Less visited than its neighbors, the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse is a pretty one, set in a quiet stretch of the South Portland area. Located at Dyer Cove looking out towards the Atlantic Ocean, the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse is very different from other light stations you’ll see in Maine. It has a very differently shaped lantern and tower, and its setting is very quaint. If I were to be a lighthouse keeper, this is the one I would choose to be stationed at.
Have you been to the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse before? Have you gotten to actually visit it or just seen it from afar? We’ve got the details about what you can actually do when you visit the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, including suggestions for more activities in the area. Please feel free to leave a comment or send us a note if you have any questions about this or the other lighthouses of southern Maine. We love to visit them all and are happy to share more information!
Why Visit the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse
If you’ve visited the Portland Head Lighthouse in the summer, then you’re likely looking forward to a quiet lighthouse visit. The Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse is a chill visit that’s unlike most Maine lighthouses you might visit. This one is NOT at Two Lights State Park, which is what you might expect given the proximity to the park and the name of the state park. It’s located on private property so you cannot get up directly next to it or go up in it, which makes it less popular to visit. It’s located just a few minutes from the state park, so make sure you’re planning your visit correctly and you go to the right location. You can get to the parking area at the point on Dyre Cove and enjoy the view of the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse and then spend some more time right here watching for wildlife.
Between the bald eagles, seabirds and whales, there’s plenty to look for as you explore the tidepools on the point at Cape Elizabeth. And the tidepools themselves are a highlight to me. Unlike many other tidepool areas you may visit on the Maine Coast, here at the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse and Dyer Cover the pools are long shale pools. They can be slick, but they’re full of life. If you’re adding the nearby state park to your visit, you can enjoy some trails, some tidepools and even an old lighthouse structure.
When you arrive at Two Lights State Park and pay your entry fee, proceed to the parking area and explore on foot. The old light tower is not glamorous like the many other beautiful lighthouses around Maine, but it’s kind of interesting. Visiting Two Lights State Park is more of a great place for a picnic and enjoying some space to explore with kids. It’s not about the lighthouses.
Tips for Visiting Cape Elizabeth
I like adding a visit to the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse to a bigger southern Maine lighthouse day. You can start in Portland with visiting Bug Light (Portland Breakwater Light), the the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, then Portland Head Lighthouse and the large park and beach, then continue down to the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse. Have a nice picnic and then work your way back up to Portland or continue down to Kennebunkport and Ogunquit. It’s all a fun lighthouse day to enjoy.
While you’re visiting the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, you should also spend a little time exploring the tidepools, or if you’re there at the right time, plan to have a meal at the Lobster Shack at Two Lights. Whether you’re looking for a chowder or a lobster roll, you can grab it here and look out across the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Coming out here to the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse isn’t a long trip, but it’s worth it. You get to see some beautiful parts of the Portland area and you can cross a lighthouse off your list.
Being Prepared for the Cape Elizabeth Lighthoues and Tide Pools
Because the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse is so easy to visit, there’s not a ton to plan for or bring along, but if you’re planning on checking out the tidepools be sure you have sturdy shoes or sandals. The shale rocks can be slippery, so be smart about it. I think the best way to have a nice visit to Cape Elizabeth is to do your lighthouse visit and then head down to Two Lights State Park for some chill time. Bring a picnic, a kite and a frisbee are all great ideas if the weather is cooperating.
Getting to the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse
Parking is limited at the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, as the spaces are shared with the Lobster Shack and there aren’t a ton of them. Since there isn’t much else to do right here though, you should have no trouble getting a parking spot early in the day or just before the dinner hour. As the sun sets, there won’t be much light on the lighthouse, so the earlier you can visit the better.
If you’re like me and prefer to visit as many sights and do as many activities in a day as possible, you can pair visiting the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse with a drive north from York or Kennebunkport (visit the Nubble Lighthouse too!) or add it to a lighthouse day from Portland including the Bug Light, Spring Point Ledge and Portland Head Lighthouse.
More Things to Do in Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine is a great city to explore, especially with kids. Yes, we love the lighthouses all around the coast, but in Portland you’ll find some great museums, fun bookstores, lots of good food and plenty of tours to get you out on the water. This is a very historic city that’s seen big changes as the world of industry evolves. If you weren’t planning on spending much time in Portland during your trip to Maine, think again and see about adding some of these fun activities to your itinerary:
- do a whale watching trip
- walk around the historic seaport area
- visit the Portland Art Museum
- check out the three lighthouses in Portland: Portland Head, Spring Point Ledge and Bug Light
- eat whoopie pies and lobster rolls
- visit the Museum of Cryptozoology
- check out one of the several historic cemeteries
- rent bikes to explore the Portland area
- do a day trip up to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Check out these great options:
Where to Stay in Portland, Maine
I like staying in downtown Portland because there are lots of great places to eat all through the historic area and business district. There are walkable sights like the stage theater, the Longfellow House and the whole waterfront/port area. You’ll find both unique and national brand hotels in downtown Portland, so if you like to travel with point or earn loyalty, you can do that. If you venture beyond the city to places like Cape Elizabeth or Freeport you’ll have even more options, especially for places to stay that are quintessential Maine. One of our favorites will always be the Harasseeket Inn in Freeport. We love unique, boutique stays!
I hope you’ll consider visiting Cape Elizabeth and Two Lights State Park. Visiting this part of Maine is really special in any season. If you have any additional questions or need some recommendations for something else, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re happy to share more and help YOU have a wonderful trip as you explore Maine!
