Two Lights State Park

Two Lights State Park occupies 41 acres of dramatic Atlantic coastline in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, about ten miles south of Portland. The park takes its name from the twin lighthouses that stand just outside its boundaries, a pair of historic towers that once guided ships through the rocky approaches to Casco Bay. What draws visitors here is not a sandy beach or a network of backcountry trails but something more elemental: a raw, shelf-like stretch of metamorphic rocky coastline where the ocean meets the land on genuinely uncompromising terms. The views across Casco Bay, particularly on clear days when the islands stand out sharply against the water, are among the finest easily accessible coastal panoramas in southern Maine.

The Shoreline and Lighthouse Views

The park’s coastline is its defining feature, and most visitors spend the bulk of their time working along the rocky ledges that line the water’s edge. The geology here is exposed and impressive, with wide shelves of metamorphic rock tilting toward the sea and tide pools collecting in the depressions between them. From various points along the shore, both Cape Elizabeth lighthouses are clearly visible to the northeast. The lighthouses and their grounds are not open to the public; the eastern light is an active automated light station, and the western light is now a private home, but they photograph beautifully from inside the park, especially in the late afternoon light. This stretch of coast has long attracted painters and photographers, and on any decent-weather day you are likely to see people set up with easels or tripods along the bluffs. Edward Hopper painted here in the 1920s, and the quality of light that attracted him has not changed.

Picnicking and Day Use

Two Lights is a day-use park, and it is well suited to a relaxed visit organized around a picnic. The park has sheltered picnic tables and grills spread across the grounds, and the open lawn areas offer plenty of space for groups. The combination of ocean views, lighthouse sightlines, and accessible terrain makes this a popular destination for families and for anyone looking for a coastal outing that does not require a long hike. There is no designated swimming beach, and the rocky shoreline makes casual wading genuinely hazardous, so visitors who come expecting a beach experience may want to pair this stop with nearby Crescent Beach State Park.

Pet Policy

Leashed pets are welcome throughout Two Lights State Park. Pets must be on a leash under the physical control of the pet handler and must not be left unattended. Owners are expected to clean up after their pets. Pets are not permitted in any park buildings.

Wildlife to Be Aware Of

The coastal and wooded environment at Two Lights supports a few hazards worth understanding before you visit.

Shark sightings have been reported in the waters off Cape Elizabeth, and while attacks are rare, the possibility is real enough that the state takes it seriously. Check posted safety guidelines at the park entrance before entering the water. Because Two Lights does not have a formal swimming area, formal lifeguard oversight is not provided, which puts more responsibility on visitors to make informed decisions.

The rocky shoreline presents a consistent physical hazard. The ledges are covered in barnacles and are frequently wet from wave splash and sea spray. They are slippery in ways that are easy to underestimate, particularly for children or anyone wearing smooth-soled shoes. Waves can surge higher and faster than expected, especially during onshore winds or higher swells. Stay well back from wave-washed edges and supervise children closely near the water.

Deer ticks are present in the wooded and brushy sections of the park, and they carry Lyme disease. Wear long sleeves and long pants when walking near vegetation, tuck pants into socks, and apply insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin. Do a thorough tick check on yourself, your children, and your pets after leaving the park. Ticks are active from early spring through late fall, with peak activity in late spring and early summer.

Practical Information

Two Lights State Park is located at 7 Tower Drive in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, reached via Route 77 to Two Lights Road to Tower Drive. From Portland, take Route 77 south through South Portland and into Cape Elizabeth, then follow Two Lights Road toward the coast. The park sits at approximately 43.560191 latitude and -70.209173 longitude, and GPS navigation to “Two Lights State Park” is reliable. The nearest town center is Cape Elizabeth village, and the city of Portland is roughly a 20-minute drive north.

Entry fees are as follows. Maine residents pay $5 per adult and $1 for children ages 5 through 11. Non-residents pay $7 per adult. Children ages 5 through 11 pay $1. Children under 5 enter free. Maine state park annual passes are accepted and available for purchase. The park is a day-use facility with no camping.

Two Lights is open all year, 9:00 a.m. to sunset daily unless otherwise posted. Fees are collected year-round, and when vehicle access is closed, visitors may park legally and safely outside park gates and walk in. Spring and fall visits tend to be quieter and can offer exceptional light and dramatic wave conditions. Summer weekends bring larger crowds, and arriving early in the morning is the best way to secure a picnic spot and avoid parking congestion.