Fort Foster
Historic fort ruins, lighthouse views, scenic trails, picnic spots, and three small sand beaches.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Fort Foster
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic fort ruins, lighthouse views, scenic trails, picnic spots, and three small sand beaches.
"A magical place with excellent views, perfect for walks, picnics, and enjoying the ocean."
🚗 Parking & Fees
Summer fee is $20/car for non-residents. Off-season parking is free on the street.
🥾 Trail Shoes Recommended
Wear water shoes for tide pooling and comfortable footwear for exploring the trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Fort Ruins
Main grounds
Explore remnants of a historic fort active from 1901-1946. While not extensive, it offers a glimpse into the past.
Scenic Lighthouse Views
Along the trails
Enjoy picturesque views of three distinct lighthouses from various points on the trails.
Tide Pool Exploration
Beaches
Discover hermit crabs, small fish, and snails in the tide pools, especially during low tide.
Picnic & Beach Areas
Various spots
Perfect for family picnics, BBQs, or simply relaxing on one of the three small sand beaches.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seasonal Fees & Access
Best for Beachcombers & Hikers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Fees
Summer fee is $20/car for non-residents. Off-season parking is free on the street.
🥾 Trail Shoes Recommended
Wear water shoes for tide pooling and comfortable footwear for exploring the trails.
🦀 Tide Pool Gear
Bring a net and bucket for exploring tide pools; great for kids!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for your furry friends.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Fees
Summer fee is $20/car for non-residents. Off-season parking is free on the street.
🥾 Trail Shoes Recommended
Wear water shoes for tide pooling and comfortable footwear for exploring the trails.
🦀 Tide Pool Gear
Bring a net and bucket for exploring tide pools; great for kids!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for your furry friends.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Plenty of space for picnics and BBQs, a perfect family outing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Fort Foster for its beautiful coastal scenery, lighthouse views, and excellent tide pooling opportunities, making it a favorite among locals. While the fort ruins are modest, the well-maintained trails and clean facilities enhance the experience. Some note the summer fee, but many find it worthwhile for a peaceful escape.
"We were looking for tide pools while on our vacation and we found this place in our last day unfortunately. It was a great place to discover hermit crabs, crabs, small fish and plenty of snails. So, bring your water shoes, net and bucket. It was nice to get away from the crowds. Seemed liked it was a favorite spot amongst the locals with people enjoying the beach, picnicking or bbqing."
Mari P
"Not much to see for ruins, but the walking trails are perfect for seeing three lighthouses and general enjoyment of the point. I highly recommend and I look forward to when I can return."
Amy Millett
"Great place to have a family function outdoors under the sun. You can swim etc."
Frederick Davis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort Foster is located on Gerrish Island in Kittery, Maine. It's accessible by car, with street parking available outside the main gate during the off-season and a dedicated lot during summer (fee applies).
While parts of the road are accessible, the trails may not be fully ADA compliant. Strollers are generally manageable on the main paths.
From Portsmouth, NH, take US-1 Bypass North and then ME-103 East towards Kittery Point. Fort Foster is at the end of Gerrish Island.
Public transport options are limited directly to Fort Foster. Driving is the most convenient method.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available, especially during the summer season, though a fee is charged. Off-season parking is free along the street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
During the summer season, there's a $20 day-use fee per car for non-residents. Outside of this season, entry is free by parking on the street and walking in.
Hours vary seasonally. In May, for example, it was open until 7:30 PM. It's best to check local listings or call ahead for current hours.
Advance booking is generally not required. Entry is typically on a first-come, first-served basis, especially during peak season.
The park is generally accessible year-round, but the paid day-use fee is only enforced during the summer season.
The primary discount is for residents or during the off-season when entry is free. Specific group discounts are not widely advertised.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore historic fort ruins, walk scenic trails with lighthouse views, discover tide pools, enjoy beaches, and have picnics. +1
Yes, the park is noted for having very clean restrooms.
You might spot hermit crabs, small fish, snails in the tide pools, and various seabirds along the coast.
Absolutely! The lighthouse views, coastal scenery, and historic structures make it a great spot for photography, especially at sunset.
The Fort Foster Loop is a popular 2.1-mile trail that includes the pier and offers diverse views of beaches, woods, and marsh.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within Fort Foster itself, but it's a popular spot for picnics and BBQs. Nearby Kittery Point and Portsmouth offer many dining options.
Yes, Fort Foster is a great place for BBQs and family functions outdoors.
Bob's Clam Hut is a well-known local spot nearby, offering classic Maine seafood. Kittery also has numerous restaurants.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check local park regulations regarding alcohol consumption. Picnics are common.
No, there are no cafes or snack bars within the park. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The pier, the lighthouse views, the historic fort structures, and the coastline at sunset are prime photography locations.
Yes, Fort Foster is described as a magical place and is particularly beautiful at sunset, offering stunning coastal views.
Landscape, nature, and historical photography are popular. It's also a great spot for family portraits and pet photography.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary by park. It's best to check with the Kittery Parks and Recreation department for current drone policies.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the best light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for tide pool shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic or fire up the BBQ at one of the designated areas for a full day of fun. The clean restrooms are a bonus for families. Remember to bring water shoes for exploring the tide pools safely.
🐶 Dog Owners
Ensure your dog is on a leash at all times and that you clean up after them. The open spaces and varied terrain offer plenty of sniffing opportunities for your furry friend.
📸 Photographers
+1Beyond landscapes, the park is excellent for capturing candid moments of families enjoying picnics, children exploring tide pools, or dogs playing on the beach. The pier also offers a unique perspective for framing shots of the coastline.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Fort's History
Although the 'ruins' themselves might not be the main draw for everyone, they provide context for the park's location and its strategic importance. The trails around the fort offer excellent vantage points, allowing visitors to appreciate both the historical site and the surrounding coastal landscape. It's a place where history meets nature, offering a unique dual experience.
Tide Pooling and Beachcombing Adventures
The park's three small sand beaches are also prime locations for sea glass hunting. The rugged Maine coastline is known for polishing glass into smooth, colorful treasures. A leisurely walk along the shore during low tide can turn into a rewarding hunt, offering a peaceful and engaging way to connect with the ocean.
Scenic Trails and Lighthouse Views
These trails are perfect for a leisurely stroll, a brisk hike, or even a family outing. They offer continuous ocean vistas and are generally considered easy to navigate. The combination of natural beauty and accessible paths makes Fort Foster an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for scenic coastal walks.
+1
Social
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