How to Visit Six Lighthouses Near Portland, Maine

The Portland area has six lighthouses within 20 minutes of the City. Here's a driving tour to see all six lighthouses in one trip. This drive from the PineCrest Inn is altogether less than 35 minutes of actual driving time but depending on how long you stop, can take a couple hours. Give yourself some time to explore.

Here's How:

1. From Gorham and the PineCrest Inn, turn Right out of the parking lot and follow Rt 114 South. Stay on Rt 114 until you cross Rt. 1, Then follow Rt 207 South. (Rt 114 becomes Rt 207) Follow Rt 207 to Rt 77 and turn Right.

2. After passing Crescent beach State Park, Turn Right at Signs that read Two Lights State Park and drive until it dead ends. Light house is up on the left.

3. Retrace your steps back to Route 77 in Cape Elizabeth, turn right on Route 77 and follow to the town center, then turn right onto Shore Road.

4. Follow Shore Road approximately 2 miles, taking time to enjoy the beautiful homes with their water views. Turn right at the sign for Fort Williams, and follow the road to the end, to Portland Head Light, the most photographed lighthouse in the country.

5. Before leaving, observe Ram Island Light at the entrance to Portland Harbor off Portland Head.

6. Retrace your route and turn right onto Shore Road. Go 1.4 miles and veer right onto Preble Street (just before the Irving gas station).

7. Follow Preble Street .9 miles through Willard Square and turn right onto Fort Road. Follow to the campus of the Southern Maine Technical College.

8. Drive through the campus to the Portland Harbor Museum and walk along the granite breakwater to Spring Point Light, explore the remains of Fort Preble, or walk the waterfront path to Willard Beach.

9. Returning to your car, retrace your route through campus, turn right at the campus stop sign and continue past the Spring Point Marina on your right.

10. Continue through this industrial section of town until just before the booth to the boat launch. Turn right here onto Madison Street and follow to Bug Light .

11. To return to the PineCrest take 77 back to 207 and then to Rt 114.

Tips:
1. Take your camera. You'll have some great photo opportunities.
2. Take your binoculars.
3. If you have time, stop at the Lobster Shack at Two Lights State Park and have a lobster meal within view of the lighthouse and the sound of crashing surf.
4. After checking out the lighthouse at Fort Williams, explore some of the fort's ruins.
5. This lighthouse tour can also be done on bicycle.