Coastal Maine Lighthouses Day Trip

Welcome to Bug Light, Portland Head Light and Nubble Light on Maine’s Coast

Sixty Five lighthouses span across Maine’s coast and inlets offering beautiful, picturesque views and history to explore. Three active lighthouses - Bug Light (aka Portland Breakwater Light), Portland Head Light and Nubble (or Cape Neddick) Light - all offer spectacular coastal views and can be seen in a single day trip.

How to See Bug Light, Portland Head Light and Nubble Light on Maine’s Coast |

This blog post shares information and tips to help you plan a fun, easy coastal Maine day trip to see these three iconic lighthouses. Our day trip starts by visiting Bug Light situated at Bug Point Park in South Portland, Maine, and then you can drive south to see the other two (or do this itinerary in reverse if more convenient).

What to see at Bug Light in South Portland, ME

Originally established in 1855 as a wooden lighthouse, the current 30-foot cast iron Bug Light was completed in 1875. Also known as Portland Breakwater Light, you can easily see and walk right up to and around Bug Light at Bug Light Park situated along the Portland Harbor.

After parking, you’ll walk a very short distance on a flat path (snow covered in winter) to a set of wide stones pictured above and can carefully walk up to the lighthouse to see an almost panoramic view of the Portland Harbor and Casco Bay. Bug Light Park is a great destination for easy walks with your family or dog and outstanding, expansive views of the bay and harbor.

Walking on snow-covered rocks up to Bug Light in South Portland, Maine.

You can spend as much time as you like at Bug Light Park and then make your way south to Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. This iconic 1791 lighthouse is claimed by certain public sources to be the most photographed lighthouse in the United States.

Situated on the rocky cliffs of Cape Elizabeth in Fort Williams Park, Portland Head Light (PHL) is Maine’s oldest lighthouse and 101 feet tall. You can see it by driving into the park at 1000 Shore Road and parking in one of the big lots (when I visited there were electronic parking kiosks).

It’s an easy, quick walk on paved roads and trails from parking to the lighthouse grounds where you can get sweeping views of Casco Bay and a 360-degree close up view of the lighthouse museum and structure.

Walking the snow-covered grounds of Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

When you walk around Portland Head Light, be sure to check out the sweeping coastal views over the rocky cliffs! There are multiple spots for views and photography including a “North Viewpoint” and “South Viewpoint” you can find on Google Maps; I like walking the PHL Cliff Walk path heading left a short way from the grounds to an overlook (you’ll see a short path down to the right and a chain fence).

A sweeping view of Portland Head Light on the snowy Cape Elizabeth, Maine cliffs.

The winds can be really intense so be sure to hold your phone or camera tight! Portland Head Light is truly an iconic landmark that is best seen on the cliffs from a short distance so you also see the Cape Elizabeth skyline and ocean.

The last of the three coastal Maine lighthouses in our day trip itinerary is the 1879 Nubble Lighthouse (formerly Cape Neddick Light).

Situated on small rocky island about 100 yards from shore, the 88-foot tall Nubble Light helps guides ships through the rough waters off of York, Maine.

You can easily see Nubble Light by driving to the overlook at Sohier Park on mainland York where you’ll find ample, free parking spaces. The lighthouse is easily viewed directly across from the parking area.

Nubble Lighthouse off the shore of Cape Neddick, York Maine on a bright winter day.

There is a rocky slope that gradually descends from the parking area to the coastline that was covered in snow and ice, as were the granite benches, when I visited in February so watch your step in winter. I definitely recommend going to Sohier Park for a few minutes to see Nubble Light because the views are amazing.

All three of these Maine lighthouses - Bug Light, Portland Head Light and Nubble Light - are beautiful destinations all year long. All are easy to see with parking and short (or no) walks, making it a great day trip for families or anyone looking for a coastal getaway and beautiful views on a bright winter day.

And your dog on leash is welcome at all three lighthouses too!

Have you seen any or all of these Maine Lighthouses; do you have favorite Maine or New England lighthouse to visit in winter?

Leave a comment below to share your experience and tips.