MidCoast Maine (typically considered as beginning at Bath and ending up by Searsport on Penobscot Bay) has a beautiful rocky coastline, with numerous peninsulas jutting out into the ocean and islands dotting the coast. There are over 60 historic lighthouses in the state of Maine, many of which located in the midcoast area.
Every lighthouse is so unique and each visit is a completely different experience. They might be kid friendly, include long walks, or are viewed best from the water. For this trip, we mapped out a route to see Doubling Point Lighthouse, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Owl’s Head Lighthouse, and Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. It’s a beautiful drive from location to location with breweries, restaurants, parks and towns to stop in and explore. We stayed the night in Damariscotta, a great little town right in the center of the midcoast area.
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
Bristol, Maine
If you’re looking for more than just a beautiful and scenic lighthouse, then Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is for you. After paying a $3 per person admittance fee, you’ll have access to the park, Art Gallery, Fishermen’s Museum, and Learning Center. Clean bathrooms are available on site, and picnic benches are spread throughout with panoramic views of the ocean.
The Fishermen’s Museum, located right inside the lighthouse, is filled with old fishing equipment, photos, and lighthouse equipment used through the years. There are lighthouse entries preserved from the 1800s and records honoring shipwrecks and sailors lost at sea.
My favorite part was walking along the rocks by the ocean and seeing the lighthouse from below. The rocks are jagged yet smooth, worn away from years of rough waves crashing upon them. Wear sturdy shoes if you’re going to explore the rocks and don’t get too close to the shoreline – large waves come out of nowhere and can sweep you right off your feet.
This lighthouse is relatively kid friendly. The park area is smooth enough for a stroller, and older kids could handle walking down on the rocks. No lengthy hiking or stair climbing involved.
Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
Rockland, Maine
The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is exactly what you expect from the name – to reach the lighthouse you must walk 7/8 mile on the breakwater. It’s a pretty smooth stroll but you have to pay attention to where you’re stepping – there are some large gaps that can trip you up.
According to RocklandHarborLights.org, the breakwater actually came first to protect Rockland’s harbor and waterfront structures, then the lighthouse was added to protect ships from the breakwater itself.
This lighthouse is best seen by boat cruising in or out of Rockland Harbor. I wouldn’t recommend for young kids – the walk on the breakwater isn’t stroller friendly, and toddlers may have a difficult time navigating around the gaps.
Owls Head Lighthouse
Town of Owls Head, ME
I saw photos of Owls Head Lighthouse about a year ago and knew this had to be one of our stops. Located in Owls Head State Park, the lighthouse is situated at the top of a hill, accessible by short walk up a dirt path and flight of stairs.
Built in 1825, rebuilt in 1852, and restored in 2010, Owls Head Lighthouse has one of the last Fresnel lenses operated in Maine. It’s a charming lighthouse with grand 360 degree views of the harbor below.
The area around the lighthouse is fairly small so I recommend avoiding high-tourism times if possible. It’s a family friendly spot: the path is fine for a stroller, and though there are stairs, there aren’t too many for a young child to walk or adult to carry a baby.
Doubling Point Lighthouse
Arrowsic, Maine
Located on the island of Arrowsic, ME, Doubling Point Lighthouse was built in 1898 to help guide ships safely to Bath. To get there, you’ll drive down a gravel road through a residential neighborhood (and hope no one drives the other way – it was really narrow!). There’s a small parking lot in front of a private home overlooking the lighthouse.
We lucked out and there was no one else on site – we had the whole place to ourselves to explore and enjoy. I love this style of lighthouse, with a long catwalk through the wetland. There are small paths through the surrounding woods and marsh, allowing visitors to wander the grounds and see the lighthouse from all sides.
The grounds are somewhat small but easy for families with children to get around by foot. You can also capture beautiful views of the lighthouse by boat.
If you love lighthouses and exploring the coast, then MidCoast Maine is the perfect destination for you. Do you have a favorite New England lighthouse? Comment below – we love suggestions on where to visit next!