Where is Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, Maine?

Written by | Updated On: December 08, 2025, 13:55 ET

Portland Head Light is located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA.It lies between Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, situated on the southern coast of Maine, and is famous for being one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States and its scenic ocean views.

Portland Head Light Location Map, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Where is Portland Head Light Located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine
About Map: The map showing location of Portland Head Light in the Cape Elizabeth, Maine in the United States.

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Top Attractions Inside Portland Head Light

  • Portland Head Light Lighthouse – Historic and iconic lighthouse offering stunning coastal views.
  • Fort Williams Park – Expansive park with walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic ocean vistas.
  • Castle Cove – Picturesque cove ideal for photography and tidepool exploration.
  • Shoreline Trails – Trails along rocky cliffs providing panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Visitor Center & Museum – Exhibits detailing the history of the lighthouse and maritime heritage.
  • Picnic and Recreation Areas – Designated spots for family outings with views of the lighthouse and ocean.

Portland Head Light Facts

Official NamePortland Head Light
LocationCape Elizabeth, Maine, USA (on Portland Head, entrance to Portland Harbor / Casco Bay)
Latitude & Longitude43.6231° N, 70.2079° W
Opened / First LitJanuary 10, 1791
Construction Began1787 (under directive of George Washington)
Managed By / OwnershipBeacon & fog signal: United States Coast Guard; Grounds & keeper’s house: Town of Cape Elizabeth / maintained as museum & park
Structure Type / ConstructionConical tower, rubble stone with internal brick lining
Tower Height80 feet (≈ 24 m) above ground
Focal Plane (Light Height above Water)101 feet (≈ 31 m) above mean high water
Light / Lens / RangeCurrent beacon: DCB‑224 aerobeacon (since 1991) — visible for 24 nautical miles (≈ 44 km)
AutomationAutomated in 1989
Historic StatusListed on the National Register of Historic Places (since April 24, 1973)
Address1000 Shore Road, Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
Region / ParkPart of Fort Williams Park (90‑acre public park including lighthouse grounds, picnic/recreation areas, and historic structures)
Main Theme / ConceptHistoric maritime navigation, Atlantic‑coast lighthouse heritage, Scenic coastal views, Maritime museum & public park
Other Structures / FeaturesKeeper’s house (built 1891, now museum) - Fog signal building (rebuilt 1975) - Oil house / maintenance buildings - Parking / picnic / public‑access grounds in the park
Typical Activities for VisitorsCoastline & ocean‑view walking / picnicking - Visiting the museum in keeper’s house - Photography / scenic views - Exploring historic grounds & coastal cliffs - Boat or land‑based viewing of Casco Bay / Atlantic Ocean
Entry / Access FeeGrounds & park accessible free (sunrise to sunset). Museum small fee when open (seasonal). Parking may have a fee in peak season; overflow parking often free.
Accessibility & TransportationAccessible by car via Shore Road from Portland / South Portland; parking available in Fort Williams Park; walking paths, coastal views, public‑access picnic and recreation areas.
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC‑5 Standard / UTC‑4 Daylight Saving
Official / Visitor Information Websitehttp://www.portlandheadlight.com/

Distances from Portland Head Light to Nearby Landmarks

  • Fort Williams Park – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Crescent Beach State Park – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Portland Museum of Art – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Old Port Historic District – 13 km (8 mi)
  • Eastern Promenade – 14 km (8.5 mi)
  • Portland Head Light Museum – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Portland Observatory – 13 km (8 mi)
  • Bug Light Park – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Casco Bay Ferry Terminal – 13 km (8 mi)
  • South Portland Waterfront – 5 km (3 mi)
  • Longfellow House Portland – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Two Lights State Park – 5 km (3 mi)
  • Portland International Jetport – 14 km (8.5 mi)
  • Eastern Prom Trailhead – 13 km (8 mi)
  • Fort Gorges – 15 km (9.5 mi)
  • Back Cove Trail – 13 km (8 mi)
  • Portland Head Golf Club – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Diamond Cove – 5 km (3 mi)
  • Willard Beach – 4 km (2.5 mi)