Cape Neddick Light
a.k.a Nubble Lighthouse

Nubble Lighthouse located near York Beach, Maine is one of my favorite lighthouses to visit. Thousands of tourist come year round to view this New England treasure.

The actual name of this lighthouse is Cape Neddick Light, but to the locals, it will always be called "Nubble" due to where it sits...on a small, rocky terrain, surrounded by the sea, just a short distance from the coast of Maine, called Nubble Island.

Although you can't actually get to the island on foot, you can easily get an excellent view of it from Sohier park, which is located directly across from it.

But don’t even think about swimming across to the island. Even if it is low tide and the water looks calm, don’t be deceived, the current is very strong, and the rocks jagged, you would surely be seriously injured.

Cape Neddick Light was first built in 1879. The 41 foot high tower is 88 feet above sea level.

The very first innkeeper was Nathanial Otterson. And in 1987, when the lighthouse became automated, it said goodbye to its last innkeeper, Russell Ahlgren.

Nubble Light House Celebration

It's been a tradition for many years, and draws thousands of tourist and locals.

If you can’t get to these holiday festivities, don't worry there’s a second showing complete with holiday music, hot cocoa and even Santa, in July...yup that's right...July.

It’s the annual "Christmas in July" festival. It's everything you would have seen in the winter celebrations, except without the cold and snow.

Nearby are a visitor's center, the Lighthouse restaurant, and a small gift shop where you can pick up your Nubble Lighthouse memorabilia.

All proceeds from the gift shop goes to the maintenance of the park and the lighthouse, and is run by volunteers.

Nubble Light house can be viewed all year long, and with York Beach being just a few minutes drive, it will make a nice addition to your vacation.

Depart Nubble Lighthouse back to Lighthouses


Return to New England Vacations Homepage