Places to visit in New England – Maine Lighthouses & Quaint Seaside Towns

While on an 8-day vacation to New England we enjoyed some of the most beautiful and historic areas in the United States. There is no way to capture the beauty of New England in words or photos. We’ve all seen the gorgeous photos of the stately lighthouses on a bluff or on a craggy seashore.  Who can justify a New England trip without visits to Maine’s lighthouses?  We couldn’t.

Maine is known as the Lighthouse State with 65 lighthouses standing guard over the Atlantic coastline, For over 250 years lighthouses have warned approaching sailors of perils along the coast.  Do a little research into the duties and life of Lighthouse keepers before you go.  Their job was not easy and was often lonely.  Here’s a brief description: Lighthouse Keepers Duties or get this great but sad movie:  The Light Between Oceans.  It gives you a good idea of a lightkeeper’s solitary life.

If you’re staying near or in Boston, have a day to spend, and want to see a handful of lighthouses and port towns this is what to see:

Stonewall Kitchen – York

Leave the Boston area around 9am to avoid traffic. Weekday traffic shouldn’t be too bad but if traveling on the weekend be sure to allow extra driving time and be patient! Driving through New Hampshire on I-15 make a quick stop at Stonewall Kitchen to sample their products. If you like gift and kitchen shops like we do you know the name Stonewall Kitchen.  They make jams, jellies, mustards, and chips and crackers. This is their flagship store where there are at least 100 different products to sample. We bought some pumpkin salsa and squash spaghetti sauce. It was delicious!  (Address: 2 Stonewall Ln, York, ME 03909 – give yourself at least 30 minutes to taste test.)

Nubble Lighthouse – York

Next travel to the Nubble Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses on the coast of Maine. It sits on an island and you can’t walk up to it but has a gorgeous view from the shore. Roam around finding your favorite view to capture this lighthouse. At one time the lighthouse keeper had a family of children who rode a basket on pulleys across the narrow strip of water to attend school.  Fun?  Maybe not in the winter.  There is a gift shop that sells local artist’s paintings and an ice-cream stand. (Address: Sohier Park Rd, York, ME 03909 – 60 minutes should be enough time).

Ogunquit & Marginal Way

Then head north along the coast on Routes 1A and 1 to Ogunquit for a stop at Perkin’s Cove for lunch,  The Cove is a quaint former fishing town with great restaurants, beautiful views and fun shops. Many of the restaurants specialize in seafood for lunch but think about bringing cash for sidewalk vendors.  Perkin’s Cove is also the end or the beginning of the Marginal Way.  Marginal Way is a great walk along a paved walkway with stunning views of the ocean and rocky coast. You can start at the Sparhawk Resort and finish at Perkins Cove, or vice-versa.  The walk is just over a mile long with benches along the way to sit and enjoy the view. Wear comfortable shoes and take your time and enjoy the views. You can walk back or take the trolley for $2. Parking is not easy to find during peak season and weekends.  Consider parking and taking the trolley which loads up every 20 minutes.  You can download a map here.  (Perkin’s Cove Lane – 2 hours for walk and lunch).

Portland Head & Ram Island Ledge Lighthouses

Head north again for a “must see” stop at Portland Head Lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth. You reach this lighthouse from Fort Williams Park and you can walk right up to the lighthouse and explore the grounds.  There is a $1-$2 fee to visit the museum in the Keepers’ Quarters. See  History of Portland Head Lighthouse.   Roam through the Battery Keyes, the Battery Blair, the Arboretum, the Goddard Mansion, or wander along the beach where you can view the lighthouse and grounds from various locations.   What to do at Fort Williams Park.   (1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 – at least 60 minutes).

Ram Island Lighthouse is located about a mile offshore, is never open to the public, and the island is accessible only by private boat. But, you can view and photograph Ram Island Ledge Light from Portland Head Light.  This was an eerie lighthouse in my opinion.  History of Ram Island Lighthouse

Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (Bug Light)

Depending on your time constraints you might consider seeing one last lighthouse.  Bug Light was modeled after an ancient Greek monument and is called “Bug Light” due to its small size.  A stone path leads out to it.  The South Portland Historical Museum and Liberty Ship Memorial are located at the entrance to Bug Light Park.  (Madison Street, South Portland, about 30 minutes to walk out and back on the stones leading the light.)  You could also call it a day and stay at one of the many Bed and Breakfast locations in Portland — I say this because Kennebunkport is next on the list and you can easily spend an entire day enjoying this quaint town. But, if a day is all you’ve got head south to Kennebunkport.

Kennebunkport

After viewing the lighthouses head south to Kennebunkport and drive Ocean Drive — a great place to enjoy breathtaking views of the rocky Maine seacoast and gorgeous homes and cottages off the coast. If you arrive early enough go for a walk and stop at the many overlooks with benches. Some have access down to the water. Along the way, you’ll see Walker’s Point, St Anne’s Church, and the Bush family compound.  Kennebunkport has a lot to see and do. See Kennebunkport Shopping and Kennebunkport Restaurants.

Take time to eat dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants then head back to Boston. which will take about 90 minutes minimum.  If you’re a late night person shop until the stores close then grab dinner.

Looking at this schedule it’s doable in one day.  You won’t see but a fraction of Maine but you get a good glimpse.  Now back to Boston and the Freedom Trail …

Read about New England and the White Mountains and Salem MA