Maine's Open Lighthouse Day: A Visit to Portland Head Light

Hannah Truman
Sep 16, 2019
2 min read

Updated: Mar 24

Maine Open Lighthouse Day takes place in early September each year, providing an opportunity to discover more than two dozen historic lighthouses across the state. Throughout this event, certain historic lights will be accessible both on land and at sea. This event offers a rare chance to explore these coastal landmarks up close, many of which are usually off limits.

View from the lantern room at Bug Light (South Portland, Maine)

What to Expect:

Lighthouse Tours: Climb the spiral staircases and take in panoramic coastal views from the lantern rooms. Some lighthouses even have guides sharing stories of keepers, shipwrecks, and maritime history.
Photography & History: Whether you're capturing the rugged beauty of Maine’s coastline or diving into the history of these navigation aids, this event is a dream for history buffs and photographers alike. Coastal Walks & Picnics: Many lighthouses are located in scenic coastal parks, making them perfect spots for a relaxing walk along the shore or a picturesque picnic with ocean views.

Notable Lighthouses to Visit:

Portland Head Light (Cape Elizabeth) – One of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States.
Bug Light (South Portland) – A charming lighthouse with a unique design and great views of Portland Harbor.
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse (Bristol) – Featured on Maine’s state quarter and known for its dramatic rocky coastline.
Owls Head Light (Rockland) – Provides breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay and a glimpse into maritime history.
Bass Harbor Head Light (Acadia National Park) – A must-visit landmark in one of Maine’s most scenic national parks.

Portland Head Light During Maine Lighthouse Day

Portland Head Light is a historic lighthouse located in Cape Elizabeth, a short drive from Portland. It is among the most photographed lighthouses in the country and is the oldest one in our state. If you plan on going to visit a lighthouse I highly recommend Portland Head Light, as its the quintessential New England lighthouse.

After you snap some photos of the famous lighthouse, you can visit the museum in the former keeper's quarters and explore the adjacent Fort Williams Park. Follow along the park's pathways beside the ocean and make sure you grab a lobster roll or gelato from one of the nearby food trucks.

The tower is accessible to the public only once a year, in September, during Maine Open Lighthouse Day, with limited admission. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. When we obtained our tickets at around 8 am, we were informed that the next available time slot for two people would be at 11 am. After securing our tickets, we took the opportunity to grab breakfast and returned for our designated time.

I'm grateful that we arrived early for our tickets, as a sign along the way to the lighthouse indicated that all available slots had been filled – a situation that didn't surprise me! The panoramic view from the top of the lighthouse is truly exceptional, providing a memorable experience. I can now proudly say that I stood atop one of the world's most iconic lighthouses.