This Exceptionally Beautiful Lighthouse Is a Must-See Bucket List Item for Travels to Coastal Maine.

Do you recognize this lighthouse? If you're a movie fan, you just might. Yep, this is the famous lighthouse where the lighthouse/running scene was filmed. For many people, this might be a big draw. I happen to be a huge lighthouse fan, and also a huge movie fan. However, Forrest Gump wasn't my personal reason for visiting here. I had seen photos of this historic beauty, and I wanted to see it in-person. And I can honestly say that it's one of those special places that, yes, it's gorgeous in photos, but it's so much more magnificent to visit in real life. I've taken my kiddos to many, many lighthouses, from the west coast, to the shores of Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, and the banks of the Gitchi Gummi, and this is one of the most stunning lighthouses we've been to.

The original lighthouse was built in 1832, but the current tower was built in 1857.

Not only is the lighthouse itself spectacular, but we found one of our very favorite nature items here, as well - lots and lots of tidepools to explore. Now, I'm a big fan of exploring outdoors, and I have held firmly to my own childlike sense of wonder, but even for those of you who have not, spending an afternoon or morning exploring tidepools is simply magical.

I'm not joking when I say my kiddos would have happily hopped from pool to pool literally all day long (and into the night) had we not had tons of driving left to do that day. And watching their faces as they would excitedly call me over to show me a barnacle, or a piece of seaweed. These are the moments I'm so proud to raise kiddos who delight in the tiniest of discoveries.

I highly recommend a trip to Marshall Point Lighthouse. If you can time it so you're there around the golden hour, you'll be treated to a lovely orange sky.