From Apply Now,
Your Guide to Portland, ME.
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If you like walking, jogging, biking, or rollerblading, and you enjoy being near the ocean, try the scenic Spring Point Shoreway, which runs from Fisherman’s Point to Bug Light Park in South Portland, and includes Willard Beach, the remains of Fort Preble, and the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse.

The Shoreway connects to the South Portland Greenbelt, a three-mile paved walkway that hugs South Portland's waterfront and winds through several neighborhoods. The Greenbelt in turn connects to Portland's Harbor Walk Trail over the Casco Bay Bridge and along the Portland waterfront to East End Beach on the Eastern Promenade.

One of the highlights of the Spring Point Shoreway is the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, affectionately referred to as Bug Light due to its small stature. The lighthouse was built in 1875 of cast iron with a brick lining on a granite block foundation. The light was discontinued in 1942 when all the lighthouse beacons were dimmed for security reasons during World War II, and was never relit until 2002, when the Coast Guard added a solar-powered light.

This elegant-looking lighthouse is unique because it's believed to be the only lighthouse in the world shaped like a fourth-century Greek monument. Four Corinthian columns held up the lens. The keeper's quarters were removed in the 1930s.

The lighthouse now sits in a town park at the site of a former shipbuilding complex where Liberty ships were once built. You can park your car (free) and stroll the walking path, enjoy salt water fishing, walk to the lighthouse at the end of a short granite breakwater, or just relax on a bench and view the activity in Portland's bustling harbor. Restrooms and a boat launch are available at the park.

To reach Bug Light from Portland, go over the Casco Bay Bridge (off State Street) and go straight at the set of lights at the end of the bridge. You'll be on Broadway. Follow Broadway East and turn left onto Pickett Street. Continue past an industrial area and turn right just before the boat launch booth. Follow the road until you come to the parking lot next to the lighthouse.

For a different perspective, take a cruise out of Portland Harbor and cruise past several lighthouses, ruins of old forts, islands, beaches, and other scenic sites.

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