Visit Some of the Top Beaches in New England Here in York Beach, Maine

Maine’s iconic town of York Beach isn’t a one-trick pony. Unlike many of the small beach towns you find along the Atlantic Coast, York Beach offers several unique stretches of surf and sand, all of which can prove to be the high points of your trip.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer getaway, you’ll want to take advantage of these top three beaches in York Beach, Maine:

#1 – Short Sands

This aptly named beach isn’t the largest beach in town, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in terms of scenery and activities.

Travelers and locals alike love coming here, especially since parking is just $2 per hour. Bathrooms are located at the parking lot, so there’s no reason you can’t plan to stay all day.

There are several shops and restaurants within walking distance, so you don’t have to risk losing your parking space when you take a break from the sun.

If you’re staying at our nearby York Beach Residence Club, you’re already within walking distance to the beach and all its glory. York’s Wild Kingdom is also close by, giving families convenient access to some of the best attractions and activities in York Beach.

We are truly lucky to call York Beach home. The ocean, beaches, weather, activities, and the beauty that is a Maine. One of our favorite things to do at the York Beach Club is telling our guests all the great things they can do during their stay. And when we say “all the things”, we mean ALL. As proud Mainers, we love to showcase our lighthouses. No light is a stunning as our own Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse. In all seasons the lighthouse is gorgeous, but for those lucky enough to be here in the winters, it is something special.  

Shedding a Light on Nubble Lighthouse

The livelihood of York, Maine depended greatly on mariner traffic and the rocky coast of Maine was treacherous. The colonial people of York petitioned the United States Government for a lighthouse to ensure mariners of the time safe travels. In 1874 President Ruthford B. Hayes appropriated the sum of $15,000 for a lighthouse to be constructed on the tiny island of “Nub”.

The History of Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse

Originally called the Knubble Lighthouse to honor the builder’s English roots, it was completed on July 1, 1879. The lighthouse order took amazing care of the light and the surrounding buildings until 1939. At that time, it was renamed the Cape Neddick Light Station and placed in the care of the U.S. Coast Guard. Assigned Coast Guard members would live on the island with their family. Over those years, the many servicemembers and families that called Nubble home proved to be wonderful caretakers.

With budget cuts and the increase in technological advancements, Nubble Lighthouse was automated in 1987. Russ Ahlgren, the last Coast Guard caretaker and his family moved from the island of “Nub”. The inside of the Victorian caretaker’s home has been left untouched to this day and remains a peek back in time to the ’70s.

People of York Maine Become the Owners the Nubble Lighthouse

With the future of the buildings and the island grounds in question, the people of York signed a lease agreement with the United States and had Nubble Lighthouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places ensuring the Nubble Lighthouse will be protected for years to come. 

The lighthouse was of great significance to the people of York. In 1994 The Main Lights program was developed to save all Maine’s lighthouses. With this came competition on who should become the permanent guardians and owners of Nubble Lighthouse. After a lengthy process, the lighthouse was acquired through legal action of the Congress of the United States on December 18, 1997.

Nubble Lighthouse Today

Today the daily duty to maintain the buildings and grounds are handled by the Parks Department who still use a two-person rowboat to commute from Sohier Park, donated by the Sohier-Davis Family, to the Island. The United States Coast Guard continues to maintain the light and the horn.

Nubble Lighthouse stands beautiful and proud today thanks to the people of York and the countless volunteers and is now one of the most photographed lighthouses on the Coast of Maine.

During your next stay with York Beach Residence Club, stop by Sohier Park and see this historical monument for yourself. Make sure to stop by the gift shop and pick up a souvenir. Proceeds go toward the maintenance of the Lighthouse and Sohier Park. 

10 fun Things to do at York Beach, Maine

Vacationing here at York Beach Residence Club is more than just relaxing on the beach. There is so much more to see, to do, and to experience with your family, and we want to help make your vacation planning easier. We have compiled a list of 10 fun things to do on your next visit to York Beach, Maine.

Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse

Vacationing here at York Beach Residence Club is more than just relaxing on the beach. There is so much more to see, to do, and to experience with your family, and we want to help make your vacation planning easier. We have compiled a list of 10 fun things to do on your next visit to York Beach, Maine.
 

York’s Wild Kingdom

Within walking distance to York Beach Residence Club, York’s only zoo and amusement park is sure to entertain the kids for a day. Explore the park and see both exotic and local wildlife, then finish up the day enjoying the rides and games that will be sure to keep the family busy. Open seasonally so please visit their website for more information and opening date.

The Goldenrod

The Goldenrod is a traditional stop for many generations of families over the last 115 years. Homemade treats, fudge, ice cream and, of course, their famous New England salt water taffy, “Goldenrod Kisses,” makes it hard to leave without buying a treat for yourself or someone you know. If you become an owner at YBRC, we should warn you that by being just steps away from The Goldenrod, the temptation to indulge might be too hard to resist! Visit their website for more information.
 

Wiggly Bridge Distillery

For those looking for craft distilled spirits, look no further. A newer addition to York Beach, Wiggly Bridge Distillery, offers a great selection of small-batch whiskeys, bourbons, vodkas, and rums. This father and son team recently opened a new tasting bar location on Route 1, across from Hannaford, but for those who want to walk home after a tasting, their residence at YBRC is only a short walk down Railroad Avenue. Visit their website for more information.

The Ledges Golf Club and Cape Neddick Country Club

These two golf courses offer visitors a chance to play 9 or 18 holes. Visit their websites for opening dates, rates and other special offers. Click the following links to visit their websites. Ledges Golf Course website and Cape Neddick Golf website
 

Fun-O-Rama

Located right on Short Sands Beach, Fun-O-Rama provides plenty of activities and games for young and old alike. Bowl a few strings or play both vintage and new arcade games, and try to beat your high score each year. Perfect for families and ideal on rainy days, Fun-O-Rama is only a short walk from YBRC. Visit their website for more information.

Stonewall Kitchen

The award winning specialty food company’s headquarters are located right here in York, Maine. Only a short drive away from YBRC, Stonewall Kitchen’s company store is a great place to shop for jams, spreads, dips and other great gifts. Bring home a souvenir that goes great on a cracker. Visit their website to learn more about their cafe, schedule a factory tour or to purchase from their online store.
 

Short Sands Beach Shopping

What makes York Beach so great is the ease of walking and shopping. There are many great stores with lots of character and history. Not only will York Beach Residence Club have retail stores conveniently located on the first floor, all other shops are an easy walk from our main lobby doors. Here are just a few of the shops you will find around York Beach.

Short Sands Beach Dining

There are many places to eat while staying in York Beach. York Beach Residence Club will have their own onsite restaurant, but close by you can find all sorts of amazing restaurants, diners and cafes. Click here for the local Chamber of Commerce list of local restaurants in the area.
 

Special Events at York Beach

Throughout the year York Beach and the surrounding towns offer many events for locals and visitors to participate: lighting of the Nubble, beachside 4th of July fireworks display, and Harvestfest. There are plenty of other things to do at York Beach, Maine. Visit the Chamber’s Calendar of Events when you plan your next vacation.