Peruse through almost any travel guide to Cape Elizabeth and you will likely be directed to attractions, amenities, and activities in the livelier neighboring city of Portland. But our tiny town of just under 10,000 has much to offer without venturing beyond its borders (though make sure to pay Portland–one of the foodie capitals of America–a visit). As a Caper of 20-years (or, in other words, lifelong), I love seeing my town through the eyes of a newcomer. This guide is meant to inform visitors and potential future Capers of some local gems and can’t-miss events, beyond the usual tourist hotspots. These are my personal favorite parts of town, and not meant to be comprehensive of everything Cape Elizabeth has to offer.
1. Beat the crowds and see the lighthouses
Every tourist and his brother knows that Cape Elizabeth is probably most well-known for the iconic Portland Headlight, a much-photographed lighthouse located in Fort Williams Park. In other words, it gets pretty crowded. The park is gorgeous, though, with walking paths lining the shoreline, abandoned stone mansions, and even a few food trucks. To beat the crowds, make this your first stop of the day–preferably before breakfast and even more preferably as the sun rises. But if you can’t get out of bed at the crack of dawn, the park is still a must-see at any time, and is large enough that it never feels overly crowded–except, perhaps, at the annual Beach to Beacon 10k (see below).
Across town is Two Lights State Park, another local and visitor favorite for oceanside walks and photo ops. But many newcomers don’t realize that there are actually no lighthouses in the park itself. The privately owned Cape Elizabeth Lights (there is an east and west tower) are situated in nearby neighborhoods. Not all of the roads are open to the public, so tread carefully.
2. Eat the local’s way
You can’t find better breakfast sandwiches than at C Salt Gourmet Market, where house-made English muffins are baked daily. This upscale sandwich and coffee shop is a popular local hangout, especially in the off-season, and its location next to the town high school makes it a favorite among students. During the summer, expect throngs of tourists pining for lobster rolls, smoothies, and baked goods. It’s a great stop before hitting the beach.
Two miles down Route 77, the Good Table is arguably the spot for locals year-round. Serving a brunch, lunch, and dinner menu with locally-sourced ingredients, this is the kind of place where the owner and staff know the names of probably 85% of people who enter. They also make incredible desserts–notably, in my opinion, the pecan pie. As of this writing, the restaurant is in the process of changing ownership, and its future is uncertain, but for the time being it remains a can’t-miss.
The building next door to the Good Table has been home to a few different eateries over the years, but the current restaurant, Tacos Y Tequila, has proven successful after opening in 2020. The traditional Mexican cuisine can be a nice break from all the lobster and seafood.
There are a handful of other places to eat in town–Bite into Maine, Seaglass, and The Well, to name a few– but they tend to cater more to the tourist population. That’s not to say that they aren’t delicious. I have heard rave reviews of all three but can’t speak from personal experience for any.
3. Take a hike
Before you get too excited, no, we don’t have mountains here. You’ll have to drive northwest for at least an hour to find anything that qualifies as more than just a hill. But Cape Elizabeth has some gorgeous trail systems that are sparsely trafficked yet well-maintained by the town’s Land Trust. Of particular note is the Cross Town Trail, an 8.2 mile route that connects some of our major trail systems. The path begins at Kettle Cove Beach (or Fort Williams, depending which direction you take… but start at Kettle Cove to save the parking fee) and winds through the Great Pond and Gull Crest trail networks before crossing the center of town and entering Robinson Woods Preserve, which ultimately will deposit you at Fort Williams. Bring a map–the route can get confusing in parts–and enjoy a section of the trail or the whole thing.
4. Enjoy sweet treats the Maine way
Farming is a central part of our character. A couple hundred years ago, Cape Elizabeth and the neighboring South Portland were a single town, however, it was a clash of differing visions for the community–South Portland wanted industrialization and development while the part of town that became Cape Elizabeth was partial to agriculture and land preservation–that led to an eventual split. We’re still just as proud of our farms today. I’m biased, having worked there for three summers, but Jordan’s Farm is especially worth a trip. Their farmstand supplies everything from produce, dairy, and meat to homemade biscuits, ice cream, and local artwork. Plus, there’s berry picking. Maxwell’s Farm and Alewive’s Brook Farm are other stops on the berry picking list, offering idyllic strawberry fields.
For less labor-intensive ways to enjoy a treat, check out Kettle Cove Creamery, just minutes from the beach, or The Cookie Jar for some of the best doughnuts you will ever taste.
5. Experience the community
We are a community here in Cape Elizabeth, not quite small enough to be stifling but never too big to feel disconnected. You’ll feel this sense of connection at any one of our annual events.
If you visit in June, mark your calendar for Family Fun Day at Fort Williams, a small-town fair of sorts. Featuring a parade, petting zoo, bungee jumping, dog show, live music, fireworks, and more, this is a gathering of mostly locals, enjoying the park before the summer tourist rush begins.
The town Garden Club puts on an incredible Garden Tour every July. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, this is a great way to check out the waterfront mansions that are otherwise hidden down private roads.
Cape Elizabeth’s signature event is the Beach to Beacon 10k, held typically on the first Saturday in August. As one of the most popular (and competitive) road races in the country, our town’s population doubles overnight when runners travel from all over the world to run the gorgeous 6.2-mile route that ends at Portland Headlight. The race was founded by Joan Benoit Samuelson, gold medalist at the first-ever Olympic women’s marathon in 1984 (and a local icon). The race is a huge party whether you run, spectate, or volunteer. For the runners, make sure to plan ahead. Registration opens in March and sells out within minutes.
Want to tour the inside of Portland Headlight? Make the trip to Cape Elizabeth in September for Maine Open Lighthouse Day, where PHL is one of many lighthouses in the state that are open for exploring.
Tips from a local
Some random but hopefully helpful wisdom for the visitor or newcomer:
- Crescent Beach State Park, a quintessential Maine beach complete with a snack bar, will charge you a fee to park. But Kettle Cove Beach, which connects to Crescent, is free, less crowded, and in my opinion, a little nicer. You can still walk along the beach to the snack bar and put the cash you’ve saved to good use.
- Cape Elizabeth is a very safe community. And our police are the best… if you are a good driver. I kid you not – they are around every bend in town and catch everyone who dares to pick up their phone, speed, or forego a seatbelt. Another tip on the driving front: If you’re from out of state, go the speed limit. Us locals don’t appreciate tourists flying down our roads.
- On stormy days, brave the elements and head to Two Lights State Park or Fort Williams. The view of huge waves crashing against the rocks rivals any pristine sunrise.
- There is no off season in Cape Elizabeth, only tourist season and locals season! We may not have fancy ski resorts, but we do have the cutest Christmas tree farm (The Old Farm Christmas Place), a public outdoor skating rink, and a popular 10-mile road race (the Midwinter Classic). Plus, you can probably stay at Inn by the Sea, the only hotel in town (and it’s a nice one) for a good deal!
