York, Maine 3 Day Travel Itinerary
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The southern Maine coast is top travel destination known for its rocky shores, beautiful beaches, charming beach towns, and rich history. York, Maine ticks all of these boxes. Located directly off of Maine’s I-95, York is an easy 1-hour drive from Boston. Our 3-day York, Maine travel itinerary will help you hit all the must-see sites.
This seaside vacation destination on the New England coast has four distinct neighborhoods: York Beach, York Village, York Harbor, and the Nubble Lighthouse. Our itinerary covers them all.
Our York, Maine 3 Day travel itinerary includes information on all the attractions and best things to do. Visitors should note that York is a 4-season New England town. Businesses change opening hours and days seasonally. Always check ahead to confirm your plans. Also, the region is best enjoyed with a personal vehicle as public transportation is sparce.
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Day 1: Long Sands Beach and the Nubble Lighthouse. Evening in York Beach Village
Begin your day on York’s Long Sands Beach (Route 1A; roadside kiosk parking). This 1.5-mile stretch of sandy beach has some rocky areas and tide pools to explore. Settle in your lawn chair, break out the beach toys, and enjoy a view of the Nubble Lighthouse and cliffs.
When you have had enough sun, take a 5-minute drive along Nubble Road. You will pass rows of neat beach bungalows on the way to Sohier Park (free parking). Just off shore, the Nubble Lighthouse sits on a tiny island. Take some photos, then wander across the massive granite ledges and relax by the crashing surf.
From the Nubble Lighthouse, drive 2.5-miles to the Cape Neddick Lobster Pound-Harborside Restaurant (60 Shore Road, Cape Neddick). The drive along Broadway Street passes by grand old inns and shingled oceanfront cottages.
The “Pound” is a family-run restaurant overlooking Cape Neddick Harbor. The food and the views are remarkable. You can eat inside or on a deck. After lunch, explore the harbor and tidal river area. If you can find parking, stroll the tide pools on the lovely Cape Neddick Beach.
Spend the evening in York Beach Village. This colorful beach town is home to tee shirt shops, palm readers, and gift shops. The Goldenrod candy store sits in the middle of the action. There is often a crowd at the shop’s large windows watching taffy being pulled. Grab some dinner at one of the many restaurants in the village.
Young people (and the young at heart) love the amusement rides at the York Wild Kingdom and Zoo as well as Funorama’s arcade games and bowling. If you prefer a quieter evening, meander the wooden promenade, relax by the bandstand in Ellis Park, and walk the lovely Short Sands Beach.
Day 2: York Village Historic District, York Harbor, and Cliff Walk. Clambake at Fosters.
Drive to Historic York Village and begin your day at the Old York Historical Society Museum Center (3 Lindsey Road, York). The museum curates a number of buildings dating back to the 1600’s. Nearby, you can explore the artifacts and exhibits at the museum center, the Gaol (prison), the Emerson-Wilcox House, and the York Old Burying Ground.
In the village of York, take in the First Parish Church, Civil War Monument, and the small shops and cafes of the York Village Main Street.
Next, head to York Harbor. Treat yourself to lunch at the Dockside Restaurant (22 Harris Island Road, York). This New England seafood eatery has been an area-favorite for many years. You can eat outside or in. While onsite, enjoy the boat filled York Harbor and spectacular ocean views.
Work off your lunch with a walk along the rugged Maine coast. Drive to Hartley Mason Park (use the metered parking along Route 1A/York Street), and explore the 4-acre landscaped park. There are gorgeous ocean panoramas, shade trees, and benches for relaxing.
If you are feeling adventuresome, hike the York Cliff Walk. The .5-mile trail hugs the coastline past million-dollar beach houses and jagged cliffs. The views are wonderful, but beware of broken concrete and sheer drops (not suitable for small children or the mobility impaired.
From the park you can also access the stunning York Harbor Beach. The quiet stretch of sandy beach is framed by bobbing boats in the harbor, and the Atlantic Ocean. You need a resident’s sticker to park in the beach parking lot, but it is only a short walk from Hartley Mason via the Cliff Walk.
Tonight, enjoy a clambake at area-favorite Foster’s Clambake (5 Axholme Road, York).
Day 3: Early Morning Walk-about. Shop Area Company Stores and Outlets
On Day 3, we suggest a walk-about at one of the following areas: hike York’s Mount Agamenticus for a 360-degree view of that includes Maine’s Casco Bay and New Hampshire’s White Mountains; play a round of golf at one of York’s public golf courses (The Ledges or Cape Neddick); or meander the tide pools at the rocky end of Long Sands Beach.
In the afternoon enjoy some retail-therapy in the area’s specialty stores. Begin at the Stonewall Kitchen York Company Store (2 Stonewall Lane, York). In the New England style retail space, you can sample mustards, relishes, and jams, and stock up on gifts.
Next, stop at the When-Pigs-Fly Pizzeria and Company Store in Kittery (Route 1). Grab lunch here and buy some freshly made bread for dinner tonight.
Continue on Route 1 to the Kittery Maine Outlets and Eateries. Your first stop will be the Kittery Trading Post. The sprawling mercantile for outdoor gear is great fun to roam. Later, cruise the extensive network of New England style shopping malls on Route 1. On the outlet mall mile there are hundreds of shops selling designer goods. Before heading home, have a snack at one of Kittery’s eateries.
Hope you enjoyed the lobster rolls, fried scallops, chowder, and blueberry pie!
Laura and Randy
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