Man looks at waves crashing against the coast at Two Lights State Park

This 41-acre park features two historic lighthouses and a stretch of rocky coastline that is one of Maine’s natural signatures. The park is open all year, and is located in Cape Elizabeth.

The town is known for its beaches, coastline, the Beach to Beacon road race, and being an early European settlement. The park is a 20-minute drive from Portland.

Two Lights, as it’s known locally, overlooks Casco Bay with views out to the Atlantic Ocean. The light houses date back 200 years, warning ships of coastal hazards. One still serves its intended purpose with its beacon reaching far out to sea. The other is a private residence.

You may recognize one as its fame grew due to paintings by Edward Hopper. During his summer retreats to the area, Hopper framed this landmark to express his artistic vision.

Nearby Parks

Activities

This Maine state park is a place to explore rocky coastline as you hike and enjoy a seaside picnic. There are tables and grills on grassy slopes by the parking areas.

Along with hiking in woods and by the water, you can fish, have a group gathering in the shelter, and let the kids use the playground. In the winter, you can come here to snowshoe and ice skate on the park’s pond.

The park has overall good access, including for most amenities such as parking, restrooms, and the group use area, including the shelter that can be reserved for special events.

There are several points of interest nearby. Up the road six miles is Fort Williams Park and Portland Head Light, a good spot for more Maine adventures.

Boating

Although there isn’t any boating here, there is an option nearby. Portland Paddle at Crescent Beach is less than three miles away. You can go to that park and rent a kayak or join a tour.

Swimming

Even though you won’t find a beach here, Cape Elizabeth has beaches that offer you swimming options.

  • Crescent Beach State Park is a five-minute drive west of Two Lights State Park. It has a long stretch of sand. After a refreshing swim you can sunbath and watch the boats out on the bay.
  • Higgins Beach is 15 minutes away. It’s a short beach favored by surfers as well as swimmers. There is public parking nearby.
  • Scarborough Beach State Park is almost eight miles away. Its long sandy beach is a swimming favorite with a lifeguard on duty during the peak summer weeks.

Hiking

The hiking here is varied, as you can follow the easy two miles of networked trails along the rocky coastline, or enjoy the park’s wooded acres. Along the way, you’ll see magnificent views, and find picnic tables and comfort facilities. There is an information kiosk in the parking area. Please take note of safety precautions while walking on the rocky ledges.

Biking

This park doesn’t have any trails for biking. There are options nearby for you to explore.

  • Robinson Woods Preserve is a trail that’s over three miles long, going through wooded areas with large trees, streams, and a shoreline view. Your leashed dog can join you at this spot that’s just over four miles from the park.
  • The well-known and versatile Eastern Trail can be picked up 7 miles away in South Portland near Bug Light. This trail extends 65+ miles, heading south to Kittery.
  • Great Pond is a 1.5-mile trail that allows bike access and leashed pets. It’s about a 20-minute bike ride to get there.

Fishing

Fishing is a highlighted activity here. You can enjoy shore fishing by casting right from safe spots on the rocky shoreline. You’re most likely to catch mackerel and striped bass. Be prepared with what you need for licenses. With a quick online search, you’ll find guides and fishing charter services if you long for a day of fishing on the water.

Birding

The park presents a chance to bird watch all year. Please be cautious when ice and snow are on the rocks and ground. The late summer months are good ones for seeing great and sooty shearwaters. You may also see a couple of types of jaegers.

Watch for dabbling ducks by the pond in the summer months. This is when to keep an eye out for warblers, various thrushes, finches, and kinglets.

The winter months bring grebes, loon, buffleheads, long-tailed ducks, cormorants, black guillemots, and purple sandpipers to the area.

Nature & Wildlife

Bring your binoculars as Casco Bay is home to quite a variety of ocean-dwelling wildlife. Depending in part on the weather, you may see harbor seals, porpoise, dolphin, and several whale species. After high tide or recent ocean storms, it’s fun to search the rocky areas for seaweed, mussels, and crabs.

In the quieter corners of the park you may see white-tailed deer, fox, and other small mammals. This is a where they’re able to retreat from busy local neighborhoods.

Pets

Leashed pets are allowed to join you here as you picnic, enjoy the trails, and clamber over the rocky coastline. Please be sure to clean up after your pet.

Camping

Although the park doesn’t have camping, there are family-friendly campsites within a ½-hour in nearby Scarborough.

  • Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park is a pet-friendly, adults only campground 12 miles away. It has tent and RV sites, including full hookups for the latter.

    The park is located in the midst of the Scarborough Marshes, with some sites looking out on this area known for watching birds and wildlife. The spring and falls rates are $35-60 per night and $65-70 during the high season.

  • Bayley’s Camping Resort is 14 miles away. There are sites for tents and all sizes of RVs. The sites have a firepit and table, and are located near bathrooms.

    The resort is pet-friendly, has a general store and laundry, and special family features. Water, electric, sewer, and cable are available. Nightly rates go from $40 to $125. Rental cabins and trailers are also available.

  • Wassamki Springs Campground is 15 miles away on a private lake setting. Each site has a fire ring and table. This spot is pet friendly, has playing courts, plus a playground, store, and laundry.

    Phone and cable hookups are available. Peak season rates begin at $63 per day for tents to $83 for full hookups, with weekly, monthly, and seasonal rental availability.

Park Location

Two Lights State Park
7 Tower Drive
Cape Elizabeth, Maine 04107
Phone: 207.799.5871

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video with some aerial footage of Two Lights State Park: