York, Maine, is a charming coastal town known for its historic landmarks, seaside resorts, and sandy beaches. It is the perfect place to dip your toes in the ocean, build some sandcastles with the family, or just relax with a drink in your hand.
The perfect getaway, though, all starts by finding the right beach for your next vacation or day trip. Keep reading to discover 11 of the best beaches around and in York, Maine.
Long Sands Beach
With its soft, white sands, Long Sands Beach stretches for over a mile and welcomes thousands of visitors, both local and visiting, every day during its peak season. Whether you’re looking to experience the tide pools, play a round of volleyball, head out kayaking or surfing, or just relax with friends, Long Sands Beach is the perfect venue.
Short Sands Beach
Located in York, Short Sands Beach is another popular choice among the area’s beachgoers. As such, parking can be challenging during the peak months, but the beach is worth visiting if you’re looking for a relaxing place to feel the sea breeze against your skin and take in clear ocean views. Short Sands Beach is also within walking distance of several popular attractions and eateries.
York Harbor Beach
Located in a historic slice of Maine, York Harbor Beach is a renowned picturesque beach that is hard to beat, offering calm and tranquil waters that visitors of all ages can enjoy swimming in. York Harbor Beach is also relatively small, which gives it a more secluded and intimate feeling than most other shores in the area. In addition to being the perfect picnic spot and providing plenty of breathtaking photo opportunities, York Harbor Beach is also steps away from the Stage Neck Inn.
Cape Neddick Beach
If you’re looking for a similarly secluded experience, Cape Neddick Beach may be what you’re looking for. It is a stunning shoreline surrounded by rocky cliffs, offering scenic views of the nearby lighthouse that make it a true standout among beaches near York, Maine. While it may not be as developed as other nearby beaches, Cape Neddick Beach is still the perfect spot to relax while listening to the ocean.
Colony Beach
Another small, quaint seaside destination, Colony Beach is located in Kennebunkport, making it one of many vacation-ready beaches near York, Maine. Sandy and rocky, Colony Beach is a great place to escape the stressors of everyday life for a few hours and go for a swim.
Mother’s Beach
Just a short drive away from York in Kennebunk, Mother’s Beach is one of the most popular beaches around York, Maine, and it is the perfect spot for families with young children, given its playground, public bathrooms, and lifeguards on duty during peak months. Additionally, the large rock formations on either end of the beach break up large waves, creating calm and gentle waters.
Fort Foster
In the nearby city of Kittery, Fort Foster is a public park that features three beautiful beaches — Sandy Beach, Middle Beach, and Seapoint Beach — each of which offers an unforgettable outdoor experience. Even beyond the shores, the venue has something for everyone, including a playground, windsurfing, kayaking, and plenty of fishing spots. Two covered pavilions make for perfect picnic spots, while charcoal grills dotted around the park provide the means for a true seaside grilling experience.
Ogunquit Beach
Ogunquit Beach is one of the most popular beaches near York, Maine, and it’s not hard to see why, given its soft sands, gentle waves, and breathtaking sunset views. Wide and flat, Ogunquit Beach stretches for nearly three miles, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing seaside stroll or a day packed full of family fun. Multiple bathrooms, changing rooms, a snack bar, and other amenities make for the cherry on top of the seaside sundae that is Ogunquit.
Footbridge Beach
Footbridge Beach is actually a smaller section of the larger Ogunquit Beach. Kid-friendly and just a short drive from York, Footbridge Beach offers soft sands and gentle waves for the whole family. Additionally, there are several restaurants and shops nearby to explore. Despite its smaller size, Footbridge Beach can get busy during peak season, so visitors should plan accordingly and arrive early to secure a good spot.
Laudholm Beach
Located in the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, the town’s beach is a hidden gem, surrounded by natural beauty that provides a serene and secluded feel, perfect for anyone seeking a quiet and peaceful beach experience. For many, the tranquility is a welcomed change of pace compared to many of the beaches near York, Maine. In addition to Laudholm Beach, the Wells Reserve also offers lots of hiking trails and educational exhibits to explore.
Crescent Beach
If your vision of a perfect beach is covered in rocks and tide pools just waiting to be explored, Crescent Beach is the one for you. Located in Wells, Maine, Crescent Beach is somewhat non-traditional in that it tends to draw fewer crowds than other beaches in the area while offering a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. With nearby parking just a short stroll away, though, Crescent Beach is easy to access and rarely fills up.
Plan Your Next Trip to One of the Stunning Beaches near York, Maine
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot with lots of amenities or a secluded slice of coast where you can clear your mind, you’ll find it in Maine. Pack your sunscreen, grab your beach towels, and get ready to explore the best beaches near York, Maine.
Stage Neck Inn is an iconic destination where families and friends share delightful experiences that evolve into lifetime memories. Offering spacious accommodations with modern amenities and classic décor, breathtaking ocean and harbor views and the ocean’s relaxing sounds make for the perfect stay at our oceanfront resort in York Harbor, ME. Book your stay online now.