Best Beaches in York

Short Sands is York's version of a classic beach town. It's small, walkable, and surrounded by arcades, shops, bowling, and restaurants ranging from pizza slices to nicer dinner spots. The beach itself is sandy with a playground, and at low tide you'll find plenty of room for games and exploring.

Parking costs about $4 per hour via the Park n Go app. Bathrooms are on-site. The crowd builds fast, so aim to arrive before 10 a.m. if you want your pick of sand. One regular notes it's just a short walk to Long Sands Beach if you want to explore the next cove over.

Long Sands stretches farther than its neighbor and draws families year after year. It's a straightforward sandy beach with metered parking right alongside. Many visitors prefer coming after Labor Day or in early fall, when parking is easy and the weather is still warm. You'll find a clean bathhouse and pay-per-use kiosks.

The beach offers something for everyone. One family has been coming since 2007, splitting time between the sandy section and the rocky areas. You'll get a nice long view of Nubble Lighthouse from the shore. A visitor who stayed at the Sea Latch Inn nearby raved about October sunrises and sunsets as equally stunning reasons to visit.

This state park beach charges an admission fee (state park passes don't apply) but includes lifeguards and a snack shack with smoothies, coffee, fries, and fried dough. Boogie boards, chairs, and umbrellas are available to rent. The sand is clean and wide, and shells are plentiful if you explore the shoreline.

Waves vary day to day, so your experience depends on conditions when you visit. Restrooms and a changing area are close by. The beach itself is well-maintained, though visitors note the parking and entry area could use improvement.

York Harbor Beach is compact and quieter than Long Sands, with gentle waves that make it ideal for kids. It's bordered by a cute park above and a cliffside walking path. The sand is soft, with rocky sections on the sides perfect for exploring tidal pools.

Parking involves some strategy. The lot itself is permit-only, but there's free two-hour street parking if you arrive off-season. One visitor parked freely in December on the street. The beach draws fewer crowds and feels peaceful, making it a good choice if you want to read or relax without the bustle.

Ellis Park is a small, well-kept spot with a walkway that hugs the shoreline and continues around the park. You'll get nice ocean views, benches for sitting (especially appreciated by older visitors and families with young kids), and a small beach area with some rocky sections to explore.

Parking is easy, bathrooms are clean, and the park is particularly known for sunrise watching. It's an easy, pleasant walk that doesn't require a big time commitment.

York Beach is lively during summer, especially midday, but worth visiting early morning or off-season when you'll have more solitude. Dogs enjoy the waves with their owners in the quieter hours. Free parking is available before 8 a.m., and street parking runs $2 an hour. Stone steps lead down to the sand, so bring a blanket and snacks to settle in.

The area nearby has surfing lessons, ice cream shops, and restaurants. One visitor noted summer parking can be nearly impossible unless you live there or have lodging, so plan accordingly.

Long Beach is York's gravel beach, a unique experience you won't find everywhere. The black sand and smooth rocks make it perfect for long walks and wading. At low tide, the water stays ankle-deep for hundreds of yards, opening up the beach. Dogs are allowed between 6 and 8 a.m. Wear sandals or water shoes since some rocks have sharp spots.

One visitor called the sound of the gravel shifting in the waves "singing rocks." The beach is quietest between Labor Day and Memorial Day. You'll see surfers, birds, and peaceful stretches of water. The beach isn't ideal for sandcastles, but the shells, rocks, and natural landscape make it rewarding for beachcombers.

Cape Neddick is a small, secluded beach with rocky outcrops and tidal pools. At low tide, sandy areas open up for kids to play in shallow water. Park at the nearby campground for $5. (Google's location for this beach is incorrect; it's actually right off the bridge by the campground.)

Tide pools here teem with life. Visitors regularly spot snails, shrimp, barnacles, mussels, and crabs. The beach is popular with surfers and offers a chance to paddle upriver by canoe during high tide through scenic natural scenery. It's quieter and more naturalistic than the busier York beaches.