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There are so many great things to do in York, ME! Located on Maine’s southern coast, York is a historic town filled with beautiful beaches and tons of fun activities all year-round.
There are actually four communities within York, which are commonly referred to as The Yorks: York Beach, York Harbor, York Village, and Cape Neddick.
This is a small area that you can easily visit in a day, but spend more time to enjoy all the beautiful beaches, parks, and outdoor spaces, plus all the excellent dining, shopping, and historical sites you can enjoy!
Make sure you check out our Maine bucket list to inspire more local adventures in the area.
Starting in York Village and working our way towards Cape Neddick, here are all our favorite things to do in York.
Fun Things to Do in York, Maine
Wild Willy’s Burgers
Of all the places to visit in York, Wild Willy’s Burgers (765 U.S. 1) is one of the most uniquely delicious!
You’ve never had a burger like a Wild Willy Burger; their interesting names and combinations make this an especially great lunch option for kids.
Try the Stampede (chili and cheddar cheese), the Buffalo Bill (horseradish, mushrooms, and cheddar), or any of the dozens of sandwich options on their menu.
Stonewall Kitchen
One of the most popular specialty grocery stores in the US is headquartered right here in York, Maine!
Stop by Stonewall Kitchen (2 Stonewall Ln #2) to peruse their products and buy a few items to bring home.
These make for excellent gifts, too.
There’s also a demonstration kitchen so you can learn how to use their products in your next recipe.
Stay a little longer and enjoy their on-site cafe, open daily for breakfast and lunch.
In the summer you can sit in an Adirondack chair outside while enjoying some nibbles and drinks; in the winter, stay cozy indoors with a hot beverage.
SoMe Brewing Company
SoMe Brewing Company (1 York St) is York’s original brewery and was truly a labor of love and passion for the founders.
This father-son operation is a large brewhouse with a taproom, which you can visit and enjoy indoor and outdoor seating all year round.
Wiggly Bridge Distillery
Inspired by one of the coolest York attractions (see below), Wiggly Bridge Distillery (19 Railroad Ave) is a small-batch distillery with a tasting bar.
The father-son-owned distillery boasts handmade spirits from copper pots and several national awards.
Enjoy a tasting or a tour, and take a bottle of these spirits home to remember your trip to York!
York River
The York River is a beautiful, 11-mile river that is well-loved by kayakers, swimmers, and fishers alike.
The river empties into the scenic York Pond, which also supports boating and fishing.
Among the many water-based York activities, kayaking is easy in the river, especially if you rent from Kayak Excursions based out of nearby Kennebunkport.
You might also like our guides to Kennebunkport and Kennebunk if you’re doing a big southern Maine trip.
Wiggly Bridge
Heading to Wiggly Bridge (ME-103) and walking across it is one of the most unique things to do around York.
This bridge, built in the 1930s, is the smallest suspension bridge in the country, spanning only 75 feet.
With natural landmarks like the York River, Barrell Mill Pond, and Steedman Woods in the surrounding area, this experience is perfect for nature lovers.
Old York Historical Society
If you love history, the Old York Historical Society (3 Lindsay Rd) is the perfect place to start, thanks to its commitment to preserving York, one of the oldest English settlements in America.
Start at the Historical Society to learn about all the buildings, exhibitions, collections, programs, and events that are available to check out during your visit, and to buy tickets.
While there are multiple buildings to visit around town (some are featured in this guide), the Historic Society should be your first stop to get acquainted with the area.
Note that the Old York buildings are only open seasonally, so check your dates before planning your trip.
Hartley Mason Reserve
If you’re looking for quiet places to go in York, you should check out Hartley Mason Reserve (481 York St), a small park with a rolling green field, a cool public art piece, and amazing views of York Harbor Beach.
Stop here for a picnic before you take the walkway down to the beach or head out on the Cliff Walk.
You might miss this park if you blink, but it’s a perfect resting place on your way to another York adventure.
York Harbor Beach
York Harbor Beach (1 Stonewall Ln) is a small beach that is perfect for young kids, which is why it’s locally called Mother’s Beach.
Lifeguards are on duty in season, and the rocky shores are so much fun for exploring with children.
Walk to nearby shops and restaurants when you’re done playing for the perfect day out.
York Beach Cliff Walk
While the Cliff Walk in Newport, RI is famous and frequently features as one of the top places to visit in New England, the York Beach Cliff Walk is also perfectly scenic.
This one-mile trail is made of cement and crushed gravel, and it affords amazing views of the ocean and large coastal homes.
The Cliff Walk is one of the best things to do in York for outdoor lovers of all ages.
Donnell-Hancock Warehouse
The Donnell-Hancock Warehouse, or the John Hancock Wharf and Warehouse, is the last commercial building from the Colonial era on the York River.
It was built in the 1740s and was purchased by John Hancock in 1787.
Enjoy seeing the warehouse and bask in the views of the serene York River during your visit.
George Marshall Store Gallery
If you’re looking for art-related things to see in York, you should go to George Marshall Store Gallery (140 Lindsay Rd).
This contemporary art gallery displays work from emerging and mid-career artists that are from the surrounding region and throughout New England.
With the primary goal to support and advance artists in their careers, this is an amazing gallery to visit and support!
Long Sands Beach
Long Sands Beach (Long Beach Ave and Oceanside Ave) is 1.3 miles long and is a highlight of many visitors’ trips to York.
You’ll find clean bathrooms, lots of adjacent beach shops and cafes, and easy parking.
The sand is soft, the water is cool and refreshing, and when the water is at low tide, you can enjoy a long walk along the flat shore.
Sohier Park
One of the top things to do in York is to visit Sohier Park (Sohier Park Rd), where many people go to get a great view of York’s famous Nubble Lighthouse.
Besides visiting the lighthouse, you can also enjoy a gift shop, a lobster hut, and an ice cream stand.
The welcome center and restrooms are only open seasonally, so make sure you plan ahead if you’re visiting in the off-season.
Nubble Lighthouse
Seeing Nubble Lighthouse is the most popular thing to do in Cape Neddick and is the most well-known attraction in York.
The lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is one of the top-ten most photographed lighthouses in the country.
Visit Sohier Park to enjoy amazing views of the iconic lighthouse in York.
We also featured Nubble in our guide to best towns in Maine for vacation; check it out!
Short Sands Beach
Short Sands Beach (Ocean Ave) is the second main beach in York and is much smaller than Long Sands Beach.
It is located close to the downtown area and features views, not only of the ocean, but also of beautiful historic buildings.
Fun-O-Rama
Fun-O-Rama (13 Beach St) is a classic York Beach attraction, filled with fun arcade games and even some rides.
Play games, win tickets, and cash them in for cool prizes!
This is a perfect activity for kids of all ages; adults will remember games of decades past!
The Goldenrod
The Goldenrod (2 Railroad Ave) is a stop you must make in York, thanks to its deep history as a town landmark.
The Goldenrod used to be the first stop for travelers on the first electric trains, back when it opened in 1896.
Now it’s open as a candy store, ice cream shop, and restaurant, all in one.
It’s an iconic stop to enjoy York’s history and local attractions.
Shops at Cape Neddick
If you’re still wondering what there is to do in York, shopping at Cape Neddick (1300 Rte 1) is always a great option.
These shops are filled with jewelry, clothes, home decor, and more.
This is truly a one-stop shop, all located in a massive renovated barn for locally-inspired ambiance.
Columbary House Antiques
Columbary House Antiques (1286 US Route 1) is an incredible display of unique and interesting antiques from dozens of vendors.
Located in farm buildings from the 1830s, you’ll undoubtedly find something special here!
Ledges Golf Club
Ledges Golf Club (1 Ledges Dr) is ideal for anyone who is hoping to practice their swing while visiting York.
This public golf course is an exciting 18-hole course that curves around the hilly and rocky terrain of the area, making a location-specific experience that is fun and refreshing for even the most experienced of players.
Mount Agamenticus
The best hiking in York is on Mount Agamenticus (186 York St), a 10,000-acre conservation land dedicated to protecting nature and providing outdoor recreation.
You can hike, bike, and spot wildlife on the mountain, which is open year-round.
We featured Mount Agamenticus in our guide to all the best places to visit in Maine; check it out!
Final Words
Did this guide inspire you to check out more of these top things to do in York? We hope so!
Share your favorite local activities and attractions in the comments below.
Great information
Thanks
We’re happy to help, Valerie! Thanks for reading and commenting.