Two Lights State Park
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Overview
Two Lights State Park is a public recreation area occupying 41 acres (17 ha) of headland on Cape Elizabeth, Maine, that offers views of Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The state park, which opened in 1961, is named after the twin Cape Elizabeth Lights, although there are no lighthouses in the park itself. In addition to rocky headlands, the park includes the remains of a World War II–era seacoast battery bunker and a fire control tower.
Practical Info
Every day9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-3 hours
Best TimeMay through October provides the best climate to walk its rugged cliff paths. An ideal visiting window is mid-day from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM under bright sunshine, which causes the dramatic, razor-sharp black slate rock ledges to glisten beautifully against the crashing white froth of the Atlantic. Cap off your noon visit with a lobster roll at the iconic adjacent seaside eatery, The Lobster Shack.
Getting ThereAlso nestled further down the rocky shore in Cape Elizabeth. Drive from downtown Portland along ME-77 South through the town center, then follow the brown state park signs making a left onto Two Lights Road, driving straight to the expansive seaside parking lot terminus. The park is nestled deep in a coastal residential zone and is entirely unserved by public transit.
Travel Tips
- Named for twin historic beacons that have transitioned completely into private, heavily secured residential properties with zero public entries; park visitors are legally restricted to the exterior glacio-fluvial rocky ledges and bluffs.
- The barren black ledges develop extreme salt-spray slickness; high groundswells and storm surges routinely breach the lower rock shelves, absolute banning visitors from descending past the white safety boundary lines.
- Operating under state park rules without physical staff kiosks, vehicle operators must deposit exact cash tariffs into the self-service Iron Ranger vault and display receipts on dashes to prevent state ranger fines.
Reviews
Positive
- The views here display the Atlantic's raw power perfectly! The rugged black shale rock ledges are spectacular and true to Maine's iconic coast.
- Miles of raw hiking trails wind through coastal pines and shrubs, lined with oceanfront rest benches in an incredibly relaxing and soothing atmosphere.
- Paying just a few dollars per person for cheap admission grants all-day exploration, offering excellent value away from noisy tourist herds.
- The picnic area is beautifully maintained, with flat hubs featuring clean grills and bins. Direct driving access with complete restroom facilities.
Heads up
- Crucial clarification: the famous twin lighthouses are located outside the park borders on private residential land and cannot be seen from trails!