York Maine Vacation

Where to Stay, What to Do, and Most Importantly—Where to Eat

York, Maine—our old home. We miss living here so much. It really is the way life should be.
Located in Southern Maine, York might not be considered “real Maine” by some of the true Mainers we’ve met—but to us, and most visitors, it’s the perfect spot for a Maine vacation.

Where to Stay

York and the surrounding towns have some great hotel options. Since we lived in the area, our experience with hotels is somewhat limited, but we’ve managed to try a few!

York Surf Beach Club
We were lucky enough to stay here one year. It has a great vibe and is basically right on the beach, located at the rockier southern end of Long Sands.

Pool area at the York Surf Club with views of the ocean and Nubble

Stage Neck Inn
This inn has a fantastic location on Harbor Beach, complete with a private beachside pool (private as in, guests only!). Harbor Beach has my heart—it's my personal favorite for families. The waves are generally calm, and the tidepooling is fantastic for little (or big) explorers.

The Union Bluff Hotel
Situated near Short Sands Beach—another great family-friendly beach.

Cliff House Maine
This is the place we really want to stay someday. If it’s in your budget, go for it—and please let us know how it is! Cliff House is technically in Cape Neddick, between York and Ogunquit. The resort sits on Bald Head Cliff and offers restaurants, multiple pools (including one with amazing ocean views), and total luxury. The only danger? You might never want to leave. Worth the risk, we say.

Winter time at the Cliff House the pools and fire pit are still open and magical

What to Do

Whether you're a go-go-go type or a take-it-slow family, York offers the perfect mix of action and relaxation.

Beaches

Harbor Beach
The one downside: there’s no public parking unless you're a resident (lucky you if you have that sticker!). If you're staying at Stage Neck Inn, you're just steps away from this peaceful little beach.

Harbor Beach my personal favorite

Long Sands Beach
Like the name suggests it is long and, it stretches about 1.5 miles from its rockier south side to its north end, near Nubble Light. Be mindful of the tides—at high tide, there’s not much beach left! But when the tide is low, the packed sand is perfect for beach games and long walks. It's also a popular spot for surfers, especially beginners. Surf conditions are usually gentle, and Liquid Dreams (a local surf shop) offers lessons, camps, and rentals. They're super helpful and knowledgeable.

Views of Nubble Lighthouse from Long Sands

Short Sands Beach
Smaller than Long Sands, but with softer sand and more beach at high tide. There’s a great playground for kids and the vintage Fun-O-Rama arcade—perfect for a sunny-day break. This beach is also home to the iconic Goldenrod, famous for its saltwater taffy. (Even if you’re not a candy person, trust me—this taffy is soft, fresh, and fun to watch being made!)

Where to Eat

Now for the good stuff—food!

Bagel Basket
Our go-to for breakfast or beach sandwiches. They also make an amazing iced chai. Grab a seat outside or take your bagel to go.

Anthony’s Food Shop
Located on Route 1. Don’t miss their sandwiches, pizza, and more—great for a quick, satisfying meal.

Fat Tomato
Right in York Village, this is one of our favorite sandwich spots.

York River Landing
A sit-down spot that’s great for the whole family, located on the southern side of Route 1 in York.

Worth the Short Drive: Kittery

When Pigs Fly – Amazing wood-fired pizza.
Bob’s Clam Hut – Classic seafood shack.
Lil’s Café – Go for the crullers, stay for everything else.

More Things to Do

Can’t go to the beach every day? No problem—there’s plenty more to explore.

Mount Agamenticus (Mt. A)
Check out our podcast episode on it! This is a great hike for all ages and abilities. The trails are well-marked, and you’ll find several routes to the top—or simply walk around the base. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Washington and the coastline up to Kennebunk. Dogs are welcome on-leash, and bathrooms (or port-o-potties) are typically available.

Wiggly Bridge & Steedman Woods
Parking is limited, mostly for residents, so plan ahead. This charming little hike takes you over the world’s smallest suspension bridge—and yes, it does wiggle! Once across, you can enjoy a peaceful walk through Steedman Woods with views of the York River. Be sure to stay on the trail—signs ask visitors to protect the delicate shoreline. No bathrooms here, and dogs must be leashed.

Fisherman’s Walk
If you're staying at Stage Neck Inn, this path runs along the York River and connects to Wiggly Bridge. It’s a gorgeous walk and very peaceful.

Golfing
We have a podcast episode where Mike shares his experience golfing in the area. (I don’t golf, so I’ll let him take that one!)

Final Thoughts

York, Maine is the ultimate summer destination, in my opinion. But it’s also a beautiful place to visit year-round. A peaceful winter walk on Long Sands or a cozy drink at the Ship’s Cellar Pub at York Harbor Inn—pure magic.

York is under an hour from Portland, just two towns away from Portsmouth, NH, and about an hour from Boston. Close to everything, but it feels a world away.

Time to start planning your Maine getaway!

5 Mud Season Activities to do in New England, That Won’t Get You Stuck in The Mud.

1. The View from the Top of the Prudential Center

Boston is packed with incredible things to do, from exploring unique art museums to touring the historic Fenway Park to indulging in the city’s amazing food scene. You might end up broke, but you’ll never be bored! Even on the muddiest of mud season days, there’s plenty of fun to be had indoors.

One of the best new experiences we tried this year was The View at the top of the Prudential Center. Tickets are $25 per person, and while you do book a time slot, there's no rush once you're up there—you can take your time enjoying the views from each level.

The experience starts at the highest point of the Prudential Center, offering a stunning 360º indoor view of the city. Head down one level (my personal favorite), and you’ll step outside for the same breathtaking views—but with the added thrill of feeling the wind at this height. Looking down at Fenway Park or Logan Airport from here just hits differently!

On the next level down, the experience continues with a detailed model of Boston, complete with projections of the city through different seasons, as well as huge interactive screens that help you learn more about Boston’s rich history.

2.  Mud season also means maple season, and that means it's time for Baird Farm's Maple Open House Weekend! 

This event is happening on March 22 and 23, and I can't wait to check it out. If you can’t make it, be sure to visit their website for future events—you can even schedule a tour of the maple farm, which is available year-round. Maple syrup (and I mean the real deal) is a huge part of New England culture. In fact, Vermont produces the most maple syrup in the United States. While lobster rolls may get a lot of attention, maple syrup production is just as much a New England staple. The process is weather-dependent and typically begins in mid-February, depending on the location.  It is a fairly short season only lasting 4-6 weeks! Have to catch it while you can! Maybe we will see you at the event! 

3. Wicked Tulips in Exeter & Johnston, RI, or Preston, CT (Opening Early April)

This is another weather-dependent activity, but hey, that’s just part of life in New England! Visiting Wicked Tulips is such a fun springtime tradition—who doesn’t love fresh tulips? Tickets are $25 per adult on weekends and $20 per adult on weekdays, and each ticket includes 10 tulips. It’s the perfect way to brighten up your house for spring!

If you’re in Rhode Island and looking for more things to do, be sure to check out our Rhode Island highlight podcast, which is packed with recommendations for exploring the Ocean State any time of year!

4. Odiorne Point & Seacoast Science Center

This place holds a special spot in my heart. I love visiting year-round, but spring is especially nice—cool, quieter than summer, and absolutely gorgeous. Odiorne has plenty of trails to explore, though with mud season in full swing, I wouldn’t recommend all of them on an extra-muddy day. Instead, take a stroll along the ocean, soak in the views, and then head inside the Seacoast Science Center.

For $15 per person (ages 12+), or $10 for kids ages 3-11, this small but impressive aquarium is a must-visit for any ocean lover. The touch tank is stunning, and the exhibits, featuring local sea creatures, are always changing. You’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for the Gulf of Maine.

After soaking in all that ocean magic, take a short drive into Portsmouth for some retail therapy and delicious food. My must-stop shops? Off Piste, Evie, Divergions, Nahcotta, Cottillion Bureau , Attrezie. And once I’ve worked up an appetite, I’m heading straight to one of my go-to spots: BRGR Bar, The Blue Mermaid, Anju Noodle Bar, Street, Popovers on the Square, Elephantine, or The Kitchen.

Honestly, I could (and maybe I have) spent hours wandering downtown Portsmouth with a coffee in hand, browsing the fantastic shops—definitely a fun way to embrace mud season!

5. Portland Art Museum & Portland Head Lighthouse

On a beautiful, muddy day, both of these activities offer a great way to get out of the house—enjoy some art and soak up those ocean vibes. The Portland Head Lighthouse is located in Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Being on the Maine coast, the lighthouse offers not only stunning ocean views but also cool spots to explore as you walk around the park. You can check out Battery Blair, the remains of Goddard Mansion, or Battery Keyes. As you stroll from point to point, you’ll have the chance to snap photos of the iconic lighthouse from every angle.

After spending time outdoors, head into Portland to visit the Art Museum. Admission is free for those under 21 (thanks to a generous donation from Susie Konkel) or $20 for adults. Once you’ve admired all the beautiful art, grab a coffee about half a mile away at Bard Coffee, or enjoy a meal at one of Portland’s amazing restaurants. We loved Black Cow Burger and Fries!