As a Florida girl, I don't get to experience rocky coastlines, historic lighthouses, or crisp New England air very often, so celebrating my 40th birthday in Portland, Maine felt like stepping into a completely different world. I traded palm trees for picturesque harbors, explored iconic lighthouses by both bike and boat, shopped our way through the charming Old Port, and enjoyed some of the freshest seafood and waterfront dining I've ever experienced. If your ideal getaway includes equal parts adventure and ocean views, let me show you why Portland stole a piece of my heart and why booking a tour with Lighthouse Bikes was the best part of my trip.
I chose to go with Lighthouse Bikes, a woman-owned business that offers guided tours through some of Maine's most beautiful coastal scenery. As someone who loves supporting local businesses, learning the story behind Lighthouse Bikes made the experience even more meaningful.
Founder Leah Day opened Lighthouse Bikes after completing an unforgettable cross-country cycling journey with her teenage son in 2019. What began as an incredible adventure—meeting kind strangers, discovering breathtaking landscapes, and learning more about themselves, sparked a new mission when they returned home: to inspire others to experience the joy, freedom, and connection that comes from exploring the world by bicycle.
Knowing that story made our ride feel like more than just a tour. It was a reminder that sometimes the best adventures begin with saying "yes" to something new. As we pedaled along Portland's scenic coastline, stopping at historic lighthouses and taking in the ocean views, it was easy to understand why Leah wanted to share this experience with others. Slowing down on a bike allows you to notice the little things, the salty sea breeze, the sound of the waves, and the charm of each neighborhood in a way you simply can't from a car.
If you're looking for a fun, active way to experience Portland while supporting a passionate local entrepreneur, I can't recommend Lighthouse Bikes enough. It ended up being one of our favorite experiences of the entire trip. Visit https://www.lighthousebikesportland.com/ to book your guided tour! We opted for the 2 hour Lighthouse Tour: This gently paced, two-hour tour on Jamis, Boss Cruiser Bicycles, will take you on a five mile route along a paved bike trail to two two historic lighthouses; Bug Light and Spring Point Light. There will be time for exploring both and, if you desire, to walk along a granite breakwater that was built to protect Portland’s harbors long ago.
