Ultimate guide to exploring Portland, Maine’s lighthouses

Beautiful architecture. Stunning locations. Incredible environment.
That’s the best way for me to describe what you’ll see when you explore lighthouses in and around Portland, Maine. The lighthouses are all within a short drive from downtown Portland and offer enough variety and interesting details to make them one of your favorite travel moments.
Read on to find a description and picture of each of the lighthouses along with a map to get you exploring.

Click through the map below to see each of the lighthouses. ​

Below is a breakdown of five lighthouses around Portland, Maine. You can EASILY see all five of the lighthouses in a day with some planning. 

Bug Light
The first stop on your tour of Portland lighthouses should be the Portland Breakwater Light -- known as Bug Light. It is the lighthouse of Portland.
The lighthouse is made of curved cast-iron plates whose seams are disguised by six decorative Corinthian columns. Make sure to pack a lunch, you can enjoy the beautiful views at a park right next to the lighthouse.
Expert tip: Check out the Liberty Ship Memorial a short walk away from the lighthouse. It’s outdoor and very educational.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
I love this lighthouse. I love it.
The Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is located at the end of a 900-foot breakwater walkway made of giant friggin boulders. It is so beautiful. You can watch tour boats sail by and take some of the best pictures of your trip.
Expert tip: Parking can be kind of a hassle here. Prepare to drive around a little bit to find something.

Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse
The Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse is the only lighthouse on the list that requires a boat. We saw the remains of the lighthouse -- which was partially destroyed during a bad storm in the 1980s -- from a whale boat tour.
There’s not too much to look at, however it is still pretty cool.

Portland Head Lighthouse
The Portland Head Lighthouse is what most people think of when they think of a Maine lighthouse. It is  beautifully located along the most photogenic cliffs in the state. The red-roofed home attached to the structure is iconic.  The surrounding Fort Williams Park is the PERFECT location for a stroll -- with multiple historic spots to check out along the way.
The best pictures from my trip were taken here.

Cape Elizabeth Lights
The Cape Elizabeth Lights -- also known as Twin Lights -- are located in Two Lights State Park. As we found out, only the eastern tower of the two is active. The western tower is deactivated and is privately owned.
We had a great time walking on the cliffs, taking pictures and talking to other visitors.
Expert tip: The Lobster Shack at Two Lights was one of the best restaurants we ate at. Period. The fried shrimp platter was INCREDIBLE. Do yourself a favor, buy some seafood and eat it outside to take in the sun and stunning scenery.

What's your favorite lighthouse in Maine? Comment below!