Portland Lighthouses Bike Tour: South Portland to Cape Elizabeth

Summary

Bike the Greenbelt to Portland Head Light with stops for views, beach time, and food trucks

You’ll pedal from South Portland to Cape Elizabeth with a local guide, stopping at four historic lighthouses—including Portland Head Light—and pausing at Willard Beach for a breather or quick dip. Expect salty breezes, stories about shipwrecks, and maybe a lobster roll lunch if you’re hungry enough. It’s an easygoing ride that leaves you feeling like you’ve seen real Maine.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice would be the smell—salty air mixing with a whiff of cut grass as we rolled out from South Portland. Our group was a mix: a couple from Vermont, me (still figuring out the gears), and our guide Ben, who’d lived here his whole life. He kept pointing out little things I’d have missed—like how “Bug Light” got its nickname because it’s squat and round, not because of actual bugs (though there were a few buzzing around my helmet).

The ride along the Greenbelt Pathway felt easy enough, even for someone who hasn’t biked in months. There’s this moment when you come up on Spring Point Ledge Light—waves slapping against the rocks, seagulls yelling at each other—and Ben told us about shipwrecks that happened right where we stood. It made me pause. I tried to imagine old ships fighting their way into harbor. We passed Willard Beach next; some kids were shrieking in the cold water while an older couple walked their dog and nodded hello. The sand stuck to my shoes for half the ride after that.

Lunch was kind of funny. I’d brought a squished granola bar but caved when Ben suggested grabbing a lobster roll from this truck parked near Fort Williams Park. Li laughed when I tried to say “lobster” like a local—nope, still sounded like a tourist. But honestly? Eating that roll on the grass with Portland Head Light looming above us was one of those weirdly perfect travel moments you can’t plan for. The lighthouse is huge up close—older than Maine itself—and it just sits there watching everything go by.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bicycle tour visiting four lighthouses

• Start tour at 11:00 am
• Cycle to Portland Breakwater Light
• Visit Portland Breakwater Light
• Cycle to Spring Point Ledge Light
• Visit Spring Point Ledge Light
• Pass by Willard Beach
• Arrive at Portland Head Light
• Visit Portland Head Light

Top questions

How long is the Lighthouse Bicycle Tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours and covers several stops along the South Portland Greenbelt Pathway.

Which lighthouses are included on this bike tour?

The tour visits Portland Breakwater Light ("Bug Light"), Spring Point Ledge Light, and ends at Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth.

Does the tour include lunch or food?

No lunch is included by default, but your guide can help you buy lunch from a local food truck serving lobster rolls near Fort Williams Park.

Is bicycle rental included in the price?

Yes, use of a bicycle is included during your Lighthouse Bicycle Tour.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts in South Portland and follows the scenic Greenbelt Pathway toward Cape Elizabeth.

Is this bike tour suitable for beginners?

The route is mostly flat and accessible but requires at least moderate physical fitness; not recommended for travelers with certain health conditions.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options available near the starting point in South Portland.

Does the tour stop at any beaches?

Yes, you’ll pass by Willard Beach where you can pause or enjoy the view before continuing on your ride.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a comfortable bicycle for the full three-hour ride along South Portland’s scenic pathways with your local guide leading stops at all four lighthouses; there’s time to grab lunch from a food truck (the lobster rolls are popular), plus plenty of chances to rest or explore spots like Willard Beach before heading back together.