Portland Head Light

Category: Historical landmark in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Address: 12 Captain Strout Cir, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA

Phone: +12077992661

Opening hours

Sunday: 10AM–4PM

Monday: 10AM–2PM

Tuesday: 10AM–2PM

Wednesday: 10AM–2PM

Thursday: 10AM–2PM

Friday: 10AM–2PM

Saturday: 10AM–4PM

Reviews

Vanina V

Jun 29, 2022

Beautiful park, iconic light house. This is the perfect place to spend the afternoon walking around and breathing fresh air. A walk around this park will be better than walking on a treadmill for sure. Make sure to do the cliff walk as well. My only disappointment was in the bathrooms because there weren't any; only Porta potties. Kids will also love this park and it's rocky beach and dogs on a leash are also welcome.

Rōbi Ventures (Rōbi Ventures)

Jun 28, 2022

Be prepared for absolutely stunning views of the ocean as far as your eyes can see, waves crashing against the jagged rocks of the cliffs and a beautifully restored historic lighthouse perched high above it all. This is definitely one that you want to see if in the area. It was quite busy on the weekend and we could hardly get any photos without a ton of people walking in them. If you really want some great views of this lighthouse, make sure to take the cliff side trail. It’s well worth the short time it takes and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views.

Cory Stranzl

May 20, 2022

This is a beautiful area with alot of stuff to do. The 2 lighthouses are really cool to see. Have a pic of area. Some food and bathrooms. A huge grassy area. The rocks and ocean front are beautiful. Can get through some gates and climb down onto the rocks which I thought was awesome. Sometimes places like this are really strict on where you can go and that kills the fun of exploring. Here you can explore pretty much whatever you want to.

M. Travels

Dec 30, 2021

You must visit this exquisite place. You will pay for parking but it's nominal, I think we paid $4 for a couple hours. Get the Passport Parking app and you can pay right from there. You are able to explore the grounds and get right up to the Lighthouse. The views are unbelievable especially in the winter. Although the last time we saw it was in July from a boat so I could be wrong! I believe the actual Lighthouse was closed when we went so we just explored the trails around it. There is a Cliff Walk which runs along the cliff's edge that you can take. Be careful in the snow; it's very slippery! There is also a sledding hill with perfect unobstructed views of the ocean. Additionally there are many flat snowy areas to build snowmen or have a snowball fight. In the summer I can imagine picnics or just strolling around to enjoy the views. The neighborhood it's located in has beautiful homes if you're like me and enjoy looking at dream homes.

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Questions & Answers

Can you fly a kite here?

Chase Cloutier | Aug 19, 2021
Herb fields | Aug 19, 2021

Yes definitely.

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Hi. Is this place free to the public?

Daniel Perez | Aug 19, 2020
aidni Garcia | Aug 19, 2020

Yes, It is.

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Is the gift shop open until the end of Oct?

Penny | Aug 19, 2021
Portland Head Light | Aug 19, 2021

We are open daily until Columbus Day.

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are there tours

Kelly Cummins | Aug 19, 2021
Sherri T | Aug 19, 2021

No, the Lighthouse is currently not open

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Why is it a historical location? I've never heard of it other than it's image is used for The Lighthouse in the MCU show Agents of SHIELD.

Tony Stark | Aug 19, 2021
phishphanvt | Aug 19, 2021

It was the first lighthouse in maine. Built when maine was still part of Massachusetts. The US government, and president George Washington financed a large portion of the cost, MA paid for the remainder. (Less that 3000 total!) Also the entire park is known as Fort Williams. It was a military base/fort that was active during WW 1.

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Is this lighthouse near the city of Portland ME?

Larry and Linda Wargel | Aug 19, 2020
Pavan SP | Aug 19, 2020

Not really, it's about a 6 mile drive which may take up to 20 min to reach from downtown Portland

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I see that it says it closes at 4pm each day. Is that just the gift shop, or are you unable to walk around past 4? It seems rather romantic to go here at sunset!

Hazel Brunswerth | Aug 19, 2020
Marcia Lynch | Aug 19, 2020

You can walk around til sunset........ ❤️

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how much time do you recommend to visit?

JJ Chavez | Apr 21, 2022
Felix S | May 21, 2022

It depends on how much time you would like to spend, and what you would like to explore. However, if you just want to see the light house, and path at least 30 minutes .

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Open on 10/5/2021

汪敏敏 | Oct 23, 2021
Paula Hutchison | Oct 23, 2021

dawn to dusk every day the park Fort Williams and light house can be visited outside.. Museum and gift shop have specific hours of operation.

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Is it pet friendly?

Linda Barbera | Aug 19, 2021
Portland Head Light | Aug 19, 2021

Yes, on a leash

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Is this a open to the public place? Looking for a light house we could go into for next summer?

kit kat | Aug 19, 2021
Portland Head Light | Aug 19, 2021

The lighthouse is not open to the public.

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Are dogs permitted

Susan Wehry | Aug 19, 2021
James Pettit | Aug 19, 2021

Yes

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Are there picnic areas?

Lolita Skinitis | Aug 19, 2020
Nahum Medina | Aug 19, 2020

Yes

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Is flying drone for aerial photography allowed?

Rolly Escobar | Aug 19, 2020
James Pettit | Aug 19, 2021

No

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How does one pay for parking since you now charge? I've seen meters, but they only said debt/credit. What if you only have cash?

Ashley Lagrange | Aug 20, 2019
Angela Handy | Aug 20, 2019

There is no charge yet. Its still free to Park anywhere. Handicapped parking us right near lighthouse

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Which lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth was painted by Edward Hopper from a meadow on a hill in the late 1920s? A special feature is the rather dark shade that the house throws on the meadow.

Klaus Beyer | Aug 20, 2019
Bob Benson | Aug 20, 2019

Translated Which lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth was painted by Edward Hopper from a meadow on a hill in the late 1920s? A special feature is the rather dark shade that the house throws on the meadow. I'm pretty sure It's Portland Head lighthouse. Google...

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Is motor home camping allowed? I was up by the children’s playground / facility maintenance area and saw a couple of campers set up, awnings nags open, tables and chairs set out, looked like they were there for the night.

Susan Monteith | Aug 20, 2018
Rebekah Jardine Belanger | Aug 20, 2018

I would not recommend to try camping at Fort Williams. They don't allow it. It is very possible that these are persons who will be running in the Beach to Beacon race this weekend since some of the participants come all the way from Kenya. If they are there, it is with very explicit permission. Though I've never heard of even that-they lock the gates at dusk.

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Are dogs allowed?

Mayura Ludhani | Aug 20, 2018
Susan Monteith | Aug 20, 2018

Yes. There is a section where dogs are off leash. It is on the south end of the park. Trash cans and bags provided for dog waste.

How many different areas areas are there on the page

Edgar Lobos | Aug 20, 2018
Robert Ball | Aug 20, 2018

The area has several diffrent areas its a very nice park you will enjoy it

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How do I sign up for a Portland Head Light lighthouse tour?

Mary Hobgood | Aug 5, 2022
Debbie Peters | Aug 12, 2022

It is definitely open and you just need to show up! We walked everywhere!

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Are you allowed to scatter loved ones remains in the ocean?

Kimberly Schouweiler | Jul 20, 2022
Brenda Webb | Jul 20, 2022

No sure, but I guess if your love one wanted it I would.

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Where can you rent a bike closeby?

Lynne Hamer | Jul 20, 2022
Portland Head Light | Jul 20, 2022

Lighthouse bikes South Portland

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Is there a gift shop for souvenirs?

Kevin Russell | Jun 20, 2022
Justin Smith | Jun 20, 2022

Yes, and they have great soaps!

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Can you find seashells here?

Disciple of Christ | Jun 20, 2022
Elizabeth Bryan | Jun 20, 2022

There isn't a sandy beach. There are huge rocks to climb out onto.

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Is the lighthouse still operational? When do its lights go on?

Wells Jacobson | Sep 23, 2021
Dr. Nizam Uddin Anon | Sep 23, 2021

The light house is still operation today and is one of Portland's most popular tourist attraction . Visitor centre and Gift shop are now open every day 10am-5pm.

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What time do they close?

Heather Watson | Aug 19, 2021
Greg Pollock | Aug 19, 2021

Dawn to Dusk.

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What are the hours of operation?

Danielle Thompson | Aug 19, 2021
Portland Head Light | Aug 19, 2021

The Museum and Gift Shop are open Memorial Day to Columbus Day Monday-Friday 10:00 am- 2:00 pm Saturday and Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm Ft. Williams Park and the grounds of the lighthouse are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

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Hi I’m coming from Salt Lake City Utah to get a fresh start I’m highly motivated and was wondering if there is much work There

Greg Turner | Aug 19, 2021
Bob T joslin | Aug 19, 2021

Go to KY for a fresh start like I did 21 years ago and still there won't leave either

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will the lighthouse be open April 10th

Joyce Todd | Aug 19, 2021
Portland Head Light | Aug 19, 2021

The lighthouse is not open to the public. The grounds of the lighthouse are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

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Is open in day veteran 11 November 2020

Delia Candelario Camacho | Aug 19, 2021
Scott Freeman | Aug 19, 2021

Only for pictures the gift is closed

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Is the Portland Head Lighthouse still an active/functioning lighthouse?

Margaret Tansom | Aug 19, 2021
Owen DeWindt Jr. | Aug 19, 2021

Yes

Can one reach the base of the lighthouse or have to see afar? In other words.. how close from place of parking to the closest of the lighthouse

F Lee | Aug 19, 2021
Anthony Dacunto | Aug 19, 2021

The gift shop was open last weekend. They limit the number of people allowed in at a time. There are several parking lots. Many are very close to the Lighthouse. If I remember, it is $2 per hour to park via prepay machines.

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Can you fish off the beach/coast

Claire Betit | Aug 19, 2020
Anthony Dacunto | Aug 19, 2020

Ralph Patterson gave you the perfect response

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When is the gift shop open?

Anna | Aug 19, 2020
John Fishel | Aug 19, 2020

Summer

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Are dogs allowed?

Nina Flor | Aug 20, 2019
Mandar Chavan | Aug 20, 2019

Yes. On leash

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Can you actually walk up the lighthouse tower to see the views? Thanks

Toney Fitzgerald | Aug 20, 2019
Dan Tucker | Aug 20, 2019

Beautiful views regardless

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Is there an entrance fee?

Kate Hemker | Aug 20, 2019
Kelly Crenshaw | Aug 20, 2019

No entrance fee as of last week

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How much walking is there

Bob Dodge | Aug 20, 2019
Portland Head Light | Aug 20, 2019

The parking lot is a short walk to the lighthouse.

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I have to hold a presentation and I do not know what -😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Alexandra Renz | Aug 20, 2019
Jef Snipe | Aug 20, 2019

English please

is it possible to go in before they are actually open to take sunrise photos?

Cary St.onge | Aug 20, 2019
Jessica Thwaite | Aug 20, 2019

Not into the lighthouse, but I'm pretty sure you'd have no problem getting into Fort Williams Park and taking photos of the lighthouse from the grounds.

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Is Einstein's restaurant still there in Ogunquit, Me.?

Heather Herbert | Aug 20, 2019
Marie Szakos | Aug 20, 2019

To be clear, Ogunquit, ME is 41 miles away from Cape Elizabeth.

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Can I visit the light house on Friday. Are there any interesting things to do around the place for a tourist couple

Abhishek Yada | Aug 20, 2019
Joseph Bissell | Aug 20, 2019

You can visit the lighthouse any day, although the museum is only open certain times of the year.

Will the lighthouse still be open in November.Such as November 3rd and 4th upcoming weekend?

Susan Brent | Aug 20, 2019
Portland Head Light | Aug 20, 2019

The museum and gift shop will be open the weekend of Nov. 3

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Can one climb the interior of the lighthouse and is it open in October?

Bruce McAndrews | Aug 20, 2019
Yinz Kno Johnny | Aug 20, 2019

No

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Do you have you ever tried to paint your pictures this one is just what I want to paint is it alright for me to paint the pictures ?

Sonja is my name and I ONLY speak English Kloiber | Aug 20, 2019
Dennis M | Aug 20, 2019

Of course, many have

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Is there a Bus from Portland city to visit the lighthouse?

A Google User | Aug 20, 2019
Joe Gambino | Aug 20, 2019

Check with Portland Tourism Bureau. There are trolleys and services like tour companies that drive out from the city.

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Which most long steps in lighthouse

Linda Gardiner | Aug 20, 2018
Linda Gardiner | Aug 20, 2018

Which states have the most long steps in Lighthouse

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You say the lighthouse, itself, is open for touring only once a year? What would that date be?

Jeannette Kiewel | Aug 20, 2018
Jim Weeder | Aug 20, 2018

I would go to the website for that information

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Story of the ring around Portland head light

Elaine Prinssen | Aug 20, 2018
Draven Sin | Aug 20, 2018

No. It is not the lighthouse from the movie "The Ring". However, it is the most photographed lighthouse in the world.

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Is the light house open year around

Mandy Johnson | Aug 20, 2018
Andy Fizer | Aug 20, 2018

yes

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Is the Portland Headlights open right now

Charlene Zheng | Aug 20, 2018
Ted Leanhart | Aug 20, 2018

Tes

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What is the entrance fee?

Mary Walrath | Aug 20, 2018
David Harvey | Aug 20, 2018

There is no fee to get into the park. There is a small fee for the museum, but check the schedule before you go if you want to go through museum, the schedule changes. We visited from cruise port, got an uber bith ways, real easy.

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