Fort Williams Park

We came to this park specifically to see the lighthouse, but we parked in a lot near an old mansion and Fort, and walked around. The views were beautiful and it was a nice walk. We then drove up to the parking lot, close to the lighthouse and enjoyed walking around and getting as many different angles of pictures as we could. You do have to pay for parking, but it is not pricey. This is definitely a must visit if you are in the Portland area.

Very well maintained park in Cape Elizabeth, ME with a beautiful rocky coastline and an iconic Maine lighthouse. The views are outstanding. The city park is fairly large, beautifully landscaped and maintained by the town of Cape Elizabeth. Be prepared to walk up and down hills (wear good walking shoes). The park gets very crowded on weekends and parking can be hard to find. There is a fee for parking that you need to pay at a kiosk. The park is dog friendly so bring fido! Be sure to bring water for your pup in the hot weather, and for yourself. Toilets consist of porta potties (ick) but at least they are there!

Fun place to spend a couple hours. Includes a lot of interesting sites to see and plaques and pictures to know what you’re looking at. The cliff walk had some great views of the rocky shore. The lighthouse and mansion were my favorite parts of the visit. In the summer it would be a great place for a picnic. Very family friendly.

Gorgeous, breathtaking, stunning, amazing…..no word in the English language can describe the views! Very dog friendly as well. We went off season but even for our reactive dog, there was plenty of space to pull off and keep everyone safe.

An iconic Maine site and a must see when passing through Portland, ME. Portland Head light situated on the rocky Maine coast is stunning. Additionally, the park features open space, picnic areas and walking trails along the coast. The one downside of the visit was the large crowd and significant traffic. We went on a beautiful Saturday in October and so did many others. We had to slowly cruise the parking lots for 20 minutes before a parking spot opened up. The visit was worth this minor inconvenience, but if possible you should try to visit during less crowded times.

Visited the park lush and green. Looks like people love to host pre wedding shoots. I found artist selling painting of the lighthouse and the shores. They are amazing. Visited the light house and you can exp the calmness and how these lighthouse help in fog.

We visited on a Saturday afternoon in mid-June 2025. Finding parking was a little rough. There were a number of extra spots on grass and in the Fort William Parade Grounds field with sun and no shade. But if you wanted a decent spot closer to water or on more compact surface it was difficult to find. We did find a great spot up on hill by the public bathroom (porta johns). It was a great spot because there is a pavilion right up top that's great for picnicking. We started by visiting the Portland Head Light. We just walked down straight across the field. There is actually a great photo spot right before the steps as you walk down. We noticed a number of people stopped here to take a photo. Because you're so high up, there are no other people in your shot. The actual light house was nice. There is a small museum underneath it but there was a cost to go in. $2/ adult and $1/child. The sign specifically says NO TOWER TOURS, NO FOOD OR DRINK, NO RESTROOMS. We decided on the time that we had here that it wasn't worth it to pay to go in. There is also a small giftshop in an adjacent building. It was about the size of a large shed or small garage. It was also very crowded in and outside of there near the light house. As you walk further away there is less and less people which was nice. We decided to do the Cliff Walk towards the North Viewpoint because we wanted to also explore the abandoned bunker and Goddard Mansion. There are multiple stops heading north on the cliff walk that you can turn around and get a great photo of the headlight. Only issue we had was that it was mid-day and the sun lighting was harsh on the photos. Best to come earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon/evening. We hoped to also explore the Fort Williams Mine Casement but from up above trying to hike down, there was a ton of erosion and we were not sure if we went down, we could get back up. We knew there was possibly another entrance below but to get there from the rocks would've taken a significant portion of our limited time at the park. So we went as far as we could safely and decided to turn around. There were a couple of small signs that pointed out the structure. If you weren't specifically looking for it, you'd easily miss it. We arrived at the Abandoned Fort William Bunker with maybe 2 other groups there. We did climb up on the right side and explored all the way around. The kids really enjoyed it and you can get some cool pictures on top of the bunker. The kids also did the dark tunnel underneath. They said it was very dark and mostly trash and some graffiti in there. We explored here for maybe 20 mins. Lastly we hiked to the Goddard Mansion. The lighting was perfect through the trees. We entered from the back side coming from the Abandoned Fort Williams Bunker. There are trails back here and it looked so cool with the light. We took a number of photos and most people didn't really care it looked like and hiked on the paved asphalt trail to the other side. The mansion interior is fenced off but it was still really cool. I think we timed it just right for photos here. Also there weren't very many people interested in it. Looks like most wanted to see the bunker and then headed back. Overall this was a great afternoon we spent at Fort Williams Park. There were many other things here that we wanted to explore and hike but we only had about 2 hrs. If we were in Portland again we would totally put this on the top of our list to return. However we came in mid-June. I would be a little scared of the crowds later in the summer like July.

This was my first time visiting this park and Portland Head Light! Had a great time walking around and photographing the lighthouse through the smoke and fog on a beautiful 80° morning. Also enjoyed a great Caprese Sandwich and a Maine Blueberry Soda from the Bite Into Maine Food Cart! I was very okay with the $6 parking fee for the minimum 2 hours. Downtown parking was $20 more for the same two hours or $25 for all day parking where available.

**November 2025: Saturday Morning Visit** Visiting a lighthouse in Maine was a priority on this trip, so I did a little bit of research and saw that this lighthouse (the Portland Head Lamp) was not only the oldest lighthouse in Maine, but that it was also commissioned by George Washington! It's housed at Fort Williams Park and while we were there for the lighthouse there are other attractions like Fort Williams Museum and Cape Elizabeth History Center there as well. We parked as close as possible to the lighthouse and noticed that that was privately owned. The lowest number of hours you can purchase was 2 hours for $6. Since it was super windy and 30 some degrees we only stayed in the area for 20 mins or so. You can't go inside the lighthouse but you walk right up to it and see the coast. The view from the base of the lighthouse was beautiful and if it wasn't so cold I'd probably stay longer to enjoy the view. Note: They don't have trash cans there. Worth a visit! and maybe next time I'll see some of the other attractions at the park.

Beautiful park with the beautiful Portland Head Light Lighthouse. Multiple parking lots (advice: don't come in a day where there's a marathon like we did - the parking was tough). There are a couple of foos trucks onsite, including the Cousins Maine Lobster truck. Plenty of picnic tables to sit at. Rows of outhouses for bathrooms available. Bring bug spray and sunscreen!

Truly a breathtaking experience. It is almost spiritual to be in Fort Williams Park and see the rocky cliffs and shoreline along with the Portland Head Lamp, which is truly one of the most iconic lighthouses in north America. The park is open daily, year around, sun-up to sundown and is free to visitors. If you are in the area, this is a must-see as it is quintessential New England!

Came around 530pm and was told by the park rangers that the park will close around sundown/sunset, so we had about 30 minutes left. This park is truly beautiful. The light house over looks the beautiful ocean and on a rock cliff. I wish we had more time to explore, but even with the small amount of time we had, we enjoyed it very much, Definitely a must place to come and see. You can easily spend the whole day here, great place to even have a picnic.

We spent a great morning at the park. We walked in the park, Enjoying Beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Cheap and easy parking. The drive in was easy, and we got to explore the surrounding area as well.

On Mother's Day Sunday, Tony Vanoy Noël Teel Calliope & I visited the Head Lighthouse located in Fort Williams Park in Portland Maine It was free to enjoy the Lighthouse itself is closed to the public. Season doesn't begin until Memorial Day! Because of my handicap plaquard we didn't have to pay fee for parking! We strolled the baby around the park, the cliffs and rock overlooks & the Lighthouse! It was extremely windy & cold! But even still it was a lovely sunny day!

A definite when in Portland. Beautiful lighthouse and interesting history. Please note that there is nowhere to throw trash. You Carry In - You Carry Out. Plan for that. Idea: take an Uber there and get dropped off right at the lighthouse!

Fort Willams Park is a 90-acre park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine and has numerous historical sites. Fort Williams Park is famous for having the Portland Head Light on its grounds, and the park also houses the decommissioned and largely demolished United States Army post Fort Williams, which was operational during World War I and World War II. Fort Worth Park has trails to walk and there are different parts of the park you can enjoy. The park also has a variety of food trucks so if you're hungry you don't have to worry about leaving the park. Additionally, there is a bus provided in the park to take a tour. The park has a scenic view and the park is free but you do have to pay for parking.

Beautiful location! There is a lot of area to walk around and explore, some food trucks if you get hungry and countless photo opportunities. If you come near evening, it's quite peaceful.

Recent Fathers Day visit on a beautiful day. Dog friendly with a leash. Food trucks. Pay to park (10.00 ) for 4 hours. Clean port a potty's. Immaculate grounds. You can walk up to the Fort which has a fence so you can't go inside. Everywhere you walk is easy even for individual s with disability or wheelchair bound. Even with the crowds there was plenty of seating everywhere we walked. Can walk down to the water, some kids were in the water. Beach area was all rock Upper level is Portland Head light which you can also walk too. They also have a trolley going back and forth. Accommodating for everyone of all ages

Maine. Fort Williams Park is spread across more than 90 acres of recreational area, providing visitors with a plethora of activities to indulge in. You pay for parking - a minimum of 2 hours - and you can easily spend an entire day here. Go for a walk, have a picnic, bring your outdoor games and more - a really great place to visit to get a true "MAINE" experience!

Breathtaking views of the light house. Nice clean park with nice walking trails around the park.

A must see when in the area as demonstrated by the large number of people in and around the lighthouse, but there is so much more including trails and historical sites to be seen.

Kind of a bummer. We literally just wanted to run up the hill, take a picture and leave. You have to pay for parking. I feel like it used to be free when I lived here. And the minimum time is 2 hours for $5.00 I don't think we were here longer than 15 minutes. We used the porta potty and took our pictures and we left. Not $5.00 worth, and didn't take us 2 hours. Would be nice if you could pick your times in 30 min increments at the very least.

Very serene park numerous trails and lighthouses. It's very family oriented. A lobster roll is never more than 10 miles away! I dug it!

Beautiful on any day. Highly recommend visiting! Walk around the lighthouse to see such beautiful views of the water & rocks

Cape Elizabeth, Maine is home to Fort Williams Park and Portland Head Light. So history: constructed in 1787 and served through both World War I and World II, Fort Williams was finally decommissioned in 1962. Fort Williams and the surrounding acreage were purchased by the Town of Cape Elizabeth just two years later, in 1964. The former army post is now home to a 90-acre park featuring picnic facilities. small trail- the Cliff Walk begins (or ends, depending on where you start) at Portland Head Light. The .4 mile, one-way gravel trail is rated "easy", Views of Ram Island Ledge Light and Casco Bay Islands can be seen on a clear day. The park includes picnic sites, grills, playing fields, tennis courts, a playground, a beach, sledding hills, historic buildings, and the oldest lighthouse in Maine. It is open year-round, from sunrise to sunset. Dogs are allowed on leash, aside from designated off-leash sections.

This park in Cape Elizabeth, but a short drive from Portland's city center, features the Portland Head Light, a legacy lighthouse near a rocky beachfront that's quintessentially New England. There's also a lot of recreational area in the park, at least two lobster roll food trucks during the day, and a variety of parking lots. I imagine this is a fantastic place to take kids, dogs, etc. Definitely pay for parking, even if you're not going to be there for long, to save a citation.

You can find Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth at 1000 Shore Rd, 04107. There are several dedicated parking lots, I think the best way to take in the park is to use the lot closest to the entry then walk to the lighthouse via one of the many trails or roads. The park has several stages of development going on, phased in over years - quite the project and worthy of the scenic landscape. The ultimate destination for tourists is the lighthouse - I have it reviewed in a dedicated Yelp page for Portland Light. Once you've experienced the lighthouse, lightkeeper's house and gift shop walk to the native garden as its well worth seeing - pleasant and fragrant walk due to the flowers. The air here is terrific. You can extend your walk into a hike using the well marked paths.

Beautiful and iconic park since 1964. This is a MUST visit if you are in the area. To be here on a sunny 70 degree day was a gift from the Heavens! Spend an hour enjoying this park and you'll see why the locals love hanging out here! The lighthouse is just one of the attraction. The former gun emplacements are kind of cool to my Army background mind. The coast and crashing waves are by far, the star! The fresh sea air, the sun light and the views refreshed and added years to me!

Great park with nice trails and view of the headlight. Was a little disappointed in the amount of trash I saw - do better, visitors! The park is crazy busy on weekends and can be overcrowded and hard to enjoy to its fullest potential.

Great park to visit for the lighthouse, walking paths, and food truck! Paid parking, but very reasonable.

Beautiful park to walk around and enjoy of fresh air. Highly reckmend d to gist if you are around. Also there is a Pie truck to offer homemade pie and ice cream made with local fruity.

A beautiful park that is located not too far from the downtown Portland area. There are tons of little trails that are not strenuous at all located throughout the park. Additionally, there is ample parking although you do have to pay for parking (not an outrageous fee). There is the wonderful Bite Into Maine lobster truck located just off the overflow parking lot but there is another lobster truck and gelato/ice cream option right by the lighthouse. The lawns are well maintained and there are beautiful flowers throughout. You could spend at least an hour walking through all the paths and exploring each area of the park. The lighthouse itself is gorgeous, and looks very well maintained for being the oldest lighthouse in Maine! There is a little museum shop and I believe you could go inside the bottom of the lighthouse.

I can't believe how much Fort Williams has changed commercially over the past 20 years. Parking is most definitely not free anymore! I remember driving right up to the lighthouse and parking for free back when I first visited. Now you spend 20 minutes looking for parking and another 5 waiting for a limited number of working kiosks to free up to pay for your spot. From there you've got anywhere from a 7-10 minute walk up to the lighthouse, dodging the crowds, cars, and folks lined up to get food at any number of foodie carts along the way. Is all that necessarily bad? No, quite frankly the grounds are better kept now even with all the extra traffic and the park and the lighthouse probably needs the additional funds for maintenance. The fact is all these foodie carts keep folks onsite and there is certainly enough room to roam the lighthouse and the surrounding fort, of course that means parking turnover is lower which will require you to circle a bit more looking for a place to park. But that's a small price to pay to keep this treasure well maintained for years to come. Pro Tip, be careful of the poison ivy on the less travelled pathways!

The lighthouse is beautiful, the views and the gardens are magnificent. The park is big and there are so many areas that you can just sit and relax or bring a blanket & a book and just have a laxed afternoon. But I mostly enjoyed seeing the forts and its history and touring the grounds. And you have to be careful not to miss small details. They have a few picnic tables that I seen. I also seen a pie truck which I thought was adorable. There was another truck up above by the parking lot but honestly I'm not sure if it was food or ice cream. There is plenty of parking but it is paid parking, please take note, no matter where you park. There's a meter at the entrance or use the app. They have a children's area and other amenities we did not enter or take part in. It's a great place to spend the day or morning/afternoon. I did not view the sunset from here but I'm pretty sure this would be a phenomenal spot.

My friend from Cape Elizabeth told me to stop at Fort Williams Park when I asked for recommendations for the area. I parked outside of the park for free. The gate leading to the park was locked, but someone inside opened it for me. The park and the lighthouse were beautiful! If you're looking for picturesque views of Maine, look no further. There is also a cute little gift shop and a museum, the latter of which I didn't go to.

Bottom Line: A large park with scenic views of Casco Bay and home to the iconic Portland Head Light. Fort Williams Park is 90 acres of open space bordering Casco Bay and named for the United States Army post Fort Williams which previously sat on this site. There are still a few remnants of the fort which which was active during both World War I and II. My husband and I visited the park for three reasons - 1) to see the Portland Head Lighthouse, 2) to eat at the Bite Into Maine food truck and 3) to enjoy the scenic Casco Bay. The remnants of the stone circa 1850s Goddard Mansion is also supposed to be a neat site but we only saw it from the distance. The park has various trails that meander throughout and in a back corner there is an off leash area for dogs. In addition to the Bite Into Maine food truck there was another lobster roll food truck and Gorgeous Gelato food truck. If you're planning to picnic know that the park is a pack in and pack out park. In other words, there are not any trash cans or recycling bins so plan to take your rubbish with you. Also, there are not any bathrooms - just a few porta potties.

First time going to this place, there is parking there. Plenty of it you do have to pay it is dog friendly on leash only. They do have one to two food trucks for food, but don't allow any public trash cans. Carry in and carry out. A lot of open space to walk and see the gorgeous sights. Staff helpful and friendly. No dogs on soccer fields. Free to get into the park!

Fort Williams Park is an incredibly large 90 acre park along Casco Bay in Cape Elizabeth. When I think of Maine, I instantly think of lighthouses. This picturesque park is home to Portland Head Light, which is the oldest lighthouse in Maine and also the most photographed lighthouse in the US. This lighthouse has been been in operation since 1791. Fort Williams Park was once a former military installation. Close by the lighthouse is Battery Blair, which was part of the Harbor Defense of Portland during WWII until the end of 1943. Unfortunately the guns were transferred elsewhere but you can still see the 2 story battery and read about the history on the numerous of plaques/ signs. On another part of the park, you can visit Goddard Mansion. This stone mansion, well what is left of it, was built businessman John Goddard. In 1900, the army acquired this mansion and was used as housing. After 1962, when it was no longer in use by the army, it fell in disrepair and was burned in 1981. When you visit it, you will only see the shell or frame of the home that still stands. Unfortunately parking is not free but it is only $1.50 for 2 hours, which is not very expensive. However, if you are lucky and if it is the right timing you may be able to find free parking right by the lighthouse, as there are very few spots available here. You will also find the handicap parking (free as well) here for those that need it. My husband, our little girl dog and I decided to visit this park when we were visiting Maine for the first time 2 months ago (this park is perfect for dogs with plenty of grass to roam free and mark territory). Because we went at the beginning of November, it was quite cold and windy (especially since this beautiful park is along the coast). Worth a visit if you are visiting the area for the first time and see beautiful views of Casco Bay.

The busiest of the lighthouses along the Maine coastline, this one is completely accessible as it is the centerpiece of the massive Fort Williams Park. There is plentiful parking though I would imagine it gets quite busy during high season. Parking must be paid at a pay station and I would guess that the Cape Elizabeth are vigilant about it as a revenue generator. YMMV. Once parked, the park is massive with playgrounds, tennis, pickleball and multiple walking trails. There is of course the fort to check out with many captions and explanations. And you wouldn't want to miss the lighthouse itself. Much of the "Cliff Walk" is smooth enough though I don't know if it is all accessible. Polished dirt trails and a few steps here and there. Some of the fences have gates so that if you want to risk life and limb, you can climb down to get a better picture of the lighthouse. I chose not to. [Review 14909 overall, 411 of 2021, number 91 in Maine.]

Beautiful park! The light house and view are breathtaking. There is an abundance of parking. We rode our bikes as did many others. Beautiful paths along the cliffs and through the parks. Many dogs running around with their owners close by. Overall, just a happy and relaxed place.

Wow this park is so beautiful and today was the perfect weather to take it all in. The park is huge! And it's very clean and well-kept. There is plenty of parking but you pay at the meter. Because of COVID, the lighthouse is closed and so was this little ice cream shop. There's a cliff trail you can walk by the water and there is also a big open area where you can have dogs unleashed. There are also a number of picnic tables scattered around.

If you are in the area, consider stopping by Fort Williams park for some of the best views! We expected to see a nice view of the lighthouse, but this was so much more! Could have spent all day here.

Gorgeous park area to spend a quick 30-60 minutes. The entire campus has a few different 'park' areas and you do have to pay for parking, but it was maybe $1.50 for 2 hours. Not too bad. We came specifically to see the lighthouse which unfortunately you can't go inside, but was cool to see nonetheless. One the placards mentioned George Washington had either used it or commissioned it! There are some trails and paths around the lighthouse to walk down to the rocks and water, or in the bushes. There's a small museum in front of the lighthouse (you have to pay admission to we skipped this) and a gift shop. There are also a few food trucks outside if you get a hankering. We walked down the rocks to the shore (be careful, definitely a bit slippery) and sat for a while, listening to the waves crashing. They occasionally make the round stones roll under the water which makes an awesome sound (especially if you're an ASMR fan like me!) Only downside is the safety horn that blows about every 30 seconds so *not* the best place to do yoga or relax. Definitely some picturesque views while walking around the park, the lighthouse included.

October 2022 This was our first stop when departing the airport. Late October, Wednesday afternoon - store and museum were closed. Got some great pictures of the lighthouse but did not walk around a great deal. Had to pay for parking Quite a few tour buses Several Food Trucks Great stop #Recommended #VickieTravelz

My pup and I had the best day spent at Ft Williams park! It's the most well known lighthouse in Maine. For how many people were there, there is so much space to make it not feel overly crowded. Parking is paid. A bunch of lots to choose from and all have convenient pay stations. Must pay before entering, have your license plate info handy and a credit card. There is a food truck and gift shop, but I brought my own water and snack bars. It's mainly a carry in carry out park, so be prepared and don't litter! There are a dozen outhouses near the parking area. Our favorite area was definitely the leash free area. Huge area to throw a ball around and a couple different paths to explore. There is one trash can to dispose of poo bags near the front of the leash free area by the drinking station. There was bowl there under the spout, but I came prepared with her own bowl. There is a rocky beach area that's not to swim in. Nearby is a cool area to climb rocks are enjoy the water. We easily spent the day here. There are SO many areas to walk around, I believe we logged around 6 miles!

Fort Williams Park was busy even on a blustery spring day, so I can imagine just how crowded - and GOOD - the place is during the summer months. It's very walkable and very dog friendly. The shore views, rock formations, and lighthouse are definitely photo worthy. Parking starts at $5 for 2 hours and is worth it. Be sure to explore as much of the park as you can manage.

I suppose as a former local who lived in the Portland area for over 30 years, I should put on my Disgruntled Local hat and wax poetically about how they have commercialized this gorgeous and unspoiled place. But you will not find that attitude here. We came here as part of our trip north to visit friends and family because a relative was attending a group picnic. It was overcast when we arrived at 9:30 a.m. and found a parking spot easily near the foot of the hill where the covered picnic area is located. (Always reserved well in advanced.) It costs $2 an hour to park, paid by credit card at a little kiosk, and we needed 3 hours. So six dollars is no more than a trip to a state or national park. The view is of course marvelous from the top of that hill, or from numerous other spots here and there on the grounds. By the time we left after our three hours, the sun was out and the place was crazy busy with cars crawling through the lots looking for a space, like at a mall before Christmas. Our space was swallowed up instantly when we left. If I were living in the area again I wouldn't come at the busiest times like this, and in fact one of our most memorable visits was in the winter with snow in my pictures. We know too many other lovely spots that are less busy. But neither am I going to begrudge the city making a few dollars in parking fees. If it prevents a few people from cruising in, smoking a few cigarettes and dropping trash out their window, I say go for it. And the $2 admission for the little museum doesn't seem excessive either. Having said that, since it seems to be a world class tourist spot these days, perhaps they should invest in a world class rest room building. Just saying.

Driving south from Acadia decided to see the Lighthouse in Portland, Maine. The 90 acre park in Cape Elizabeth encompasses numerous historical sites. The famous Portland Head Light completed in 1791, is the oldest in Maine. Goddard Mansion is a prominent ruin built in 1853. A fort used by the US Army operated from 1872 to 1964.

Decided to enjoy yesterday's very warm weather (80 degrees in October wow!), so I took my dog to Fort Williams. It was so beautiful and a great reminder of why I love living here. Although there were lots of tour buses, it never felt crowded. It actually felt pretty peaceful. There's food trucks, picnic tables and tons of grassy spaces to sit and enjoy the views. Of note, there are lots of porta-pottys, so you should go before you arrive if you're not a fan of them. If your visiting Portland, this is a must see!

Oh my God I can't say enough about how beautiful this park is. The views and the history of this place is amazing! I loved the history signs and the park has beautiful walking paths along the water front. The lighthouse is probably the highlights of this park and one of the prettiest I've ever seen! There is paid parking available and the park has bathrooms available as well. There is plenty of place to sit, play tennis, walk and take in the scenic beauty of the bay and the crashing wages of the Maine shoreline. I had a difficult time leaving and I can't wait to come back again someday

Gorgeous park! Parking isn't free but isn't really that expensive and we spent around an hour in the park on the way out of town. Plenty of places to sit and picnic; they have some onsite food spots too but beware, Bite of Maine always has a long line. Wish they had some real bathrooms but porta pottys it is. Beautiful views and areas to walk- I even bought some art from someone painting near the parking lot. Definitely worth a stop! Only thing I would advise is beware that it seemed to be a deadspot for cell service both for Verizon and AT&T- know your exit strategy before leaving as our GPS on our phones wouldn't work for about 2-3 miles out of the park.

Beautiful seaside park with a lighthouse and cliff walk and during this time of Covid plenty of spacing between people outside. Nice walkways, dog friendly, good for all ages, food trucks, artists, museum for nominal fee, gift shop, forts to explore. No trash or recycling to be found however.

Having landed in Portland Maine on a perfect fall day with time to spare before dinner, this was a natural destination for us to take in the seaside. It's all very 'Maine.' Lots of pretty views here, and the token photo is the one with the lighthouse in the background on the rocky seaside bluffs. You can meander around a small trail and explore a bit, or if you're less mobile, you can get to the lighthouse and back with ease. There were people picking rosehips from bushes to make for tea, photographers stationed all around on a crystal clear day, and a fun little gift shop where we had to talk my kiddo out of a multi-colored stuffed fish. The drive there from downtown Portland was nice too, crossing over a scenic bridge and through the beautiful New England style homes on a wooded road. This may sound like something a kid would say but... I'm still fascinated by travel and the fact that we could go from Missouri to seaside lighthouses in a handful of hours, and it really kicked off our journey into beautiful Maine.

First time here came from Boston. This view was absolutely beautiful. We came here on a sunny day. People were flying kites. A lot of parking spots. We paid $2/hr for 2 hours. Ate dinner over here too. We got the lobster rolls from bite into Maine( closed at 6). The water was super clear and blue.

Great views, lots of history, and a friendly staff that is very knowledgeable and helpful. The staff was never in a hurry to get away from customers and offered interesting facts and trivia about the lighthouse and it's operational history. The grounds are very well maintained as are the buildings. Take the time to talk to the staff as you tour the museum ($2 adults, $1 kids) and view the history of Fort Williams!

The park itself is very nice. However, they need to change how they monitor parking. In the time it took me to walk the short distance to the kiosk from my car, stand in line to pay, and return to my car to place the slip on my dash, I was ticketed. Now, after paying for parking, I have to dispute a $33 parking fine. Not very visitor friendly.

We visited on a cloudy, windy morning in August. The park has beautiful views of the ocean and Lighthouse. The ocean was rough and quite a sight to see smashing into the rocks. Walking around the old bunkers was very cool too. I think we spent a couple hours just wandering around. There is a nice area you can swim and we were prepared for it but the weather didn't cooperate.