While we were in Portland, Maine this trip, we had more time and also a rental car so we decided to visit some nearby parks.  Our Uber driver recommended going to Two Lights State Park and I wanted to try a food truck inside Fort Williams Park.

Two Lights State Park

7 Tower Dr, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

Two Lights State Park is named after twin lighthouses and originally I thought that meant we’d be able to see the lighthouses up close.  However, the lighthouses are actually not IN the park just near the park and are not really accessible.  However, Two Lights State Park is still a beautiful park on the rocky coast.  There is an entry fee to the park since it is a state park.  For non-Maine residents it’s currently $7.00 per person but there are discounts for Maine residents and senior citizens.

One of the most most unique aspects of the park is the rock formations that make up the cliffs.  At first glance, they look a lot like large wood shards but upon closer inspection and touch, you’ll find that it’s actually all stone but eroded in a way that makes it look more like wood.

Two Lights State Park is only about a 20 minute drive from the Portland Waterfront and a great place to walk around and just take in the rocky coastal views.

Fort Williams Park

1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

Fort Williams Park is a little closer to the Portland Waterfront, perhaps about a 15 minute drive and is a great place for families.  There’s a lot to see at this park.  Inside, there’s the Portland Head Light which is probably the iconic lighthouse for the Portland area.  You are able to walk right around the lighthouse and I believe there was a small museum and gift shop inside.  There were a lot of tourists congregating by the lighthouse but really there are other things to do and see in the park as well.  There are a few old gun batteries and mansions and lots of grassy areas perfect for a picnic.  I didn’t spend a lot of time here but my parents did go back and walk some of the trails which they said were quite beautiful and that it was too bad I had an earlier flight and missed out.  Also, my favorite lobster roll spot, Bite into Maine, is located in the park.

There’s a lot of parking throughout the park and the park is free so it’s a great place to hang out, walk a trail or just enjoy a beautiful Maine day.