Bug Light Park

Bug Light Park is a true hidden gem in South Portland. The view from the park is absolutely spectacular, especially the stunning skyline of Portland across the bay. It's a peaceful and scenic spot where you can enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and watch the boats go by. The park is very well maintained — the grass is neatly trimmed, the walking paths are clear, and the entire area feels safe and clean. There’s plenty of parking available, even on a busy Sunday, which makes it very convenient. It’s also a great place for families and pet owners. There are wide open spaces where children can run around or play, and dogs are welcome as well. It’s the kind of park where you could easily spend a quiet afternoon reading, picnicking, or just enjoying the view. The only downside is that I didn’t see any public restrooms, which could be inconvenient if you plan to stay for a while. Still, that’s a small issue compared to everything the park offers. Overall, Bug Light Park is a must-visit for anyone coming to the Portland area who wants beautiful views, fresh air, and a peaceful atmosphere. Highly recommended!

Lots of people walking around and taking pictures. There is a lot of space for blankets for picnics and picnic benches. We saw some people grab lobsters and eat them there. Fisherman were getting on their boats, kids were playing, dogs were running... Just a great area with chill happy vibes.

This park is a gem. Open space to relax, the lighthouse is set against the backdrop of the Portland skyline, there’s a historic section also explaining the Liberty shipyard from WW2 which was onsite. Highly recommend a visit. Easily accessible

This was a cute little lighthouse to see. We walked out and were able to easily get to the lighthouse. There’s a nice trail leading up to it and it’s free.

A must when in Portland. Historic lighthouse with beautiful views overlooking the bay. Plenty of benches. A great place to fly a kite.

Nice park with areas to walk, picnic and take in the views of the small lighthouse located here. There's also a sculpture with a list of all the ships built in that area years ago.

Cute park with free parking! Enjoyed walking out to the lighthouse and watching boats. Also liked the world war II ship memorial. Clean, no trash

Really nice little spot with plenty of free parking. Enjoyed the view and bug lighthouse. It’s a good little relaxing spot.

Be sure to take time to see the small but mighty Portland Breakwater Light, aka "Bug Light," one of the 6 lighthouses in the Portland area. Tremendous views anytime of year. Ample parking in an adjacent lot and a short easy walk to the lighthouse. Free to park and look.

It's a pretty chill spot. Lots of open space to walk, picnic, or just sit by the water. We noticed a lot of people just parked and watched the water in their cars. Oh - and there is a lighthouse there as well it's a cute little lighthouse, the size of a bug, in comparison to the others

Came here during a driving work break and forgot how pretty this park is. I've watched the fireworks and meandered around the park before but for some reason, the park stays off my radar as a destination for a daytime, picnic, frisbee, or a nice dog walk. I will definitely keep this place in mind for an afternoon by the ocean that doesn't involve a beach. With Plenty of parking.... I feel like this spot is a local gem.

Loved this cute little miniature sized Lighthouse! In my opinion, the Portland Head light and Bug Light are the two must see light houses near Portland, Maine. The day that we went, it was a little foggy outside, which added to the charm and made it even more picturesque. There are lots of benches for visitors to sit on, if you'd like to spend some leisurely time here enjoying the views.

Beautiful spot that's not too crowded with people. I wanted to be somewhere peaceful to watch the sunset and practice some photography. It is a somewhat narrow/sm-md parking lot, and I wish it was a little wider. There's a huge field of grass and some benchs where you can sit and enjoy the view. There isn't a beach/sand you can walk on, so don't expect that here it's more rocks.

This park is very easy to access with plenty of parking. The parking is easy walking distance to the lighthouse. Aside from temperatures being freezing it is such a pretty little lighthouse. I will say the lighthouse is not safe for smaller children...no railings and the pathway is uneven. It is also not handicap accessible with the cobblestone type walkway. Although it is not ideal for everyone the view is special and I think the walkway adds character. On the upside it's easily viewable from the parking lot without having to walk to the lighthouse. It's also free to visit this lighthouse.

This is a cute little lighthouse in south Portland. There are plenty of benches and a few picnic tables for anyone to use. The lighthouse is just a short walk from the parking lot. We saw people flying kites, reading, and playing with their dogs on the open grassy area. A cool breeze coming off from the ocean helped us stay comfortable on what would have been a hot summer day.

A nice Lighthouse that is easy to get to. On a great harbor. Based on Greek lines of Architecture.

Of course, the centerpiece of the Bug Light Park is the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse that was built in 1875. The park features lots of open space with picnic tables and grills. The paved walkway follows the seashore from the parking area to the breakwater. The location on the shore is quite breezy so if you've got a kite, bring it! There is a great view of Maine's largest city from the breakwater. Officially the Portland Breakwater Light, it is built on a granite block caisson and is 25 feet tall. The lighthouse was restored in 1989 and reactivated as an active navigational aid in 2002. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. You can walk almost out to the end of the breakwater to get close to it. Worth it! This was our final lighthouse of the weekend's tour https://www.yelp.com/collection/GLWJhPZloUBCLUFSYgLw4g. So the park benches were definitely helpful for a nice rest! [Review 14912 overall, 414 of 2021, number 94 in Maine.]

Love that this has plenty of parking. Great visit for after dark. Just be careful because it gets super dark out there.

Number 3 light house we visited. Still beautiful! Love it! Very clean area, although no garbage can around area. Definitely a place to check out of you are in Portland ME.

We really enjoyed our visit to this 8+ acre park that offers an expansive view of Portland harbor and the skyline of the city. We found ample parking and admission was free. This area was once the site of a vast shipbuilding industry during WWII and there is now a liberty ship memorial at the opposite end of the park from the eponymous lighthouse.

Absolutely my favorite park to come to especially to watch the sunset. It's stunning and so peaceful. Great place to walk on the water or read a book or enjoy a picnic with some friends

Personally I think this is one the too spots in Portland. It's usually busy but not overwhelming and there is a walking path to another lighthouse as well as other areas in south Portland close by. There is a beautiful view of the city of Portland from here as well as if your up for a picnic this is the lace, around Portland this is a must see!

So cute and pretty!! I didn't know lighthouses came in size small. I'm sure the park is an excellent place to hang out when the weather is nicer.

I love Bug Light Park. 1. Gorgeous scenery. The lighthouse itself is accessible (so fun to get up close!), and the view of Portland from this vantage point is unbelievable. 2. Plentiful parking! Almost never have to worry about finding parking. 3. Pet friendly. Love taking the doggos here. 4. Grassy area is great for flying kites or laying out a picnic blanket. 5. Generally a relaxed and happy crowd of people. 6. Very clean. I just wish they had some sort of bathroom situation - there appears to be an old Port-a-Potty spot, but it's no longer. If this park had some bathrooms it'd be A+! I think it's small enough to be able to handle a few. Gorgeous for locals and tourists alike.

As soon as you park, to the right you'll see the Liberty Ship Memorial dedicated to the shipyards during WWII, and to the left, you'll see the little Bug Light. Bug Light is TINY in comparison to Headlight, but because of it's diminutive size, it's actually pretty charming. There are benches along the walk way, and also a park for dogs and kids to run about during the warmer months. If you look out, you'll see Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse to the EAST!

This was a cool place! We went here to do family photos. It was cool to see the sunset over the city. It's a huge space so even though there were plenty of people there, we never felt crowded. The lighthouse is cute and cool you can get so close to it. Plenty of parking which is a huge plus! Lots of dogs around. It wasn't spotless with trash and dog waste but overall pretty clean.

Beautiful day at the Portland Bug Light. Not much here but a peaceful and amazing view. Good place to catch the Portland skyline. Free parking. Nice view of the water without a ton of people.

Oh, Bug Light... You're incredibly charming, aren't you? It's places like this that remind me of how #blessed I am to live where I live. That being said: it's also easy to take places like this for granted... despite living in the area for quite a while, it took me ages to actually check out Bug Light. Now that I have, I'm a little smitten. This area of Greater Portland was used for shipbuilding during WWII, and there's a beautiful memorial that explains in detail the who, what, where, and why of it that's worth checking out for a totally different perspective of the city! Now it's an 8+ acre park of green expanse that offers sweeping views of the Portland skyline and harbor, and also features a 26-foot tall lighthouse at the end of a rocky breakwater that's been there since the mid-1800's. If you get the chance to partake in ANY event here: do so. Doesn't matter what you're participating in - it's always wonderful, and that's largely due to just how quintessentially Maine this tremendously accessible area is. Volunteer to pick-up trash with the Friends of Casco Bay, or do yoga at sunset, or check out the summer outdoor movie series, or bring a picnic... maybe even during the annual kite festival held here, or tour Portland Breakwater Light (the actual name of the lighthouse) on Open Lighthouse Day in September... just come here and stretch your legs any time, any season. When we have something this amazing in our backyards, we should be doing everything we can to support and appreciate it (and not take forever to do so)!

Bug Light Park is a really cute park with an equally adorable little lighthouse that stands proudly right on the other side of downtown Portland. They have free parking and it's really clean and well maintained. Definitely worth a quick visit to stretch your legs, ride your bike or just take in the scenery.

Lovely little park over looking the Portland harbor. Great view of Portland across the water. Small walking area to see a very unusual lighthouse. Free parking. Pack a picnic and watch the ship action in the harbor!

Super cute and well maintained park in Portland. There is plenty of free parking and port-a-pottys if you're in a jam. A paved walkway takes you up to the lighthouse for an awesome view of the harbor and photo op.

One of South Portland's publicly viewed lighthouses. Not many in Maine are accessible to the public and prior to Memorial Day and/or the summer months. It's a pity that the museums are also attached to the lighthouse where it is also closed. It would've been so delightful to be able to learn more of the history about the lighthouse and present maintenance etc. The scenery is absolutely stunning no matter the weather, it's dreamy and wonderful to experience. You're allowed to take pictures and they do accept donations.

Lovely spot for a walk and some killer Portland views. Large area for people to walk, have a picnic, and play games in the grass. Free parking is always a plus. Lots for signs and information about Portland and the museum is right next door. Can't wait to go back when they are open!

Very nice park with a great view of Portland. A little chilly for a southern boy like me, but this is summertime for Mainers, who were flying kites and eating picnic lunches. Beautiful setting, whatever your tastes...

nice little park to stop by and take a stroll. seems like it's highly used for small boat drop off/pick up. relatively small area but free parking for park guests and nice views. we stopped by on our way to the bigger fort williams park

nice park.. enjoyed a nice walk this morning nice place to explore! parking was easy and we enjoyed the grounds.

We were actually going to a small makers market in South Portland and one of the people set up there said you should check out bug light park around the corner because L.L. Bean was set up there. This was our first time at the park love this place with a little lighthouse and and the amazing ocean view.

The Portland Breakwater Lighthouse (Bug Light) is located at the north end of Bug Light Park. It is the closest lighthouse to Portland at the northeast tip of South Portland. The lighthouse is small, white and black structure. The park has great views of the city and Casco Bay. However, the view of the city might be blocked by cruise ships that dwarfs the modest skyline during cruise ship season. 158 Pickett Street Café If you are looking for some breakfast or lunch near Bug Light, 158 Pickett Street Café is a decent spot. It is surrounded by Southern Maine Community College. As such, the nearby parking lots are for the school and the students and faculty will take up a lot of street parking. Fortunately, there are two spots designated for the café in front of it. It is known for its bagels. The popular seaweed bagel was sold out when I went there around 10 AM. Accordingly, I ordered a sesame one. It was decent. I prefer bagels softer so they are easier to chew. I also got lox and the smoked salmon was solid. It also included cucumbers and capers. I was not blown away but it was a good, quick breakfast. If you are visiting and planning a trip to Portland and looking for recommendations, feel free to message me for my itinerary. You can also find the electronic copy through the link my profile.

Just a stones throw away from downtown Portland, there lies a gorgeous lighthouse and park. It was built in 1875 but adopted by the city in 1940. It isn't your usual lighthouse but it was still a joy to visit. Since it's smaller than many others along the coast, you cannot go inside. Sometimes it is better to admire the detail and beauty that sits near the water. The park is lovely with a huge grassy area for weekend picnics or weekday lunch hours. there are plenty of trash receptacles and benches as well. There seemed to be a good mixture of locals and visitors on the sunny day we were there. Even with lighthouses, size doesn't matter. Escape the busy life and enjoy!

So nice to find a lovely spot ( the beautiful weather helped of course) right on the water to see the sites of the "end of the world" including a quaint little lighthouse that you can just walk right up to. It's free to park and walk around. Bring some food and grab a bench or bring a picnic blanket.

We have been to the lighthouse several times for various occasions. We are here to see the Fireworks tonight our peeps have never seen them before. They always fell asleep waaaay before it was as dark enough to see them. So we promised to make sure they saw some this year.

Bug Light Park is a great spot to stop off and play in the grass, explore the light house and eat a sandwich at a picnic table. They offer yoga there pretty much every day of the week through Kelly Rich Yoga (donation based class). They also offer events like the Kite Festival and Free Movie Nights in the Park - always free. Great spot to also see a different side of Portland. Go here! It's awesome!

This is a cute little park with a lovely baby lighthouse. The design of the lighthouse is reminiscent of some ancient greek structure with its miniature version of columns and crown designs, so it's definitely unique in that aspect. It's easy to get to, although Google consistently wanted me to get there via ferry, when there was a perfectly good land route to take. Be wary if it's been rainy/snowy as the area isn't very well drained for being by the water. Plenty of parking and a nice looking maritime museum at the edge of the park. There's a lovely view of Portland and beyond.

Bug Light. Any time you say it, people think you are going to a beer. Or mistake it for Spring Point. This lighthouse and park is a what I lovingly call a "convenience lighthouse". Don't have a lot of time and want to show your visiting friends a lighthouse -- Bug Light. Yeah, yeah... Portland Head Light is a stunner -- but it's getting more crowded and it can be a commitment. Bug Light, feels more casual, and the view still packs a punch. I love walking here sometimes stretching from Bug Light through Spring Point over to Willard Beach. It is a lovely long walk that delivers on so many levels. Bug Light is also good if you just want to hang out and relax. I think it is a great picnic spot. Go to Pickett, grab their lovely bagels and food, and bring it with you to Bug Light. It is also a great place to take an antsy kid that you want to get outside -- it is a Pokemon Go treasure trove. As a side note -- if you are there -- take care of your damn trash and cigarette butts. I volunteered and picked up over 1000 cigarette butts with my team. Sorry to go blue there folks, but man, it was really disappointing to have one of my favorite spots in greater Portland be abused like that.

Truly lovely park with a mini-lighthouse on the tip! Don't overlook the structure of the warship and history of the park, which was built up from the sea during World War II to massively produce warships. There is an awesome running trail [greenway] through the park as well as an incredible view of Portland. Go grab breakfast/coffee at 158 Pickett Street Cafe and walk here [ten minutes] or drive and take in the beauty. Also, don't miss the free museum for a true history lesson. It's self guided unless you're lucky and one of the guide-volunteers is in: that is the true experience! This is a perfect stop for locals and tourists alike, and is truly one of the best views of Portland as well.

Great park with a fantastic view and tons of green space. Cute little lighthouse that you can walk around. You feel like you are in the middle of the harbor. Right across from the working waterfront in the Old Port. Ferries and cruise ships are passing right by. The islands and fort is in view. There is also a boat launch and plenty of parking. Lovely place for dogs and for a short walk or run. Clean, safe, no graffiti or wierd things. Kids playing and dogs running. Fun place with a great view. Lots of kites too.

An elegant lighthouse Bug Light Park is a very cool little park right on the water. Lots of room to run around, great views and a nice exhibit about all the Liberty Ships are all right here. But the real attraction, at least for me, is the lighthouse. A bug light, only 26 feet tall but quite distinctive and unique. It was modeled after the Greek monument, Choragic Monument of Lysicrates and designed by the famous architect Thomas Walter. Definitely a cool and special little bug light. The very first light at this location was built in 1855 and the bug light was constructed in 1875. It served well until 1943 when it was discontinued. The light was restored in 1989 and now is a very popular tourist attraction. The park is a very cool place with views of the city of Portland across the bay and even the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse only about a mile to the east. If your eyes are good you might even get a glimpse of the the mighty Portland Head Lighthouse down at the end of the bay. A small light but a unique one. No other lighthouse looks quite like this. A diminutive lighthouse that is definitely worth a trip to see.

My wife is a big fan of lighthouses and she really enjoyed this little lighthouse. The surrounding park area is very nice and it provides great views of the city of Portland.

I absolutely love this wide open large lawn park overlooking the old port light houses and the wide open ocean with forts and islands out in Casco bay and sailboats and ships canoers and kayakers going by;). Amazing sounds and views everywhere you turn! This is one of my favorite spots around Portland Maine!!

Nice little park, definitely worth checking out. We had a great chance to let the girls run around, check out the little lighthouse there, and we especially liked the boat sculpture/memorial. The light house was small and being worked on when we went, but still very nice to see. There are lots of dogs that go walking in this park, but they keep it very clean.

Small lighthouse in a small park. Noting too extravagant. Just go to Portland headlight instead. Very close by. You can see the fort across the waters. That's Portland headlight house

I love Bug Light! I did a tour of the lighthouses in the area one day while visiting Portland and Bug Light is by far my favorite. It's very accessible from where we were staying near downtown Portland and it's the cutest of the bunch. It's also great to read about the history of both the lighthouse and the surrounding land. Did you know it was a ship building yard for the Liberty ships in WWII? Very fun! I drove from New Jersey to see Portland, but I would drive back to see Bug Light again.

Is this a lighthouse for bugs??? It was way smaller than I imagined. Still a beautiful park area, and you cant beat the views.

Another small lighthouse that could! Buglight has a beautiful park and is a well used space in South Portland. There are sweeping views of the Bay and Portland skyline but this park is more than a spot to come look at Portland... In the Spring, the Bark for Life, an American Cancer Society 5k is based here where Cancer survivors, canine and human, are celebrated. The Summer Movie series is held here. Food Trucks move in and a movie is played, for free, in the park. KITES! Want to go fly a kite, this is your place! The historical society is located just before the park entrance. There is a boat launch adjacent to the park as well. At night some people come here, park, and eat their dinner while enjoying the view. The Greenbelt Walkway, which connects South Portland from Wainwright (Highland Ave) ends/starts here. The rules regarding dogs can be confusing. Dogs are required to be on leash along the Greenbelt, however, they are allowed off leash in the park... technically the walkway around and through the park is the Greenbelt Walkway... just use your best judgement and keep your dog under control and not stealing someone's sandwich. The big open field is a great place to play fetch, or frisbee, or catch or even to just lay around. The lighthouse here also has open hours and you can tour the little lighthouse along the short breakwater. After much of the path being washed out during a big storm, they have done a great job of repairing it and making improvements to the area. Benches are available throughout as well as a few tables. You really can't go wrong here if you enjoy being outside.

Located at the end of the Greenbelt, Bug Light is lovely park with a cute-as-a-button lighthouse, right on Casco Bay. This is definitely one of the nicer spots in South Portland. Come at the right time, and you'll be delighted with a fleet of soaring kits flying high above the fields of Bug Light. There's plenty of room to romp with dogs, kids, or just some pals. It's also an excellent spot to hang out and watch the fireworks on the the 4th of July. When I was there for this I could hear the BOOMs and BANGs of the fireworks reverberate off the sides of the giant oil barges parked in the bay. A very cool experience. Take a walk on the Greenbelt and end up at Bug Light, or just drive in and take in a view of the water from your car. Either way, there's nothing not to like about Bug Light.

It's kinda sketchy late evenings. Sketchy bc I've seen people come here, sit in their cars and never get out. It's an awesome place to fly your kite. Plenty of parking, and even a lil history of Maine shipping days during WW2. Great views of Portland East end and 2 lighthouses. Bug light house and Spring Point light house by SMCC. Nice trail runs n bike trails as well. I haven't seen too many dogs there, so not to worry about land mines.

We originally was going to go to the lighthouse in cape Elizabeth but parking was terrible so we devised to go to big light park. Free parking. No problem finding parking. Yes the lighthouse is small but it was cute. The walk was nice and there are plenty of benches or rocks to sit on. The park is a nice place to fly a kite or walk a dog.

Beautiful spot. Tons of grass and seating. Parking lots nearby. And, if you are so inclined, the light house is a gym and there are three Poké Stops right next to it. There are almost always lures in the evenings and on weekends.