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Portland Head Light

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 8 attractions in Cape Elizabeth
Traveler Description:
Maine's oldest lighthouse - and one of the most picturesque and most frequently photographed in the U.S. - has been in operation since 1791. Although... more » Maine's oldest lighthouse - and one of the most picturesque and most frequently photographed in the U.S. - has been in operation since 1791. Although it is closed to the public, you can stop by the adjacent museum, enjoy the grounds which include a beach, lawns and picnic areas and view boats entering and leaving the harbor. « less
Familiar with Portland Head Light? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Lighthouse, Museum, Specialty museum
Activities: Walking, Shopping
Address: 1000 Shore Rd Cape Elizabeth, ME
Tel: 207-799-2661

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of Portland Head Light

( 1-10 of 11 )
4 of 5 stars
Massachusetts
Jul 29, 2008

We visited Portland Head with our two grand-daughters and expected a "ho-hum, another lighthouse" reaction. After seeing the ruined mansion (a "castle" to them), climbing over the old artillery batteries ("clubhouses") and viewing the dramatic lighthouse with rocks marked to commemorate old shipwrecks, they commented that this place was "cool" and the "best part" of the trip. Lots of room... more

5 of 5 stars
Dallas
Jun 3, 2008

you see pictures of thie place everywhere. THe locals says its the most photographed lighthouse I believe them and see why!! If you visit the southern maine area totally worth the drive out to portland head light! Dont forget to take a picture! more

5 of 5 stars
Temple Hills, Maryland
Feb 11, 2008

It snowed during my 2006 visit to Maine which made the area look so cool....The lighthouse was not open during our visit but we braved the weather and walked up to and around the lighthouse. You can also see Ram Island in the distance. A must visit! more

5 of 5 stars
Northern Virginia
Dec 31, 2007
1/2 found this review helpful

Portland Head Light is a must see on your trip to Portland. The park does not charge an admission fee and there are a few trails and well as picnic areas with fantastic views. We climbed down to a bluff on the rocks overlooking the light house to eat our brown-bag lunch and it was one of my favorite vacation... more

4 of 5 stars
Worc County
Aug 24, 2007
3/4 found this review helpful

Most light houses you get to see from a distance. Unlike Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia, this lighthouse doesn't allow you out on the breakers but they are clearly visible from the backside of the Light House. Currently, they are open from June 1 to October 21 10am-4pm. There is no "entrance" fee to the park but a small charge... more

5 of 5 stars
Maryland
Aug 12, 2007
1/2 found this review helpful

In my opinion, the two lighthouses that are the most famous and comes to mind is Portland Head in Maine and Cape Hatteras in NC. Both are photographed a lot. Portland Head might be photographed more. It is located off the beaten path and is in a very beautiful setting. I was surprised to see such a famous site located... more

5 of 5 stars
Catlin, Illinois
Aug 5, 2007
2/2 found this review helpful

Make sure you plan your route before you go to Portland Head Light. We came down Broadway in South Portland. There are no signs until you pass Route 77. But the diffuclity of getting there is worth the views. Besides Portland Head Light you can also see Ram Light in Casco Bay. There is also 2 Lights about 10 minutes... more

5 of 5 stars
Yarmouth, Maine
Aug 13, 2006
1/1 found this review helpful

You definitely don't want to miss Portland Head Light. Remeber to take a walk along the coastal trails of Fort Williams Park as well, and enjoy the views and the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks. Also, since you're in the area, take a short drive north (a few miles) to South Portland and visit Spring Point Ledge... more

5 of 5 stars
Arlington, VA
Aug 5, 2006

It is a short drive from Portland, so don't miss it. The lighthouse is in Fort Williams Park. There is a gift shop and museum. You will get great views and photo opportunities, and there is also a little walking trail. I saw it on the Mainely Tours trolley tour, which leaves from the Old Port and goes around Portland... more

Sep 6, 2005
3/3 found this review helpful

Portland Head Light is the most majestic lighthouse in Maine. A trip to Maine would not be complete without stopping at this treasured landmark. It sits high atop the cliffs and can best be viewed by going up some steps and following a path up the coast, from this vantage you can see the lighthouse, the cliffs and water. It... more

Reviews of Portland Head Light

( 1-10 of 11 )
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Portland Head Light: Management Resources

Portland Head Light Address

1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME
Tel: 207-799-2661