Portland Head Light is a free, high-reward coastal stop for its working lighthouse, rocky Casco Bay views, and Fort Williams setting; it works best if you arrive early or near sunset to avoid the Central Parking crunch.
Use Central Parking or Overflow
The lighthouse grounds are free, but Central Parking charges US$6 for two hours plus US$2 per additional hour; use the free Overflow lot if Central is full.
MoreDo not book regular entry
There is no admission ticket or timed entry for Fort Williams Park, which is open daily from sunrise to sunset year-round.
MoreDo not expect a tower climb
The tower is normally closed; the only known public climb is the annual Maine Open Lighthouse Day, with limited day-of first-come tickets when an event is announced.
MoreGo early or before sunset
Visit within two hours after sunrise for quieter photos and easier parking, or 60–90 minutes before sunset for the best warm light; leave by sunset when the park closes.
MorePortland Head Light grounds and Fort Williams Park
~90 min · Free open park access; no timed entry, open sunrise to sunset daily.
Museum at Portland Head Light
~25 min · Seasonal paid museum in the former keepers’ quarters; Memorial Day through Indigenous Peoples Day, daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Cliff Walk Loop
~45 min · Free one-mile coastal loop within Fort Williams Park; terrain is rougher and not uniformly accessible.
Portland Head Light is an active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation at the entrance to Portland Harbor and Casco Bay, located in Fort Williams Park at 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth—not South Portland. Completed in 1790 and first lit on January 10, 1791, it is one of Maine’s oldest and most recognizable lighthouses. The 80-foot tower, whose light stands 101 feet above the water, remains operational; Cape Elizabeth manages the historic station and former keepers’ quarters while the Coast Guard maintains the light and fog signal.
It is an exceptionally rewarding short coastal visit: a real working historic lighthouse, rocky Atlantic ledges, wide Casco Bay views, the keeper’s house, and Fort Williams’ military ruins are all together in a compact public park. It especially suits first-time Maine visitors, lighthouse fans, photographers, and families; skip it if you require a routine tower climb, dislike exposed windy coastlines, or want a wilderness experience rather than a popular scenic stop.
Before you go
No. The coordinates 43.6231, -70.2078 are for Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth, Maine—not South Portland. Use 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107.
No. The lighthouse grounds in Fort Williams Park are free for everyone, with no admission ticket, timed entry, gate, or reservation. The park is open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset.
Outdoor access is free. Paid parking is charged by Cape Elizabeth’s contractor, Unified Parking Partners: US$6 minimum for two hours, then US$2 per additional hour; the Overflow lot is free. The seasonal Museum at Portland Head Light costs US$2 for adults, US$1 for ages 6–18, and is free for children under 6.
Use Central Parking in Fort Williams Park for the closest practical approach to the lighthouse, museum, and main viewpoint. From there, the paved route is about 200 yards—roughly 5 minutes at an easy pace—with benches and railings. If it is full, use the free Overflow lot and allow extra walking.