Harbored in the aegis of the iconic Nubble Lighthouse, York Beach, Maine delivers a healthy dose of Vitamins D and "Sea" for all who vacation there. This small beach town comes to life under the rays of the summer sun and bustles with activity, perfect for families or those looking to escape daily life in a Maine vacation rental. Pack your bags, bring your family or a few friends, and come to one of Maine's hidden hideaways and enjoy some fresh-from-the-traps Maine lobster!
From the glistening waves of Long Sands Beach to the buzzing boardwalk of Short Sands, York combines the quaintness of small town New England with the sand and surf of the mighty Atlantic for a casual atmosphere of family fun and relaxation. It's packed with opportunities to explore historic sites and well-known tourist spots.
Exhausted from the hustle and bustle of the big city? Our York vacation rentals allow you to escape from it all and satisfy the urge that only the feeling of sand between your toes can soothe!
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Yes, 27 of our York homes allow dogs—so feel free to bring Fido along. (Just make sure to check individual home listings for any limits on the number and size of dogs they allow).
Browse dog-friendly homes >Yes. 111 of our York vacation rentals have internet access, so you can stay connected throughout your trip.
Browse homes with internet access >Absolutely. Our local York team includes professional housekeepers who care for all our homes here. They’ll clean thoroughly and restock amenities, so everything is ready for your arrival—and all you have to do is settle in and relax.
Learn more about Vacasa Premium Clean >A vacation in York Beach practically plans itself! Watch the tides roll in and out from the comfort of a lounge chair along the shore of one of the town's two beaches. Long Sands stretches for nearly two miles and offers views of the noble Nubble Lighthouse. Surf the rolling waves to epitomize seaside cool and achieve the perfect windswept hairstyle. Duck out of the sun for a sandwich or some soft serve on the boardwalk. Don't worry about having to dress up - casual dining establishments where flip-flopped feet are welcome are abundant on the boardwalk!
Family-friendly Short Sands is only a quick walk or trolley ride away and families with younger children will find hours of entertainment there. Though smaller than its sister beach, Short Sands has a public playground, several basketball courts, a lush open lawn area, and a bustling boardwalk. Once you've perfected the ultimate sandcastle at the beach, make the short trek into town for a sweet reward or to browse the trinkets and souvenirs in the quirky shops. Watch the hypnotic motion of the taffy pullers through the windows of The Goldenrod, a can't-miss-it destination where York's saltwater taffy connoisseurs have been prepping and packaging their famous taffy "Kisses" (and other irresistible confections) since 1896.
York's Wild Kingdom, a zoo and amusement park combo, is a popular destination for those looking to take a break from the beach with the kids. Take a ride on the Ferris Wheel and enjoy a unique and heightened perspective of the town!
Short Sands is also the main venue for "York Days" which takes place annually in August and features a sandcastle building contest, a craft fair, and a softball tournament. Offering attractions and activities for guests of all ages and interests, York Days culminates in a fireworks show at the end of the weekend.
No stay at York Beach is complete without a trip (or two!) to the Nubble Lighthouse, a literal beacon of light located at the tip of the rocky bluff of Sohier Park. A popular Northeast tourist attraction, the Nubble is both stalwart and charming and is prominently featured in family photos of those who visit the area. The Nubble is the perfect backdrop for an after-dinner stroll or an early morning run. Savor a juicy lobster roll or the final licks of flavored ice cream flavor "Maine Survivor" from on-site restaurant Fox's Lobster House while snapping photos. Unwavering and photogenic, the Nubble always looks good in pictures!
York Beach is only twelve and a half miles North from hours of shopping at the Kittery Outlets. On the way to Kittery, sample fresh gourmet bread at the When Pig's Fly Bakery and test fine jams and jellies at Stonewall Kitchen's flagship store. Those looking to venture up the coast can explore beaches in Wells and Ogunquit or immerse themselves in the art scene in Portland, which is only about forty-eight miles North of York Beach. Book an early morning deep sea fishing trip out of Wells or observe the glittering Atlantic from the Marginal Way in Ogunquit. Inland, the Museums of Old York offer history buffs the opportunity to step out of the twenty-first century and into the historical heritage of coastal Maine.
Charming, cozy, and bursting with sun-soaked attractions and opportunities to indulge major lobster cravings, York is perfect for your next getaway! Our York vacation rentals are ideal for a family vacation, girls' trip, or couples retreat. Book today and see why everyone is talking about this beautiful beach town.
