This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Maine

The Maine coastline is the kind of place where you can smell the sea air anywhere you walk, and the seafood on offer at every restaurant feels like it's just been plucked from the sea. During the summer months, plenty of the Pine Tree State's seaside escapes get pretty crowded, but there's a little-known waterfront town in Maine that feels like a true slice of heaven no matter the season.

Welcome to Cape Elizabeth, a stunning retreat not far from southern Portland. Most Mainers know about this town—it's home to one of the state's most iconic landmarks—but many people come in and out without seeing all this beautiful town has to offer. It not only has one of the most famous lighthouses in the northeast, but it's also home to historic ruins, stunning parks, and some of the best seafood you'll find anywhere. I don't know if there's a place that feels more quintessentially Maine than Cape Elizabeth.

Why This Little-Known Waterfront Town in Maine Is So Charming

Most people in Maine know Portland Head Light very well; it's the most photographed lighthouse in Maine and is incredibly beautiful when you catch it at sunset. But the town surrounding it, Cape Elizabeth, has a population of just under 10,000 and often slips under the radar as a tourist destination in its own right.

For one thing, the lighthouse itself is surrounded by Fort Williams Park, a beautiful suburban retreat that often hosts food trucks during the more popular seasons. It's also home to one of the most unique children's playgrounds in Maine, a fantasy-themed escape that's a must-visit for families.

What To See and Do in Cape Elizabeth

Another unique destination in the park is the Goddard Mansion, the remnants of a historic manor designed by New York architect Charles A. Alexander. Today, the only thing remaining of this stately house is the sturdy cobblestone frame. While the ruins have been fenced off for safety reasons, the exterior is still accessible for photos.

Cape Elizabeth's downtown is incredible for dining, featuring everything from farm-to-table high-end dining to that beloved staple of New England—simply prepared, classic seafood fresh from the sea. The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, one of the more isolated restaurants in the town along the coastline, has been praised for some of the best lobster dinners in the state.

Best Time to Visit Cape Elizabeth

The Portland area is much busier in the summer, of course, but it doesn't shut down in winter. Portland Head Light is open year-round, and there's something incredibly peaceful about the area in the winter if you like cold weather (I certainly do). But there are also some delights that are only available in the summer, like a nostalgic ice cream treat at Kettle Cove Ice Cream.

It's not often you see a little-known waterfront town with as many historic spots as Cape Elizabeth, so this is the perfect time to tell a friend about this article and plan a visit that goes well beyond taking pictures at Portland Head Light. Cape Elizabeth sees more crowds in the summer, but the town is easy to explore in a day, even during the busy season, although it also makes a perfect day trip when you're spending a week in Portland. While you're in the area, make sure to plan a night at DiMillo's on the Water, one of the largest and most spectacular restaurants in New England.