Travel + Discover York: Maine Vacation Guide

While every Maine town brings a unique local flavor to Vacationland, it’s the variety in York that helps it stand out in a crowded coastline of idyllic locations.

You can get one of the best mountain views, explore a top southern Maine beach, see an iconic lighthouse, and walk through one of the oldest villages in New England without leaving the town borders.

Moreover, it’s as great for a couple’s getaway as it is for a large family. Whether you want summer beaches or winter wonderlands, York delivers stunningly.

York Maine History

In 1624, what is now York was established as the plantation of Agamenticus, an Abenaki term meaning “on the other side of the river” – a reference to the York River.

European settlers changed the name to Bristol in 1638, naming it after the city in the United Kingdom from which they immigrated. Eventually, York was incorporated in 1652, making it the second-oldest town in Maine after Kittery.

York Maine Economy

The town thrived as the capital of the region and the site of the Royal Goal (jail). Before the American Revolutionary War, many warehouses and wharves in York traded with the West Indies.

Lumber and agricultural products were traded in exchange for molasses, sugar, and other products. The famous merchant John Hancock partially owned a warehouse in York, and the building is now a museum.

After the war, though, trade in York was crippled by the Embargo Act of 1807, which President Thomas Jefferson signed. The town wasn’t prosperous again until after the Civil War, when tourists to the state were attracted to its colonial charm and sea breezes.

Present-Day York

Today, York is a four-season destination with summer crowds that swell as much as the waves on the shoreline. With a great location on the Southern Maine Coast, it’s one of the first towns across the state line, just off I-95 and Route 1.

York is just over an hour north of Boston and five hours north of New York City, making it the perfect drive for a New England getaway. Plus, Portland is less than an hour north.

You can still see the Gilded Age architecture and visit several historic buildings that are now museums.

Also, it’s one of the best (and only) surfing spots in Maine, with a mountain that peaks almost 700 feet above sea level. The views reach well into neighboring states and off the coastline.

It helps to understand York’s footprint for planning your Maine getaway itinerary:

• York Village (Old York): This is the historic heart of town, where colonial homes, museums, and tree-lined streets paint a picture of 17th-century New England.
• York Beaches: This is the summer action zone. It includes Short Sands, with arcades, taffy shops, and a small downtown vibe, and Long Sands, a more relaxed stretch popular for surfing and walking.
• York Harbor: Elegant and peaceful, York Harbor has cliffside inns, scenic walking paths like the Cliff Walk, and access to the quieter Harbor Beach.
• Cape Neddick: Home to the iconic Nubble Lighthouse, this is the postcard spot.
• Mount Agamenticus: Mount “A” offers sweeping views, peaceful hiking trails, and a totally different side of York just a short drive from the beach.

Must-See Attractions and Activities in York

York offers a little bit of everything – beaches, history, and classic coastal charm. Whether you’re exploring or just taking it slow, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Old York

Take some time to go to jail in Old York, but that’s just a comical way of telling you to explore the historical buildings of York Village. Buildings dating back to the 1600s fill this colonial collection.

You can start your museum adventure at the Old York Museum Center, which hosts educational programs all year. This complex features the York Corner Schoolhouse (built in 1745), Jefferds Tavern (built in 1750), and Remick Gallery, which contains historical and artistic objects.

Other buildings among the museums include:

• The Old Gaol was constructed in 1656 as the first prison in Maine.
• The Emerson-Wilcox House Museum was built in 1735 and served as a home, general store, post office, stage tavern, and tailor shop.
• The Perkins House Museum and Administration was the summer home of Mary and Elizabeth Perkins starting in 1898. The historic part of the house is open to guided tours between June and October.
• The Donnell-Hancock Warehouse was built in the 1740s and is the last remaining colonial commercial building on the York River.
• The George Marshall Store was built next to the warehouse after 1867 and used for selling coal, building materials, wood, and general merchandise.

Mount Agamenticus

Once a seaside ski area, Mount Agamenticus reigns commanding views of the Atlantic Ocean, the White Mountains to the west, and even distant traces of Boston to the south.

While the mountain is just 692 feet high, you’ll feel on top of the world with the views. The extensive trail system includes a new trail to the summit, designed as a “universal nature path for all,” and it is the most popular.

Each trail is designed for specific activities, like hiking, biking, or snowshoeing. Check the trail difficulty because there’s something for everyone.

The summit views stretch as far as Boston, Cape Elizabeth, and Mount Washington on a clear day. On top of that, select trails are open to ATV riders and horseback riders. You can even drive your vehicle to the summit for pure panoramic views and picnicking.

Sohier Park

For a spectacular setting, take your book, walking shoes, or picnic basket to Sohier Park, home to Nubble Lighthouse in Cape Neddick (officially named Cape Neddick Light). This park and tower are among the most photographed landmarks in the United States.

Visitors to this famous lighthouse might enjoy seeing great black-backed gulls, herring gulls, double-crested cormorants, sunfish, and harbor seals. The park is a popular place for scuba diving, as well as relaxing, reading, and picnicking on the benches.

Sohier Park is a favorite spot to visit at Christmastime and in July for the Lighting of the Nubble. You can’t actually enter the lighthouse – it’s on an island just a few yards from the shore, which is what makes it so stunning for Maine lighthouse photographs.

Also, the park is within view of Boon Island Light.

Hartley Mason Reservation

Once a private seaside estate, Hartley Mason Reservation is a beautiful oceanfront park open to the public. The grounds, located across the street from the York Harbor Inn, offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of the York River.

From the park, you can follow the scenic Fisherman’s Walk to York Harbor Beach, and there are a few benches where you can sit and take in the peaceful view. It’s a popular wedding spot in York too – often part of wedding ceremonies at the inn.

York’s Wild Kingdom Zoo

Kids won’t be complaining of boredom at York’s Wild Animal Kingdom, which is the only zoo and amusement park in New England. Only a short walk from Short Sands Beach, beachside shops, and restaurants, it’s a fun stop on your family vacation itinerary.

There are more than 50 animal species to see – from African lions and ostriches to tarantulas and butterflies. Plus, you can hop on a few amusement park rides or play a round of miniature golf on an 18-hole course. There’s even a Midway with arcade games.

While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to eat some of the best fried dough on the seacoast!

York River

The York River is a lovely, meandering 13-mile-long river, making it a perfect spot for boating or paddling. Since it flows out to the Atlantic at York Harbor, more than half of the river is tidal.

This means that the water level rises and falls with the ocean tide as far inland as York Pond in Eliot, Maine.

Some neat spots to explore on the York River are York Harbor, where boats dock and moor, and Wiggly Bridge – perhaps the smallest suspension bridge in the world.

The steel structure features an arched wooden deck that spans 75 feet between green towers. It bounces back and forth when you walk on it.

York Land Trusts

If you’ve read many of our articles, you’ll know we’re big fans of the Maine land trusts. These outdoor locations are scattered throughout every community.

Most access is free, trails are not crowded, and dogs are more welcome than you might find in other outdoor natural areas across Maine. The York Land Trust includes:

• Fuller Forest Preserve: Find your way through 4 miles of forested wetlands.
• Highland Farm Preserve: Don’t be surprised if you stumble on an old cemetery in this expansive and eclectic mix of history and wildlife.
• Hilton-Winn Preserve: Perfect for nature lovers and history buffs, you get a little of both through the 1.5-mile trail system, which explores vernal pools, a forest, and an old mill site still featuring a churning waterfall.
• Lafcadio’s Woods Preserve: Enjoy a bit of rocky landscape on this 1.3-mile loop through forests and a wetland.
• McIntire Highlands Preserve: Some of Maine’s oldest trees are found in this wooded landscape, with trails that are up to a half-mile long.
• Near Point Preserve: Explore marshlands, a pond, and meadows in a 1-mile loop.
• Smelt Brooke Preserve: The Trail follows the river for less than 1 mile through a forest. Stunning fall colors!

Golf Courses

York has several great Maine golf courses. The Ledges Golf Club has championship greens that are surrounded by ledge outcroppings. When you stay at one of the club’s lodging partners, you can enjoy special stay-and-play options.

The York Golf & Tennis Club features an early 1900s course designed by Donald Ross and designated the William Wilson Course in honor of the longtime pro golfer. The club has six Har-Tru tennis courts and two hard tennis courts, as well as a historic clubhouse and new clubhouse.

If you follow the coast north to Cape Neddick, you could play at Cape Neddick Country Club. The 18-hole course here was also designed by Donald Ross in the early 1900s and had one of the top layouts in Maine at the time.

The Beaches of York

The alluring beaches of York are popular summer hot spots for family fun in the sun, and the three beaches below are top-notch spots! Check the beach water quality before picking your favorite during your trip.

York Harbor Beach

York Harbor Beach sits in a crescent-shaped cove – mostly made up of sand with some tide pools – but also has a few rocky spots.

Located at the mouth of the York River near the York Harbor Inn, Stage Neck Inn, and the Hartley Mason Reservation, this sandy beach is tucked away as a hidden gem. Families love it for the gentle surf. From the last week in June through Labor Day, lifeguards are on duty.

York Harbor Beach has wheelchair-accessible restrooms and washing facilities.

Long Sands Beach

Like it sounds, Long Sands Beach is a 1.5-mile stretch of white sand along Route 1A with some tide pools and rocky spots. It’s handicap accessible with access ramps near the bathhouse.

This beach is a great place for sunbathing and swimming in the surf during the summer, taking a stroll all year, playing beach volleyball, and flying kites when the weather permits.

There’s also a designated area for surfing and launching kayaks, and you can rent umbrellas and rafts at a nearby convenience store, which also has supplies for a picnic lunch. You’ll even see die-hard surfers and dog walkers enjoying Long Sands Beach during the off-season.

From the last week of June through Labor Day, Long Sands Beach has lifeguards on duty. This period is the busiest of the year, with up to 5,000 visitors every day.

Remember to bring your camera because the ocean vista is simply beautiful with Cape Neddick and Nubble Light in view, making for a striking coastal backdrop in any season, especially during the winter.

Long Sands Beach is within walking distance of many hotels, cottages, inns, resorts, shops, and restaurants.

Short Sands Beach

Another sandy beach with tide pools and rocky spots, Short Sands Beach is only about 0.25 miles long, making it perfect for small children. The once sandy beach has rocky shores at low tide, during which time you can see some rare colors of beach sea glass.

This pocket beach rests between rocky cliffs in Ellis Park and has a range of amenities – a large playground, grassy park area, gazebo, promenade walkway with benches, carousel, and arcade. And, it’s home to York’s Wild Kingdom.

Additionally, Short Sands Beach has basketball courts. Throughout the summer, you can enjoy free concerts and other entertainment in the covered bandstand area. There is also good nightlife in York Beach in the summertime, with live bands and dancing at a few nightclubs by the beach.

Other attractions, restaurants, and shops are also within walking distance. At The Goldenrod candy shop, you can watch saltwater taffy being made. It’s a York tradition dating back to 1896!

Cape Neddick Beach

More of a local’s secret, Cape Neddick Beach is one of those you have to go searching for, and once you’re there, it’s not clear if you should be there.

However, this privately owned beach does have public access. It’s small and parking is tough to find (especially without a beach permit sticker), but it’s a great place away from the crowds.

York Trolley Tours

One of the best ways to explore York is by trolley, leaving behind worries about parking spots and traffic on the beach.

York Trolley Company tours run seasonally from mid-May to October, and you’ll enjoy an open-air trolley with impressive views along the way. Trolleys can also be reserved for private parties or special events. 

Indoor Things to Do in York

If it’s a rainy day, or you’re looking for unique things to do in York, you’re in luck. The city offers several indoor activities for all ages.

Fun-O-Rama

Just steps from Short Sands Beach is Fun-O-Rama. Like the name implies, this beachside amusement arcade is fun for the whole family.

The 10,000-square-foot seaside pavilion features more than 200 video and arcade games that harken back to the old days of seaside arcades, with a honky-tonk circus atmosphere, much like those found at Old Orchard Beach amusements.

The kids will love it, and the beach is nearby when you’ve had your fill (or if you run out of quarters).

Wiggly Bridge Distillery

With hand-built copper pot stills, Wiggly Bridge Distillery is a labor of love between a father and son. The distillery produces small batches of spirits with unique flavors in an 1880s barn.

You can visit this location for tastings and tours. Just have a seat at the bar to test out the various spirits. If you book a tour, you’ll learn about the distillery and its operation while sipping a handcrafted cocktail.

The Shops at Cape Neddick

Open all year, The Shops at Cape Neddick is a 5,000-square-foot barn that has been renovated into a Main Street-style shopping area. It’s full of specially curated boutiques with unique home decor, clothes, jewelry, gifts, and more.

Center for Wildlife

Make your way through the wild without having to risk the logging roads of the Maine Highlands. The Center for Wildlife in York (Cape Neddick) offers a nature center with self-guided or private tours, a reading nook, and activities scheduled throughout the year.

Plus, your visit helps staff treat injured and orphaned wild animals.

York, Maine, Festivals & Events

If you’re visiting York, Maine, at certain times of the year, you have the chance to witness some of the most unique events in the state.

In fact, the city has become a year-round vacation destination, and the events truly make it a memorable and fun experience. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable.

Holiday Lighting of the Nubble

One of the most photogenic and fun events is the Lighting of the Nubble. When it gets dark during December, brilliant white Christmas lights shine from the lighthouse and the keeper’s house, flowing from the contours of the tower, buildings, and fencing.

The lighting repeats every night from the weekend after Thanksgiving until New Year’s. This 30-year tradition has become such a celebration that millions of people arrive at Sohier Park to enjoy the spectacle, along with cookies, live reindeer, and Santa.

The Lighting of the Nubble is among Maine’s holiday events not to be missed, so make sure that your camera is handy! Summer visitors can also enjoy the lighting in the summer, which is usually paired with the kick-off to our next favorite York event.

York Days

Held from the end of July through early August, York Days brings two weeks of fun-filled activities to the beaches and communities.

This free, family-oriented event features a craft fair, wellness fest, fireworks, a 5K Road Race, and a family film night. Every night during the event, you can see the Summer Lighting of the Nubble.

York Harvestfest

One of Maine’s best fall festivals is York Harvestfest in mid-October on Short Sands Beach. Farmer’s markets, live entertainment, local Maine food, craft vendors, carriage rides, and games are a few of the fun activities that celebrate the arrival of fall foliage and harvest time in Maine.

York Harvestfest is a free event to attend and is always held the weekend after Columbus Day. It’s a great way to see the foliage and changing colors by the ocean while engaging in seasonal activities, like pumpkin carving.

Beach Bonfire Benefit

One of the brightest events in York helps people in their darkest days. Each September, as a tribute to 9/11, the Beach Bonfire Benefit takes over Long Sands Beach with a massive bonfire.

People line up around the flames to enjoy the stunning fall weather. All proceeds once went to New York Firefighters, but now help the underserved community in York.

Festival of Frights

Each year, York celebrates Halloween with a parade and a trunk-or-treat event: Festival of Frights. Anyone can join the parade at Short Sands Beach. That leads to a community gathering spot where trick-or-treating takes over. It’s open to residents and visitors.

Festival of Lights

Not to be outdone by Halloween, the holidays bring another big parade to York. Every year on the first Saturday in December, the Festival of Lights parade includes several award categories – businesses really go all out to win a nod! 

Where to Eat in York Maine

No matter when you decide to visit, you’ll need to keep your energy up to enjoy all of the fantastic activities and attractions in York, Maine. The city is a great foodie destination and is home to some of the best seafood restaurants on the Southern Maine Coast.

Sun and Surf

Hold on – sorry, I got hypnotized by the live camera of Long Sands Beach while learning all about Sun and Surf. The only way you can get closer to eating on the water is in a boat.

This hotspot is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it even appeals to large crowds. All your favorite Maine dishes fill the menu, with seating options available on the deck and in the dining room. Did we mention the views?

The Union Bluff Grill

Part of the Union Bluff Hotel, The Union Bluff Grill serves elevated coastal dishes with a front-row view of the ocean. The menu leans on fresh, local ingredients and creative takes on New England favorites.

It’s the kind of place where you can sip a cocktail by the fireplace or enjoy a sunset dinner at the bar – laid-back, a little upscale, and all about good food with a view. Check the schedule of events and specials: There’s something for everyone.

YORK54

If you’re in the mood for pizza, you have to try a pie at the YORK54 restaurant and pizza parlor. You can order the pizza of the day, a classic or specialty pizza, or build your own. Gluten-free and vegetarian pizza options are available as well.

However, that’s not all you’ll find on the menu. It also includes beer specials, salads, chicken wings, and big quesadillas. Don’t forget to order gelato for dessert!

Wild Willy’s Burgers

Making “Real Burgers for Real Burger Lovers,” Wild Willy’s Burgers is the best place to go for a juicy beef sandwich.

The restaurant focuses on using quality ingredients and preparing each dish with care. You’ll find other sandwiches (including chicken), chili, and various French fry sides on the menu, too.

For drinks, Wild Willy’s has fresh-squeezed fruit drinks, draft root beer, and frappes. Plus, there’s ice cream for dessert.

York Harbor Inn

The York Harbor Inn, located on the waterfront, is famous for its Sunday brunches and wine dinners. Pub fare is served in the Ship’s Cellar Pub, and delicious seafood is served daily.

Cape Neddick Lobster Pound

Whether you’re looking for hard or soft shell lobster dishes, the Cape Neddick Lobster Pound (aka The Pound) is open year-round with seasonal specialties.

The expansive menu makes this much more than just a seafood shack. Plus, seating is available inside, on the deck, or by the fireplace. Eating at The Pound is more than a meal – It’s a York tradition since 1959.

Nick’s Steakhouse

Perfect for a night to dress up and savor a long meal, Nick’s Steakhouse brings the elegance of a fancy steakhouse with a creative menu that includes items like blueberry bourbon bacon and Wagyu brisket. Be sure to make a reservation for this fine dining experience.

The York River Landing

You barely have to leave Route 1 to enjoy The York River Landing restaurant, which is right on the river, too.

A great bonus of this option is the variety of foods: lobster, steak, sandwiches, snacks, and at least three dozen craft beers on tap! Enjoy the views inside, at the bar, or on the deck overlooking the water.

Gourmet Food Shops

Many York shops offer Maine-made gourmet foods, such as Stonewall Kitchen, which has its flagship store in town. Stonewall Kitchen is famous for its homemade jams, preserves, and Maine gift baskets.

Soak It All In Before You Go

Whether you’re visiting for the beaches, the views, or the small-town charm, York makes it easy to unwind and enjoy the moment. It’s a place where history and scenery go hand in hand, and every corner feels a little bit like summer.

From family vacations to peaceful getaways, this coastal gem has something for everyone. Once you’ve been, it’s the kind of town that keeps calling you back.