Frequently asked questions

No. The active lighthouse tower is closed to the public. It only opens one day a year during Maine Open Lighthouse Day. You can, however, visit the museum inside the adjacent Keeper's Quarters. See Tower & Museum Access.

Park admission is free. You must pay for parking if you drive. The museum charges a small admission fee, usually around $2 for adults.

Parking costs a minimum of $6 for 2 hours. Each additional hour is $2. The pay-and-display meters only accept credit or debit cards. Check Parking Costs for details.

Fort Williams Park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

Yes, dogs are allowed. They must be kept on a leash at all times, except within the designated off-leash area of the park. See Dog Rules.

The lighthouse is located at 1000 Shore Road in Cape Elizabeth. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to drive there from downtown Portland.

No. Drones are strictly prohibited from operating within 300 feet of Portland Head Light.

Yes. The museum is located in the 1891 Keeper's Quarters. It features maritime artifacts and historical photographs. It typically opens daily from Memorial Day through October 31.

The lighthouse is located within Fort Williams Park, which is owned and managed by the Town of Cape Elizabeth. The United States Coast Guard maintains the active light and fog signal.

George Washington commissioned the lighthouse in 1787. Construction was completed on January 10, 1791. It is the oldest lighthouse in Maine.

The conical tower stands 80 feet tall above the ground. The focal height of the light itself is 101 feet above the water.

From the park's walking trails, you can often spot Ram Island Ledge Light, Halfway Rock Light, and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in the distance.