York, Maine, is a beautiful coastal town with plenty to do during the summer, especially on a day as momentous as the 4th of July. If you want to kick your Independence Day celebrations up a notch during your next summer trip, York is the place to do it, and the following guide will show you how.
Whether you’re looking for ideas for families, couples, friend groups, or even some exciting solo outings, here are six of the top ideas for a July 4th celebration trip to York:
Plan a Beach Day
Before catching a dazzling night-time fireworks show, consider spending the day soaking up the early July sun with your loved ones on one of Maine’s glorious beaches.
Some popular beaches in the area include:
- Short Sands Beach
- Long Sands Beach
- York Harbor Beach
- Fort Foster
- Ogunquit Beach
- Laudholm Beach
- Crescent Beach
Each of these offers its own unique and beautiful advantage. Hidden gems like Laudholm Beach will suit hikers and beach-goers who prefer a quieter locale, while Fort Foster offers families an excellent spot for a traditional beach cookout.
Children and adults alike will never be bored walking along the beautiful sands and watching the water lap at the shoreline. And if you want to step inside for a bit, many of York’s beaches feature shopping, dining, and gaming establishments. Whether you set up a beach picnic or tour the boardwalk with your family, you can’t go wrong with a 4th of July beach day in York. Also See: Best Beaches In & Near York, Maine
Watch the Annual Fireworks on Short Sands Beach
Short Sands Beach, in particular, makes for a perfect Independence Day destination, given its annual fireworks show that starts at 9 p.m. It’s a York tradition that wows visitors and locals alike with stunning colors and bright displays.
It’s also worth noting that Short Sands Beach is the sister beach to Long Sands Beach. Together, they make up a two-mile stretch of gorgeous white sands that you can spend the day enjoying before settling in for the fireworks.
Visit Fun-O-Rama Near Short Sands Beach
Another Short Sands Beach favorite among both York locals and visitors is the Fun-O-Rama arcade. During your scenic beach day, you can take a break from the heat and take on the challenges of seemingly endless games and claw machines to fill your schedule.
With its convenient location right next to Short Sands Beach, Fun-O-Rama is the perfect lunchtime spot for daytime beach-goers. And even if you don’t have kids with you, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying a classic arcade experience this 4th of July.
Enjoy the Fireworks and a Lobster Bake at Stage Neck Inn
While Short Sands Beach launches its fireworks on the night of Independence Day itself, you can enjoy another round of spectacular sights at York Harbor just a few days later.
The harbor’s fireworks display is clearly visible from Stage Neck Inn, and we offer a lobster bake buffet to complement the viewing experience. Starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, our lobster-and-firework combo is sure to give you an unforgettable and authentic Maine experience.
We also offer regular breakfast and lunch options if you stop by before the fireworks start. Children and adults alike can chow down on lobster, ribeye, grilled salmon, and a wide selection of delicious side dishes this year. Reserve your spot today!
Run the “Four on the 4th” Race
In addition to the yearly fireworks display, York visitors also get the chance to join in on a four-mile run along the captivating York coastline. You’ll head up and down sloped lands, traverse over hills, and power through flat sections as you race your way through the town.
The course’s diversity is what makes the Four on the 4th race so interesting and rewarding. And regardless of whether you’re a casual runner or a serious competitor, anyone can enjoy the experience this Independence Day.
Go Whale-Watching
Whale-watching is an ideal 4th of July excursion for couples who want a bit of a quiet, romantic getaway to spruce up their holiday before the nightly festivities. York, Maine offers guided whale-watching tours that give you an exclusive look at the oceanic wildlife along the coast. And since whale activity peaks between June and August, you’ll likely see some rarely-spotted creatures and hear unforgettable whale sounds. Also See: A Quick Guide to Whale Watching Near York, Maine
Make This 4th of July Unforgettable in York, Maine
Every family celebrates Independence Day in their own way. Fortunately for you, if the coastal town of York, Maine, is on your itinerary this year, you’ll never run out of fulfilling activities to enjoy. From firework shows to beach days to arcade adventures and more, York, Maine, has everything your family needs to make this year’s Independence Day unforgettable.
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.