Cape Elizabeth combines rocky coastal views, beach activities and the history of a lighthouse. If you’re looking for a hotel in Cape Elizabeth, first decide whether views, time at the beach, hiking or history will shape your stay.
Distinguishing Coastal Views from the Beach
Two Lights State Park covers 41 acres of rocky headlands. From there, visitors enjoy sweeping views of the Gulf of Maine and the open Atlantic. The combination of rocky terrain and expansive sea views sets this park apart from other coastal spots focused on the beach.
Ship Cove is a small rocky beach with views of Ram Island Ledge Light in Casco Bay. At Crescent Beach State Park, you can swim in the surf along a one-mile beach that is also suitable for walks. For planning purposes, these are different coastal experiences: rocky shores and lighthouse views define Ship Cove, while Crescent Beach combines swimming and beach walks.
Hiking the Cross Town Trail
The Cross Town Trail is an 8.2-mile hiking route in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. It runs from Portland Head Lighthouse in Fort Williams Park to Kettle Cove State Park. These two named endpoints provide clear orientation if you want to make hiking a distinct focus of your trip.
The trail can be used year-round for hiking, running, birdwatching, snowshoeing and photography. Trail conditions and access information may change seasonally; check them before your outing. The listed activities include both physical activity and nature observation and photography, while trail conditions remain relevant to the time of year you’re traveling.
Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park
Portland Head Light was built by order of George Washington and is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. Fort Williams Park is home to the lighthouse and also offers hikes along the Cliff Walk Trail. The same park therefore brings together lighthouse history and a named hiking activity—two distinct reasons to visit that can each stand on their own in your trip planning.
The lighthouse keeper’s house has been converted into a museum that is open to the public seasonally. If you plan to visit the museum, check its seasonal opening dates for your travel dates. This lets you add the museum to your exploration of lighthouse history without assuming that it is open year-round.
Using Cape Elizabeth Land Trust Properties
Most Cape Elizabeth Land Trust properties are managed by staff and volunteers for casual, non-motorized public use. Use rules may vary by property. If you visit, follow the guidelines for that specific property rather than assuming the same conditions apply to all properties.
Discover more destinations: Scarborough, Brunswick Cdp, New Gloucester, Casco, Portland, Gorham, Standish, Gray
Go to the broader travel overview: Cumberland.
