This is a lovely state park with stunning views of the coastline and opportunity to scramble along…read morerocks at the water's edge. Although it does not have a beach, Two Lights State Park was a fun place to explore for our family. It has clean restroom facilities and picnic tables if you want to enjoy lunch. Away from the coastline, the park also has a wooded trail that provides respite from the sun. The only downside is that NO lighthouses are visible within the park. Instead, you'll have to turn right just outside the park and drive about a half-mile toward a seafood restaurant and tiny beach. However, the view of the lighthouse is partially obstructed by a mega-mansion under construction. That said, we managed to capture a photo of the famous lighthouse (from the Edward Hopper painting) by going up a private street (Two Lights Terrace) for a quick photo. It's unfortunate the state park did not acquire the land where the restaurant is located and block the construction of private housing.

The parks in the Cape Elizabeth area are all amazing and the Two Lights State Park is no…read moreexception. This particular park is a bit deceiving in that the name two lights might make you think you are going to see 2 lights, there is only one on the mainland, and the other is 17 miles out to sea. But who really cares when the park gives you the amazing views that it does! The trails wind on the upper cliffs of the shoreline and provide an awesome view of Casco Bay and the ocean. Along the walking trails are benches and picnic tables where you can take pause and be at one with the ocean. The views of the crashing waves and the rocky shoreline are amazing!

A Maine State Park beach representative of the wild Maine mid-coast area. This beach isn't on the…read moreway to anything, it is a destination in itself. Bring a picnic, a chair and a book - oh, and layers as it can get chilly even in summer - and plan to spend the day admiring the beauty that is Maine. And if you're a Mainah, I highly recommend the State Park Pass so you can enjoy even more of Maine's beauty.

What an amazing state park. It's super large with lots of beach front and a lagoon. Lots of parking…read moreand bathrooms in both areas. Just a small view to get in. The views were fantastic, if I lived closer I would frequent this place!

I have been coming to Grist Mill Park for years. Located on East Main Street (Rt. 88) in Yarmouth,…read moreMaine. Below the Lower First Falls, there is a parking lot, a shaded lawn area with a few picnic tables often used for lunch. It is so peaceful and tranquil, just to sit and have a bite to eat, while listening to the water roll on by. This historic location looks downstream to the old mill and former shipyard sites. An oasis to be enjoyed, just steps outside of the concrete jungle we inhabit.

This is a small park with beautiful views over rapids across from an old mill looking building by a…read morebridge. There is also a wildflower trail on the other side of the bridge past the old mill building that was joyous. Great spot for a picnic or some photos. Something about rapids, reflections, water views, and old mills are all soul enhancing. Def check out the wildflower trail on the other side of the bridge up past the old mill building and a paced parking pad. Thanks to whoever maintains it!!! Beautiful.

Who knew this little park existed?…read more Locals. Hyper locals. That's who. Tucked away in the corner of Knightville (where Waterman curves into/becomes Ocean), this little park under the Casco Bay Bridge might not look like much upon first glance. But park nearby, walkover, and explore something beautiful and unexpected. Just past the no-longer-used railroad tracks are benches and stationary game tables. Beyond that (and down the hill) are beautiful views of Portland's working harbor and a plethora of sailboats. And just beyond that is a wooden pier straight out of some watercolor painting of the smaller fishing villages along Downeast Maine where floating docks are available for boats. So if you're looking for a new spot to take a walk, walk your dog, or hide in plain sight (which isn't such a bad thing... sometimes we all need to escape without escaping [which is incredibly hard to do in Greater Portland], so if you see me sitting on the wooden pier reading and drinking a coffee, do you mind not interrupting? I'm seeking peace of some kind.), the delightful Thomas Knight Park might just surprise you.

After demolishing the Million Dollar Bridge and re routing the flow of traffic with the new Casco…read moreBay Bridge years ago the city has done a great job with making this little nest park on Waterman Drive. (I wish the Farmer's Market was still here!) This park doesn't look like much from the road (which has 2 hour parking and ample spaces around) however, soon after walking in to the park you discover that it is bigger on the inside than you thought, kinda like a Tardis. The cobblestone path will lead you to the access ramp to the sidewalk on the bridge as well as some of those stationary binoculars to take in the sights like the Portland waterfront. There is also a small path down to a tiny beach. The paved path will take you under the bridge where you will pass the game tables. Go down the hill and discover some more grass and access to water (over rocks) as well as a bridge that leads to public docking. There is a small outbuilding with cushioned outdoor furniture. What you get now is sweeping views on both sides of you out across the South Portland and Portland sides of the Fore River/Casco Bay. Granted... There is a sewer treatment plant nearby but down here you wouldn't know it. People bring dogs and kids here to walk and play. Don't forget to bring bags and clean up since SoPo no longer provides bags. So one day... Drive past Shaws and McDonald's and the Ford Dealership and find a little oasis under one of the busiest roadways connecting these cities. You won't be sorry. Then... Instead of driving back toward Shaws, go around the other corner and discover the little shops that are no longer on the main track since the traffic pattern change.

3 and half mile loop around back cove.You walk around the water so it's really nice. Most spots are…read morecool, you do have to go over a bridge that is on the highway but I also think that's cool. Large parking spot to park your car and walk. A little sketchy at night though so def do during the day.

This trail is about 3.5 miles around Back Cove and is beautiful to experience! Today was gorgeous -…read morenormally a nice breeze, plenty of people walking dogs, riding bikes, etc. Trail is kept clean and continues to draw people in!

We love Kettle Cove, it's clean and not too big, which means it typically isn't too crowded…read more There is a cute beach area, that is very typical of our state, seaweed, sticks rocks and some sand. When the tide goes, out, it's pretty amazing to walk out onto the mudflats and see some of the ocean life that usually covered during low tide. The beach is protected by rocks on each side, so there aren't usually waves. Given the characteristics, it's not crowded with people that usually go to the larger beaches in the southern Maine which is why we love it. We typically see artists, readers, families and friends enjoying quiet picnics by the ocean on the nice green area, people enjoying the dedication benches staring out quietly at the water or having wonderful conversations. Around sunset in the summer, it's common to see photographers with couples, engaged, in wedding attire, with new babies, family photos. It's so picturesque - I don't blame them. The park fees should be deposited in the metal receptacle just before the beach area. PLEASE DO NOT forget to place your money in the bin before you leave. Parking area is small and so it's not always possible to find a spot, but when you can, it's a lovely place to be.

We have enjoyed the drive around Cape Elizabeth in the past, but this was the first time we stopped…read moreat this beautifully situated and serene park. The view of the cove, rocks, lobster boats and beach at Crescent State Park is quiet nice. A perfect place to rest awhile on one of the park benches before continuing on exploring the cape.

This is a gorgeous mile-long beach in Cape Elizabeth, ME. Our family visited here in July 2026…read moreduring a stay in South Portland (about a 15 minute drive away). This state park has lovely views, gentle waves, and a family-friendly vibe. Admission fee is $8 per person for out-of-state residents. This state park has lots of pluses. First, the sprawling parking lot is huge. On peak summer days, you will be able to find a spot. Second, a public restroom and changing station are available next to an L.L. Bean daily rental box for umbrellas, beach chairs, etc.. Third, the right side of the beach is less crowded where you can walk over to the rocks. The only blemish is a faint sulphuric smell on the right side (perhaps due to the seaweed). Also, the water temperature is a bit cold (low 60s) to be comfortable in July - but that's generally the case with Maine beaches. Overall, we would visit this state park again!

Parking close to the beach. A great place to go for warm spring day. Great views Ang lots of room…read morefor walking.

I remember going here as a kid and I took my youngest son almost a decade ago. We wanted to do the…read moresummit trail and climb Bradbury Mountain. Definitely not a big challenge but it was fun. I grew up in Lewiston so this park is close by. I will have to take John next time we're in Maine. Lots of other trails to explore.

From my original review: "'You know what I love about this place? It's low risk, high reward.'" We…read moreoverheard an older woman tell her husband this as they approached the summit. And as we stretched out on the rocks enjoying our picnic in the the warm sun, taking in the view of what seemed to be endless forests, bodies of water, and islands, we couldn't have agreed more." A decade later this is still true. If you're looking for an easygoing, very accessible way to go hiking and get some fresh air while wandering Maine's woods, take in the changing leaves of autumn or the abundance of blossoms and wildflowers in the spring, Bradbury - located just thirty minutes from Portland - is hard to beat. According to their website, Bradbury Mountain State Park was one of the original five state parks in the state of Maine, acquired by the Federal government in 1939. The mountain is open year round from 9am until sunset and offers a variety of hiking trails that range from very, very easy ("wide gradual ascents", "well packed and fairly flat") to slightly more challenging ("steepest ascent, but not difficult to hike", "areas with sharp turns"), from .2 miles to 1.5 miles (or more if you want to build your own adventure here - which is very easy to do because this state park's trails are now abundantly well marked; expect lots of maps throughout to let you know where you are AND lots of wooden signs pointing you in the right direction). You could easily do it all in one half day or break up your walk and come back another time, especially considering it's an easy, convenient mountain with an elevation of just 485 feet. Dogs are allowed on leashes, horses are allowed on certain trails. There are bathrooms. You can check out an old cattle pound. Explore for geocaches. It's a cute little mountain, and I'm so happy it's right in (proverbial) our backyard.