Best Places to Fly
Your Drone in Portland
Welcome to this wiki. The goal of this wiki is to crowd-source drone information. Having said that, information may be inaccurate, out-of-date, and should not be relied upon for legal advice.
Portland Drone Flying
Locations Map
1. Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
Portland is filled with ligthouses, so picking just one to fly your drone by can be a tough choice. However, we highly recommend the Spring Point Lighthouse. The long walkway to the lighthouse gives this scenery a more picturesque quality and makes the ligthouse look more isolated. Whether set against the crashing waves or the cityscape, aerial shots of the Spring Point Lighthouse are a great way to show off your drone photography skills.
2. Marginal Way and Perkins Cove
Perkins Cove and the Marginal Way leading to it offer splendid views of the water. Drone flight along the Marginal Way and off Perkins Cove is allowed according to the Ogunquit Police Department. However, the Ogunquit Beach is off-limits to drones, so keep in mind to not veer off too far to the north.
3. Highland Lake
A serene lake not far from Portland, Highland Lake is a nice drone flight spot if you want to avoid huge crowds. The lake itself is fairly quite with just a few cabins and walking trails around it. The place is also very scenic despite the lack of any distinct features.
4. Old Orchard Beach
The beaches of Old Orchard Beach is a fairly obvious spot for drone flight with its wide open spaces and scenic views. The nearby pier is also visually interesting, especially when its restaurants and bars come alive at night. If you’re looking for a spot for sunset photography with your drone, then head on over to Old Orchard Beach.
5. Bailey Island
Bailey Island is home to a unique coastal community in Maine. It’s a captivating area for nature lovers, photographers, and drone videographers. The island has the most idyllic harbor, trails, serene beaches, rugged rocky shores, and welcoming coastal inns. All the above appeals to drone pilots who love to capture unspoiled seaside atmospheres on camera.
6. Old Port
The historical Old Port district is one of the most visually distinct areas in Maine. With a drone, you can take photos of the district’s classic brick buildings overlooking the bay. This place is even more picturesque at night and during rush hour, when the city comes alive with the lights of the buildings and cars. The magical quality of the Old Port district is enough to make anyone fall in love with the city.
7. Fort Gorges
The island-bound military fort is one of the more intriguing spots for aerial photography, mostly because of its location. The best place to launch your drone would be the West Shore Sandy Beach, located around 0.3 miles east of the fort.
8. Portland Head Light
The Portland Head Light, as the name implies, remains one of the most iconic lighthouses in Portland. Located on the shores of Fort Williams Park, Portland Head Light and the unique red-roofed keeper’s quarters make amazing photo subjects. The best place to take photos of the lighthouse is with your drone flying out at the bay so you can capture the waves crashing against the coastline.