Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse
Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse
4.5
About
This 41-foot lighthouse sits on the summit of Cape Neddick Nubble, a small offshore rocky islet overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. While the lighthouse and grounds aren't open to the public, you can view and snap a photo of it from Sohier Park on the mainland—there's even a small gift shop for souvenirs. Visit at sunrise or sunset for exceptionally stunning views. The holiday season is also a magical time to visit when the lighthouse is decorated with twinkling lights. Parking is free but limited, so get there early to secure a spot. Otherwise, you can also drop by on a tour of coastal Maine. – Tripadvisor
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See what travelers are saying
- Suzanne MHouston, Texas30 contributionsViewBeautiful view of the lighthouse even with fog. So glad we made it to see this. My kids even enjoyed it. Highly recommend this drive to see it. Some cool antique places on the way to stop also.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 6, 2023
- ChristyCharlotte, North Carolina247 contributionsAnother beautiful site in MaineThis is another must see on coastal Maine. Lighthouse is spectacular; however, you cannot go up into the lighthouse itself. The grounds are beautiful and there is ample opportunity to take great photos.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 17, 2023
- KmcoyleSanbornville, New Hampshire1,374 contributionsBeautiful ocean views and a lighthouse! Wonderful!Gorgeous views of the rocky Maine coast, classic lighthouse, and free parking! Ya! You can not tour the lighthouse, but have a clear view of the little island and rope tow that connects the island with the mainland. The parking area is pretty small but turnover is fast. There are benches surrounding the area for a nice little picnic. The Visitor's Center is really more just a gift shop, but there were also clean rest rooms which was good.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 21, 2023
- Maurene_KDover, New Hampshire12,327 contributionsICONIC 1879 LIGHTHOUSE ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACESI never tire of revisiting the Cape Neddick Light Station a/k/a The Nubble. Along with Portland Head Light, it is one of the prettiest and one of the most-photographed lighthouses. One of things I really like about this lighthouse is that it’s almost a twin to the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse near where I live. The Nubble is about 41 feet tall and was first lit in 1879. Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse is 48 feet high and was built in 1878. The architectural style of both is Late Victorian. Both are on the National Register of Historic Places. One can always get great photos of this lighthouse because it is on Nubble Island about 100 yards across a narrow channel. One will not get other visitors walking into one’s photos. During this visit, I met people from many different places. I spoke with a nice couple from Billerica, MA who were up on a daytrip. Also, at the time, the cable car to and from Nubble Island was hooked up. Back in the 1800's, there was a manual version of this that the lighthouse keeper used to go ashore to get supplies and bring them back and for his boy come and go for school. As usual, I enjoyed my visit. The lighthouse itself is very scenic and photogenic. It’s also very well maintained by the Town of York which has owned the lighthouse since 1998. Twice a year – July and December – the Town of York decorates the outline of the lighthouse with white lights and illuminates them at night for a couple of weeks. I rate this visit at 5.0 and highly recommend a visit. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews and some health issues. If you found this review useful, please click the THUMBS UP to indicate HELPFUL.Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten June 24, 2024
- NHjoSaco, Maine13,737 contributionsOne of my favorite NE lighthouses.I stopped by on the way home because I never get tired of seeing Nubble Light. The area was packed with tourists -- it was a perfect summer day. The colorful pink sea roses are hanging in there but will soon be gone. I took some photos -- it's hard not to!Visited August 2024Traveled soloWritten August 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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1,770 reviews
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kcsdelimom
Wyckoff, NJ54 contributions
Aug 2020
While you can not go up in the lighthouse because it is on it's own little island, the views are just beautiful. There is free parking, and we had no trouble getting a spot, but I'm sure there are times when it might be difficult. There were people fishing and picnicking on the rocky shore and others enjoying ice cream from a nearby restaurant. There are clean restrooms and also a gift shop on the property, as well as several plaques giving information on the lighthouse.
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TarHeel071
Chapel Hill, NC218 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful. The weather was perfect and quite a few tourists viewing the lighthouse and surrounding area. Luckily we were able to grab a parking spot so we were able to walk around and visit gift shop and water areas.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NHWanderlust
NH1,788 contributions
May 2020
We're lucky enough to live within driving distance of the Nubble Lighthouse and try to visit at least once or twice a year. It's a beautiful sight no matter what season you happen to be there. Summer is busy, but the lighthouse is just as lovely in the spring and fall, and the lighthouse is lit up at Christmastime for a special treat. On the same street you'll find restrooms, a gift shop, a restaurant, an ice cream shop, and not too far away you'll be at two of the best beaches in the area: Short Sands and Long Sands Beaches. So much to do in the area, but the lighthouse alone is worth the trip.
Written May 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sullific
new haven, ct672 contributions
Oct 2021
We are lighthouse people and visit them whenever we can. We have been to this one before, but stopped again when in the area because we had to have our lighthouse fix (there is a small one in Ogunquit, but difficult to get close to with crowds and cars and no parking...needs to be seen on a walking tour). Always a pleasure to see it. There is a small shop/visitors' center but closed at this time of year.
I just wish there were some sort of information or guide about the lighthouse (I don't remember it in the visitors' center either, just a shop). Many lighthouses have small museums or an informal guide. Considering this is one of the most famous in the world (the one that is pictured in the SETI spaceship which was sent into deep space with Beethoven's 9th, drawings of humans, etc., representing life on earth), it really deserves that.
I just wish there were some sort of information or guide about the lighthouse (I don't remember it in the visitors' center either, just a shop). Many lighthouses have small museums or an informal guide. Considering this is one of the most famous in the world (the one that is pictured in the SETI spaceship which was sent into deep space with Beethoven's 9th, drawings of humans, etc., representing life on earth), it really deserves that.
Written November 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cjfog92
Ellington, CT324 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Great evening views and free parking make this a Maine must stop. We saw many people relaxing there and even some people fishing and a scuba diver. We were pretty surprised to see it so crowded in the evening.
Written September 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wandering boom
Louisiana1,240 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
Beautifully restored and maintained lighthouse just north of York, Maine. Parking is very limited, but the view is stunning. Park gift shop is well stocked and reasonably priced. Local artist is sell prints for $10-$20...beautiful. Worth the stop.
Written April 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy Lou
6 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Had a great visit! Lots of tourists because the weather was awesome. People wore masks and kept physically distanced. We were at the point looking at the lighthouse. The gift shop run by York’s Park & Rec was excellent. A must visit - great for people of all ages!
Written October 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Renee M
Orlando, FL141 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
This was a very pretty area. I would recommend going when the weather is pretty good, otherwise it feels very very cold. There were views from every angle, and beautiful houses to see. Plenty of places to just sit and enjoy the area. If you walk down the coast there are a lot of places to eat across the road from the beach.
Written July 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worktotravel14
Trenton, NJ3,773 contributions
Aug 2020
As a frequent visitor to light and lighthouses, this was a highlight of a trip to Maine this year. Though we were there during a very foggy and cloudy day, the nubble stood as a beacon of warning in the mist. Love that this is tucked away in what still feels like a fishing village, though the houses are now much fancier. It reminds me a bit of Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia. There is a lot of history around the grounds and while the feature is the light and the rocky coast, there is a great gift shop, several fine memorials, and plenty of grounds to walk. On this stormy day, you could imagine how the light was a protector of great coastal ships. Great way to spend part of our first full day in Maine.
Written December 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FlossEm77
Canterbury, CT378 contributions
Dec 2020
Durning these trying times we all could use a little magic so go to Nubble Lighthouse & take in the wonder. This memorable experience begins before sunset. The western sky is ablaze as the sun falls below the horizon. The lights on the lighthouse come on about that time so stay to watch the progression as darkness falls. It is a most wonderful sight. If nothing else, it reminds us of the simple pleasures winter brings. Don’t miss it.
Written December 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No fee. It’s free to park. You cannot get on the island where the lighthouse is located.
Written January 17, 2021
is this event still taking place this season?
Written December 4, 2020
There are no events at the lighthouse. It has a parking lot and you walk around. A lot of people go to get fresh air and enjoy the scenery.
Written December 27, 2020
My husband and are are trying to find a place for a few days near here and/or York Beach. And of course places to indulge our lobster obsession.
Suggestions are most welcome.
Written September 4, 2020
We stayed at the Sands by the Sea. It’s not fancy but it’s was more than adequate and it’s a very good location. I reviewed it also so you can read that for more details. -
Good luck and enjoy your visit. The lobster house near the lighthouse is a good place for lobster.
Written September 10, 2020
What is the parking situation here? Must I pay to park? Thank you!
Written June 8, 2020
Parking is free right out front by the gift shop. The lighthouse is actually on an island across the way.
Written August 24, 2020
We walked from York Beach but there is a parking lot. It was about a 30 minute walk.
Written August 24, 2020
Can you actually visit or tour the lighthouse itself?
Written September 15, 2018
No, the view is worth it
Written August 25, 2019
Can someone please tell me if the scaffolding is still up and will remain up around the lighthouse for the next week?
If so, is it still worth stopping for pictures?
Written July 6, 2018
Yes, the scaffolding is still up but it only covers a portion of the site. It’s still worth visiting, but if you like taking lighthouse pictures more artistic than snapshots, then it may not be the best time to visit.
Written July 7, 2018
I was thinking of having a small ceremony here. Wondering what time of year you went and if it was crowded? I am thinking late September. I also called the park number and all they told me was there was no reservation or anything needed and I could just show up.
Thanks!
Written May 16, 2018
I was there in mid October - there were several people. but admittedly, the winds keep the people 'moving' - as a photographer, I probably spent more time there than your general lighthouse tourist type. The weather here is distinctively different than even 15 minutes further inland. It would be an awesome spot for a quick ceremony & photos!
Written June 13, 2018
marco c
Lu, Italy
ciao dovendo sceglire la visita di un faro ,venendo da boston mi consiglieresti il faro nubble light house oppure head light house?
Written January 25, 2018
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