A Day Trip to Cape Elizabeth, Maine
It seems like I’ve been to Maine a million times, but there are still so many places to visit! On a recent trip to Old Orchard, I decided to take a day trip to Cape Elizabeth, Maine. It was an amazing day!
About Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is located 5 miles south of Portland, Maine. According to the town website, Cape Elizabeth, Maine marks the entrance to spectacular Casco Bay. Most of the town’s residential and commercial activity lies close to the bay’s edge. The size of the community is 9,337 acres or 15 square miles. 2000 census figures put the town’s population at 9,068, with a population density of approximately 550 residents per square mile.
According to Wikipedia, John Smith explored and mapped New England in 1615, and gave names to places mainly based on the names used by Native Americans. King Charles named Cape Elizabeth in honor of his sister, Elizabeth of Bohemia.
What to Do in Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Portland Head Light: One of the most photographed lighthouses in the world
Fort Williams Park: A 94-acre park, where you’ll find ruins of an old fort that housed troops in World Wars I and II.
Fort Williams Park
Crescent Beach State Park: Sandy oceanfront beaches, saltwater coves, wooded areas, and rock ledges provide seashore recreation for beachgoers, fishing and watersports enthusiasts, and nature observers.
Two Lights State Park: View of Casco Bay and the two lighthouses for which the park is named. One of these towers was the subject of Edward Hopper’s famous painting, “Lighthouse at Two Lights.”
Higgins Beach: Sunbathing, kayaking, surfing, fly fishing at the river, treasure hunting for sand dollars, sunrise stroll or even getting married.
Scarborough Beach State Park: Great body surfing in fabulously clear Atlantic waters.
Where to Eat in Cape Elizabeth, Maine
There are many lovely eating establishments in and around Cape Elizabeth, Maine. But my favorite is The Lobster Shack, located at the end of Two Lights Road on the rocky shores of Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Enjoy your meal oceanside on the picnic tables, perched just above the crashing surf, below the lighthouse and next to the fog horn. Or stay in the cozy dining room, watching the ships entering Portland Harbor and the local fishermen haul up their daily catch.
Open 11 am – 8:00 pm daily (in July &August open until 8:30)
Day Trip Pictures
