This Charming Maine Beach Town Has Sandy Shores, a Famous Lighthouse and Iconic Lobster Shacks—Without the Big Crowds

For the past few years, I’ve made my way back to the same little shore community in southern Maine. York sits right across the border from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and my very first visit was inspired merely and simply by the fact that it’s the closest ocean beach to me by drive time. Not the best reason, but it’s worked out pretty well, as I just keep going back.

There’s a lot to love about York, Maine, but if you’ve never been, or never been to a Maine beach in general, you might come across a few surprises. This destination is far different from beaches further down the Atlantic coastline. It’s a world away from Jersey or Carolina beaches, for sure. It’s also fairly different from the shorelines you’d find if you traveled into northern Maine, even just to popular tourist towns like Bar Harbor.

York’s unique character means that your beach days may look a little different and that you might fill your time off the beach differently, too—but that’s hardly a bad thing. Here’s what to expect in York, Maine, and the best things to do while you’re there.

Most people flock to one of two beaches in York: Long Sands Beach or Short Sands Beach. Both beaches have their benefits and their drawbacks.

I personally prefer Long Sands Beach. As its name suggests, this beach is on the longer side (at least for Maine), with 1.5 miles of shoreline. There are relatively few rocks along most of the beach and, in the summer months, up to 5,000 people might visit the beach each day. Still, if you arrive in the morning, you should have no problem finding a spot to set up your beach gear.

It’s safe for swimming, popular for surfing and dog-friendly in the evening hours. There’s one public restroom and bathhouse, and a very small number of restaurants and shops are within walking distance. As such, plan to pack your own snacks and any gear you might need, and try to get a spot within the general vicinity of the restrooms.

Short Sands Beach, meanwhile, is much shorter, at just about a quarter of a mile in length. However, Short Sands Beach offers an excellent location right in the center of much of York’s tourist activity. There are far more shops, restaurants, hotels and more within walking distance here. The beach edges up to a playground and basketball courts, and green space, as well as the single parking lot and restroom/bathhouse. Seasonal lifeguards serve both beaches.

If these two beaches are not to your liking, though, there are other, less popular beaches in the area, including Harbor Beach and Cape Neddick Beach.

Particularly during the height of summer and particularly around Long Sands Beach, parking is minimal. Yes, there are parking spots literally all the way up and down the nearly two miles of Long Sands Beach, looking out at the ocean. The best spots, nearest the restrooms and shops, though, go fast (like you’d better be out on the beach at 9 a.m. if you want a good spot). Otherwise, you’ll find that you’ll be walking a fair distance to find a good or empty spot on the sand, close to amenities.

York has a handful of your typical beach-town older motels and inns that are right on the beach or within a quick walk, as well as some budget chains away from the beach. However, given its small size, this isn’t a beach town that has miles upon miles of waterfront accommodations, with something for every single price point and preference. If you’re particular about the type and quality of accommodations you stay in, you’ll want to book in advance. Similarly, even if you’re thinking about staying in an Airbnb or home rental of any kind, inventory is limited, so plan ahead.

Two properties on Long Sands Beach that have recently received new life and resulting rave reviews include The Nevada and Stones Throw, both owned by the same parent company. Stones Throw offers modern and modest guestrooms, and a lively on-site restaurant and bar. The Nevada is a fully retro, restored, mid-century hotel that leans into its history in a way that’s fully Instagram-ready—and there’s a tiki bar!

If you don’t have your heart set on staying directly on the beach, another sister property sits a ways away and provides luxurious digs alongside stellar ocean views. The aptly named Viewpoint hotel will give you an intimate experience with very private rooms overlooking the town’s iconic Nubble Lighthouse.

Wherever you stay, whichever beach you frequent, when staying in York, Maine, chances are likely that you’ll need to do a fair amount of driving. Restaurants, shops and activities here tend to be clustered in several key spots around the area, and it’s just not feasible to stick to the general vicinity of your accommodations, if you want to experience the best of this beach town.

And on that note, when you’re considering how to fill your brief hours when you’re not at the beach, one of the town’s top sites is the Nubble Light House, which claims to be one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. 

Whether or not that’s the case, the adorable “Nubble,” which dates to the 19^th century, sits on a little islet right offshore; visitors can park in a small lot next to a gift shop and walk out on the rocks to take photos of the light house, which is also visible from Long Sands Beach.

Built in the 1930s, Wiggly Bridge is literally that—a wiggly bridge—but it’s guessed that it might just be the world’s smallest suspension bridge. Separating the York River from a millpond, visiting the Wiggly Bridge also connects you to scenic walking trails that are gentle enough for children and pets, in case you want to get some extra steps in during your vacation.

Need something a little more challenging (though hardly back-breaking)? Visit Mount Agamenticus, a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking. The Mount Agamenticus conservation area touts the highest diversity of animal and plant species in the state. The trails and their facilities are well-maintained, and include an educational center and observation tower.

As mentioned, a lot of tourist activity happens around Short Sands Beach, so even if this isn’t your beach of choice, make a point to head this way, park in the beach lot and take a stroll around the compact gathering of shops and eateries. You’ll find plenty of spots to pick up souvenirs and an old-school arcade: Fun-O-Rama.  

If you love a bit of local spooky lore, then make tracks for the Old Parish Cemetery, where one headstone, out of the burial sites that date to the 1600s, stands out. Known as the York Witch Grave, this stone sports the slightly creepy, carved visage of a deceased woman, Mary Nasson, who died in 1774. Story goes, a granite slab had to be placed over her grave to keep her from rising from the dead.

As is the case in many Maine shore towns, you can find plenty of great, local dining spots in York, whether you’re looking for something on the water or you don’t mind traveling out a little bit further. 

The three recommended hotels above all have very popular restaurants on-site, including A Little Auk, Stone’s Throw and Lulu’s. A Little Auk is an all-outdoor restaurant with a bar fashioned from a repurposed Airstream trailer. Lulu’s serves up tiki flair and Stone’s Throw offers a raw bar; plenty of healthful, lighter options perfect for a beach trip; the quintessential Maine lobster; and a generous amount of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian menu items.

For local drinks, try Wiggly Bridge Distillery, SoMe Brewing Company or York Beach Beer Co.

York, Maine, may not be as large as some beach towns, or as built up, but that’s a bonus for a lot of beachgoers. Sure, you still get some crowds in the summer, and you might have to wake up early if you want a good parking spot without any walking, but escaping the crowds is as easy as just driving a few minutes away. The town’s somewhat segmented layout tends to spread people out a bit, and if you want to stay completely away from any crowds whatsoever, that’s as easy as booking an Airbnb in the nearby woods or near one of the hiking trails, like those around Mount Agamenticus.

In short, would I recommend York for beachgoers who want endless options and a packed off-the-beach itinerary? Nope. For everyone else, though, it’s an ideal escape.