Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is one of the must-see places in Maine. I've been coming to the lighthouse for years and have seen it in summer, winter and fall. No matter what time of year, how crowded it might be or what the weather might be like, it is a beautiful place to come and admire the lighthouse and ocean views. If you've never been, this lighthouse is set on the rocky shore and overlooks an amazing view that includes rugged rock and crashing waves. There is a parking lot on site, which is good as there is almost nowhere else to park in the area. The road literally dead ends at the ocean. The park charges $3 per person for folks $12 and older. When it is staffed by volunteers, you can make the climb to the top of the lighthouse. Be warned that the stairway is narrow and a fall will hurt you. If you have mobility problems, it might be best to avoid this part of the park. Also, small kids are not a good match for this. There is also a small museum on site. It is quaint, and has some interesting materials. It is not polished (nor have the breadth of information) that the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland has. If you enjoy photography, there are some amazing opportunities for you. I find being here in the fall is best for shooting photos, as there are fewer people to work around. However, if you are brave enough, a cold winter's day with snow on the ground and roofs can also make for some amazing photos. If you are taking photos, you can climb down on the rocks and shoot back up at the lighthouse. One of my favorite photos I took about 15 years ago from the rocks at dusk. Shooting up the rocks at the lighthouse, I was able to get a great navy/indigo colored sky with the lighthouse illuminated by the remaining sunlight. Since the lighthouse is still operational (it is now automated) you can also get the light at dusk and night. With the right conditions, you can catch the reflection of the lighthouse in a tidal pool among the rocks for a really great effect also. Long story short - this is a great place to visit and worth the time and money to do so. The only warning I can offer is to be very careful with small children. The rocks and ocean are unforgiving. read more

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Such a treasure of a spot. Absolutely loved sitting out on the rocks, taking in the ocean air. The little pockets of sea life within the rocks is so magical to explore too. read more

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Absolutely stunning views! The entrance fee includes going up into the top of the lighthouse. read more

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

Our family has been coming here for over 20 years! It's one of our top 10 spots in the state, beautiful ocean views, you can hike and or just sit on the rocks and listen to the ocean. Depending on where the tide is the waves are incredible, the lighthouse just adds to the natural beauty! It's well worth the trip, if you haven't this is a must in Maine! read more

I have a real thing for lighthouses and covered bridges, or any cool bridge for that matter. Although I consider it a privilege to stand before any of these awesome structures, I do have a few favorites. The top three lighthouses I've had the pleasure to experience in person would be: 1) Portland Head - Cape Elizabeth, ME 2) Ponce De Leon Inlet - Daytona Beach, FL 3) and here @ Pemaquid Point A LITTLE HISTORY The current lighthouse and keeper's house @ Pemaquid Point were built in 1835 and 1857 respectively. There is a memorial stone out front dedicated to John Cogswell, an English immigrant whom made the journey to America on a ship that crash in 1635 off the shores of this location. I probably would not have paid any more notice to this story if I hadn't met two ladies taking pictures in front of this stone. They were blood relatives of Mr. Cogswell, excited to visit this place for the first time and witness the plaque dedicated to their family. It made me excited for them, so offered to take their pictures. What I discovered later is John Cogswell had an impressive line of descendants that include Princess Diana, John Adams (2nd president of the United States), John Quincy Adams (6th president of the United States), Calvin Coolidge (30th president of the United States) and several famous authors, politicians, actors, historians, poets and even the fourth president of Ireland. WOW, now that's some serious lineage. [source: Wilkipedia] THE EXPERIENCE The lighthouse is about as picturesque as they come. It is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds with green grass and gorgeous trees on one side and a really interesting rock ledge on the sea side. Our boys spent most of their time climbing and exploring the rocks while other visitors painted, picnicked or sat quietly taking in the beautiful scenery. There was also a wedding ceremony preparing to begin on the north lawns. Inside you will find a museum with an enthusiastic tour guide that will tell you all kinds of things about the history of the lighthouse. You can also tour the lighthouse tower and walk to the top (5 persons at a time only). It's pretty tight up there, but provides great views. FINAL THOUGHTS The geological rock formations alone are enough to make me want to visit this lighthouse again and again. They only serve to enhance the quiet beauty of this lighthouse and all its gorgeous surroundings. Don't miss it. read more

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Fog rocks and lights Pemaquid Point is a place of incredible natural beauty, power and danger. A perfect place for a lighthouse and park. Because of the frequent fog, howling storms and nasty rocks Pemaquid Point has been feared by mariners for a long time. As soon as this area was settled cries started going out for a lighthouse to help guide the way. The very first light here was built in 1827 but because the cheap and incompetent builder used salt water for the mortar instead of fresh water it soon started to crumble. So the first light was torn down and the one that still stand today was constructed in 1835. It is 39 feet tall and has a 4th order Fresnel Lens that is still in use. One of the very few Fresnel Lens that is still doing it's job. The lighthouse isn't exceptionally tall but because of it's location on the cliffs it seems much larger than it really is and can be seen far out at sea. You can still go up to the top on the cool lighthouse and get incredible views from all directions. Even with the fog the feeling of being on top of the light is exhilarating. A nice spiral staircase leads to the top and it's a short and cramped climb. Certainly not the exhausting climb of the much taller lights. Next to the light is a very small museum with all kinds of cool old stuff and photos. Several out buildings and of course the treacherous but amazing bedrock that was exposed by the constant pounding of the weather is all around. A truly fantastic and breathtaking lighthouse and park. Not just for the light but for the location. The people of Maine voted this light to be on their new quarter and there is even a background on Windows 7 of this light. There are lots of great lighthouses in Maine. Portland Head, Cape Neddick, Quoddy and all amazing and unique. But there is no lighthouse I have yet seen any more awe inspiring that Pemaquid. read more

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A wonderfully kept and maintained building and grounds right next to the sea. My favorite lighthouse in Maine so far. Nice picknick area as well and what a view! read more

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This lighthouse is a well-known national treasure, thankfully still impervious to the shade of tacky tourism. Most of the time it isn't overly crowded, and is a downright peaceful peace. Tour the lighthouse, make a donation, and take in the beautiful shoreline view. Don't forget a coat, though - it gets brisk. read more

This is one of the best lighthouses in Maine. There are 6 really well known lighthouses in Maine (though Maine has about 70 all together) and this is one of them, it was even featured on the Maine state quarter. For a small fee (during nice weather between Memorial and Columbus day when they have volunteers) you are allowed to go inside the lighthouse as well as the small museum in the adjoining house. Going inside one of the countries most beautiful lighthouses and getting to see and touch the fresnel lens was amazing. The lighthouse is still in use and you can come back during dusk and watch the light being used. It's pretty difficult (impossible I'm sure during peak days) to get good photos without people in the shot but it's still a gorgeous lighthouse with a great rocky coast you can walk around and relax listening to the water crashing into the rocks. They do have bathrooms here as well as a small gallery with paintings from local artists. There really isn't a gift shop but they do have a few Pemaquid items for sale. The museum in the house isn't that good but the people are unbelievably nice. The Pemaquid Point lighthouse should be on everyones bucket list- it really is a national treasure. read more

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My wife and I came here during our vacation of Maine. This was officially the first lighthouse we saw in Maine, and it was a near-perfect day for it. Sunny but not too hot, breezy but not chilly. We went through the small fishermen's museum at the base of the lighthouse and it was informative though it looked dated. We walked around on the rocks along the shore and collected shells (and got our shoes wet for our troubles.) I see in Yelp a separate listing for the Pemaquid Lighthouse Park and I am not sure how the two differ. However, we enjoyed our time on the grounds. read more

The lighthouse at Pemaquid is a symbol for the state of Maine, and for good reason. Pemaquid is one of the lighthouses with plenty of space to explore as well. The lighthouse itself can be entered and you can get a view from the top. You can also climb down the rocks which are fairly easy since they're flat (just slanted), but you might have to make some jumps here and there so be careful not to slip in the wet spots. This particular lighthouse has a pretty wide area below the lighthouse to climb around on and it's worth checking out because you can see the lighthouse from a bunch of different angles. If you stay until sunset you can see where some of the most famous photos of Maine come from. This is one of the few lighthouses which charges an admission fee since it's one of the more popular ones, but it's only $2 and that's pretty insignificant. Lot of artists hang out around here to paint the lighthouse and the surrounding rocky coastline. Some of their art can be found in the shop by the exit. There are some picnic tables too, so make use of them as you take in the scenery. read more

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

Amazing view. The place was still busy so going up was quick and a lot of stairs in a tight space but the view from the ground was amazing enough. read more

Views, views, views, dramatic! A must visit. When in the area and this lighthouse is on the Maine state quarter.

An image of the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is depicted on the Maine quarter...who knew? This place is lovely and breathtaking: I could spend hours watching the waves crash on the rocky shore. The tour guide at this lighthouse was knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the preservation of this historic landmark. A great place to bring a packed lunch and take in the view of the ocean. Tours of the lighthouse are free and donations are strongly encouraged. read more

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

Beautiful. Nice setting for photos and a picnic

Great place! We came over after some friends left after a great visit and everyone needed to get out. Even though it was an exceptionally hot day, there was a breeze that helped take the edge off. My youngest and I decided to climb to the top of the lighthouse. Be forewarned - the lighthouse steps are steep and a spiral cast iron type with the last seven steps being a metal ladder - not for those afraid of heights. When my daughter went up, she started to get nervous, but we did make it to the top - a hot hot tight room with the light itself. BTW, we were the first ones up and thus had to wait for the other four people (only six at a time can fit) to go down as there was no room to go around - single file only. The only complaint that I have is that the places closes tight at 5 pm, including the restrooms. When we finished the tour it was after 5 pm and we had to use a very heavy used (if you know what I mean) port-a-potty. Loved it and would definitely like to come out during fall weather and see some waves crashing on the rocks. read more

Cute lighthouse on a nice property, with a lovely small art gallery on site. Museum I would rate as just ok - docent there seemed to know less than the folks at the lighthouse museum in Rockland. Checkout the rocks below - the natural topography is pretty cool. read more

This is a GREAT lighthouse with the perfect view you NEED to hit this lighthouse up if you are vacationing to maine

Oh my! This place is gorgeous! Well worth the drive. Only $3 per person for the day. They have picnic tables over looking the cliffs and dogs on a leash are welcome. And the views and the lighthouse are awesome. read more

This place was great! I love that you have the opportunity to go up into the lighthouse. This was the first lighthouse I've been to that actually let you go inside. Sho cool! The staff was super friendly and welcoming. I took my camping chair, found a spot on the rocks and read while the waves crashed in. This may be my favorite spot I've ever read. read more

One should see this place before it gets "Boothbay-ized". Authentic destination, the kind one expects in short jaunts off Route 1, America's Highway. I never went on vacation as a kid, but if I did (we are talking the 50's and 60's here) this is the place where I would have loved to visit. OK, that's water under the bridge, says my therapist. I have been here several times in the past few years since friends moved to nearby Bristol. Last weekend was the first time that everything was open, the lighthouse, the Fisherman's Museum, the Art Gallery (all local folks, including my friend Bobbie Applegate...check out her work). Well worth $2. THIS PLACE IS ON THE BACK OF THE MAINE QUARTER! The "main" attraction (pun definitely intended), though, are the rocks and the waves. I have long forgotten my high school Earth Science, so the rock formations of the shoreline here are hard to adequately describe. Come here on a quiet day and try to imagine the forces of Nature that formed this area. Then go to Damariscotta and have a few draft beers and some local seafood. That will be a day you will long savor. read more

I visited the Pemaquid Light for the first time about 40 years ago and it's exactly the same! Maine's best lighthouse - not just for the lighthouse itself, but the surroundings are spectacular. The granite rocks below the light are amazing and can hold your attention for hours if you're prone to wander. It's quite photogenic and very quaint. The Fisherman's Museum is in the building next to the lighthouse and contains a few artifacts - most amazingly a GIANT lobster that was caught a long time ago - huge! There are picnic tables and plenty of places to sit. Take a camera and lunch! This is a state park with a $2/person entry fee "in season". The folks who work here are locals with a ton of knowledge and they're super friendly. A great spot for hanging out and seeing the "real Maine". read more

Great place, we headed out in the winter after a snow storm. Fam decided to climb the rocks and had a great time. Me and my little dog hung out up top. There are benches and we found locals hanging out there to read. Really nice vibe. read more

Shoe alert! Be prepared. But, Pemaquid is like a magnet for lovers of earth's natural beauty. Pemaquid Point Light house is a rare scenic experience that's absolutely even more beautiful than the pictures posted. Its magnificent rustic charm and panoramic views cannot be surpassed, as there may be places in the world as beautiful, but none are more so. One major caution, there should be more signage warning visitors about the risk of rock climbing or to advise people about wearing secure shoes, because the rocks are very tempting but not wise walking for everyone. read more

A true gem-- words can't describe how perfect this lookout point is on a stormy day. A friend took us here during a near downpour over July 4th weekend and it's a must-see. I'm never really impressed by lighthouses but this one was something else. The rock fissures and surrounding environment cut sharply into the foundation on which the lighthouse lies. It's more of a peninsula land layout than anything else. The waves that crash onto these rock fissures are also a blinding white-green. ...Like I said, it's really hard to describe how beautiful this place is. Come on a rainy day and you'll see what I mean. read more

Beautiful place. It has become a tradition for us to visit the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse whenever we go to Maine. This includes a visit to the gift shop next store for ice cream. We also go to Shaw's Wharf in New Harbor for Lobster. read more

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse - Welcome to the Fisherman's Museum. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Bristol, Maine

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The first time I visit this place was well over twenty years ago while summer vacationing with the family. It was very nice to make a return trip here this past August for a reunion with my long lost cousins. It was just as awesome as I remembered it. It is well worth it to take the donation only tour to the top of the lighthouse. Great views of the water, and the waves crashing on the rocks. Picnic lunches are suggested as this is a great place just to chill out for a couple hours. read more

This is one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Maine...and beyond. The rocks are simply stunning and so much fun to climb around. There is a great breakfast/lunch place right near the lighthouse as well as a fun little gift shop and ice cream store to stroll through after exploring the light and the rocks. It is one of the most beautiful places in Maine. read more

This is my favorite lighthouse! I love having lunch at the picnic tables overlooking the ocean and climbing on the rocks down below. And somehow, it's never crowded. read more

i am particularly partial tp Pemaquid as my ancestors ship wrecked at this location in 1635 on the Angel Gabriel. Our family (Blaisdell) has memorial plaque on a rock in front of the light- house. read more

Beautiful grounds! My daughter and husband had a wonderful time collecting shells and sea glass on the shore. My seven year old daughter had been looking forward to exploring the lighthouse with her father, but we were told she couldn't go up...no small children. She cried the whole way to the car. It was very disappointing. read more

Upon arrival in Maine we stopped at the first visitor's center and asked which lighthouse we should stop and see on our way out of the state. The not so friendly gentleman told us to find this one, and we did. Upon arrival it's very underwhelming. The video is kind of a drag, but the art on display is worth looking over, and if you have some cash to part with it's probably worth it. The shoreline here is amazing! Climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the view. The guy standing in the lighthouse was very knowledgeable and shared his knowledge freely. Everything about the guy and the lighthouse was interesting. This is definitely worth the trip down the peninsula. read more

Come here when the tide is coming in and sit back or go rock climbing and watch the waves come in.

Beautiful setting, and wonderful walks on the forested grounds. Picnic tables under the pines. The more adventurous climbing down on the rocky shore. Skip the museum. Stuffy. read more

This park included not only the lighthouse but a museum, gift shop, and restaurant that were closed when we were there. It was a pretty park with lush green grass. Many brought lawn chairs and just watched the waves crash. Others climbed down the rocks to get closer to the water. We really enjoyed exploring the area. I highly recommend it for families of all ages. read more

Great place to check out. Awesome place to take pics. Had the lobster roll at the place next door which was pretty good. Bring food for a picnic or buy food to eat from the place next door. read more