Portland Head Light Tours

Portland Head Light which includes a lighthouse, general coastal views and rocky coastline
Portland Head Light showing a sunset, wildflowers and general coastal views
Portland Head Light which includes general coastal views, sailing and a lighthouse
Portland Head Light which includes general coastal views, a lighthouse and rocky coastline
Portland Head Light featuring a house


Look out across the Atlantic Ocean from Portland’s iconic white lighthouse, which has presided over the southern Maine coastline since the 18th century.

Discover Maine at its most postcard-perfect at Portland Head Light. The lighthouse, which has overlooked Portland Harbor and Casco Bay for more than two centuries, blends fascinating history with stunning vistas. The classic white lighthouse, accompanied by a sprawling home, is a favorite subject for photographers. Be sure to bring your camera to capture this photo-worthy sight.

Watch waves crashing into the rocky shoreline at the Portland Head Light, located in Cape Elizabeth. The rocks on its promontory appear to be petrified wood, although they are actually unique formations of quartzite and phyllite that have accumulated in alternating layers.

Portland Head Light stands at the entrance of the shipping channel into Casco Bay. It was commissioned by the first government of the United States and has guided ships through the channel since it was built in 1791. Observe boats of all sizes, from sailboats to ships, as they float through the waterway.

Although the lighthouse tower is not open to the public, you have several ways to learn about Portland Head Light. Find out more about the lighthouse in the Museum at Portland Head Light, located within the former Keepers' Quarters. Browse through a variety of exhibits featuring lighthouse lenses and interpretive displays. In the seasonal gift shop, purchase Maine-related souvenirs and lighthouse memorabilia.

Today, Portland Head Light sits within the surroundings of Fort Williams Park. Explore more than 90 acres (36 hectares) of stunning coastal wilderness. Enjoy a picnic, take a hike along the cliffside loop or discover the rocky beach. It offers outdoor recreation for all seasons, from flying kites near the ocean to snowshoeing along the park’s many paths.

Visit Fort Williams Park throughout the year, from sunrise to sunset. Although there is no admission fee, donations are appreciated. Explore the Museum at Portland Head Light daily from Memorial Day through the end of October. Pay your admission fee at the entry gate. Plenty of parking is available within the park.

Plan a trip to see Portland Head Light

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The McKernan Inn
Cliff House Maine
Portland Harbor Hotel

Browse tours and tickets to explore Portland Head Light

Tours & day trips

See all 62 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 15 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 10 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 4 activities

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 3 activities

Reviews of Portland Head Light

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
498
5 - Excellent 74%
4 - Good
154
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
15
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

They are pretty strict about closing at sunset.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

parking required you pay by credit card or debit, would not take cash, so we could not stay

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Many walking trails. Great for dogs.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful location - go there!

5/5 - Excellent

AristotleW

Easy access, plenty of parking. If it’s a nice day, but a lobster roll at Bite into Maine food trailer and make it a picnic!

5/5 - Excellent

Vince

Can get very busy during weekends and nice days. Port-O-Pottys are the only available toilets around.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Portland Head Light

Private Contemporary Artist's Tree House on two acres with perennial gardens.

Private Contemporary Artist's Tree House on two acres with perennial gardens.

Unknown
Private Contemporary Artist's Tree House on two acres with perennial gardens.
Willard Beach–Private Apt Near Portland  & Parks

Willard Beach–Private Apt Near Portland & Parks

South Portland
Willard Beach–Private Apt Near Portland & Parks
The McKernan Inn

The McKernan Inn

3 out of 5
122 McKernan Drive, South Portland, ME
The McKernan Inn
Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront

Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront

3 out of 5
65 Commercial St, Portland, ME
Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
Portland Harbor Hotel

Portland Harbor Hotel

4 out of 5
468 Fore Street, Portland, ME
Portland Harbor Hotel
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

4 out of 5
9 Center Street, Portland, ME
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront

Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront

2.5 out of 5
209 Fore St, Portland, ME
Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
20 Milk Street, Portland, ME
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay by IHG

Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay by IHG

4 out of 5
88 Spring St, Portland, ME
Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Portland Head Light

When visiting Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, don't miss the chance to explore the iconic lighthouse and its stunning surroundings. Enjoy live music and various entertainment options nearby, along with exciting sports activities. Be sure to check out major attractions in the area that showcase the rich maritime history and natural beauty of the coast, making your trip both memorable and enjoyable.

Shopping

For unique gifts and souvenirs, visit The Cheese Iron, located 6 miles from Portland Head Light. If you're up for a drive, check out the Maine Mall, 6 miles away, for a wider selection of shops and entertainment. The LL Bean Flagship Store is also worth the 17-mile journey.

Recreation

At Fort Williams Park, enjoy serene walks along the coastline, perfect for relaxation and mindfulness. Thompson's Point offers lively music events for entertainment, while Hadlock Field provides an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, ensuring a well-rounded experience during your visit to Portland Head Light.

Adventure

Aquaboggan Water Park, located 11 miles from Portland Head Light, offers thrilling water slides and family-friendly attractions for a day of excitement. Enjoy the scenic Cliff Walk, an 8-mile hiking trail perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For a unique perspective, try parasailing at Old Orchard Beach, 14 miles away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Portland Head Light by catching a show at the State Theatre, just 3 miles away, or enjoy a performance at the Lyric Music Theater, 2 miles from the lighthouse. For a unique twist, visit the Portland Observatory, located 4 miles away, for exciting entertainment vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Portland Head Light

Whether you're a history buff, a beach lover, or looking for family-friendly fun, Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, offers a variety of attractions. Explore the iconic lighthouse, relax on the nearby beaches, or visit historic homes. Don't miss the chance to soak in the cultural heritage and scenic beauty of this stunning coastal area, making it a perfect destination for all types of travelers.

  • Cross Insurance Arena: Located 3 miles from Portland Head Light, this arena hosts a variety of family-friendly events, including concerts and sporting activities. It's a vibrant space that captures the energy of the local community while offering exciting entertainment options.
  • Portland Museum of Art: A cultural gem just 3 miles away, this museum showcases an impressive collection of American and European art. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of the region while enjoying stunning exhibitions and special events.
  • East End Beach: Situated 4 miles from Portland Head Light, this picturesque beach offers a perfect spot for relaxation and recreation. Enjoy sunbathing, beachcombing, or a leisurely stroll along the scenic coastline.

Best time to go to Portland Head Light

The best time to visit Portland Head Light can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Portland Head Light falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Portland Head Light falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January26.6°F (-3.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February27.5°F (-2.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
March33.8°F (1.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August67.8°F (19.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September61.9°F (16.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December33.4°F (0.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Portland Head Light

To save money on your visit to Portland Head Light, consider traveling during the off-peak months of January to March when rates are lower. Booking your stay on a Tuesday can also help you secure cheaper accommodation. Utilize Expedia to compare room rates, explore last-minute deals, and take advantage of flexible booking options. For additional savings, consider bundling your flight and hotel through Expedia packages, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cashback on future bookings. Enjoy free activities like exploring the scenic park surrounding the lighthouse for a budget-friendly experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Portland Head Light are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Portland Head Light is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Portland Head Light is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: You can utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay near Portland Head Light with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia