Portland: 5 Lighthouse Bike Tour & XL Lobster Roll Lunch

Summary

Cycle Portland’s coast past lighthouses with lunch by the sea

You’ll cycle along Portland’s rugged coast with locals guiding you past five historic lighthouses, pausing for stories and sea views. Expect salty breezes, laughter over an XL lobster roll lunch from Bite into Maine (with all diets welcome), and a relaxed pace that lets you soak up every detail — right down to sand between your toes.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not gonna eat that whole thing, are you?” That’s what our guide Sam said when I stared at the lobster roll — honestly, it was bigger than my hand. We’d just rolled up to Portland Head Light after pedaling through this salty air that clings to your skin (in a good way), and I could already smell butter before I even saw the food truck. The ride started in Old Port — cobblestones under our wheels, gulls yelling overhead — and somehow I was both nervous and excited. I hadn’t been on a bike in ages.

The first stop was Bug Light, which is cuter than it sounds. Sam told us about shipbuilding during World War II right by the Liberty Ship Memorial — he had this way of making history sound like gossip from his own family. You could see Casco Bay stretching out, all blue and choppy. At Spring Point we walked the breakwater out; I kept thinking I’d drop my phone into the water but didn’t (miracle). Some days you can climb inside the lighthouse but we were there on a Monday so just peeked in the windows.

Cape Elizabeth had these houses that looked straight out of a movie — one even had laundry fluttering outside, which made me weirdly happy for no reason. We stopped at Willard Beach for a second; sand stuck to my shoes and some local kids were chasing each other around an old dog who looked like he’d seen it all before. The main keyword here is “day trip Portland Maine bicycle tour” because honestly, this is how you want to see it — slow enough to notice things like salt on your lips or how everyone seems to wave at cyclists.

I’m still thinking about that view from Fort Williams Park — lighthouse against gray sky, waves smashing rocks below. Lunch was loud with seagulls and everyone trading bites of chips for extra soda (I swapped dessert for more lobster). If you’re wondering about dietary stuff, they asked everyone ahead of time so nobody felt left out. On the ride back through Willard Square my legs were jelly but it felt good, like I’d actually earned that massive lobster roll. So yeah… if you want something real with just enough awkward helmet hair moments mixed in, this tour’s got it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Portland lighthouses and coastal biking

• Start in Portland's Old Port Neighborhood
• Visit Bug Light lighthouse and take photos
• Stop at Liberty Ship Memorial for history talk
• Walk breakwater to second lighthouse and tour
• View Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park
• Lunch at Portland Head Light area
• Bike through Cape Elizabeth waterfront houses
• Bike through Willard Square and stop at Willard Beach

Top questions

How many lighthouses do you see on the Portland bike tour?

The route includes up to 5 lighthouses: Bug Light, Spring Point Ledge Light, Portland Head Light, Ram Island Ledge Light (viewed from shore), and usually one more depending on timing.

Is lunch included in the Portland bicycle tour?

Yes, lunch is included: an extra large lobster roll from Bite into Maine food truck with chips, local soda, and dessert. Dietary needs are accommodated.

Where does the bike tour start in Portland?

The tour starts in Portland’s Old Port neighborhood.

Are bikes provided for the lighthouse tour?

Yes, use of a bicycle is included in your booking.

Is this day trip suitable for beginners?

The route is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Can vegetarians join this lobster roll bike tour?

Yes, all dietary restrictions or preferences can be accommodated if requested ahead of time.

Do we go inside any of the lighthouses?

You may enter Spring Point Ledge Light if open (usually Tuesdays and Thursdays); otherwise most are viewed from outside or along walking paths.

How long does the day trip last?

The full experience covers several hours including biking between stops and time for lunch at Fort Williams Park near Portland Head Light.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a bicycle for exploring Portland’s coastline with a local guide leading stops at up to five lighthouses plus stories along the way; an extra large lobster roll lunch from Bite into Maine with chips, local soda and dessert (all dietary needs handled); plus plenty of chances to pause for photos or just take in those ocean views before returning by bike through Old Port.