Southport: Lighthouse and Island Trails

Southport offers several reasons to explore the island: Hendricks Head Lighthouse was first built in 1829 and remains an active aid to navigation. A gentle loop trail, a summer chapel, and fresh seafood on the wharf offer other highlights. When choosing a vacation rental, you can consider which of these aspects of the destination you want to shape your trip.

A Short Loop at Hendricks Head

The Hendricks Head Hiking Trail is an easy half-mile loop. It is located next to the public Hendricks Head Beach on Southport Island. If you would also like to spend time outdoors during your stay, this is a clearly described walking option of manageable length. The details “loop” and “half a mile” can help you plan your day, without needing to estimate how long the walk will take. The beach and trail are next to each other; the loop is therefore a stand-alone suggestion alongside the other experiences Southport offers.

Hendricks Head: A Historic Lighthouse

The history of Hendricks Head Lighthouse dates back to its first construction in 1829. It also remains an active aid to navigation. Visitors can see the lighthouse from the end of Beach Road in West Southport. If you enjoy including distinctive structures in your travel memories, you can make this viewpoint a separate stop in Southport.

Lighthouse Views and Island Orientation

Cuckolds Light Station is also visible, from the public landing at the tip of Southport Island. This is a different named location for viewing a lighthouse than the end of Beach Road in West Southport, from which Hendricks Head is visible. The two viewpoints refer to different lighthouses and explicitly named locations. When planning your trip, you can therefore note which viewpoint you want to visit rather than treating both as the same stop.

The Connection to Southport Island

The Southport Island Swing Bridge connects Boothbay Harbor with Southport Island. This connection helps you get your bearings between the harbor and the island. When choosing accommodation for your trip, you can first decide whether your plans will focus more on Southport itself or also include Boothbay Harbor. The bridge is a useful geographic reference point; this information does not specify distances or travel times.

Chapel and Local Cuisine

All Saints by-the-Sea is an Episcopal summer chapel on Southport Island. Visitors of all faiths are welcome. For travelers who would like to discover a place of religious significance alongside nature and maritime sights, it is one of Southport’s cultural experiences. Robinson’s Wharf offers a culinary highlight: fresh lobster, shrimp, and scallops are served right on the wharf in Southport. This gives you a range of interests to choose from for your trip—from a gentle loop trail and lighthouse views to local seafood.

Discover More Places

Other places include South Bristol, Boothbay Harbor, Newagen, Boothbay, Wiscasset, Bristol, Edgecomb and Alna.

For the broader travel overview: Lincoln.