When you visit Portland, Maine, you’ll find a lot of activities in downtown Portland to keep you busy. You can take the mail boat cruise to enjoy the scenery as a ship makes its rounds dropping off passengers and mail. You could visit a museum to learn some history or do some shopping. Plus you’ll have plenty of opportunities to eat some great food. Or you could spend an afternoon just wandering through the Old Port area. Still, many people choose to venture a little beyond Portland to the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse and surrounding area.
The area around Cape Elizabeth is beautiful and once you visit, you’ll understand why so many people make it a point to come out here. Beyond just the beauty of the Atlantic coast line, you’ll also see the Portland Head Lighthouse, which is the most photographed lighthouse in the United States.
What To Do at Cape Elizabeth
If you’re planning a day in Cape Elizabeth, here are the highlights.
Photograph Cape Elizabeth and Portland Head Lighthouse
In my opinion, the top sight is the Portland Head Lighthouse. The lighthouse is nice, but it’s setting is what makes it so spectacular. It looks beautiful in pictures, but if you are here on a clear, sunny day, it’s just stunning. There are some walking trails nearby and I recommend taking advantage to admire the lighthouse (and the Atlantic coastline) from several angles.
And don’t forget your camera. Portland Head Lighthouse is the most photographed lighthouse in the United States. After your visit, you’ll understand why.
But is it actually that cool? I guess at the end of the day, beauty is subjective. However, as someone who grew up near coastlines and therefore lighthouses (of Lake Michigan, not the Atlantic Ocean), even I had to admit that this was a pretty cool lighthouse.
Take a Walk
I already mentioned that there are some walking paths here, but I’m going to mention it again. When you’re done with your photographs, take a stroll down the pedestrian path. You’ll be walking right along the Atlantic coast and the views are absolutely beautiful. You can walk for as much or as little as you want.
Enjoy a Picnic
Enjoy a picnic. This would be a fabulous place to have a picnic lunch, especially if you have a sunny day. Either pack your own supplies or pick up some food from the nearby lobster stand (if they are open!).
Enjoy the Beach
You’re on the coast and if you’re here on a warm, summer day, this could be a great way to spend an afternoon (although I’m sure many people will have the same idea as you). I was here on Halloween, so while I got lucky with a sunny day, it was a bit too cold to really enjoy the beach.
Get Out on the Water
If you want to get a different perspective of Portland Head Lighthouse and the Cape Elizabeth coast line, board a boat. Small excursion boats will get you out on the water for what I’m sure are great views.
Visit the Museum
The lighthouse, while still functional, also holds a museum containing artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell the story of this lighthouse. The museum is open from Memorial Day (last Monday in May) to Indigenous People’s Day (second Monday in October) and costs $2 per adult and $1 for children ages 6-18 (children under 6 are free).
Climb to the Top of Portland Head Lighthouse
If you want to do this, you need to be very specific with your planning. The tower is only open for one day per year on Maine Open Lighthouse Day. In 2024, it will be September 14.
See the Remains Goddard Mansion
This mansion predates the military history of Cape Elizabeth. It was built in the 1800s by New York architect Charles A. Alexander for local resident John Goddard. In 1900, the mansion was acquired by the United States army and used as NCO (non-commissioned officers) quarters. In 1962, the town acquired the mansion and in 1980 the interior was burned. The building is fenced off, but you can still see it from a distance.
Check Out The Battery
While you could see Battery Keyes from a distance, a much more reasonable approach is to check out Battery Blair. Depending on where you park, you may end up on a visit here regardless. Informational signs teach the military history of this battery.
The Children’s Garden
Located in Fort William’s park, this acre and a half garden is a nature preserve and is designed to let children explore their relationship with nature. There are footbridges, flowers, ponds, and more.
Getting to Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse
Cape Elizabeth is not just one place, but is an entire town in Maine. It sits about a twenty minute drive south of Portland, although travel times will vary depending on where you start or end.
For most people, the top sight will be the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse (called officially the Portland Head Lighthouse). To get here, navigate to Fort Williams Park. Expect the drive to be about 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Portland.
Parking
You will need to pay to park at the light house. There is a parking lot at Fort Williams Park. When I visited in 2021, there was no meter and instead you needed to use the Passport Parking app (which is the same app you’ll use for parking in downtown Portland). During my visit, it cost about $4 for parking for my hour and a half visit.
My Experience at Cape Elizabeth
I visited Cape Elizabeth (and Portland Head Lighthouse) on Halloween. It was my last day in New England and I had limited time since I needed to return my rental car and catch my flight home. But I still had to come and check it out.
In an hour and a half, I saw The Battery, took too many photos of the Portland Head Lighthouse, and walked a small section of the walking trails. For me, this was the perfect end to New England road trip.
How Long Do You Need at Cape Elizabeth
It really depends how much you plan to see and do. I just had a short visit, of about an hour and a half, and felt perfectly content with my visit. People who are looking to do more walking or touring the buildings should plan more time.
When To Visit Cape Elizabeth
Summer will have the best weather, but it can also be crowded. Spring and fall will be weather dependent, but less crowded.
I was here on October 31, and had spectacular blue skies and comfortable weather (for October anyway). As a note though, the day before, it was cloudy, foggy, and rainy. If your day looks like this, I’m not sure if it’ll be worth making the drive out here.
Continue Your Adventure
Maine: Cape Elizabeth makes an easy day trip from Portland. If you’re already in Portland, make sure to check out the Mail Boat Cruise.
More in New England: In Rhode Island, tour one of the over the top mansions of Newport. In Connecticut, visit the historic fishing village of Mystic, or one of Connecticut’s many state parks. In Vermont, don’t miss the charming town of Stowe. And if you’re traveling to Stowe from the Berkshires in Massachusetts, take a quick detour to Albany, New York.
New England Itineraries: For an awesome introduction into New England, try this 10 Day Road Trip from Providence, Rhode Island to Portland, Maine. For those with less time, I’ve put together a series of one week New England itineraries, each focusing on a different region in New England.