Most bookedPortland City and Lighthouse Tour
The most comprehensive tour of Portland! Hop on board a trolley and relax as we show you around. The tour covers all of our most famous sights on the Portland peninsula....
- Fully narrated tour
Maine, United States
Portland Head Light
Explore Maine's oldest lighthouse. Find the best trolley tours, harbor cruises, and practical details for visiting the 90-acre Fort Williams Park.
4.8 from 1,413 traveller reviews on Viator
- 1791year built
- 80 feettower height
- 90 acrespark size
- 24 nmlight visibility
Tickets & tours
Choose your Portland Head Light tour
Compare trolley rides, local history tours, and harbor cruises.
Most booked
Top ratedThe Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local
Welcome to my hometown! Hop aboard for an authentic 1 hour and 45 minute historical sightseeing tour of Portland, Maine and 3 lighthouses with an experienced guide who...
- Knowledgeable, entertaining guide with 20 years experience giving tours of his hometown of Portland.
- Air-conditioned vehicle
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Best valuePort City Lights Cruise
A fully narrated 60-minute scenic cruise through busy Casco Bay and its innermost islands to see lighthouses, forts, lobster boats, seals, and seabirds. As many as four...
- Bar & snack bar available
- Restroom on board
Explore
Explore the park
Discover the museum, military ruins, and coastal trails.
The lighthouse tower flashes white every 4 seconds.
The light is visible up to 24 nautical miles away.
Plan your visit
Plan your visit
How long to spend
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for most guided tours. Plan for 2 hours if driving to walk the trails and visit the museum.
When to go
Summer and early fall are the peak seasons. Arrive early in the morning or near sunset for the best lighting.
Getting there
Drive 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Portland. You can also book a trolley tour or a harbor cruise.
Budget
Park admission is free. Parking costs a minimum of $6 for 2 hours. Museum admission is roughly $2 for adults.
About Portland Head Light
George Washington commissioned Portland Head Light in 1787. Construction finished on January 10, 1791. It is the oldest lighthouse in Maine.
The 80-foot conical tower stands on the rocky cliffs of Cape Elizabeth. The surrounding Fort Williams Park covers 90 acres. The park features historic military ruins and walking paths.
The 1891 Keeper's Quarters now serves as a maritime museum. Read more about Fort Williams Park or learn about Parking Costs before you arrive.
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From Viator
What travelers say
4.8
1,413 reviews of the trolley tour on Viator
This was a first class tour, the guide/driver was very knowledgeable and great fun. It ran exactly to time, was easy to find the meeting point, a great short tour
This was friendly fun and a good time. Loved the lighthouse and all the information on Portland. I would definitely go
One of the finest tour guides we had on the whole trip. The lighthouses were beautiful. A wealth of knowledge about the city where our tour guide was born and raised. A great tour.
Dereck was awesome! Locally born and raised with a great knowledge of all of Portland and its amazing history. Would highly recommend
Great tour of the local waterways. Perfect way to see the sights you'll only see from the water. On time and convenient
Great quick tour through the harbor. Exactly as described. Guide gave some great history/culture for Portland that we wouldn’t have known otherwise. It was comfortable with our toddler.
A wonderful experience with an educated and interesting guide! Learned a lot about the area. And got the best lobster roll I’ve ever had!
Excellent way to be outside to experience the beauty and the history of this section of Maine's coast. Our tour guide, Josh was wonderful with his knowledge of the area, and our small group was great. I recommend getting out of your car and getting a little exercise. I find I feel more connected to a place when I'm on a bike!
The tour was FABULOUS! We went on the 5:00 tour and the sunset was beautiful! Highly recommend this tour.
Travel tips
Practical advice
Parking CostsRates and rules for parking at Fort Williams Park.Read 
Tower & Museum AccessFind out if you can climb the Portland Head Light tower.Read 
Dog RulesFind out where dogs can go at Fort Williams Park and the lighthouse.Read 
Best Time to VisitFind the best season and time of day to visit Portland Head Light.Read 
Boat Tour GuideCompare land and water views of the lighthouse.Read 
Fort Williams ParkExplore 90 acres of trails, ruins, and ocean views beyond the lighthouse.Read Can you go inside Portland Head Light?
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.
Is Portland Head Light free to visit?
Park admission is free. You must pay for parking if you drive. The museum charges a small admission fee, usually around $2 for adults.
How much is parking at Portland Head Light?
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.
What are the hours for Fort Williams Park?
Fort Williams Park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Are dogs allowed at Portland Head Light?
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.
How far is Portland Head Light from downtown Portland?
The lighthouse is located at 1000 Shore Road in Cape Elizabeth. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to drive there from downtown Portland.
Ready to visit?
Book your tour and pack a windbreaker for the coastal breezes.