Hey Lykkers, have you ever been to Portland Head Lighthouse? It's an incredible spot in Maine, right on the coast. The views there are insane, especially at sunset.

You can walk around the cliffs, take in the salty breeze, and just feel the history of the place. It's like stepping into a postcard, seriously worth checking out if you get the chance!

The Portland Head Lighthouse is a symbol of Maine's maritime history. It was built with local rubblestone by skilled stonemasons from the area. Over the years, it's been updated and changed, but the core of the tower still keeps its original look and materials.

Planning Your Visit

When you visit Portland Head Light, you'll find it at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, specifically at 1000 Shore Road. This 90-acre park not only hosts the lighthouse but also several other historic buildings.

While visitors can explore the museum and take amazing close-up photos, the lighthouse itself is only open for tours one day each year.

What you’ll see

At Portland Head Light, you'll find several buildings that make up the complex. The light tower, keepers' quarters (now a museum), whistle house, paint storage, and garage are all part of it.

The tower itself is quite interesting in its construction: from the base to about halfway up, it's made of uneven stone fragments. Above that, brickwork takes over, leading to the metal structure that houses the actual light.

The keepers' quarters, which is now a museum, is a wooden building with clapboard siding on the outside. It's set on stone and brick foundations.

The quarters are a duplex with a roof that's a mix of hip and gable styles. Inside, the first floor has a living room, dining room, and kitchen, while the second floor has several bedrooms.

Directions

To get to Fort Williams Park and Portland Head Light, follow Route 77 south from Portland via I-295 towards South Portland. Turn left onto Broadway, then continue onto Cottage Road, which turns into Shore Road at the town border of Cape Elizabeth.

If you're traveling from the south, take Route 1 north to Oak Hill in Scarborough, then turn right onto Route 207 and left onto Route 77 towards Cape Elizabeth. Once on Shore Road, follow it until you reach Fort Williams Park, where you'll find the iconic Portland Head Light along with other historic structures.

FAQ

Where is the best place to park?

The best place to park when visiting Portland Head Lighthouse is inside Fort Williams Park, which is managed by the Town of Cape Elizabeth. While there's no admission fee to enter the park, during the peak season from April 1 to November 15, there are "premium" parking spots available for a fee.

If you prefer not to pay, there's also an overflow parking lot that is free year-round. This gives visitors flexibility depending on their budget and convenience preferences.

What other facilities and views are available?

Fort Williams Park, spanning 90 acres, offers a wide range of activities to enjoy. You can picnic at tables scattered throughout, play sports in designated areas, explore various historic buildings, and take short hikes. The Portland Head Light tower itself is accessible to the public just once a year during the Maine Lighthouse Open Day in September.

The park's museum and gift store have varying hours: from 10 am to 2 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 4 pm on weekends. Admission to the museum is about $2 for adults, $1 for children aged 6-18, and free for younger children.

For more attractions within the park, visit the official website where you can learn about sustainability projects, the Blair & Keyes batteries, the historic Goddard Mansion, a beach area, and a children’s garden. There's something for everyone to enjoy in this expansive and historically rich park. (https://portlandheadlight.com/)

What are the best dining and accommodation options nearby?

During the peak visitation season, Fort Williams Park offers a variety of food vendors, including a specialty gelato maker, a sandwich shop, and a spot serving fresh lobster rolls, making it a great place to grab a bite while enjoying the park.

While Portland Head Lighthouse is conveniently reachable by car from Portland, there are also closer accommodation options for those wanting to stay nearby.

One of them is the Sea Rose guesthouse, which offers views overlooking the bay, providing a charming stay close to this iconic landmark. The rate for staying at Sea Rose is approximately $209 per night. Check-in time is at 4:00 PM, and check-out is at 10:00 AM. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a peaceful stay with beautiful ocean views.

We should definitely plan a trip there sometime soon. It sounds like such a peaceful and beautiful place to unwind and enjoy nature. Let's keep in touch and make it happen!