If you ever look at the money you spend, you may have noticed the Maine state quarter and the cool lighthouse featured on the back. That’s the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and it’s one of the few that you can visit and actually go up into! We’ve got all the details for visiting the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and more fun things to do in the area. Stay tuned!
Highlights of Visiting Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
Visiting the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is a really fun day trip. Unlike most lighthouses in Maine, you can actually go up in the Pemaquid Point Light. It’s not a crazy tall lighthouse like the St Augustine Lighthouse in Florida, but it’s quaint and well maintained. The view from the top is beautiful as you look out over Pemaquid Point and out into the Atlantic Ocean.
There’s more to visiting Pemaquid than just the simple walk up the lighthouse tower, as there’s also a small museum attached that’s worth checking out. Since you usually have to wait a few minutes to go up into the lighthouse tower, you’ll have a chance to check out the exhibits and artifacts and learn a bit about this 1827 lighthouse. This is a great place to visit for people like me who totally geek out over both history and all things maritime. The Keeper’s Quarters are also onsite to visit.
After you’ve climbed the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and done the museum, take your time enjoying the grounds. There are rocks to climb, gardens to enjoy, lots of photo ops and park benches to sit and watch the tides come crashing in. There is also a really wonderful art gallery on property that showcases local artists in a variety of mediums. One of the best souvenirs you can bring back from a visit to Maine is a local piece of art, and what better subject matter than a beautiful small painting of the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.
Tips for Visiting Pemaquid Point Light
If this is your first visit to Maine and the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, you probably have actually seen this famous landmark before. No, you won’t mistake this lighthouse for the Portland Head or West Quoddy Light, but if you’ve ever paid attention to USA money, you might recognize the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse as the icon on the back of the Maine State Quarter. With 65 lighthouses in Maine, this is the one that was chosen as both the most beautiful and the most representative of the Maine maritime culture.
The best time of day for visiting the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is in the afternoon when it’s warmed up a bit. Because this light station is really set out on a point, the wind can pick up quite a lot and it can be a chilly visit. Dress warmly, but in layers and enjoy whatever weather befalls you. Plan an hour or more for your visit to the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. The whole park setting is beautiful and is quintessential Maine. You can easily bring a picnic to enjoy here before heading back up the peninsula (everything in Maine is located on a peninsula of some sort) to continue your day of exploring.
You can pair a visit to Pemaquid Point with a trip to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay Harbor, a stop in Wisscassett or visit on your way up to Rockland and Camden. The town of Damariscotta is also nearby, which is lovely to visit and walk through the main drag, grabbing food and drinks and shopping.
Being Prepared for Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
Dress for the weather you wish for but bring the coats and gear for the weather you may encounter. That’s the theme for getting ready for a day exploring in Midcoast Maine. Visiting the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse includes indoor activities such as the museum, climbing the tower and visiting the gallery, but it is an outdoor destination, so be properly prepared. Also, if you’re planning on scaling the rocks around the lighthouse, wear sturdy shoes, as flip-flops will be tricky for clambering on the rocks safely.
If you’re a photographer the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is beautiful during the golden hour with the sea mist in the air. While the lighthouse does close at 5:00 pm, if you’re visiting the grounds before sunset, you’ll get some beautiful lighting. A telephoto larger than a 250mm isn’t necessary unless you’ll also planning on hanging out and watching for wildlife, such as seals, eagles and other seabirds.
Note: the admission for the lighthouse park is $4 USD per person with a suggested donation of $1 per person to climb the lighthouse tower. This is all a volunteer operation so donations are welcome!
Parking at Pemaquid Point Light
The parking area at the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is very large, so you won’t have any trouble. The gallery is detached from the museum and lighthouse tower, but it’s all pretty close together, so you won’t need to move your car about. During summer weekend, it can get busy here. If the crowds are rolling in, there may be an attendant directing traffic, but usually it’s a pretty smooth flow.
Pemaquid Lighthouse Operating Information
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and book your adventure.
- Operating Dates/Season: year round, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (gallery hours may vary)
- Office phone number: 207-677-2492
- Park website: BristolMaine.org
- Lighthouse address: 3115 Bristol Rd, New Harbor, ME 04554
Things to Do in MidCoast Maine
There are plenty of things to do in Rockland, Camden, near the Samoset Resort, or wherever you’re staying in MidCoast Maine. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, arts and culture experiences, or family-friendly maritime stuff, there are tons of great options for things to do. Here are ten interesting things to do in the area:
- Camden Hills State Park – Located just a short drive from the Samoset Resort, the Camden Hills State Park offers miles of hiking trails, breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay, and opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting.
- Take a Sail on a Schooner – Camden is known as the “sailing capital of the world,” and for good reason. Several schooner companies offer scenic sails out of Camden Harbor, giving visitors the chance to experience the beauty of Penobscot Bay from the water.
- Explore the Farnsworth Art Museum – Located in nearby Rockland, the Farnsworth Art Museum is home to an impressive collection of American art, including works by Andrew Wyeth, Winslow Homer, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
- Visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum – Located in Rockland, the Maine Lighthouse Museum is dedicated to the history of lighthouses and their keepers in Maine. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, and even a working Fresnel lens.
- Go Whale or Puffin Watching – Going out of Camden or Port Clyde, several companies offer whale watching tours, giving visitors the chance to see humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as dolphins and porpoises, in their natural habitat. I love Monhegan Boat Line from Port Clyde.
- Visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – Located about 45 minutes from the Samoset Resort, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens features over 300 acres of gardens, woodland trails, and waterfalls. The gardens are open year-round and offer special events and activities throughout the year.
- Visit a Lighthouse – There are so many lighthouses in Maine, and you’re spoiled for choice here in MidCoast Maine. From the Rockland Breakwater Light to Marshal Point, Pemequid or the Squirrel Point Light, you can visit so many different, truly unique lighthouses.
- Visit the Owls Head Transportation Museum – Located just a few miles from the Samoset Resort, the Owls Head Transportation Museum is home to an impressive collection of antique cars, planes, motorcycles, and other vehicles. The museum also hosts several special events throughout the year.
Where to Stay in MidCoast Maine
Of course we love getting to stay places like the Samoset Resort or 250 Main Hotel, but there are lots more options. Depending on how far out you are able to book your visit to MidCoast Maine you may become limited in finding both the right type of accommodations AND something within your budget. Here are some good picks for places to consider in the Rockland / general MidCoast area:
- The Ledges
- Craignair Inn by the Sea
- Rockland Harbor Hotel
- Drift Oceanside Inn
- Strawberry Hill Seaside Inn
- Camden Harbor Inn
- Camden Maine Stay Inn
Each of these recommendations is good for couples or families. Inquire with each if you’re traveling with a pet or have specific hotel needs. Below you’ll find a map with additional options for finding a stay in MidCoast Maine.
I hope you’ll consider making the trek out to the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Visiting this part of Maine is really special in any season. If you have any additional questions or need some recommendations for something else, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re happy to share more and help YOU have a wonderful trip as you explore Maine!
