While vacationing in Maine, we were able to see a few lighthouses. Not as many as I had hoped, but the few we saw were great. Pemaquid Point was one of them. This lighthouse was first constructed in 1827 and again rebuilt in 1835 due to poor construction of the first tower. The lighthouse became fully automated in 1934. read more

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This lighthouse felt extremely remote to me because we'd been driving from Camden and visited two others prior to this. This one was about 30 minutes one way off the main road and was isolated from much else. There is a cute inn very nearby and a small town with an ice cream shop and a few stores and art galleries. It's charming and if you are staying anywhere nearby, this is a great spot to come and visit during the day, go through the museum and enjoy the grounds. We visited later after it was closed at 5pm so, parking was free, and we were free to roam around on the rocks and enjoy the views. This lighthouse by far had some of the best rock and views. Very pretty and you can get up close and personal with the lighthouse here. read more

Such a peaceful and scenic spot to visit! The views from the lighthouse were absolutely stunning -- you can see the waves crashing along the rocks and feel the salty ocean breeze. It's the perfect place to relax, take photos, and just enjoy the beauty of the coast. The area was clean, easy to walk around, and not too crowded, which made it even more enjoyable. Whether you're into photography, sightseeing, or just love ocean views, this lighthouse is definitely worth the stop. read more

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse - Largest egg roll I've had before - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Bristol, Maine

This was my first ever SUN RISE with a lighthouse and it was AMAZING. Came here around 7am Friday morning and made it just in time for Sunrise. There were plenty of parking and only a few people here. The View was absolutely breath taking. The sun was slowly making its away up on the beautiful water. The sound of the ocean waves against the rocks, the ocean breeze smell were absolutely magnificent. There is even a bench for you set and enjoy the sun rise. It was truly peaceful and definitely made my morning. Highly recommend coming here. read more

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This was my first ever lighthouse to visit. There weren't a lot of people there so it was very quiet. The area was impeccable. No trash anywhere. It was so peaceful to walk and the grounds near the ocean. We spent a few hours just taking in the views. The paths were full of wild raspberry and blackberry bushes. The blackberries have thorns so be careful walking too close and brushing your legs against them. They have picnic benches if you so desire to pack a charcuterie board and champagne but snacks or just a few sandwiches and some drinks will be just fine too. I could spend a whole day here, yes it's that peaceful. They have bathrooms in the property grounds but they're outhouses, however there are gas stations near by too. I plan on going back to this area. There is a lot more to explore. The people are so kind and welcoming. read more

Had a nice visit at Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. There's an entrance fee of $4, but it's worth it. The views are incredible, and we got to the top of the lighthouse. It was a steep climb, so be cautious. This is a really beautiful area to relax and hang out during the day. read more

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Point Venture Old Maine lighthouse that's become the symbol of the state (thanks to winning the popular vote!) as it was featured on the state quarter series that came out a few years back. Originally built in 1827, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse has been replaced several times since and features one of only six Fresnel lenses still in operation here in Maine. The Good: *All the volunteers/docents were terrific, friendly, and full of great info. *Listed in the US National Register of Historic Places *Dog-friendly *Be sure to ascend the spiral staircase to the top of the 38' lighthouse for some spectacular panoramic views. *Learning Center, Fishermen's Museum, and an Art Museum are all located on-site. *Great views *Restaurant (didn't try) w/ a swell gift shop right next door. *There's a multiple Inns and Cottages right nearby if you wanted to stay near the lighthouse. The Meh: *$4/ adults entrance fee & $1/kids (5-11) The Ugly: *It's ±3k miles away :'( Conclusion: Just a really cool place to be and hangout. I wish we had a full day to spend here and just chill out, but unfortunately the next adventure always beckons... read more

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From the moment you get to the gate of the lighthouse, you are greeted by this sweet man who gives you the quick lay of the land. We went to the lighthouse and watched this video of the destruction of the lighthouse from the storms. Beautiful gallery too! You can walk the rocks but be super careful. read more

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Beautiful historic site! Great views of the coastline. A fun museum to see - absolutely wonderful! Worth the drive! read more

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We include this lighthouse in our almost annual trips to the mid-coast and this year was no different. Choosing not to pay the fee, we viewed it from the adjacent grounds of the aptly named Seagull Shop which happened to be closed. read more

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Bristol, Maine

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Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is one of the most iconic and picturesque lighthouses dotting the rocky Maine coastline - in fact - despite not being the oldest lighthouse in Maine - it's the one that is featured on the Maine state quarter design. The lighthouse is located inside a small city park and you must pay a small park entrance fee per person to visit and access the parking lot (with ample parking). On the day we visited it was rainy and stormy so the tower to climb to the top of the lighthouse was closed (a bummer) and you will still have to pay the park entry fee regardless of if the tower is closed or not - so keep in mind during your visit. Adjacent to the lighthouse is the restored Light keepers House which now houses the free Fisherman's Museum (which has its own separate Yelp page to check-in for) chronicling the maritime history of the town of Bristol and Pemaquid region. Despite not being able to climb the tower, the crashing waves against the rocky shoreline and the lighthouse keeping guard over it all were breathtaking and made it clearly easy to see the need for these guiding lights that cover the treacherous Maine coastline. read more

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I clearly didn't do my research before visiting this lighthouse, because I had no idea it was SO SMOL! So tiny. So little. Oh my gosh. Even my husband, who is afraid of heights, could handle this climb. In addition to walking the beautiful grounds, admiring the rocks and birds and water, there's an art gallery on site and also restrooms. Admission was something like $4 per person. If you are in the area, check this out! You can get some excellent photos (as long as the fog holds off). Right next door is a restaurant and gift shop. Check that out, too! read more

Really lovely place staffed by volunteers. They only let a few people up in to the lighthouse at a time, because it is tiny. The museum was a bit worn and dated, but there were a few interesting things in there. They have an art gallery for local artists sell their paintings, and there were some very lovely and interesting things in there. But the coolest thing was to walk out on the rocks to the water, and watch the waves crash against the rocks. Low-key and lovely lovely place to visit. read more

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The PP lighthouse isn't particularly tall, but it's quite picturesque and has nice surrounding grounds and ocean front rocks that are an easy climb. Admission is inexpensive at $4 and is worth the visit. The adjacent house has been converted to a fishing museum and while it is small, it's packed with artifacts so you could spend a while there if you are interested in the history of fishing in the region. You can go up in the lighthouse tower for a $1 cash fee; being cashless when I visited, I opted to skip it. There is on on-site art gallery as well as a restaurant/cafe next door (which can be accessed without admission). read more

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Just beautiful! We enjoyed the Fisherman's Museum , the landscape was stunning. We ate at the restaurant next to the lighthouse which was excellent . Can't wait to return and spend more time photographing the area. read more

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse - Peniquid Lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Bristol, Maine

Very picturesque area that is totally worth the trip in. Come sit and relax in their chairs or bring a picnic as they have tables. Restrooms on site. It is $4 per adult to park accepting cash and cards. They have a museum. The views are so captivating. Great spot to take photos and just appreciate nature in all its glory! read more

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Bottom Line: It's a bit of a detour off of US-1 to see the lighthouse featured on the Maine state quarter and the beautiful surrounding scenery. My husband and I were making the trek from Bar Harbor to Portland and we were looking for significant place to visit along the way. Admittedly, the 187 year old lighthouse was a bit more off the beaten path then I had planned but ultimately we think it was worth it. We approached from the north and came in on Hwy 32 and it felt like it took fooooorever to get there given the slow speed limit and windy road . Fortunately the trek back to US-1 on Hwys 130 and 129 was faster and more direct. Anyway, the views from the park were some of the best we saw during our five day trip in Maine. We enjoyed seeing the lighthouse and the Fishermen's Museum inside the former keeper's house was nice. The docent at the museum was friendly and informative and we enjoyed learning about lobstering from her. She was also very knowledgeable on the Fresnel lens on loan to the museum from the USCG as well as other Fresnel lenses. When we visited the lighthouse tower was closed for climbing but I understand it is occasionally open. There is also an art gallery on the property but we skipped it since we were hangry. Admission was $3 for adults and that felt like an incredibly good deal for views of the coast and lighthouse and a walk through the quaint Fisherman's Museum. read more

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We visited on a rainy day and unfortunately the lighthouse tower was closed due to the weather . Obviously , we could still take in the exterior views of the lighthouse and the breathtaking ocean views . It was particularly windy so the waves crashed pretty hard against the rocks and was quite stunning . There is a small museum that was open and we enjoyed learning about the history of the lighthouse . There is a small entrance fee that you still must pay even if the lighthouse tower is closed . If you have a Lighthouse Passport , you can get it stamped inside the museum . We would definitely revisit on a more sunny day . read more

I was up in Maine with a few friends for the weekend and we visited Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. It was $3 per person to park, but admission to the actual lighthouse was free. We waited in line for about 10-15 minutes and a guide gave us some history on the lighthouse. There were some stairs and a ladder to the top - a bit scary if you ask me! Good spot for families, but the trek to the top of the lighthouse might be a bit tougher for older individual. There were some rocks by the water right next to the lighthouse, so you can take in the views before/after going up there. It's a cool spot to walk around and watch boats go by. I don't think I would bother to visit again, but it was something nice to do once. Great way to take in some classic Maine vibes. read more

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About 17 miles and an hour round trip from US-1 to the edge of Pemaquid Point and back to get to the lighthouse. Totally worth it. Originally commissioned in 1827 and built in a rush, the building was replaced in 1835 and the lightkeeper's house was added in 1857. If you've seen the Maine United States quarter with a lighthouse on it, that's this one. Pemaquid was one of my favorites from this weekend's lighthouses https://www.yelp.com/collection/GLWJhPZloUBCLUFSYgLw4g because of the exposed bedrock underneath the lighthouse. An easy climb and while it's not completely flat, I found it an easy walk to get near the edge where I sat for about 15 minutes to listen to the not-so-gentle surf crashing on the rocks. I took some video and looped it. Very calming and beautiful. Unfortunately, the museum (in the former keeper's house) is closed because of COVID. Maybe it opens back up again soon. [Review 14893 overall, 395 of 2021, number 75 in Maine.] read more

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Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is by far my favorite lighthouse in Maine so far. The lighthouse sits on a spectacular point with the earth's geologic art in full display. The layers of rock that slope down into the Gulf of Maine is beautiful and unique. The sound of the waves crashing on the rocks is so relaxing and mesmerizes me they way the water rolls back out to sea. A MUST see as far as I am concerned. read more

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We took a 9-day road trip through all 16 counties of Maine, during which I took my wife to every worthwhile point of interest in the entire state. This obviously included the main draw which is Acadia National Park. But it also revealed a surprising destination. After such an extensive trip, when I tell you that Pemaquid Point is the highlight of the state, our favorite point of interest even above Acadia, then you definitely need to add this to your Maine itinerary if you haven't already. Maine residents even voted to have the lighthouse featured on the Maine quarter manufactured by the U.S. Mint. But my recommendation goes far beyond just seeing another lighthouse, more motivated by the stunning scenery around it. The lighthouse is important historically, dating to 1835 and originally commissioned by President John Quincy Adams. It's been automated since 1934, so no light keepers live in the residence anymore, a space that now serves as a small museum. But the enormous slabs of exposed bedrock falling away dramatically behind the structure and right down into the ocean are intense. And the massive waves pounding the coast - as large as waves I've seen in Hawaii and Australia - are just jaw dropping! We visited Pemaquid a few days after a storm, which may have accentuated the strength of the waves. But as long as you arrive as high tide is coming in, I don't think you'll be disappointed! The famous Thunderhole at Acadia was impressive, but I believe Pemaquid Point has the largest waves in Maine by a long shot! The grey metamorphic rock, folded by heat from underground, contains brilliant streaks of white igneous rock. The ocean heaves, bringing colossal waves over the rocks and into the sandy beach to your right. They relentlessly pound the rocky shore at high tide. You'll need to add this to your bucket list! read more

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BREATHTAKING! We visited the Pemaquid lighthouse about 10 years ago and wondered if it would be as majestic the second time around, and it was! Easy drive down a pine tree lined road to get to the lighthouse. The gatekeeper was friendly and knowledgeable. We were able to use a credit card to pay for our tickets ($4.00 each) and there was plenty of available parking, in easy walking distance (mere steps) to the lighthouse and the keeper's cottage which is now a maritime museum. The museum staff were warm, friendly and extremely knowledgeable and it was fascinating to look over original artifacts, tools, maps, books and more! The lighthouse is small, so it's close quarters going up (staff only allows 5 people at a time) but the view is breathtaking and definitely worth it! It's easy to understand how this particular lighthouse was chosen to be on the Maine state quarter. SPECTACULAR! The vista, however, with the waves crashing up against the sea-worn cliff was AMAZING! The ocean pounds the rocks and the roar is so sublime you just close your eyes and feel the force of nature! There are plenty of benches and Adirondack chairs to sit in to enjoy the view and you can (and should!) walk out on the rock formations to get even closer. Beyond the keeper's cottage is a copse of pine trees offering shade, beneath which are picnic tables for everyone to enjoy! Bring a picnic feast and a cooler with you and relax in this fantastic, natural little corner of Maine. It's worth the trip from anywhere and we certainly will not wait another 10 years before we return! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! PS There is a gift shop and restaurant in the adjacent parking lot. The gift shop is okay, a little pricey, but the food at the restaurant is AWFUL! Save your money (and your tummy) and drive out to Damariscotta (you likely passed through it on your way to the lighthouse) and have lunch there. We had chowder and fish n chips at the restaurant by the lighthouse and wished we had not been tempted by the view to eat there. Tasteless chowder, undercooked, wimpy fries and flavorless fish plus a rude waitress named Emory. read more

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Things to know about Pemaquid Point Lighthouse before you go: it is not a part of the State Parks Pass and they only take cash (it's $3 per person; in non-pandemic times this fee also allows you access to the the Fisherman's Museum and Pemaquid Art Gallery too). There's an ATM at the Damariscotta Bank & Trust at the intersection before Bristol Rd down to the lighthouse... stop there, pay the $3 service fee, and don't be laughed away at the gate like I was. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is located on Muscongus and Johns Bays, and was commissioned by none other than John Quincy Adams in 1827. Apparently it was also what we Maine residents chose to be featured on our state quarter, and Edward Hopper painted it in 1929! This lighthouse reminds me A LOT of the Portland Head Light. It's located on some beautiful green grounds with benches, there are places to picnic in some trees overlooking the ocean, you can also climb down the rocky shoreline to get closer to the water (this exposed bedrock is apparently millions of years old; as a side note: be VERY careful traversing them, because it's slippery in the best of times and some of the rocks are very jagged; that's the Maine coastline for you, though). read more

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My wife and I were on a week long road trip along the coast of Maine and saw this lighthouse on the trip tour. The parking was easy and the entrance fee wasn't crazy. The view is gorgeous and we ran into some people from New York and we talked to them for 10 or fifteen minutes. They took our picture, and we did theirs. You can go up the lighthouse, which is pretty rare in Maine and they have a nice gift shop in the house part of the lighthouse. The stairway is a little tight, but doable. The park area is very nice and lots of great views. They actually have a fog bell building too, which was pretty cool. Totally worth a visit. read more

I'll sum it up - this is a great little park with an awesome lighthouse. We try to go almost every day we are in the area, usually late afternoon/early evening. We always bring our dog, which has helped us meet so many nice people there. The place is clean, there are a number of picnic benches and large granite stones you can sit on, or you can be brave and trek down to the water's edge (be careful and no pets please!). It goes without saying (but you are reading this, right?) the views are amazing! If you catch the light just before sunset, it is really magical. The place is really amazing and usually fairly empty a majority of the time, so I almost hate to share this..... Thank you to the Park employees for maintaining such beautiful plantings and the various visitors who keep it so clean. read more

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The Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is most certainly one of Maine's finest. The lighthouse is (just about) at the very end of the rocky shores of the Pemaquid Peninsula (not quite the "Point," but close) where the rough-n-tumble Atlantic Ocean wears away at the ancient granite. There's a LOT of great lighthouses dotting the Maine coastline, and PPL is definitely one of my faves! I've visited once before and, to be honest, I don't recall having to pay to visit it -- my original visit was in mid-October, so perhaps it's only done during the high-season (summer)? -- but it wasn't a big deal since we were down there with guests. Its setting is still as robust and panoramic as my old pictures show! Sadly, last winter's hurricane did some major damage to the bell tower, so that was under repair. Looks like the lighthouse, itself, held well. This time around, the little museum was open, so we got to check it out, and admire all the weathered lighthouse minutiae, old-time artifacts and history. The admission also included a tour up into the lighthouse. Sadly, we were there a bit too early and they were closed; so, we popped over to my brother's place for a short visit (as he lived a short distance away), spent a little time enjoying their deck on the ocean, then we popped on back to the lighthouse to check it out. Alas, by the time we returned, there was a line waiting to get in for a viewing -- you could see it was gonna be a long wait.... Bloop! (BTW: The entrance fee is for the whole day, including going in and out.) Naturally, we didn't wait because everyone was hungry...! :) If you're a lighthouse afficionado, this one's a MUST! Or, if you're in the area and simply want to view a spectacular location and see a bit of historical maritime architecture, it's also a MUST...! The Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is a wonderful place to visit...! :D read more

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The Pemaquid Point Light is a beautiful coastal lighthouse about 50 minutes from Bath. A few things really stood out to us on our visit: 1. The whole staff - the woman working the ticket building, 2 historians in the main building, and the man walking the grounds and picking up trash - were friendly, informative, and proud of their local community and lighthouse. Each shared fascinating Maine, lobster fishing, and coastal facts. 2. This is a place you really can go down onto the rocks (depending on the tide of course) and relax and take in the lighthouse and the waves. 3. One thing we learned about was the migration of the monarchs through Pemaquid and that made us want to come back in June to see them! Thank you Pemaquid Point team for sharing your knowledge and friendliness with us!!! read more

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Bristol, Maine

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It's on the lighthouse on the back of the ME quarter. Super nice folks manning the place. Very picturesque. Even if you go after hours still worth it. We climbed to the top and it's small up there. Bit great views and worth the $3 read more

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This is without question my favorite place in Maine. My wife of 30 years and I had one of our first dates here and since then it has resonated with both of us. A beautiful lighthouse framed by gorgeous views of the Atlantic and majestic rock scraped clean down to the waves by ancient glaciers. read more

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Bristol, Maine

Worth the extra drive to get there. The views are absolutely beautiful and the place is very peaceful. There are Adirondack chairs under pine trees and I could have sat there all day. There are also picnic tables so it's a great place to bring a lunch while enjoying the views and sounds of waves crashing against the rocky coast. read more

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It is the most beautiful day that we experienced at the lighthouse! I would recommend to anyone visiting this place read more

A feast to fill your soul. Sublime light, pristine water, captivating striated rock structures. Iconic lighthouse. Clean bathroom facilities. Plenty of parking. Stunning first impression, comforting and embracing when you return again and again. read more

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Awesome stop! Beautiful views! Amazing museum about the history of lighthouses & the Maine coastline. Staff is friendly and helpful. Picturesque drive out to the coast. Worth the drive! read more

A must visit attraction in the Boothbay region. The lighthouse is cool, but climbing on the rocks and taking in the scenery is the real draw. I recommend checking the tide tables and going when the tide is closer to low than high to have more real estate to work with. The town charges a modest fee to enter the park, but it is well worth the price of admission. read more

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse - Rocks surrounding the lighthouse are great for exploring. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Bristol, Maine

Visiting this park was well worth the drive from Portland. The views were stunning, both from the top of the lighthouse and from the coastline below. read more

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One of our absolutely favorite spots. The staff at the museum were wonderful! They answered questions, were super friendly, and kind and helpful to my daughter who climbed her very first lighthouse there! read more

This lighthouse is a gem!!! The rocky coast backdrop provides picturesque photos. You can't go wrong with photos from here at any time of day! We came back numerous times to take pics here and enjoy the view. Fav lighthouse during our trip to Maine read more

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This lighthouse is a living piece of history. It is still in operation, yet you can go up a spiral stairway to see the fennel light in action. There is a fisherman museum in what used to be the lighthouse living quarters. Panoramic views from the top of the lighthouse. Beautiful land abutting the ocean with picnic tables. A nice quiet get away, and at only $2 a person. read more

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Beautiful!!! A must see! It made our trip. I would love to go again. If you're in the area make sure you do not miss it. Just what I imagined a lighthouse in Maine to be. Such a fun climb to the top of the lighthouse and the view from up there is breathtaking. read more