Portland Head Lighthouse sits proudly perched along Cliff Walk Trail and overlooks Casco Bay. The 200+ year old light, lightkeeper's quarters and surrounding grounds are particularly well maintained and managed. This picturesque setting is one of the most popular stops along the coast of Maine for lighthouse aficionados. This sharp, unconventional lighthouse view (typically photographed from the shoreline) shows off fine details of the lighthouse and keeper's quarters, now today's museum.
Construction orders for this granddaddy beacon were issued by America's first president, completed in 1791. The 80 foot tall light, first on Maine's coastline, was finally automated in 1989. The structure stands on the 90 acre grounds of Fort Williams Park. The park houses vintage fort buildings, coastal batteries and the Goddard Mansion, dating back to the 1890s. Four additional lighthouses can be found in the Portland area, but this photogenic beauty standout among the others.