Being regarded as one of the United States’ oldest cities, York, Maine, is home to some of the most iconic sites and fascinating attractions in the US. There are lots of things to do in York, Maine that you wouldn’t want to leave the city.
York, Maine, is not your typical commercial city. Life in this city is laid back and devoid of unnecessary hassles, which is why it ranks as one of the favorite destinations for tourists.
The beaches, restaurants, museums, et cetera combine to make it unique.
Now, let’s quickly learn more about the history and tourist attractions in this idyllic city.
Where is York, Maine?
York is a town in York County, Maine. As of the 2020 census, York, Maine, had a population of almost fourteen thousand. It is situated right beside the Atlantic Ocean on the Gulf of Maine.
York, Maine, is regarded as one of the oldest cities in the United States of America.
It was first settled by the Abenaki tribe in 1624, and they named it Agamenticus. It was incorporated in 1642.
York has a rich history unrivaled by most cities in the United States of America.
It has several beautiful sandy beaches, restaurants and much more.
The town of York, Maine, is full of exciting activities, and we will be revealing some of them.
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Fun Things to Do in York, Maine
As we previously opined, York, Maine, has several fun things.
There are several outdoor activities such as several parks available, golf courses, and zoos.
Likewise, the indoor activities such as visiting the numerous libraries, historical buildings etcetera.
These are some of the things to do in York, Maine;
1. Mount Agamenticus
Mount Agamenticus has a commanding view of the Atlantic Ocean and the White Mountains to the west. You can even see traces of Boston to the south.
Despite the small size of the mountain at just 692 feet, the hill offers an engaging trail system.
There are accessible pathways to the summit within a half-hour hike and more challenging trails for avid hikers and mountain bikers.
In addition, the Big A trail is a universal access nature path around the summit.
On top of that, the best trails on the mountain are open to ATV riders and those on horseback.
You can choose to drive your vehicle to the summit to enjoy the panoramic views and picnics.
Address: Mount Agamenticus is at N43.22303, W70.69262, Mountain Rd. York, ME 03909.
2. Sohier Park
The Sohier park and tower are some of the most photographed landmarks in the United States of America.
Visitors to this famous lighthouse might see the great black-backed gulls, herring gulls, double-crested cormorants, sunfish, and harbor seals. In addition, Sohier park is ideal for scuba diving.
Sohier Park is also a favorite spot for the Lighting of the Nubble at Christmas or July.
Unfortunately, you can’t enter the lighthouse — it’s on an island a few yards from the shore, making it so stunning for Maine lighthouse photographs.
Address: The Sohier park is at 11 Sohier Park Rd, York, ME 03909, USA.
3. Hartley Mason Reserve
This Reserve was once a private seaside estate; now, it’s a beautiful oceanfront park accessible to the public.
The magnificent grounds, that is located opposite the street from the York Harbor Inn, offer intriguing views of the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of the York River.
You can also follow the park’s scenic Fishermen’s Walk to York Harbor Beach.
There are a few available benches where you can sit and soak it all in. It’s also a popular wedding spot in York.
Address: This attraction is at 481 York St, York, ME 03909, United States.
4. York’s Wild Kingdom Zoo
York’s Wild Animal Kingdom is the only Zoo and amusement park in New England.
The Zoo is only a stone throw from Short Sands Beach, beach side shops, and restaurants; it’s a fun stop on your family vacation itinerary.
The Zoo houses more than 50 animal species, such as African lions, ostriches, tarantulas, and butterflies.
You can also hop on a few amusement park rides or play a round of miniature golf on an 18-hole course. There’s even a Midway with arcade games.
While here, utilize the opportunity to eat some of the best-fried dough on the seacoast.
Address: This attraction is at 1 Animal Park Rd, York, ME 03909, USA.
5. York River
The York River is a 13-mile-long river making it ideal for boating, especially kayaks and canoes.
The Abenaki initially named the York River Agamenticus River — which means “beyond-the-hill-little-cove.
The river flows out to the Atlantic at York Harbor, making more than half of the river tidal.
You can explore the York Harbor, where the boats dock, or the Wiggly Bridge, arguably the smallest suspension bridge in the world.
The steel structure also features an arched wooden deck that spans almost 75 feet between the green towers.
Address: The York river is at 9801 York River Park Road, Williamsburg, Va. 23188.
6. Point Sebago Golf Resort
Regularly regarded as one of the finest golf courses in Maine, the Point Sebago Golf Resort is strategically located on 500 acres of spectacular white birch forest.
The course length ranges from over 7,002 yards from the back tee to 4,866 yards from the forward tee.
In addition to golf clinics and schools with the PGA professionals available and the extensive practice center, your skills will improve noticeably and your appreciation of the game.
Address: Point Sebago Golf Resort is at 23 Golf Drive, Casco, ME 04015.
7. Boothbay Harbor Country Club
The perfect Maine golf course features breathtaking vistas, challenging holes, and a sea breeze blowing off the ocean.
BHCC’s 18 championship holes provide a “Pure Maine” golfing experience.
With excellent conditioning and beautiful landscaping, it’s a course not to be missed.
The new clubhouse is also stunning and quite unlike any other facility in Maine.
There are two excellent restaurants for dining options: Grille 19 and Paul’s Steak House.
Oceanfront and on-course 2/3/4-bedroom luxury lodging rentals that include free golf.
Address: The Boothbay Harbor Country Club is 50 Sugar Maple Lane, Boothbay, ME 04537.
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8. York Harbor Beach
York Harbor Beach is one of the most exciting and exclusive places you can visit in York, Maine.
It is extraordinary. Although it is not as large as some other beaches, it still boasts magnificent scenery.
This cove is mostly sand with some tide pools with a few rocky spots.
Situated at the edge of the York River near the York Harbor Inn and Stage Neck Inn, this sandy beach is ideal for families because of its gentle surf.
Locals often refer to it as Mothers’ Beach because it’s soft enough for toddlers to enjoy the water.
Parking at York Harbor Beach is minimal, but you can get to the sand with the help of a trolley.
You can always use the benches and shade trees in the bordering Hartley Mason Park when you need a break from the sun.
Lifeguards are usually on duty from the last week of June through Labor Day.
Address: This attraction is located at 1 Stonewall Lane York, Maine 03909, United States.
9. Long Sands Beach
There are several beaches in York, Maine, and Long Sands Beach is one of them.
Like it sounds, Long Sands Beach is 1.5-miles of white sand with some tide pools and rocky spots.
This beach is ideal for sunbathing and for swimming in the surf during summer.
You can stroll all year, play beach volleyball, and fly kites when the weather permits.
There are also areas designated solely for surfing and launching kayaks; you can rent umbrellas and rafts.
Address: This attraction is at Long Beach Ave, Rt 1A, 03909, York, United States.
10. Short Sands Beach
As we opined earlier, York, Maine, Has several beaches, and Short Sands Beach is another.
It also comes with tide pools and rocky spots, Short Sands Beach, isn’t as long as the other one as it is only about 0.25 miles long.
This beach rests between rocky cliffs in Ellis Park. It also has a range of amenities, a large playground, grassy park area, gazebo, and promenade walkway with benches.
Additionally, Short Sands Beach has basketball courts. You can also enjoy free concerts and other entertainment in the covered bandstand area throughout the summer.
Address: The short sands beach is at 14 Ocean Ave, York, United States.
11. The Old Gaol
The Old Gaol is national historic landmark sits atop York’s Gaol Hill, where the first colonial Maine prison was constructed in 1656.
The site was continuously occupied until 1860—first by the Province of Maine’s correctional facility and then by York County’s.
Initially designed to consist of free-standing structures, the existing building reflects two centuries of different construction campaigns.
Address: This attraction is at N East St, Greensboro, GA 30642, United States.
12. Jefferds Tavern
Jefferds Tavern was built in 1750 in Wells, Maine, just north of York; Jefferds Tavern was initially located on the King’s Highway.
But in 1941, the building was moved to York and restored to create an idealized version of an authentic colonial tavern.
The building is used year-round as a museum program center and events venue.
Address: The Jefferds Tavern is at 6 Lindsay Rd, York, ME 03909, United States.
13. Old York Museum Center
Your visit to Old York begins at the Museum Center at the corner of York Street and Lindsay Road.
The center hosts several educational and public programs throughout the year.
These programs include visitor reception, the Virginia Weare Parsons Education Center and Program Room, the Remick Gallery, Jefferds Tavern, and York Corner Schoolhouse.
Address: The old York museum is at 3 Lindsay Rd York, ME 03909, United States.
14. The Goldenrod
Another exciting thing to do in York, Maine, is visiting The Goldenrod.
The Goldenrod uses an antique marble soda fountain to make delicious creamy ice cream sodas, and there are over 135 flavors of ice cream to choose from.
This candy shop has fudge, brittle, and other confections.
Also, The Goldenrod is one of New England’s classic dining room that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes — waffles and griddle cakes, sandwiches, burgers, soups, and more.
Address: The Goldenrod is at 2 Railroad Ave, York Beach, ME 03910, United States.
15. Wiggly Bridge Distillery
A father and son own the Wiggly Bridge Distillery. The Wiggly Bridge Distillery produces small batches of spirits with a unique flavor in an 1880s barn.
You can always pay a visit to this location for tastings and tours. Then, sit at the bar to test the various spirits.
If you book a time, you’ll learn about the distillery and its operation while sipping a handcrafted cocktail.
Address: The Wiggly Bridge Distillery is at 441 US-1, York, ME 03909, United States.
16. Fun-O-Rama
As the name implies, this beach side amusement arcade is fun for the whole family.
The kids will love the arcade games and videos, and the beach is always nearby when you’ve had your fill.
Address: Fun-O-Rama is at 13 Beach St, York, ME 03909, United States.
17. Holiday Lighting of the Nubble
The lighting of the Nubble is a spectacular event and is arguably the most photographic and fun event in all of York, Maine.
When December dark, the brilliant white Christmas lights shine from the lighthouse and keeper’s house.
The lighting continues till New Year’s. The Lighting of the Nubble is one of the most anticipated events in Maine since its inception thirty years ago.
Address: This attraction is located at Sohier Park Rd, York, ME 03909, United States.
18. York Days
This is another event that holds in York, Maine, from the end of July through early August. It lasts for about a week.
The Short Sands Beach is the ideal place to enjoy York days. This family-oriented event features a craft fair, fireworks, a 5K Road Race, and a family film night.
The Nubble is lighted twice a year, during Christmas and summer. You can see the Summer Lighting of the Nubble every night during this event.
Address: This event is hosted at 200 US-1, York, ME 03909, United States.
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19. YORK54
To enjoy eating pizza, you must visit the YORK54 restaurant and Pizza Parlor in York, Maine.
You can also order the pizza of the day or build your pizza. If you like to eat healthy foods, you can opt for Gluten-free or vegetarian pizza.
York 54 also includes beer specials, salads, chicken wings, and giant quesadillas on its menu.
Address: YORK54 is located at 449 US-1, York, ME 03909, United States.
20. Wild Willy’s Burgers
Making “Real Burgers for Real Burger Lovers,” Wild Willy’s Burgers is the best place in York, Maine, to go for a beef sandwich.
This restaurant focuses on using quality ingredients. You’re also likely to find other sandwiches (including chicken).
There are various French fry sides on the menu too.
Address: The Wild Willy’s burgers is at 46 Arsenal St. Watertown, MA 02472.
21. The Bluff Pub and The Union Grill
At the Union Bluff, Hotel & Meetinghouse are two restaurants serving several dishes or snacks.
The Bluff Pub serves burgers, salads, tasty sandwiches, and other entrees.
Everything served in this restaurant is made with locally grown produce and fresh Maine seafood.
On the other hand, the Union Grill offers a fine dining experience with a menu designed by Chef James Ott to satisfy your appetite.
If you visit during the winter, ensure you sit by the fireplace while eating.
Address: This pub is at 8 Beach St, York, ME 03909, United States.
Plan Your Visit to York Maine
York, Maine, is filled with many exciting and fun activities, from outdoor activities to historical sites or landmarks, to the numerous fun-filled festivals and, finally, the fantastic restaurants.