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From the carousel and arcades at York Beach to the peace and quiet of the wilderness areas, York truly is an ideal vacation spot -- for all reasons and in all seasons. York has miles of sandy beaches: the popular Long Sands and Short Sands, and the more secluded Cape Neddick and Harbor Beaches.
York, one of Maine's southernmost coastal towns, is best known for its beaches but there is much more to this charming town than sand and surf. With its rocky shoreline and sandy beaches, lobster dinners and handmade ice cream, beach-side arcades and carousels, York has something for everyone. Located about 40 miles south of Portland off Interstate 95, York is made up of four individual villages: York Village, York Harbor, York Beach, and Cape Neddick, collectively known as "The Yorks." York was incorporated in 1652 making it the second oldest town in Maine. The oldest is Kittery, incorporated two days earlier. York is a well-known summer resort. It is home to four 18-hole golf clubs, three sandy beaches, and one mountain, Mt. Agamenticus. "Agamenticus" was the Abenaki name for the York River, meaning "Beyond-the-hill-little-cove."
York Beach is a honky-tonk kind of village, with amusements, an arcade along the beach, taffy shops, gabled summer homes set in crowded enclaves, a great lighthouse, two good beaches -- a long one perfect for walking or tanning, plus a shorter one within a minute's walk of restaurants and activities and Maine's biggest zoo and amusement park a block away.
York Village, also known as Old York, is a quaint Maine town with steepled churches and a village green and is home to several historic Revolutionary-era buildings that are part of the Old York Museum. This is the business section of town.
In York Harbor and York Village, which are both quieter than York Beach, you'll find quaint shops and art galleries, tree-lined streets and beautiful, stately homes with eye-popping views. York Harbor is filled with working lobster boats as well as grand yachts and has its own small, scenic beach with gentle surf. At the end of Harbor Beach is the beginning of the famed Cliff Walk, a path that winds between the sea and beautiful old summer cottages and ocean-side estates as it hugs the rocky cliff. The town has many stately, well-cared for homes with interesting architectural features and beautiful landscaping, making it a very enjoyable area for driving or walking.
Cape Neddick, along winding Shore Road, which leads to Ogunquit, is a rural area with a rugged coastline. It has a small beach and is home to the famous Nubble Light at Sohier Park.
There are family-oriented special events year-round in York, including Harvestfest in October, and York Days, a week-long celebration of summer in York Beach. A wealth of fine restaurants and accommodations, including oceanfront resorts, campgrounds, and cozy bed & breakfasts, will make your stay comfortable and memorable.
(Text courtesy of York County Coalition of Chambers)
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