Visiting Maine without seeing a lighthouse would be like skipping the Colosseum in Rome. More than 60 of these historic beacons are stationed along the Maine coast, and with four lighthouses within a 20-mile radius of Kennebunkport, the Cape Arundel Inn & Resort makes an ideal home base for lighthouse lovers. Start your tour of these inspiring, life-saving, guiding lights by visiting the two nearest to the resort.
Goat Island Light
Pier Road, Cape Porpoise, Kennebunkport, Maine, 207-967-3465
Kennebunkport’s own lighthouse stands on a rocky island in Cape Porpoise Harbor and is easily viewed from the pier in this walkable little coastal village. Established in 1833 and rebuilt several times, Goat Island Light was restored in 2011 to its 1950s appearance. Automated in 1990, this was the last Maine lighthouse to have a keeper. A small dock accommodates boaters who want to visit the island for a closer look. Or stay ashore and enjoy the sights of this working harbor from a table at Cape Porpoise’s Pier 77 restaurant and its more casual The Ramp Bar & Grill.
Wood Island Light
Vine’s Landing, Biddeford, Maine, 207-200-4552
You can spy this 1858 stone lighthouse—located on Wood Island in Saco Bay—from Route 208 in Biddeford Pool, just about 12 miles north of Kennebunkport. But for a unique lighthouse experience, reserve your spot on a Wood Island Lighthouse tour in July or August. You’ll board the Light Runner at Vine’s Landing for a 15-minute boat trip to the island, where you’ll hear stories of heroism and walk a half-mile, wood-plank boardwalk to the tower. You can even climb the stairs for incredible views and insights about the lighthouse’s inner workings. Tours are free, but donations are appreciated by the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse: the all-volunteer organization that offers these outings and endeavors to preserve the island and restore its historic light station.
More Lighthouses to See Near Kennebunkport:
Cape Neddick “Nubble” Light in York
Boon Island Lighthouse in York
Whaleback Light in Kittery
