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Portland Head Light


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 9 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

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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4 of 5 stars
wantonstoup   264 contributions
Aurora, Colorado
Oct 27, 2009

After flying into Portland, ME, it was a quick drive to the Head Light, and we enjoyed meandering around for a few minutes, taking pictures and making our way along the rocks adjacent to the parking lot. more

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5 of 5 stars
Cecilesmom   9 contributions
NC
Sep 23, 2009

We spent an entire morning here and could have spent longer if we had the time! The site is stunning. If you enjoy a little hike, park at the first parking lot (by the park) and take the short hiking trail up to the lighthouse. It was a beautiful walk with lovely vistas at every turn. The lighthouse and museum... more

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5 of 5 stars
m4ney   21 contributions
Columbus, OH
Aug 7, 2009

This is THE place to go to get the best New England Light house pictures. more

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5 of 5 stars
leaver11   25 contributions
PA
Jul 17, 2009

Spent July 4th here with a picnic right next to the lighthouse. Beautiful scenery. Bring your camera! Explore the old buildings from a fort that was here in the past. Bring your kite and frisbee. Fireworks nearby in Portland at 9:45pm were nice. Great place to spend the 4th. Classic lighthouse. Probably one of the most photographed in Maine. more

Beautiful
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5 of 5 stars
boo2U   51 contributions
Bowie, Maryland
May 29, 2009

If I could have stayed all day I would have. It was beautiful there, I wish we would have had more time, there were areas where you could picnic or just go exploring. it was a side trip for us and I wish we would have gone there first instead of last, by the time we got there the lighthouse... more

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4 of 5 stars
DickandDolly   40 contributions
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

to die for
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5 of 5 stars
n6877   22 contributions
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

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5 of 5 stars
jedivader   108 contributions
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

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5 of 5 stars
LrRiding   7 contributions
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

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4 of 5 stars
DB54   12 contributions
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

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Portland Head Light Address

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