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York, Maine is by far my favorite little town in Maine. When I moved up to Boston, Larry and I took a weekend vacation to York and I completely fell in love. This town is straight out of a storybook which is perfect for a summer vacation. There is plenty to do in York, here are some of my favorite things.
Coastal Maine has so many lovely towns that each has its own unique charm. If you are staying in Maine for a while consider checking out our Coastal Maine Road Trip to see which other Coastal towns are worth your time. This town is a short drive from Portland if you’re also looking for a day trip from York.
Where is York, Maine?
Right over the border from New Hampshire, you’ll find many small coastal towns. York is one of them. Nearby you’ll find Ogunquit, Kittery, Kennebunk, and Old Orchard Beach.
If you’re already in Maine, Maybe consider if Bangor, Maine worth visiting during your trip.
Outdoor Things to Do in York
Mount Agamenticus
The highest point in York County at 692 feet high, Mt Agamenticus has many fun things to offer. Found north of the town of York in Cape Neddick just off Route 1. This mountain has many trails for hiking or biking.
You can summit this mountain with your car and then take on some of the trails. It is also a lovely place for a picnic. Select trails are also open for horseback riding and for ATVs.
Hartley Mason Reserve
This beautiful park overlooks the beaches of York and is located near the Cliff Walk. It is an ideal place for walks and sightseeing. The Cliff Walk is one of the most popular places in York, this one is up there too! In addition, if you’re looking for some breath taking this is a must go to spot.
York’s Wild Kingdom Zoo
This is York’s local zoo! It has plenty of animals to see. My favorites are the otters. One cool thing is that you can walk with deer and feed them. It’s pretty fun! One deer ate Larry’s zoo map right out of his hand.
The Wild Kingdom Zoo also has some small carnival-like rides for kids. There are some shows as well. We enjoyed seeing the all the different animals before heading to dinner. The zoo has its own parking, but if you stay in town you can walk basically everywhere.
York Beach
There are several beaches in York. The main beach is York Harbor Beach which is found in the town and easily accessible from downtown. The other beaches are a little more off the beaten path which also makes them quieter.
York Harbor Beach
Another large beach in York. It is about 1.3 miles long. This beach offers metered parking, seasonal lifeguards, and public restrooms. This is also a very popular beach due to the amenities.
Long Sands Beach
This is a no-frills beach. There is a strip of street parking near the beach. It is really a local beach found in a neighborhood.
Short Sands Beach
This is the public beach found in downtown York. It is off Route 1. There is a public bathroom, seasonal lifeguards, and parking available. The beach is near the Cliff Walk and Hartley Mason Reserve Park. It is a popular beach.
Indoor Things to Do in York
Museums Of Old York
Old York has a lot of history to offer. Along with a museum, you can visit the York Goal. It is a fun rainy-day activity. You can really learn and experience Maine in its early history as well as see how York came to be. These historic buildings are closed in the off-season.
Fun-O-Rama
This is the local arcade in York! There are candle-pin bowling and arcade games with views overlooking the beach. This is the place where you’ll find all the kids as the sun starts to set. York is a very walkable town which is great for older kids because they can safely walk around and enjoy the many fun parts York has to offer.
Wiggly Bridge Distillery
This local distillery is a great way to spend the day in York. The distillery has multiple types of tours as well as taste testing for the different whiskeys. There are also cocktail-making classes which are fun. You can also become a distiller for a day.
Nubble Lighthouse
This iconic lighthouse is the main photo you see when you picture Maine. Now that you’re nearby might as well visit! The park where this lighthouse is famously situated is open year-round. The gift shop is only open seasonally and weather permitting. It is so beautiful people even get married here!
Taste some amazing bread at “When Pigs Fly”
When Pigs Fly is a locally-owned bakery that sells bread in local grocery stores. It is an incredible sourdough bread completely necessary for your beach picnics. We usually pack lunches for ourselves at the beach (or skiing) and this bread is the exact delicious and sturdy bread you need.
Shop and eat at Stonewall Kitchen
Stonewall Kitchen is actually made and produced in York, Maine. Might as well get the goods at the local source. I do love their strawberry and blueberry jams. The syrup is also pretty good. Just be careful because the jams and syrups cannot be taken in your carry-on luggage.
Places to eat in York
Nick’s Beachside Grill
My personal favorite thing here is the French Dip Burger. I do like to try French Dips whenever possible and this is no exception. Nick’s Beachside Grill is a local favorite that is open year-round. It offers a variety of sandwiches and entrees that are ideal for everyone. It’s really summer comfort food.
Stevie D’s
You can’t go to Maine and not have some of the world-famous Lobster Rolls! Stevie D’s has a variety of sandwiches, I’d go for the lobster roll. If lobster isn’t your thing, no worries they have many other delicious choices like prime roast beef which is a must-try.
York Harbor Inn
This is where we stayed when we visited York for the first time. It is a beautiful Inn with lovely views of the harbor and beach. Additionally, they have a restaurant. The restaurant is more upscale than most other places to eat in York. I would recommend getting a reservation.
The Purple Palace
We had so much fun in this place. It is easy to spot from the street as the whole building is purple. They are a breakfast place that’s so fun to eat at. The food is American diner food, nothing special, but still good and the atmosphere is worth it.
The Goldenrod
This place is a fun, local favorite. It has many American comfort foods for lunch and dinner. The best thing at The Goldenrod is the desserts. Maine ice cream is a whole different kind of game. It’s incredible and I recommend having as much of it as possible. They also have saltwater taffy which is a must-have.
Explore the many towns Maine has to offer!
Where to stay in York, Maine?
As a tourist centrist town, there are many wonderful Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, hotels, motels, and camping options to stay in York. Here are some of the options for your trip to this storybook town.
Union Bluff Hotel – This is one of the hotels we stayed at and loved. It is right in downtown York. Overlooking the beach and the town it is easy to walk anywhere from this hotel.
Dockside Guest Quarters – A little out of downtown this hotel gives you everything. It has free bikes that make getting downtown easy. It is a lovely 14-minute walk from the beach.
Camp Eaton – If camping is more your speed, check out Camp Eaton. They are a community right near the water that welcomes all campers.
Frequently Asked Questions About York, Maine
Does York, Maine have a boardwalk?
York Beach in Maine does not have a boardwalk. The boardwalk for a beach would be found in Old Orchard Beach. The town of York provides many fun activities to supplement the beach day.
Is alcohol allowed on York Beach Maine?
It is against the law to drink on the beaches of Maine. This is due to the fact that it is additionally illegal to be publicly drunk in Maine. Exercise caution when drinking in Maine as you may receive a fine or be arrested which would be a bummer for your vacation.
Where can I watch the sunset in York Maine?
The Cliff Walk in York has some of the best views of the sunset! You can also head to Mt. Agamenticus for a beautiful sunset. Both options allow you for a nice walk, beautiful views, and a possible picnic area if you’re interested in that.
Where can I watch the sunrise in York, Maine?
The Nubble Lighthouse is such a unique place to go see the sunrise in York. The top of the lighthouse gives you panoramic views of Coastal Maine and gives you beautiful sunrises. I know it’s an early wake-up call to see the sunrise, but it’s so worth it! Then take a nap later.
When is the best time to visit York?
I would say summer is the best time to visit York. Most things are closed throughout winter and fall. Most stores and restaurants don’t really start to open until Memorial Day. We went right before Labor Day which was perfect because everything was still open, but most people had left already.
Wrap up on Things to do in York, Maine
I hope you can see why York, Maine is one of my favorite places on Earth. It is truly so peaceful and feels like it’s out of a storybook. Larry and I have loved lounging at the beach and strolling through the town. Everyone is so warm and welcoming, really making you feel the Maine spirit. I hope you enjoy visiting and find some fun in a slower pace of life.
