Overview
Cape Elizabeth is an upscale community about 5 miles southeast of Portland, Maine on the Southern Maine coast. Its centerpiece is the 90 acre Fort Williams bought by the town in 1964. It used to guard Portland Harbor and now features the tourist attractions of Portland Head Light and the stone Goddard Mansion as well as the usual park activities and events.
4 sights · 1 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Cape Elizabeth
Crescent Beach State Park
On 243 acres, mile long sand beach, walking trails, picnic areas with tables and grills, playground, snack bar, bathhouse with cold water showers, pay phones.
Portland Head Light and Museum
One of the most scenic lighthouses in the country. Adjacent to Fort Williams, a WWII artillery emplacement. Parking costs $2/hr with a 2hr minimum.
Two Lights State Park
Picnic tables and shoreline trails. Great views of the two lighthouses and passing ships.
Kettle Cove
You can swim picnic tables and a trail around the cove. one end is private.
Broad Cove Beach
Rocky beach with beautiful views
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 80°F; winter lows dip to about 16°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Dec. (climate data from nearby Seacoast)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PWM Portland International Jetport, Portland — 8 mi away (major hub). Directions
- PSM Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, Portsmouth — 46 mi away. Directions
Route 77 south from Portland across the Casco Bay Bridge through South Portland.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Crescent Beach State Park, Two Lights State Park, Portland Head Light and Museum
- Lunch The Lobster Shack
- Afternoon Kettle Cove, Broad Cove Beach
- Dinner Basics Natural Foods Store
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Route 77 south from Portland across the Casco Bay Bridge through South Portland.
See
Do
Eat
Eat The Lobster Shack
Inside or outside and oceanfront. From hotdogs to fried clams to lobster. $1.50-20.
Sleep
Nearby
South Portland
City / town · 12 listings · 6 mi away
Scarborough
City / town · 5 listings · 6 mi away
Peaks Island
City / town · 9 listings · 6 mi away
Portland
City / town · 106 listings · 8 mi away
Great Diamond Island
Rural area · 5 listings · 8 mi away
Long Island
City / town · 9 listings · 8 mi away
Mackworth Island
Park · 9 mi away
Old Orchard Beach
City / town · 23 listings · 10 mi away
My experience
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