
Ship Cove Beach Fort Williams
Discover a hidden red sand beach and explore historic fort ruins with stunning ocean views in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for beachcombing and fewer crowds.

Ship Cove Beach Fort Williams
Best Time
Perfect for beachcombing and fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a hidden red sand beach and explore historic fort ruins with stunning ocean views in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
"A wonderful spot with outhouses, for picnics, Fort walking, swimming and beach combing."

🚗 Parking & Fees
Pay for parking at Crescent Beach State Park to access the red sand cove. Carry in, carry out your trash. :moneybag:
🥾 Trail to Red Sand
Follow the trail from Crescent Beach parking; it winds through woods and meadows to the cove. :hiking_boot:

Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 5 reviews
Type
Picnic Ground
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jordan's Point Red Sand Cove
Western end of Crescent Beach State Park
A unique beach with striking red sand, offering a picturesque and less crowded coastal experience.

Fort Williams Park Ruins
Fort Williams Park
Explore the historic remnants of Fort Williams, offering a glimpse into the past with scenic ocean backdrops.

Oceanfront Picnic Areas
Fort Williams Park
Enjoy a meal with a view at designated picnic spots overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover the Red Sand Secret
Plan Your Visit to Fort Williams
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Fees
Pay for parking at Crescent Beach State Park to access the red sand cove. Carry in, carry out your trash. :moneybag:
🥾 Trail to Red Sand
Follow the trail from Crescent Beach parking; it winds through woods and meadows to the cove. :hiking_boot:
Updated: Maine Itinerary
Portland head and fort Williams are in Cape
🐶 Dog-Friendly Park
Fort Williams Park welcomes dogs, making it a great spot for pet owners. 🐕
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Utilize the picnic tables and BBQ grills for a delightful meal with ocean views. :picnic_table:
Maine in October
Hi all, I’m visiting Maine from the UK with my wife & young son (20 months old). We’ll be staying in the Portland/Scarborough area for 5 days from around the 20th - I was just wondering whether anyone had any family-friendly recommendations for things to do in the…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Fees
Pay for parking at Crescent Beach State Park to access the red sand cove. Carry in, carry out your trash. :moneybag:
🥾 Trail to Red Sand
Follow the trail from Crescent Beach parking; it winds through woods and meadows to the cove. :hiking_boot:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Park
Fort Williams Park welcomes dogs, making it a great spot for pet owners. 🐕
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Utilize the picnic tables and BBQ grills for a delightful meal with ocean views. :picnic_table:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the beautiful ocean views and the unique red sand at Jordan's Point. The historic fort ruins and picnic areas are also highlights, offering a blend of history and natural beauty. Some note that parking fees apply and emphasize the importance of carrying out trash.
"Area with a beautiful view of the ocean from the car. Great for a morning coffee or some lunch"
David Vasquez
"Wonderful spot with outhouses, for picnics, Fort walking, swimming and beach combing. Dog friendly, picnic tables, BBQ grills and pay for parking. Clean, must carry in carry out."
Mystic Baba
"The east coast is so different. This area was pretty cute. There are picnic tables up on a paved area. Lots of parking. You can also pick a trail to walk down to see old ruins as well"
Theresa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ship Cove Beach is part of Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Access to the unique red sand cove at Jordan's Point is via a trail from the Crescent Beach State Park parking area, located about 8 miles south of Portland.
Public transportation options to Fort Williams Park are limited. It's generally recommended to drive. Parking is available within the park and at Crescent Beach State Park, though fees may apply during peak season.
The red sand beach, known as Jordan's Point, is reached by a scenic trail starting from the Crescent Beach State Park parking lot. The trail goes through woods and meadows before opening up to the cove.
Yes, parking fees are typically charged at Crescent Beach State Park, which is the access point for the red sand cove. Fort Williams Park also has parking, and fees may apply depending on the season and specific areas.
You can drive to Fort Williams Park and enjoy ocean views from paved areas. However, to reach the specific red sand cove at Jordan's Point, you'll need to take a trail from Crescent Beach State Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fort Williams Park itself is generally free to enter and explore. However, there are parking fees, especially at Crescent Beach State Park, which is the access point for the red sand cove.
Fort Williams Park is typically open year-round from dawn to dusk. However, specific facilities like restrooms may have seasonal hours. It's always a good idea to check the official park website for the most current information.
Yes, Crescent Beach State Park usually has an entrance fee for parking, especially during the summer season. This fee grants access to the beach and the trailhead leading to Jordan's Point.
Fort Williams Park is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your canine companions. However, dogs may have restrictions on certain areas or during specific times, so it's advisable to check park regulations.
Parking at Crescent Beach State Park is usually on a first-come, first-served basis, with fees collected at the entrance. There isn't typically an online booking system for daily parking. Arriving early is recommended.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Fort Williams Park offers a variety of activities including exploring historic fort ruins, walking scenic trails, picnicking with ocean views, and beachcombing. The park is also known for its lighthouse.
The distinctive red sand at Jordan's Point is due to the presence of iron-rich minerals in the local geology. This unique characteristic makes it a visually striking spot.
Yes, outhouses and restrooms are available at Fort Williams Park and Crescent Beach State Park, which is convenient for visitors spending a longer time exploring.
Absolutely! Fort Williams Park has open spaces for kids to run, picnic areas, and the gentle shores of the beach are great for little ones. The historic fort also sparks imagination.
The park features a mix of paved paths and natural trails. The trail to Jordan's Point is described as going through woods and meadows, offering a pleasant walk to the red sand cove.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the red sand cove, the historic fort ruins against the ocean, and the iconic lighthouse. Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting.
Yes, the red sand provides a unique and vibrant backdrop for photography. It contrasts beautifully with the blue ocean and green foliage.
Early morning or late afternoon 'golden hours' offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warm glow on the landscape and ruins.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with the park authorities or local ordinances regarding drone operation within Fort Williams Park to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and fort structures. A macro lens can be fun for close-ups of the unique red sand.










Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit