York Beach
York, ME
York Beach splits into two distinct stretches, Short Sands, a compact cove backed by an old fashioned arcade and ice cream stands, and Long Sands, a mile and a half of open sand facing Nubble Lighthouse in the distance. Both draw a real summer crowd, but each has its own personality.
Two genuinely different beach experiences a five minute walk apart is rare anywhere on this coast, though the metered parking and narrow dog hours are the same trade-off as most of southern Maine.
How we score beachesHead to Short Sands for the arcade and ice cream, Long Sands for the actual lighthouse view and more room to spread out. They're a five minute walk apart, so seeing both in one visit is easy.
Metered parking serves both beaches, a large lot at Short Sands and metered spots along Long Beach Avenue at Long Sands.
Both beaches are flat sand, directly accessible from the street-side parking.
Dogs are banned from both beaches 8am to 6pm from late May through late September. Outside those hours, and off season entirely, leashed dogs are welcome, with an early morning off-leash window in summer at Long Sands.
Water stays cool through summer, generally in the 60s, typical of the southern Maine coast. Fall brings the lighthouse views at Long Sands without the crowd.
This isn't one entrance, it's a stretch with a few. Here's where locals actually meet up.
Short Sands Beach
A compact, protected cove backed by an old-fashioned arcade, mini golf, and ice cream stands, the liveliest stretch of York Beach.
Parking: A large metered lot sits right at the beach.
Local tip: Come for the arcade and stay for the sunset. It's the most social stretch of York's beaches.
Get directions →Long Sands Beach
A mile and a half of open sand facing Nubble Lighthouse in the distance, quieter and more residential than Short Sands.
Parking: Metered parking runs the length of Long Beach Avenue.
Local tip: The lighthouse view is best in the early morning or at sunset, when the light hits it straight on.
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