I love living in Maine, but if I had one complaint, it’s that there are way too many beautiful little towns to explore. Terrible problem to have, right?
Cape Elizabeth is just outside Portland and has become one of our favorite places to visit in the summer. Between the beaches, rocky coastline, lighthouses, seafood, and walking trails, it’s an easy place to spend an entire day.
We’ve visited several times now, and these are some of our favorite things to do in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Visit Crescent Beach State Park
We love exploring beaches, and we especially love beach walking. Crescent Beach State Park has a great beach with gentle waves and cute little pebble stones nestled in the sand. The mile long beach is perfect for strolling, and there is also lots of soft fluffy sand for kids to play in making it a perfect beach for everyone. Kettle Cove State Park is adjacent and offers a trail with beautiful view around the cove.
Go Strawberry Picking at Jordan’s Farm (JUNE-JULY ONLY)
One of our favorite Cape Elizabeth traditions has always been strawberry picking. When I originally wrote this post, we picked at Maxwell’s Farm, which sadly ended its strawberry operation after the 2024 season. The good news is that Jordan’s Farm took over the former Maxwell’s strawberry fields, so the pick-your-own tradition continues
After eating lots of fresh berries we like to make Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake, Strawberry Infused Vodka, and strawberry jam. We usually pick a TON of berries here.
It is seasonal from June-July depending on the weather. Before planning a trip be sure to check out their website Jordansfarm for picking updates.
Visit Two Lights State Park
Two Lights State Park has breathtaking gorgeous views of Maine’s rocky coastline. Here you can walk along the trails, relax on the benches, soak up the gorgeous views of the Atlantic, and watch the ships sail by. You can also check out the old military bunker from World War II and read up on some cool info.
Just to be clear you can’t see the lighthouses from this state park. I read some online reviews where people paid to enter the park and were disappointed. If you want to know where you can easily see the two lighthouses for free keep reading. Also I want to mention if you pay to enter a state park consider just buying a yearly pass. If you’re going to visit more than one state park, or live by any other state parks it’s definitely worth it. We renew our pass every year.
I definitely recommend visiting Two Lights State Park, they have lots of spread out picnic tables, grills, a playground, and have I mentioned the breath taking views?
Eat at the Lobster Shack at Two Lights
Just a short drive down the road from Two Lights State Park is the Lobster Shack at Two Lights. If you’re visiting during bad weather they have indoor dining but outside is where it’s at. They have picnic tables where you can dine and soak up the gorgeous ocean views. One thing I want to mention is the Lobster Shack gets busy in the summer, especially on the weekends.
The Lobster Shack gets very busy during the summer, especially on weekends, so I still recommend arriving early for lunch if you want a good outdoor table. Their hours are seasonal, so check the current schedule before visiting.
Unfortunately the day we visited and took photos it was overcast with a bit of fog. That’s Maine weather for ya. Definitely unpredictable but regardless it’s always a beautiful view. At low tide you can walk down the rocks which is fun too.
Um, awkward moment… I don’t recommend the lobster roll here, especially if it’s your first time having a lobster roll ever. We have two styles of lobster roll here…the hot and buttered style and the cold mayo style, I prefer hot but I can eat a mayo one if it’s done well. I found the lobster roll here skimpy on meat and even worse came with a plop of mayo on top that I guess I was supposed to mix in myself?? That’s a big no for me.
On the other hand, I do definitely recommend the fish and chips and fried clams. They also have a ton of other seafood options, non seafood options, and the classic lobster dinner, which you can’t screw up. I also wanted to mention you aren’t allowed to bring in outside food or drinks but it is BYOB so you can bring your own wine or beer.
Besides the gorgeous views of the Atlantic you’ll see a wonderful view of the Two Lights Lighthouse. How about that and it was free! Want more lighthouse views? Keep reading, I’ve got you.
Visit Fort Williams Park
If you do anything in Cape Elizabeth you must visit Fort Williams Park, ok? Here you’ll get up and close to Maine’s first lighthouse, Portland Head Light. Fort Williams Park itself is free to enter, but seasonal parking fees apply in designated lots.
There are several parking lots to park at and we chose the one by the old mansion. This parking lot is right by the playground and beach. By the way if you enjoy the beach, like most in Maine, you want to go at low tide or there won’t be much of a beach area. Mid tide is probably okay too, just avoid high tide or it will be all rocks. You can find a tide schedule here: NOAA Tide Forecast.
The cliff walk is accessible from several spots in the park and such a treat to walk. It’s such a gorgeous walk, from the very beginning you’ll be stopping every few minutes to take photos, and the closer you get to the lighthouse the views just keep getting better! Along the way to the Portland Head Light you’ll see Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse across the bay. It wasn’t a very clear day but you could still see it well.
There is also a lighthouse tour that leaves from Portland so you can see several lighthouses in the area from the water. You can easily see Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse from the beach and cliff trail though.
This lighthouse does not disappoint! It definitely makes my list of the top lighthouses in Maine. If you’re in the Portland or Cape Elizabeth area it’s a must see!
During the warmer months you’ll usually find food trucks in the park too, making it easy to grab lunch, a lobster roll, or something sweet while you’re exploring. Vendors can change seasonally, so check the park website for current options.
Besides ocean and lighthouse views, you’ll find many old structures to check out like the Goddard Mansion that was completed in 1858 by a local Portland architect.
Plan Your Cape Elizabeth Day
Morning: Crescent Beach
Late morning: Two Lights State Park
Lunch: Lobster Shack
Afternoon: Fort Williams Park + Portland Head Light
Cape Elizabeth is one of those places we keep returning to because there’s always something beautiful to see. You can easily spend a full day exploring the beaches, parks, lighthouses, and rocky coastline, and it’s especially easy to visit if you’re staying in nearby Portland.
If you’re wanting to stay in Cape Elizabeth, Inn By the Sea is highly recommended. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy your trip in Maine.
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Thank you for the information. Very Halful.
Thank you! Maxwell’s Farm is now called Jordan’s Farm. Updating the blog post now. 🙂