Hello, I was thinking about a lighthouse tour of Maine. Flying into Boston and driving up the coast. I sent off for some info and now I'm thinking maybe we should just stay in Mass. Seems there are all kinds of pretty lighthouses there.

Plus I've always wanted to see Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. What do ya'll think?

My cousin and I will be spending about 7-10 days, renting a car. We don't want to drive every day. Would like to just sit and enjoy the view of the ocean for several days, while seeing as many lighthouses as we can too.

Thanks
Melissa

Hey Melissa,

While I don't have personal experience in MA, I have been going to Maine since I was a child and if you haven't been I HIGHLY suggest taking a trip there.
There are some beautiful lighthouses, beautiful scenic roads, the coast is gorgeuous etc etc.

I would give Maine a shot, I don't think you will be disappointed!

Layla

We've done lighthouse tours in both.

Maine, in my opinion, is the far better destination for lighthouses.

If you're flying into Boston, my recommendation would be to drive as far north as you care to go, then work your way south, spending a night or two or three along the way.

I vote for Mass -- nicer beaches, warmer weather. You're right to head for Cape Cad and the island (Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard) You should have time to go to Newport RI, another great town. Enjoy

Another vote for Maine. Don't miss the area south of Bar Harbour, Castine, Ellesworth, Stonington, Pumpkin Head, Mount Desert and the mouth of the Penobscot River.Here it is not just for tourists. The lighthouses still serve a purpose in guiding lobster boats and other mariners home.

Ok, I'm thinking Maine is the way to go then. Should we just drive up the coast or do a lighthouse cruise?

I saw a few online at Bar Harbor. They have a 4 day cruise to see around 20 lighthouses. It seems so many of the lighthouses can only be seen from the water.

We would also like to do a whale watching cruise.

Then the other thing, we want to do some shopping. Nautical type stores. I'm looking for an original ship's wheel. Any suggestions on where to find this kind of thing?

Thanks
Melissa

There are only a few lighthouses in Maine that can only be seen from the water. Most you can drive right up to or park nearby and walk.

"Maine Lighthouses Map & Guide" is available in bookstores (and on Amazon.com), and you can collect the same information with a few web searches.

And, "Maine, An Explorer's Guide" is one terrific, very comprehensive, resource for visiting Maine.

jimelissarichardson,
I grew up having to choose the coast of Maine where one set of grandparents had a home or Cape Cod where the other set of grandparents had a home. As a kid and even now as an adult I choose Maine 100 to 1 over the Cape. While the Cape is quaint and all the Maine coast is uncomparable and definitely a must. I suggest taking Rt 1 the coastal route and mosey along all the way. Enjoy some seafood and the smell of the salt water. Oh I wish I was there now.

oh I forgot...when I was there in early August there were whale watches and lighthouse tours in Ogunquit at Perkins Cove. Quite popular

Having lived in both Maine and Massachusetts, I would definitely take the lighthouse cruise from Bar Harbor. I haven't personally taken the cruise, but the entire Bar Harbor area is just gorgeous. From there, you can always drive down the coast toward Boston or take a ferry from Salem, MA down to the Cape. While on Cape Cod, you can visit additional lighthouses, relax on the beach, go on a whale watch, and check out a ton of antique stores along the way (check out the area from Plymouth, MA and further south). You can take the ferry from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard and enjoy the island. It's a great trip and I would definitely start in Bar Harbor and work my way south to Cape Cod/Martha's Vineyard.

Thanks for all the great posts. Maine it is!!!

I think we have Boston figured out.
The Market
The Walking Trail
Boston Harbor Cruise

It is everything else that gets confusing. I thought I had found a Bar Harbor cruise, but it leaves out of Camden. Any suggestions?

I think we will stop and see a lighthouse in NH, then mosey on up to Bar Harbor seeing lighthouses along the way.
In Bar Harbor take a cruise and spend several nights there. Ending up at the West Quoddy lighthouse and work our way back down to Boston.

Anything else we can't forget?

Thanks
Melissa