York, Maine Travel Guide: Everything you Need to Know

The beaches of Maine are some of the most beautiful. From their rocky coastline to their historic New England charm. During the summer, the boardwalks can be bustling with tourists, but during the winter they feel like a secret escape. 

Nestled in a cove on the Maine coastline, York, Maine is by far one of my favorite beach towns and is the perfect place for your next family vacation. 

What to Expect: 

York, Maine is one of the oldest towns in the United States. Settled in 1636 and incorporated in 1641, it is still home to some buildings from that time.

Price: 

There are plenty of places to stay that vary in price from an extravagant beach house to a small cottage. During the busy summer months prices range from $150 to $1,000 a night. It all depends on where you stay. 

Food: You can get a nice meal from $8 to $20. 

Shopping: There are many little shops along the boardwalk, including yummy taffy stores, so make sure you bring extra cash. Also, if you want to purchase a souvenir sweater, you can find one for about $20 to $40. 

Currency: The US dollar ($)

Climate: The climate in Maine is seasonal. During the winter months (December to March) the winters can be very cold and snowy. Fall is beautiful with the changing leaves, and in early May is when you see the flowers start to bloom. Typically, August is the warmest month during the summer. Temps range from the high 60’s to the 80’s (Fahrenheit). Also, the best time to go swimming in the ocean is in August. 

Best time to visit: Summer 

This is a summer itinerary for a reason. York is considered a tourist town, so everything opens up during the summer months. From Memorial Day (Late May) to Labor Day (Early September). However, there are still a handful of things open during the winter. You can typically find great hotel deals during the winter months. 

The Best way to Get Around York, Maine

York is a very walkable town. If you are staying on the main road, or near it, everything that you need is accessible. If you would like to travel to the Nubble Lighthouse, you can drive, or bring your walking shoes and walk it. It is a little less the 2 miles from the main st. area. 

Unfortunately, there are no buses, and they stopped using the trolly system in 2020. 

Though York is small, there is an abundance of attractions and things that will keep you busy. Or, if you are looking for a place to just relax on the beach, there are two large beaches that sit in the cove. 

Top 5 attractions in York, Maine

1.The Beaches of York, Maine: Most people visit York for its beaches. 

There are 2 main beaches in York. Long Sand Beach and Short Sands Beach. – The larger of the two, Long Sands offers nearly two miles of sandy Maine shoreline for all sorts of family fun. You can jump in the waves just as you are, or rent a surfboard and wet suit from Liquid Dreams Surf Shop. There are also some beach houses with showers located along the beach. 

Short Sands is only about a quarter of a mile long. It is sandwiched in-between protruding cliffs with historic hotels and homes. This beach is closer to the boardwalk, so you can easily grab something to eat nearby and head to the beach afterward. 

• Travel Disclaimer: The tides can be a bit tricky at the beaches in York. Make sure you check the tide schedule. If you get to the beach at high tide, you might find yourself putting your lawn chair or towel on top of the rocks. 

2.The Boardwalk: I have already mentioned the boardwalk a few times, but there really is quite a lot to do. If you are not into shopping, there is a large arcade right on the beach. If your kids are old enough, the Fun O’ Rama Arcade could occupy them for hours, giving you time to finally enjoy a book, or just take a break. 

3.York’s Wild Kingdom: York Wild Kingdom is located behind the boardwalk. Despite its humble appearance, York’s Wild Kingdom is one of the best zoos in New England. It is quite larger than it looks from the front gates, and is home to a variety of animals, including lions! In addition to the zoo, there are also carnival rides, concession stands, fun houses, bumper cars, Ferris wheels, and more. If you arrive about an hour before the sun goes down, you can go to the zoo first and then enjoy the amusement park at night. 

* Travel Tip: If you are an active service member or veteran, make sure to ask about potential discounts. 

4.Nubble Light: Nubble Light (aka Cape Neddick Lighthouse) has to be one of my favorite lighthouses. “The Nubble” gets its name because it sits on a small rocky island called The Nubble which is just off the eastern coast of Cape Neddick. Because of its picturesque location, it is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. 

As I mentioned before, you can get to the lighthouse by walking or driving.

Read more about Maines lighthouses here: https://adventureswithatlas.com/1-day-driving-tour-of-maines-most-beautiful-lighthouses/ 

5.The Old York Gaol: https://oldyork.org/properties/the-old-gaol/

When many tourists visit York, they tend to stay near the beaches and completely miss this piece of property. The Gaol is the oldest building in York. It was built in 1656 and was used as a provincial prison. For the next 100 years, it continued to be used as a prison. It saw multiple wars, including the War of Independence, and there are many historical experiences that happened there. It is also located next to York Burial Ground, which is the final resting place of many of York’s original settlers. 

• Travel Tip: The known “Witch’s Grave” is located in this burial ground. Local Folklore says that 29-year-old Mary Nesson, who died in 1774 was a witch. Many believe this story came about because her gravestone looks so vastly different than those around her. 

Best Places to Stay in York, Maine

Burnette’s Campground- Address: 21 Railroad Ave York, Maine 03909 $$

Burnett’s campground is family owned and nestled right behind the main street and in front of the zoo. 

Amenities include full-service bathrooms with showers and hot water hook-ups and most sites. 

Price: Tents: $55

          Small pop-up/ Trailer/ RV: $60

          Larger Trailer/ RV with A.C.: $70

Tip: On their website, it states that there is a minimum of a 4-night stay; however since it is a family-owned business feel free to ask the front desk if they can make accommodations for you. 

*We have stayed at Burnette’s a few times and we have always had great customer service. 

The Anchorage Inn: Address: 265 Long Beach Av. York, Maine 03910 $$$

Located on Long Sands Beach, The Anchorage Inn is a historic landmark, and it located right on the water. 

Amenities: fitness center, poolside cafe, an outdoor pool with a water slide, and an indoor swimming pool. 

Prices: Most rooms are priced between $150 and $300 a night.

Union Bluff (est. 1863): $$$ to $$$$

Located on Short Sands Beach, Union Bluff sits right on the cliffside and overlooks the ocean below. 

Amenities: On-site restaurant, easy access to the beach, interconnection rooms, disabled access room

Rooms: The rooms range from a small 340 sq foot room with a king-size bed to a Studio with one king-size bed and a queen-size pull-out sofa and fireplace. 

Prices: There is a 2-night stay minimum that will run you $180 to $400 a night. 

Best Places to Eat in York, Maine: 

Breakfast:

Bagel Basket (280 York Street) $$

Location: Located about a mile and a half inland. 

Known for: Bagel sandwiches and a variety of coffee and specialty drinks. 

* GF bagels are an option; however they have a small selection, so if you go later in the morning, I suggest calling ahead to make sure they haven’t run out. 

Goldenrod: (Est. 1896) $$$

Location: On Main street

Know for: American-Style breakfast. 

• Also, try their homemade ice cream! 

Lunch: 

Anthony’s Food Shop: $ – $$$

Location: On the main road outside of York (679 US-1) 

Known for: The Best Gluten Free Pizza in town. 

*Anthony’s is your unconventional lunch spot. It is a gas station/ grocery store. But, it is also the location of a pizza shop and cafe. We usually get our GF pizza and drive to the beach to eat it.

 Woody’s Brick Oven Pizza $$- $$$

Location: Near Short Sands 

Known for: Pizza, Pasta, and Salad

• Woody’s also has GF pizza options, so if you don’t want to go too far from the beach then this is a great option. 

Stevie D’s $$-$$$

Location: Near Short Sands- Next to Woody’s Brick Oven Pizza

Known for: Lobster Rolls, Sausage and Onion Rolls, Roast Beef and Chicken

* You can’t visit Maine and not have some of their delicious lobster rolls. Stevie’s D’s has amazing reviews and a nice atmosphere. 

Dinner: 

Inn On The Blues

Location: Short Sands

Known for: New England favorites: Seafood/ Steak

• Inn on the Blues is a well-known nightlife spot. They have live music almost every night. It’s a great place to go after a long day at the beach. 

Thai For You $$

Location: About 2 miles inland (647 US-1 Ste 7 York, Me 03909)

Known for: An assortment of Thai food

• If you are looking for a change from seafood, then Thai for You is a great spot.

We have visiting York many times as a family. I know you will love it as much as I do!

As always,

Happy Adventuring!

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