This was my "go-to" park for jogging in the morning during a July 2026 stay in South Portland. It has so many pluses. First, parking is free and generally available in the morning. Second, it has a lovely, open view of Casco Bay with several islands in the distance. Third, you can jog along the park and around the marina - or connect to the Greenway trail for a longer run. Fourth, it has a cool display on WW2 history and Portland's vital role in navy shipbuilding (more than 25,000 workers added to the population). read more

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This is a nice place for a quick stop! Theres a nice walking path. If it was a warm day i would have taken a walk since it has beautiful views. The lighthouse itself was small but well kept. Overall a nice picturesque park. read more

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Small and unpresuming from afar, this light house probably has the most personality around Portland with its unique architectural features. Unfortunately, there were some workers working near the light, so we couldn't go up close to view the fine ornamental details. Nonetheless it was a nice walk, with views of the Portland skyline, and nearby there is an informative history exhibit on the Portland shipyards and construction of Liberty Ships. read more

Large parking lot with lots of spaces. Wonderful views of the lighthouse and Portland Harbor. Grassy areas as well as a walkway and park benches. Well-maintained. Free to park and walk the park. read more

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Bug Light Park We stopped by this park area to view the Lighthouse. This park is very clean and laid out nicely. Lots of area to enjoy the scenery overlooking the bay and take a break you're your hectic lives. You can fly kits, fish or hike the park.There are benches and even a history panel with lots of history about this areas ship building in WW2. The lighthouse is easy to walk out to and it's in great shape for being built in 1875. We just enjoyed the day in this park and were glad we went there. There is plenty of room for parking your car. I must give this Lighthouse and park a 5 out of 5 stars. Follow Me On FB For More Reviews & Fun Gulf Coast Terry read more

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While in Portland Maine on Mother's Day Noël Teel & I explored Bug Breaker Lighthouse! Tony Vanoy stayed in car with Calliope she was asleep! It's free to enjoy and such a lovely park Highly recommend that you go! Beautiful views down around the park area! read more

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Bug Light is an amazing park! It has some gorgeous views and is a very clean park. They have some great walking trails and it's right off the Green Belt in South Portland. There are some cute benches where I love to have a coffee and watch the boats on the water in summer. They have the iconic lighthouse, which is always a hit. There is a free parking lot but limited spaces as the park is popular. There is additional parking just a short two minute walk back. They have a paved pathway perfect for people needing handicap accessibility. Great spot for kite flying, walking your dog, or just sitting and having a picnic. Definitely check it out! read more

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Quaint little light house. Made out of cast iron and over 100 years old. This is a great park to fly kites. There was a nice breeze. This is one of the shortest light houses. You can get to the top using a little giant ladder. Good view and a nice relaxing location. You can see the cruise ships from here across the harbor. read more

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Beautiful lighthouse it's one of the smallest I seen. You can walk to it but the wind factor wouldn't allow that for us. My phone almost flipped out my hand, the wind was damn near pushing me so there was no way I was walking on that path to the light house. But in the summer it was be really nice. read more

Bug Light Park - More water - Parks Near Me

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A very small historic lighthouse, but worth a visit. There was ample parking close to the park. The lighthouse is a historic site and well maintained. The view is beautiful of the bay and Portland. Definitely worth a visit. read more

I was told it gets its name for being a small lighthouse, not for having bugs because there were no bugs during my visit. You can walk right up to this lighthouse and watch boats cruise by in to the harbor. Best thing about this park is that parking is free! Which turns out is very rare in Portland. An easy 5 minute walk to the lighthouse from the parking lot. The unique base of the lighthouse has some columns to mimic an ancient structure in Athens Greece. I didn't see any restroom facilities here. read more

Bug Light Park - Parks Near Me

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This is a cute little lighthouse, but it is pretty small and not something. I would say you would plan on seeing from miles away. We took some great pictures with the small lighthouse. read more

Bug Light Park - Parks Near Me

Be sure to take time to see the small but mighty Portland Breakwater Light, aka "Bug Light," one of the 6 lighthouses in the Portland area. Tremendous views anytime of year. Ample parking in an adjacent lot and a short easy walk to the lighthouse. Free to park and look. read more

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This park is very easy to access with plenty of parking. The parking is easy walking distance to the lighthouse. Aside from temperatures being freezing it is such a pretty little lighthouse. I will say the lighthouse is not safe for smaller children...no railings and the pathway is uneven. It is also not handicap accessible with the cobblestone type walkway. Although it is not ideal for everyone the view is special and I think the walkway adds character. On the upside it's easily viewable from the parking lot without having to walk to the lighthouse. It's also free to visit this lighthouse. read more

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Loved this cute little miniature sized Lighthouse! In my opinion, the Portland Head light and Bug Light are the two must see light houses near Portland, Maine. The day that we went, it was a little foggy outside, which added to the charm and made it even more picturesque. There are lots of benches for visitors to sit on, if you'd like to spend some leisurely time here enjoying the views. read more

Bug Light Park - Parks Near Me

A nice Lighthouse that is easy to get to. On a great harbor. Based on Greek lines of Architecture. read more

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It's a pretty chill spot. Lots of open space to walk, picnic, or just sit by the water. We noticed a lot of people just parked and watched the water in their cars. Oh - and there is a lighthouse there as well it's a cute little lighthouse, the size of a bug, in comparison to the others read more

Bug Light Park - There she is! - Parks Near Me

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Of course, the centerpiece of the Bug Light Park is the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse that was built in 1875. The park features lots of open space with picnic tables and grills. The paved walkway follows the seashore from the parking area to the breakwater. The location on the shore is quite breezy so if you've got a kite, bring it! There is a great view of Maine's largest city from the breakwater. Officially the Portland Breakwater Light, it is built on a granite block caisson and is 25 feet tall. The lighthouse was restored in 1989 and reactivated as an active navigational aid in 2002. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. You can walk almost out to the end of the breakwater to get close to it. Worth it! This was our final lighthouse of the weekend's tour https://www.yelp.com/collection/GLWJhPZloUBCLUFSYgLw4g. So the park benches were definitely helpful for a nice rest! [Review 14912 overall, 414 of 2021, number 94 in Maine.] read more

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Came here during a driving work break and forgot how pretty this park is. I've watched the fireworks and meandered around the park before but for some reason, the park stays off my radar as a destination for a daytime, picnic, frisbee, or a nice dog walk. I will definitely keep this place in mind for an afternoon by the ocean that doesn't involve a beach. With Plenty of parking.... I feel like this spot is a local gem. read more

Bug Light Park - Kites and an approaching storm - Parks Near Me

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This is a lovely park to walk and see the light house. Clean and family friendly. You can have a picnic or nice walk were you see large cruise ships and listen to the water. read more

Love that this has plenty of parking. Great visit for after dark. Just be careful because it gets super dark out there.

Number 3 light house we visited. Still beautiful! Love it! Very clean area, although no garbage can around area. Definitely a place to check out of you are in Portland ME. read more

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I love Bug Light Park. 1. Gorgeous scenery. The lighthouse itself is accessible (so fun to get up close!), and the view of Portland from this vantage point is unbelievable. 2. Plentiful parking! Almost never have to worry about finding parking. 3. Pet friendly. Love taking the doggos here. 4. Grassy area is great for flying kites or laying out a picnic blanket. 5. Generally a relaxed and happy crowd of people. 6. Very clean. I just wish they had some sort of bathroom situation - there appears to be an old Port-a-Potty spot, but it's no longer. If this park had some bathrooms it'd be A+! I think it's small enough to be able to handle a few. Gorgeous for locals and tourists alike. read more

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This is a cute little lighthouse in south Portland. There are plenty of benches and a few picnic tables for anyone to use. The lighthouse is just a short walk from the parking lot. We saw people flying kites, reading, and playing with their dogs on the open grassy area. A cool breeze coming off from the ocean helped us stay comfortable on what would have been a hot summer day. read more

Bug Light Park - Portland Breakwater Lighthouse aka Bug Light. - Parks Near Me

As soon as you park, to the right you'll see the Liberty Ship Memorial dedicated to the shipyards during WWII, and to the left, you'll see the little Bug Light. Bug Light is TINY in comparison to Headlight, but because of it's diminutive size, it's actually pretty charming. There are benches along the walk way, and also a park for dogs and kids to run about during the warmer months. If you look out, you'll see Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse to the EAST! read more

We really enjoyed our visit to this 8+ acre park that offers an expansive view of Portland harbor and the skyline of the city. We found ample parking and admission was free. This area was once the site of a vast shipbuilding industry during WWII and there is now a liberty ship memorial at the opposite end of the park from the eponymous lighthouse. read more

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Personally I think this is one the too spots in Portland. It's usually busy but not overwhelming and there is a walking path to another lighthouse as well as other areas in south Portland close by. There is a beautiful view of the city of Portland from here as well as if your up for a picnic this is the lace, around Portland this is a must see! read more

Bug Light Park - Parks Near Me

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Beautiful spot that's not too crowded with people. I wanted to be somewhere peaceful to watch the sunset and practice some photography. It is a somewhat narrow/sm-md parking lot, and I wish it was a little wider. There's a huge field of grass and some benchs where you can sit and enjoy the view. There isn't a beach/sand you can walk on, so don't expect that here it's more rocks. read more

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Oh, Bug Light... You're incredibly charming, aren't you? It's places like this that remind me of how #blessed I am to live where I live. That being said: it's also easy to take places like this for granted... despite living in the area for quite a while, it took me ages to actually check out Bug Light. Now that I have, I'm a little smitten. This area of Greater Portland was used for shipbuilding during WWII, and there's a beautiful memorial that explains in detail the who, what, where, and why of it that's worth checking out for a totally different perspective of the city! Now it's an 8+ acre park of green expanse that offers sweeping views of the Portland skyline and harbor, and also features a 26-foot tall lighthouse at the end of a rocky breakwater that's been there since the mid-1800's. If you get the chance to partake in ANY event here: do so. Doesn't matter what you're participating in - it's always wonderful, and that's largely due to just how quintessentially Maine this tremendously accessible area is. Volunteer to pick-up trash with the Friends of Casco Bay, or do yoga at sunset, or check out the summer outdoor movie series, or bring a picnic... maybe even during the annual kite festival held here, or tour Portland Breakwater Light (the actual name of the lighthouse) on Open Lighthouse Day in September... just come here and stretch your legs any time, any season. When we have something this amazing in our backyards, we should be doing everything we can to support and appreciate it (and not take forever to do so)! read more

Absolutely my favorite park to come to especially to watch the sunset. It's stunning and so peaceful. Great place to walk on the water or read a book or enjoy a picnic with some friends read more

Bug Light Park - The lighthouse and sign - Parks Near Me

So cute and pretty!! I didn't know lighthouses came in size small. I'm sure the park is an excellent place to hang out when the weather is nicer. read more

One of South Portland's publicly viewed lighthouses. Not many in Maine are accessible to the public and prior to Memorial Day and/or the summer months. It's a pity that the museums are also attached to the lighthouse where it is also closed. It would've been so delightful to be able to learn more of the history about the lighthouse and present maintenance etc. The scenery is absolutely stunning no matter the weather, it's dreamy and wonderful to experience. You're allowed to take pictures and they do accept donations. read more

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This was a cool place! We went here to do family photos. It was cool to see the sunset over the city. It's a huge space so even though there were plenty of people there, we never felt crowded. The lighthouse is cute and cool you can get so close to it. Plenty of parking which is a huge plus! Lots of dogs around. It wasn't spotless with trash and dog waste but overall pretty clean. read more

Beautiful day at the Portland Bug Light. Not much here but a peaceful and amazing view. Good place to catch the Portland skyline. Free parking. Nice view of the water without a ton of people. read more

Lovely spot for a walk and some killer Portland views. Large area for people to walk, have a picnic, and play games in the grass. Free parking is always a plus. Lots for signs and information about Portland and the museum is right next door. Can't wait to go back when they are open! read more

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We were actually going to a small makers market in South Portland and one of the people set up there said you should check out bug light park around the corner because L.L. Bean was set up there. This was our first time at the park love this place with a little lighthouse and and the amazing ocean view. read more

Bug Light Park - Parks Near Me

Lovely little park over looking the Portland harbor. Great view of Portland across the water. Small walking area to see a very unusual lighthouse. Free parking. Pack a picnic and watch the ship action in the harbor! read more

Bug Light Park - Bug Light - Parks Near Me

The Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (Bug Light) is located at the north end of Bug Light Park. It is the closest lighthouse to Portland at the northeast tip of South Portland. The lighthouse is small, white and black structure. The park has great views of the city and Casco Bay. However, the view of the city might be blocked by cruise ships that dwarfs the modest skyline during cruise ship season. 158 Pickett Street Café If you are looking for some breakfast or lunch near Bug Light, 158 Pickett Street Café is a decent spot. It is surrounded by Southern Maine Community College. As such, the nearby parking lots are for the school and the students and faculty will take up a lot of street parking. Fortunately, there are two spots designated for the café in front of it. It is known for its bagels. The popular seaweed bagel was sold out when I went there around 10 AM. Accordingly, I ordered a sesame one. It was decent. I prefer bagels softer so they are easier to chew. I also got lox and the smoked salmon was solid. It also included cucumbers and capers. I was not blown away but it was a good, quick breakfast. If you are visiting and planning a trip to Portland and looking for recommendations, feel free to message me for my itinerary. You can also find the electronic copy through the link my profile. read more

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Just a stones throw away from downtown Portland, there lies a gorgeous lighthouse and park. It was built in 1875 but adopted by the city in 1940. It isn't your usual lighthouse but it was still a joy to visit. Since it's smaller than many others along the coast, you cannot go inside. Sometimes it is better to admire the detail and beauty that sits near the water. The park is lovely with a huge grassy area for weekend picnics or weekday lunch hours. there are plenty of trash receptacles and benches as well. There seemed to be a good mixture of locals and visitors on the sunny day we were there. Even with lighthouses, size doesn't matter. Escape the busy life and enjoy! read more

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An elegant lighthouse Bug Light Park is a very cool little park right on the water. Lots of room to run around, great views and a nice exhibit about all the Liberty Ships are all right here. But the real attraction, at least for me, is the lighthouse. A bug light, only 26 feet tall but quite distinctive and unique. It was modeled after the Greek monument, Choragic Monument of Lysicrates and designed by the famous architect Thomas Walter. Definitely a cool and special little bug light. The very first light at this location was built in 1855 and the bug light was constructed in 1875. It served well until 1943 when it was discontinued. The light was restored in 1989 and now is a very popular tourist attraction. The park is a very cool place with views of the city of Portland across the bay and even the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse only about a mile to the east. If your eyes are good you might even get a glimpse of the the mighty Portland Head Lighthouse down at the end of the bay. A small light but a unique one. No other lighthouse looks quite like this. A diminutive lighthouse that is definitely worth a trip to see. read more

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