You may be familiar with Portland Head Light. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. While this beacon is iconic to Cape Elizabeth and Greater Portland, there are five other incredible lighthouses nearby that you can easily visit in a single afternoon. Here is the complete guide to exploring all six lighthouses around Casco Bay, along with the ideal driving route to see them all.

1. Portland Breakwater Light 

Also known as “Bug Light,” this small, Greek Revival-style lighthouse is the closest to Portland’s working waterfront. On any given sunny afternoon, you'll spot kites flying across the park lawn and sailboats cruising through the harbor channel. Right next to the light, the Liberty Ship Memorial honors South Portland's World War II shipbuilding legacy.

Portland Maine Vintage Travel Poster • Bug Light Wall Art & Canvas Print

2. Spring Point Ledge Light

Just past the Southern Maine Community College campus lies Spring Point Ledge Light, situated at the end of a long granite breakwater at historic Fort Preble. The breakwater is walkable and well worth the trek; as you walk out toward the "sparkplug" style tower, you'll catch a panoramic view of Portland Head Light across the water to the south.

• Local Tip: If you have extra time, nearby Willard Beach is an absolute gem for a coastal walk.

South Portland Maine Vintage Travel Poster • Spring Point Light Canvas Print

3. Portland Head Light

This is the main event. While you get a glimpse of it from Spring Point, seeing this iconic beacon up close is unmatched. Stroll along the cliffside trails, explore the blooming gardens inside Fort Williams Park, and visit the historical museum housed inside the former lightkeeper's quarters.

Cape Elizabeth Maine Vintage Travel Poster • Portland Head Light Canvas Print

4. Ram Island Ledge Light

Looking out into the offshore waters directly behind Portland Head, you'll spot the rugged, stone tower of Ram Island Ledge Light. The juxtaposition of this remote offshore beacon standing behind the immaculate white tower and keeper's house at Cape Elizabeth makes for one of the most iconic views in the state.

5. Cape Elizabeth Light

Make sure not to turn into Two Lights State Park if your goal is to view the lighthouse up close—the absolute best view of this active beacon is from the patio at The Lobster Shack at Two Lights. Plan your tour to end here; eating fresh lobster rolls while watching the waves crash against the rocks below the tower is quintessential Maine.Also known historically as "Two Lights" due to its decommissioned twin down the road, Cape Elizabeth Light marks the easternmost point of the mainland in Casco Bay.

6. Western Light at Two Lights

While no longer visible from the exact angle Edward Hopper famously painted in 1929, a short stroll down Two Lights Terrace brings you face-to-face with the retired twin tower. Note that both lighthouses at Cape Elizabeth are private property, so be sure to admire them respectfully from the public roadway and viewing points.

The Recommended Driving Route

1. Start in Portland: Head over the Casco Bay Bridge and follow Broadway all the way to Breakwater Drive to reach Bug Light Park.
2. To Spring Point: Spring Point Ledge Light is right around the corner at the end of Fort Road. It's so close, it may be faster to walk - and it's a beautiful stroll. 
3. To Fort Williams: Take Preble Street to Shore Road for a scenic drive directly into Fort Williams Park to see Portland Head Light and Ram Island Ledge Light.
4. To Two Lights: Continue along Shore Road—one of the most picturesque coastal stretches in southern Maine—then turn left onto Route 77 toward Two Lights Road. Follow it to the end at The Lobster Shack.