Fort Williams Park Cape Elizabeth Maine
Iconic lighthouse, historic forts, and rugged coastline offering breathtaking ocean views and endless exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Fort Williams Park Cape Elizabeth Maine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic lighthouse, historic forts, and rugged coastline offering breathtaking ocean views and endless exploration.
"Wonderful spot to spend some time, go for a walk, admire the ocean views, and of course visit Portland Head Light."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Be prepared for hills and uneven terrain; good walking shoes are essential for exploring the park.
🚗 Parking Fee Required
Parking costs around $6 for 2 hours. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Portland Head Light
Fort Williams Park
Maine's oldest lighthouse, offering iconic views and endless photo opportunities. A must-see!
Goddard Mansion Ruins
Fort Williams Park
Explore the intriguing remnants of this mid-1800s Italianate mansion, once a grand estate.
Historic Forts & Bunkers
Fort Williams Park
Discover remnants of military history, including old bunkers and observation towers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Fees
Explore Beyond the Lighthouse
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Be prepared for hills and uneven terrain; good walking shoes are essential for exploring the park.
🚗 Parking Fee Required
Parking costs around $6 for 2 hours. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Park
Bring your furry friend! Just remember to bring water for them, especially on warm days.
📸 Capture Every Angle
The lighthouse offers stunning views from various points; explore the coastline for unique shots. 
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Be prepared for hills and uneven terrain; good walking shoes are essential for exploring the park.
🚗 Parking Fee Required
Parking costs around $6 for 2 hours. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Park
Bring your furry friend! Just remember to bring water for them, especially on warm days.
📸 Capture Every Angle
The lighthouse offers stunning views from various points; explore the coastline for unique shots.
🍔 Food Trucks Available
Grab a lobster roll or other treats from local food trucks like Bite Into Maine.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Portland Head Light and the expansive, well-maintained park. The historical sites, rocky coastline, and family-friendly atmosphere are major draws. Some note the parking fees and the occasional strictness of park rangers regarding closing times.
"Fun place to spend a couple hours. Includes a lot of interesting sites to see and plaques and pictures to know what you’re looking at. The cliff walk had some great views of the rocky shore. The lighthouse and mansion were my favorite parts of the visit. In the summer it would be a great place for a picnic. Very family friendly."
Alison Wolf
"We came to this park specifically to see the lighthouse, but we parked in a lot near an old mansion and Fort, and walked around. The views were beautiful and it was a nice walk. We then drove up to the parking lot, close to the lighthouse and enjoyed walking around and getting as many different angles of pictures as we could. You do have to pay for parking, but it is not pricey. This is definitely a must visit if you are in the Portland area."
Jeff
"Very well maintained park in Cape Elizabeth, ME with a beautiful rocky coastline and an iconic Maine lighthouse. The views are outstanding.
The city park is fairly large, beautifully landscaped and maintained by the town of Cape Elizabeth.
Be prepared to walk up and down hills (wear good walking shoes).
The park gets very crowded on weekends and parking can be hard to find. There is a fee for parking that you need to pay at a kiosk.
The park is dog friendly so bring fido! Be sure to bring water for your pup in the hot weather, and for yourself.
Toilets consist of porta potties (ick) but at least they are there!"
Eve Zuber
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort Williams Park is a short drive, about 15 minutes, from downtown Portland, Maine. You can take Route 77 South. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services or driving their own vehicle.
While direct public bus routes to the park might be limited, you can often reach nearby areas in Cape Elizabeth and then take a short walk or taxi. Checking local transit schedules is recommended.
The park is quite large. Walking is the best way to explore its various sections, including the lighthouse, forts, and mansion ruins. Consider wearing comfortable shoes as there are hills.
Yes, the park is accessible in various weather conditions. While sunny days offer the best views, a foggy or rainy day can add a dramatic atmosphere to the lighthouse and coastline.
Fort Williams Park is located in Cape Elizabeth, just south of Portland. It's a great addition to a trip exploring Portland's Old Port, nearby beaches like Crescent Beach State Park, or other coastal Maine towns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fort Williams Park itself is free to enter. However, there is a parking fee, typically around $6 for a minimum of 2 hours, payable at a kiosk.
The park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, specific facilities like the museum may have limited hours. Be aware that rangers may ask visitors to leave before sunset.
Parking is typically on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no option to book parking in advance. Arriving early, especially on weekends, is advised.
The Portland Head Light itself is a landmark within the park and does not have a separate admission fee. The parking fee is the primary cost associated with visiting the area.
Information on discounts is not widely available. The standard parking fee applies to most visitors. It's generally considered reasonable compared to parking in downtown Portland.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Beyond the iconic Portland Head Light, explore the historic forts and bunkers, wander through the Goddard Mansion ruins, enjoy the rocky coastline, and walk the scenic trails.
Absolutely! The park has wide open spaces for kids to run, interesting historical sites to explore, and beautiful coastal views. It's a family-friendly destination.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are plenty of grassy areas and scenic spots to enjoy a meal with a view of the ocean.
Restrooms are available, though they often consist of porta-potties. It's advisable to be prepared for this, especially during peak season.
The park features coastal trails along the rocky shoreline and paths leading to historical structures. These trails offer stunning ocean vistas and opportunities for exploration.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are food options within or very near the park. The 'Bite Into Maine' food truck is a popular spot for lobster rolls, and 'The Window at The Shop' offers hot dogs and ice cream.
The food trucks often serve classic Maine fare, with lobster rolls being a highlight. You can also find other casual options like sandwiches and ice cream.
Bringing your own food for a picnic is highly encouraged and a great way to enjoy the park's scenery. There are many suitable spots for dining al fresco.
Yes, the nearby town of Cape Elizabeth and the city of Portland offer a wide range of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments.
Don't miss out on a classic Maine lobster roll! Blueberry soda and ice cream are also popular choices, especially during warmer months.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around Portland Head Light offers countless angles. Explore the rocky coastline, the lighthouse itself, and the surrounding historic structures for diverse shots.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides beautiful light for photography. Foggy conditions can also create dramatic and atmospheric shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national and state parks to ensure safety and preserve the environment. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Capture the lighthouse against the ocean backdrop, the rugged cliffs, and the architectural details of the Goddard Mansion ruins. The historic forts also make for compelling subjects.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views and the lighthouse. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. A tripod is helpful for low-light or long-exposure shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2Consider bringing a frisbee or ball for outdoor games. The Goddard Mansion ruins can also spark imagination. While the park is large, the main attractions are relatively accessible, making it manageable for families with young children. Remember to bring snacks and plenty of water, as well as comfortable shoes for everyone.
📸 Photographers
Beyond the lighthouse, the rugged coastline, historic bunkers, and the abandoned Goddard Mansion provide diverse subjects. A wide-angle lens is recommended for capturing the expansive views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details. A tripod will be beneficial for low-light conditions or capturing the motion of the waves.
🚶♀️ History Buffs
The Goddard Mansion ruins add another layer of historical intrigue, showcasing 19th-century architecture. Learning about the lighthouse's origins, commissioned by George Washington, further enriches the historical context of the park.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Portland Head Light
+1While the lighthouse itself is the main draw, the keeper's quarters now house a museum and gift shop, offering a glimpse into the history of the light and its keepers. The views from the cliffside trails are breathtaking, especially during sunrise or sunset. Be prepared for crowds, as this is a very popular spot, but the views are well worth it.
+1Many visitors find the lighthouse to be a symbol of Maine's rugged coastal charm. The constant presence of the ocean and the dramatic weather patterns often seen in the area add to its allure, making it a truly memorable sight.
Exploring the Historic Forts and Ruins
One of the most intriguing structures is the Goddard Mansion, an abandoned Italianate mansion built in the mid-1800s. Originally a private residence, it was later acquired by the army and eventually fell into disrepair. Exploring its ruins provides a unique urban exploration experience, with vines and nature reclaiming the stone structure.
+1These historical sites add a layer of depth to the park, appealing to history buffs and curious explorers alike. Wandering through these remnants of bygone eras, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maine coast, creates a truly unique and engaging experience.
Coastal Beauty and Activities
+2The park is also a fantastic spot for picnics and leisurely walks. The expansive green fields are perfect for families to spread out a blanket and enjoy a meal with a view. The park is dog-friendly, making it a great destination for those traveling with their pets.
+1While the primary focus is often on the lighthouse and historical sites, the natural environment itself is a major draw. The ever-changing ocean scenery, from calm seas to stormy weather, ensures that each visit can offer a different perspective and experience.
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