Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours

Narrated tours by land & sea! Trolley tours, lighthouse cruises and sunset cruises. May-October. Visit website.

Portland, Maine Historic Fort & Lighthouse Tours

Family friendly civil war fort tours, maine’s iconic lighthouses tour, and 21+ sunset cruises. a local craft beer, canned cocktail, or wine is included for every guest.

Most Popular!
User All Ages
Hour Glass 2 Hours

Fort Tour on a Private Island

Casco Bay’s stone fortresses are captivating characters in the story of Maine history. For the first time, SeaPortland is bringing you to the historic site Fort Scammel via the Elizabeth Grace . Join us for a boat tour no other Portland harbor tour company can offer.

Hour Glass 1.5 Hours

Sunset Lighthouse Harbor Cruise

There is nothing quite like a Maine sunset, especially from the water . Aboard the Elizabeth Grace , with local craft beers in hand, we will take you on a stunning journey through the waters of Casco Bay. Don’t miss this tour!

Scenic Lighthouse Harbor Tour

This epic tour is the best way to take in the historic lighthouses, stone forts, and rocky islands that make Casco Bay a world-renowned destination.

SeaPortland brings you straight into the heart of authentic Maine.

Aboard the Elizabeth Grace and other vessels in our fleet, we show you the parts of Casco Bay unseen by most. We provide experiences that strike at the heart of what makes this part of the world so magical.

Join us for boat tours of previously unexplored early nineteenth-century forts. Bathe in the warm lights of a summer sunset over the water. Breathe in the ocean air while viewing Maine’s famous lighthouses. Toast local craft beverages. What could be better?

Join us for a tour today.

Chevron down Is there a head (bathroom) on the boat?

There is no bathroom on board the boat. We highly recommend using the facilities before boarding.If you are on the Private Island Fort Tour there is a bathroom on the island.

Chevron down Can I purchase more drinks on the boat?

No, this is a sightseeing/historical focused tour that happens to include one drink (Fort Tour) or two drinks (Lighthouse and Sunset cruise). If we catch a group trying to sneak more drinks we will end the tour immediately for those in the party.

Chevron down Should I tip the crew?

Yes. The boat crew is there to help keep you safe and to tell you about the sights in the harbor. They work hard to make it a great experience. Treat them with respect and listen to them. The crew will split tips and for those wondering 20% is the common amount.

Chevron down Can we bring our own alcohol on board?

No, we have our own license that prohibits guests from bringing their own alcohol on the boat.

Chevron down Can we bring food on board?

Yes, feel free to bring food on board. We just ask that you also take any trash away with you as well.

Chevron down Do we have to be 21 to take a tour?

Yes for our Lighthouse and Sunset Tour you must be 21. If you want to book a private charter please contact us and we can work with you if you have people in the group under 21. For our Fort Tour it is great for all ages.

Chevron down What should I wear?

Dress appropriately for the weather. We will have a canopy which will protect you from direct sunlight and rain, however it can be significantly cooler out on the water so we recommend bringing a jacket. On the Fort Tour we highly encourage closed toed shoes.

Chevron down Where should I park?

Street parking has a maximum of 2 hours. Many lots are privately owned, and most of those are managed by a professional parking company. There are a couple of lots very close to the departure location, and an interactive map of parking options close by can be found here at Parkopedia . 20 Custom House Wharf – There is a small pay by the hour lot at our point of departure. This is first come first serve.

Ocean Gateway city lot – 2 Commercial St, Portland. (Seasonal: April through October) $15.00 per 24 hour period. Pay at the kiosk or through the Passport App with a credit card and display the receipt face up inside on the vehicle’s front dashboard.
Hub Furniture private lot – 291 Fore St, Portland (typically no more than $15/day)
Simba Parking private lot – 216 Fore St, Portland (typically no more than $15/day)
Fore Street Parking Garage – 427 Fore Street, Portland
Fisherman’s Wharf private lot – 202 Commercial Street, Portland
Custom House Parking Garage – 25 Pearl Street, Portland
Chevron down Will the tour get cancelled?

Our tours run rain or shine as long as wind and sea conditions are deemed by the captain to be safe. The Elizabeth Grace is set up to keep guests sheltered in case of wet or windy weather. We watch the weather forecasts closely, and if we are concerned conditions will not be favorable or safe, we will contact you ahead of time. This is New England and weather changes quickly so sometimes this can happen right before the tour.

We may also have to cancel if we do not meet our minimum requirement to operate. Again we will be in touch with you to discuss options.

Chevron down What is your Cancellation Policy?

We operate rain, shine, as long as the waters are safe and we have met our minimum number of guests to operate the tour.

All ticket sales are **final.** Tours cannot be exchanged, rescheduled, or refunded. But life happens! We offer ticket insurance for public tours which allows you to cancel or reschedule your tour with at least 24 hours’ notice, and we will reschedule or reimburse you for your full tour ticket price (minus ticketing fee and insurance fee).

**Private Tours:** Cancellation of a private tour for any reason 5 days or more (120 hours or more before tour start time) will result in the forfeiture of the full non-refundable deposit amount. Cancellations of private tours for any reason under 5 days will result in the agreed amount of the full tour charged to the booking party.

Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours

Maine Duck Tours

SPLASH into Portland’s history on this fun and fully-narrated 60-minute land and sea adventure through the Old Port and Portland Harbor/Casco Bay! As you twist and turn through the Old Port, we’ll tell you about the legends and lore that have shaped Portland into one of the most historical cities in the nation.

177 Commercial St Portland, ME 04101

P. (207) 774-3825

T. (800) 979-3370

Learn about places of interest to visit and many little known facts about the city that is nicknamed “The Phoenix.” Then, hold onto your tail feathers as we DRIVE into the waters of Casco Bay to view Portland’s working waterfront, Calendar Islands and marine wildlife.

Advance Purchase Strongly Recommended
Tours often sell out in advance
Check availability and buy tickets online

Tickets available during tour times at our kiosk inside The Blue Lobster Gifts and Apparel – Portland Waterfront

Portland Land & Sea Adventure

Portland’s Land and Sea Adventure allows you to combine a Lighthouse Lovers Cruise and Portland City Tour with time to enjoy lunch and shopping inbetween!!

In Portland you will find several minor league sports franchises, dozens of galleries, a gorgeous theatre, a working waterfront, and the Old Port. The Old Port features boutiques, historic sites, museums, and some of the best restaurants in New England.

Portland’s charms are known worldwide. Let Downeaster Travel Packages introduce you to all that this amazing Northeastern city has to offer. This package is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway or a fun trip with the family.

Let Downeaster Packages customize the perfect getaway for you.

OVERNIGHT PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Round-trip transportation on the Amtrak Downeaster
Round-trip Amtrak station transfers
Two-night stay in Portland (hotel options available)
Portland Trolley City Tour
Portland Harbor Lighthouse Lovers Cruise

Clarion Portland

Welcome to the Clarion Hotel in Portland, Maine! Guests staying at our Portland Hotel can enjoy the services, amenities, and look of an upscale hotel at an affordable price!

Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port

Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port is a hotel like no other in the country.

Portland Regency Hotel

This luxurious boutique hotel is located in the heart of the historic Old Port district on Portland’s restored waterfront

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront Hotel

Located on Portland, Maine’s waterfront with amazing views from the rooftop bar!

Chebeague Island Inn

Classic Maine hospitality awaits at Chebeague Island Inn, a beautifully restored 1920’s Greek Revival-style boutique hotel situated on one of Maine’s most picturesque islands just north of Portland’s downtown

**Overnight rates are per person based on Double occupancy and are subject to availability at the time of booking. Package prices above based on travel in May but might vary slightly. Hotel rates increase in July AND increase on weekends. Sunday – Thursday travel gives you the best value during high season and most seasons in Portland.

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15 Best Maine Lighthouses To Visit by Land and Sea

M aine, often called the “Lighthouse State,” is home to 65 lighthouses, each with its unique history and stunning views. Whether you're a maritime enthusiast or love coastal views, the best Maine lighthouses featured here are must-see attractions.

The lighthouses still standing today are spread out over 5,000 miles of Maine's coast and nearby islands.

My girlfriend Kel and I collaborated on this article together, based on her visits to Maine and two of my own in 2023.

I've grouped our Maine lighthouse recommendations according to geographic location, beginning with the most photographed lighthouse in Portland and working outward from there.

In a few instances, we timed our visits to take advantage of nearby lobster shacks. I'll mention those, too. Now, let's dive in and discover some of the best lighthouses in Maine!

Most Scenic Lighthouses

1. portland head light.

Portland Head Light is an iconic lighthouse that is a must-see if you're exploring the coast of Maine.

Situated in Cape Elizabeth, a 15-minute drive south of downtown Portland, it was first lit in 1791, making it the oldest lighthouse in the state.

Commissioned by President George Washington, it has stood as a beacon for mariners navigating the dangerous waters of the Atlantic Ocean for more than 230 years.

The lighthouse has undergone several modifications, including adding a Victorian keeper's house in 1891, which now serves as a museum.

During both World Wars, Portland Head Light played a crucial role in coastal defense. Its powerful light and foghorn have guided countless ships safely to shore, and it remains an active aid to navigation today.

The surrounding Fort Williams Park offers spectacular views and is a popular spot for picnics, hiking, and photography.

I recommend timing your visit with the operating hours of Bite Into Maine , a food truck offering some of the best lobster rolls in the state.

With its rich history and breathtaking scenery, Portland Head Light isn't just a lighthouse; it's a symbol of Maine's maritime heritage.

2. Bug Light

The Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, also known as Bug Light, is another scenic spot.

Located in South Portland, it overlooks Portland Harbor and was initially built in 1855. The current structure, completed in 1875, was inspired by an ancient Greek monument.

It's one of the smaller lighthouses you'll find in Maine, which is how it got its nickname.

Historically, Bug Light played a vital role during World War II as a navigational guide for ships involved in shipbuilding and troop transport.

The lighthouse marked the entrance to a shipyard where Liberty Ships were assembled. These ships were essential for transporting goods and troops overseas.

Approximately 30,000 people worked at the shipyard where Bug Light Park exists today.

The 8-acre park offers a peaceful setting for visitors to enjoy panoramic views of Portland Harbor and the city skyline. A Liberty Ship Memorial commemorates the work of the WWII shipbuilders.

We passed Bug Light on a sunset lobster boat cruise to Peaks Island. I want to visit the park the next time I'm in Portland.

3. Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark in South Portland, just east of Bug Light. It's known for its design, which mimics the shape of a spark plug.

This lighthouse was completed in 1897 to warn sailors about the dangerous underwater obstruction known as Spring Point Ledge, which posed a significant hazard to ships entering Portland Harbor.

What makes this lighthouse particularly unique is the 950-foot granite breakwater added in 1951, connecting it to Fort Preble on the mainland. More than 50,000 tons of granite were used.

The breakwater allows visitors to walk right up to the lighthouse, a rarity among offshore lights.

4. Cape Elizabeth Light East Tower

Cape Elizabeth Light East Tower, also known simply as Cape Elizabeth Light , is one of two twin lighthouses in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

The 67-foot-tall East Tower was constructed in 1874 to replace earlier structures. While its twin, the West Tower, was deactivated in 1924, the East Tower continues to shine light over Casco Bay.

The Cape Elizabeth lights were critical for guiding seafarers through the treacherous waters around Portland, Maine's largest city and busiest port.

The East Tower's light could be seen for up to 15 nautical miles, a vital navigational aid for commercial and recreational vessels.

Over the years, it has undergone various upgrades, including installing a more modern optic, but its historical significance as a guardian of Maine's rocky coast remains unchanged.

Today, the East Tower is a popular spot for photography and offers pretty views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Lobster Shack at Two Lights features a large outdoor patio with picnic tables to enjoy the view when the weather is agreeable and a cozy space inside when it's not.

During our visit, Kel and I indulged in a warm lobster roll and a slice of homemade rhubarb pie.

5. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse symbolizes Maine's maritime history. It's located in the MidCoast town of Bristol, halfway between Portland and Bar Harbor.

Commissioned by John Quincy Adams, this lighthouse was created in 1827 and has been guiding ships safely along the rocky coast for nearly 200 years.

Its light can be seen up to 14 nautical miles away, making it a critical navigational aid for mariners traversing the Gulf of Maine.

The lighthouse sits atop dramatic, striated rock formations shaped by millennia of ocean waves, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers.

Pemaquid Point is one of the few lighthouses in Maine that allow visitors to climb the steep spiral stairs to the top.

While it can get hot and stuffy up there in the summer, and there's little room to move due to the original and delicate Fresnel lens, it's an experience not to be missed.

Pemaquid Point's cultural significance resulted in its image being chosen for the tail side of Maine's state quarter in 2003. It's the first lighthouse to grace a form of currency in the United States.

The ground floor of the Keeper's House has been converted into the Fisherman's Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of a 19th-century lighthouse keeper. And the second-story apartment is available for weekly rentals .

With its blend of natural beauty and historical importance, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is a must-see landmark for anyone visiting the Maine coast.

Plan to visit during breakfast or lunchtime and take advantage of the sensational views from the adjacent SeaGull Restaurant .

6. Egg Rock Lighthouse

Egg Rock Lighthouse, perched on a small island in Frenchman Bay near Bar Harbor , Maine, has a history that's as intriguing as its unique name.

Built in 1875, the lighthouse was designed to guide sailors safely through the bay and into the bustling ports of Bar Harbor and Winter Harbor.

Its location was significant for guiding fishermen and the increasing number of pleasure boats that frequented the area during Bar Harbor's heyday as a Gilded Age resort town.

The lighthouse is a 40-foot tall, cylindrical brick tower, accompanied by a keeper's house and other outbuildings. It was automated by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1976.

Today, the lighthouse is best viewed from a boat or the scenic vistas along Acadia National Park's Park Loop Road on Mount Desert Island.

I saw it from both land and sea and recommend the latter. I got a close-up view of Egg Rock during a Lulu Lobster Boat tour , and we saw tons of harbor and gray seals on the rocks and in the water.

7. Bass Harbor Head Light Station

Bass Harbor Head Light is a quintessential Maine lighthouse in Acadia National Park .

Completed in 1858, this lighthouse has been a necessary navigational aid, guiding ships through the entrance of Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay.

Its strategic location at the southwest tip of Mount Desert Island made it particularly meaningful for the fishing and shipbuilding industries that have been the region's lifeblood.

The lighthouse features a 33-foot tall brick tower with a distinctive fourth-order Fresnel lens, which can cast its light up to 13 nautical miles. The keeper's house is a classic example of New England architecture.

Drawing 180,000 visitors annually, Bass Harbor Head Light is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the U.S.

8. Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse has a unique claim to fame: it sits at the end of a nearly mile-long breakwater in Rockland Harbor , Maine.

The breakwater was built between 1881 and 1899 to protect the harbor from rough seas, making it a safer haven for the booming lime and fishing industries.

The lighthouse was completed in 1902 and has guided vessels safely into the harbor ever since. The 25-foot tall lighthouse is relatively modest in size but mighty in its role.

It serves as a critical navigational aid , especially given the busy nature of Rockland Harbor, which continues to be a hub for commercial fishing, shipping, and recreational boating.

Visitors today can take a scenic walk along the breakwater to reach the lighthouse, offering a unique experience that combines maritime history with ocean views.

For safety's sake, time your walk with low tide and skip it if there's low visibility (fog), rain, or ice.

Due to thick fog, I missed an opportunity to walk out to Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. But I later saw it from my windjammer cruise aboard Schooner J & E Riggin.

9. Owl's Head Lighthouse

Perched on a bluff overlooking Penobscot Bay, Owls Head Lighthouse has been a guiding light for navigators since 1825.

Its strategic location at the entrance to Rockland Harbor made it essential for the area's bustling lime, timber, and fishing industries.

The 30-foot tall white brick tower features a fourth-order Fresnel lens that casts a light visible for up to 16 nautical miles. It was automated in 1989.

Owls Head Lighthouse is accessible on foot through the Owls Head State Park, about a six-mile, 15-minute drive east of downtown Rockland. I saw it from the water during my windjammer cruise.

10. Nubble Lighthouse

Officially known as Cape Neddick Light, Nubble Light is one of Maine's most iconic lighthouses.

Commissioned by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1874 and completed in 1879, Nubble Light is perched on a rocky island off the coast of York in southern Maine.

The 41-foot light tower is a classic New England-style lighthouse with a charming keeper's house.

Nubble Light gained widespread fame through its annual “Lighting of the Nubble” Christmas event, drawing crowds from near and far.

11. West Quoddy Head Lighthouse

Situated in Lubec, Maine, near the Canadian border, West Quoddy Head Lighthouse is the easternmost point in the United States, making it the first place in the country to see the sunrise.

Completed in 1858 to replace an earlier structure, the lighthouse is instantly recognizable for its red-and-white candy-striped tower.

West Quoddy Head has been vital for guiding mariners through the Quoddy Narrows, a strait between Canada and the U.S.

The lighthouse's third-order Fresnel lens can project its light up to 18 nautical miles.

It serves as a necessary navigational aid for both commercial and recreational vessels navigating the foggy, treacherous waters of the Bay of Fundy.

Today, the lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction with a visitor center and museum.

12. Doubling Point Lighthouse

Doubling Point Lighthouse, located on the Kennebec River in Arrowsic, Maine, has been a vital aid since its construction in 1899.

The picturesque lighthouse guides ships through a challenging bend in the river, which has been a crucial waterway for Maine's shipbuilding and lumber industries.

The 24-foot tall wooden tower is unique for its architectural details, including a Victorian keeper's house (now a private residence).

Related: Hiking to Makapu'u Lighthouse on Oahu

Its website states, “Entry into the lighthouse tower occurs once annually during the American Lighthouse Foundation and Coast Guard-sponsored Maine Open Lighthouse Day in September.”

If you plan to visit Doubling Point Lighthouse, I recommend taking an additional 60-90 minutes to see the Maine Maritime Museum on the other side of the river in Bath.

13. Marshall Point Lighthouse

Marshall Point Lighthouse , located in Port Clyde, Maine, gained some Hollywood fame when it appeared in the movie “Forrest Gump.”

Built in 1832 and rebuilt in 1857, this lighthouse has long guided fishermen and boaters in navigating the tricky waters around the St. George Peninsula.

Its distinctive wooden walkway and white clapboard 1880's Keeper's House add to its allure. The house has a small museum and gift shop.

14. Burnt Island Light House

Burnt Island Light , located in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, has been a beacon for mariners since 1821.

It's one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in Maine and has been crucial for guiding fishing boats, cargo ships, and recreational sailboats through the busy waters of Boothbay.

The 30-foot tower is accompanied by a beautifully restored keeper's house, now a living history museum.

Accessible by boat, the island offers a unique educational experience, transporting visitors back to the 1950s to learn about the life of a lighthouse keeper.

15. Goat Island Light

Goat Island Light in Cape Porpoise Harbor has been a guiding light for mariners in Maine since 1833.

The lighthouse marks the entrance to the harbor and has been instrumental in supporting the local fishing community.

The 25-foot tall tower underwent several renovations, the most significant being in 1859 when it was fitted with a fourth-order Fresnel lens.

Goat Island Light is unique for its keeper's house, which is still intact and serves as a summer residence for the lighthouse caretaker. The lighthouse can be seen from the Cape Porpoise Pier.

Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or someone who loves the sea, Maine's beautiful lighthouses are a treasure trove of stories, vistas, and cultural significance.

Each historic lighthouse offers a unique window into Maine's maritime past and present, from the iconic Portland Head Light to the lovely Goat Island Light.

So, the next time you find yourself in the Pine Tree State, don't miss the chance to explore them.

With their rich histories and breathtaking settings, they're not just waypoints for sailors but landmarks that capture the essence of Maine.

Grab your camera, pack a picnic, and embark on an unforgettable lighthouse adventure!

The post 15 Best Maine Lighthouses To Visit by Land and Sea appeared first on Go Backpacking .

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Observe Memorial Day with these events in southern Maine

Tons of towns have parades and ceremonies happening Monday.

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Kids and adults gather at a Memorial Day parade to honor and celebrate veterans in South Portland. Sofia Aldinio/ Staff Photographer

BATH 10 a.m. Monday. Parade begins at 200 Congress Ave. and concludes at Library Park and will be followed by a wreath-laying service at 11 a.m.

BERWICK 11 a.m. Monday. Parade begins at Berwick Town Hall/Sullivan Square and proceeds to Lord’s Cemetery by way of Wilson and Allen streets. After a ceremony there, the parade will continue down Saw Mill Hill Street with a pause at the Somersworth-Berwick Bridge for a brief memorial service for those lost at sea. The parade ends at Sullivan Square with a memorial service honoring area veterans.

BIDDEFORD-SACO Opening ceremony at 9:55 a.m. Monday at Saco City Hall. Parade starts at 10 a.m. from Saco City Hall and proceeds along Main Street and down York Hill into Biddeford, continues along Main Street, onto Alfred Street and finishes at Veteran’s Memorial Park with a closing ceremony at 10:45 a.m.

BRUNSWICK-TOPSHAM 9 a.m. Monday. Parade proceeds from Topsham Town Hall, pauses for observances while crossing the Brunswick-Topsham bridge, and concludes at the Brunswick Mall.

CAPE ELIZABETH 9 a.m. Monday. Parade begins at the middle school parking lot, turns right on Scott Dyer Road, right onto Route 77 and ends at the village green adjacent to the town hall. A brief ceremony and laying of the wreath will be held at the Village Green after the parade.

CUMBERLAND 8 a.m. Monday. Kids run at Greely High School followed by 5K Run and Remember race at 8:30 a.m. Parade starts at 10 a.m. at Mabel I. Wilson School and ends at the veterans’ monument in Moss Side Cemetery in Cumberland Center, where a ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. Advertisement

FALMOUTH 10 a.m. Monday. Parade proceeds from 65 Depot Road (Falmouth American Legion) to Pine Grove Park, where a ceremony will be held.

FREEPORT 9:30 a.m. Monday. Parade proceeds from Holbrook Street, heads north on Main and makes a right onto School Street, then right onto Park Street, ending in Memorial Park. There will be a small ceremony in Memorial Park starting at 10 a.m.

GORHAM 11 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Village School (12 Robie St.) and ends at Eastern Cemetery on Johnson Road.

GRAY 11:30 a.m. Monday. Parade leaves the Russell School (8 Gray Park), proceeds to Shaker Road and continues to the Soldiers Monument at the intersection of Routes 26 and 3 for a wreath-laying ceremony. Parade continues north to the American Legion Post (15 Lewiston Road) for a closing ceremony.

LYMAN 1 p.m. Monday. Parade starts at Waterhouse Road/Mill Pond in Goodwins Mills and ends at the Lyman Town Hall on South Waterboro Road.

NEW GLOUCESTER 9 a.m. Monday. Parade leaves from Memorial Elementary School (86 Intervale Road) and heads down Intervale Road to Route 100/202 to Veterans Park for a memorial service. The parade will reconvene and go down Peacock Hill Road, then take a left on Gilmore Road. Advertisement

OLD ORCHARD BEACH 1 p.m. Monday. Parade starts at the corner of Ballpark Way and E. Emerson Cumming Boulevard and proceeds down Saco Avenue, Old Orchard Beach Street to First Street and ends at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

PORTLAND 2 p.m. Monday. The procession starts at Longfellow School (432 Stevens Ave.) and ends at Evergreen Cemetery for a commemoration ceremony.

SANFORD 10 a.m. Monday. The parade starts at the Sanford Armory (88 William Oscar Emery Drive), proceeds up Gowen Park Drive and ends at Central Park.

SCARBOROUGH 10 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Scarborough High School, turns onto Route 114 and then Route 1, past town offices to the Maine Veterans Home and concludes with a ceremony there.

SOUTH PORTLAND 10:30 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Southern Maine Community College parking lot, proceeds down Broadway to the Veterans Monument for a short Memorial Day recognition service.

WELLS 9 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Wells High School (200 Sanford Road) and proceeds to Ocean View Cemetery for a ceremony and musical performances. Advertisement

WESTBROOK 10 a.m. Monday. Parade proceeds down Main Street and will be followed by a ceremony in Riverbank Park.

WINDHAM 9 a.m. Monday. Parade starts at Windham Town Hall and proceeds onto Route 202 toward Windham High School. At 10 a.m., there will be a ceremony in front of Windham’s Veterans Memorial Flagpole at Windham High School.

YARMOUTH 10 a.m. Monday. Parade leaves from Yarmouth High School (286 West Elm St.) and proceeds to the Memorial Green at Town Hall for a ceremony.

YORK 10 a.m. Monday. Parade starts near St. Christopher’s Church (4 Barrell Lane) and proceeds down York Street to York Town Hall.

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