Free Things to Do

A brisk morning walk along Long Sands Beach is the best way to start the day. As the sun rises head to the beach to jump the waves, sunbathe, build dribble sandcastles and listen to the seagulls and the waves . As evening falls, the tidepools in front of our Sun and Surf restaurant are ready for exploration by our youngest visitors. A day at the beach is always the best way to spend a day in York Beach, Maine.  

While York is famous for its beaches, one of the hidden gems of York is our Mount Agamenticus. "Mount A," as its known to locals, offers trails for mountain bikers and hikers, and the summit's observatory and Learning Lodge can easily be visited by the auto road. Families will enjoy the StoryWalk along the ring trail where kids can read a popular tale as they hike. Sunrise from the summit is known to be the best in the area.  

While Long Sands Beach offers a long broad beach, Short Sands Beach, just a mile up the road from us, offers a different type of beach day. Right in the hustle and bustle of our downtown, Short Sands has something for everyone. Children will enjoy the sandy Short Sands playground even if its not the perfect weather for a beach day. Don't forget to check out the taffy being pulled at the shops at Short Sands and shoot a few hoops at the basketball courts abutting the playground. New this year is the addition of a beachside volleyball court. If that's not your style, the field rolling up to the beach is the perfect spot for picnics and kite flying. 

A trip to York is never complete without a visit to Sohier Park, home of Nubble Lighthouse. Just at the end of Long Sands Beach, Nubble Rd leads you along the rocky coast of York to the park for the best viewing of the Nubble. Formally called Cape Neddick Lighthouse, the Nubble is nicknamed for the "nub" of rocks it sits on. Said to be the most photographed lighthouse ever, the Nubble is beautiful all year round as it lights up during the winter holidays and also for Christmas in July! A trip to the Nubble is never complete without a visit for the perfect souvenir to the Nubble gift shop followed by an ice cream from Dunne's Ice Cream.