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York Village, York Beach and York Harbor

Neighborhoods to Explore

Although considered a small town, York has a few distinct pockets, and each one gives the coast a different feel. Long Sands is the beach-and-rooms strip, Short Sands is the busier walk-around center, and York Harbor, Cape Neddick, and York Village are worth the detour when you want quieter corners.

Photo by Stephen Walker - Ogunquit, ME, USA on Unsplash

Each part of York has its own rhythm. Long Sands is where you settle in for a full beach day, while Short Sands draws a livelier crowd with shops, restaurants, and the beloved Fun-O-Rama arcade. Cape Neddick sits quietly between the two, known for scenic drives and the iconic Nubble Lighthouse. York Harbor and York Village offer a slower, more historic side of town that is worth a half-day on their own

York Beaches

York is most famous for its beaches. Short Sands and Long Sands beaches make up the York Beach area of our town. Long Sands is about 1.5 miles long and is divided in half by our restaurant, the Sun and Surf, which sits on a small outcropping of rocks in the middle of Long Sands Beach. The Beach offers rocky tide pools teaming with snails and hiding crabs under its rocks. The waves are at times large and rambling, welcoming surfers year-round, even in the winter.  Boogie-boarding and jumping waves are favorite pastimes of visitors and locals alike. At Short Sands, there's lots to do once you leave the beach. The beachside playground and beach volleyball court keep visitors coming back even after a day at the beach. The downtown area includes seasonal shops, restaurants, a bowling alley, and, of course, everyone's favorite arcade, Fun-O-Rama. There's something for everyone at our beaches. 

Photo byDillon Pena-York Beach, York, United States - short sands on Unsplash

Cape Neddick

Cape Neddick is located just north of Short Sands Beach and is the bridge between York and Ogunquit. One of the most picturesque drives in Maine is in Cape Neddick if you follow Shore Rd up the coast from Short Sands into Ogunquit and Perkins Cove.  The road winds directly along the coast, and visitors enjoy dramatic rock-lined ocean views and impressive Maine seaside mansions. Cape Neddick beach is the spot where locals go for a quick trip in the summer. Known for being less crowded than our other beaches, this beach has very limited parking, and kids often enjoy the shallow waters left by the receding tides. 






Photo by Balazs Busznyak - Nubbles Light House on Unsplash

York Village

The quaint York Village is the lifeblood of our small town. Local students head to the York Public library to hang out after school and enjoy some of their programming before heading over to the Village Scoop Ice Cream shop for a sweet afternoon treat. Locals grab their morning coffee and bagel at the locally owned Bagel Basket. York Village is also home to York's Historic Society which runs programming throughout the summer-check out their free access days or take a walking tour of the Old Gaol to hear stories of York's first settlers in the 1600s. 

Photo by James Fitzgerald - McLoons Lobster Shack, Island Road, South Thomaston, ME, USA on Unsplash

York Harbor

York Harbor and its beautiful and historic seaside homes harken back to a bygone error. Former homes of sea captains and merchants from afar line the lanes of York Harbor. The harbor cliffs drop directly into the ocean, offering bold views of the Atlantic and our Harbor Beach. Visitors can explore the Fisherman's Walk along the York River and into the Harbor. The Wiggly Bridge is also worth a trip to traverse the supposed smallest suspension bridge ever built. A day in the harbor should include a visit to Hartley Mason Reserve to enjoy the epic views of the Atlantic and Harbor Beach below. 

Photo by Trent Erwin - Kennebunkport, Maine. on Unsplash