A Mini Summer Vacation in York, Maine

Hannah Truman
Jul 8, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Sep 4

Sun, Sea, and Small-Town Charm on the Southern Maine Coast

Every summer, my Dad and I head to the beach—a tradition we’ve shared my entire life. This year, we decided to switch things up and try York, Maine, instead of our usual spot at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. The change turned out to be a happy accident: York offered a quieter, less crowded experience and the chance to explore a new coastal town.

Here are some highlights from our mini summer getaway, along with a few ideas for things to do the next time you visit the York area.

Long Sands Beach

We stayed at an inn across from Long Sands Beach, located halfway between the villages of York Harbor and York Beach. The beach strip has very few restaurants and shops and instead is lined with hotels and residential houses overlooking the ocean.

If you are looking for more commotion, you can find more businesses at Short Sands Beach, a short distance (a mile or so) away. We wanted a less crowded spot so I think we made the right choice in where we stayed!

Tip: Long Sands Beach has meter-parking all along the strip, however, if you find yourself struggling to find parking or want to skip the pay meter, you can park for free near the York Highschool.

Nubble Lighthouse

Cape Neddick Lighthouse, affectionately known as "The Nubble," is one of Maine’s most iconic sights. You can spot it from Long Sands Beach, but we couldn’t resist hopping on our bikes to get a closer look!

The lighthouse sits on Nubble Island, just off Cape Neddick Point, making for the perfect photo opportunity with classic New England coastal views. Whether you’re biking, walking, or just admiring from afar, it’s a must-see landmark in York.

Wiggly Bridge & Fisherman's Walk

While many tourists head directly to the coast, York has some other scenic places that are worth a visit. One must-do activity is to walk across the Wiggly Bridge, and yes it wiggles! The 75-foot bridge is said to be the smallest suspension bridge in the world.

The area is a scenic walk next to the seaside and from there you can continue into the Steedman Woods, a nature preserve, or stroll along the Fisherman's Walk that goes around the harbor.

From the Fisherman's Walk, you can continue your route onto The Cliff Walk. Unfortunately, they were closed during this visit, but I intend to go back and walk it another time.

Thanks for reading!