Lobster & Lighthouses & Beaches

The Yorks, Kittery, Eliot and South Berwick

The southernmost towns of Maine are deliciously cozy place to retreat for glorious beaches, classic family summer fun, good food or romance. The famous South Coast beaches, are a magnet for sunbathers, swimmers, and anyone who loves the beauty of sand and surf. Get out in the evening for dinner on the oceanfront, for the sunset or to see the stars light up the night before heading back to your beachfront suite.
The coastline is a place of ongoing maritime activity and history. Charter boats for sailing, sightseeing, or fishing can be found at marinas and harbors in Kittery and York Harbor, ME. The bounty of the sea can be found at harbor markets and restaurants everywhere nearby. Lighthouses dating to the early and mid-19th century dot the landscape, helping to mark the seasons and guide those traveling on the sea.

York Region Quick Links:
Events Calendar - Attractions Map

The Towns of the York Region

• The first towns across the state line from New Hampshire are Kittery and Eliot, ME. Kittery is on the ocean and hosts several beaches (Crescent, Seapoint, and at Fort Foster Park), historic colonial sites including Forts Foster and McClary, classic New England waterfront areas and architecture like that found along Pepperell Cove, great outlet shopping, and, of course, classic New England dining and resorts. Eliot is slightly inland along the Piscataqua River, a small town of farms and outdoor beauty.
• York, ME is next along the coast. The town has three main villages - York Harbor, York Beach and Cape Neddick. York Beach is known for its wide, sandy Long Sands and Short Sands beaches, where families enjoy can water play all season long. There's also the York Harbor Beach to the south, and Cape Neddick Beach to the north, a small sandy spot near some rocky cliffs. There's also great mountainous hiking areas northeast of Cape Neddick at Mount Agamenticus Conservation Area.
• South Berwick, ME is an inland town that has the distinction of being one of the oldest European settlements in the country. While it doesn't have beaches, it does have several historic sites and museums, a state park and small ski area, and hosts an annual Strawberry Festival in June.

Indoor and Outdoor Fun

• York, ME is home to the Nubble (Cape Neddick) Light on an island close to shore. People enjoy it with gusto from neighboring Sohier Park; the annual Christmas lighting and community party is a favorite.
• York's Wild Kingdom: a zoo-plus-amusement park, is a great fun exploration of animals from around the world.
• History buffs will enjoy the museums of Old York and Jefferds Tavern, hosting many educational and social events all year.
• The waterfront in York Harbor, ME has lots of small shops, spots to grab a quick bite to eat or drink, and fun things to do. That includes Fun-O-Rama, an old-time arcade with pinball, skeeball, video games, children's rides, and a bowling alley.
• Get some air at Take Flight Aerial Adventure Park in Kittery, ME: Their ziplines and rope courses in the trees will get your blood pumping!

Credit: Wikipedia Commons (Public Domain License)

Dining, Shopping and Entertainment

• You don't have to travel very far across the Maine-New Hampshire border to find great outlet shopping, because the Kittery Outlets are right there on Route 1 in Kittery, ME. With over 120 shops featuring name-brand clothing, accessories, shoes, jewelry, candles, collectibles and other novelties, edible delights, and several great restaurants, you're sure to find the perfect item for yourself or to offer as a gift.
• For a classic country-style family meal there's no better place than Lobster in the Rough on Route 1 in York, ME. They offer free live music for all patrons, outdoor seating & firepits, adult beverages on tap, and wood-fired barbecue plates & sandwiches in addition to local seafood favorites.
• There's a reason the Goldenrod Candy Shop & Restaurant is the oldest restaurant in York Beach, ME. For well over 100 years every summer they've offered freshly-made candy, homemade ice cream and soda, and great family dining to vacationers and locals alike.
• For a good pint of local craft beer, check out York Beach Beer Co. and SoMe Breing Co. in York, ME. And don't forget to pick up some cans to go!

A Destination in All Seasons

Lodging in the York Region area accommodates the needs & budgets of all types of visitors.

• There's the classic oceanfront resort such as The Cliff House in Cape Neddick, ME, with varied levels of luxury and where the view of the ocean is just outside your balcony door.
• There's classic New England inns and B&Bs such as the Inn at Tanglewood Hall in York Harbor, ME, with amenities both rustic and modern, perfect for a cozy, romantic weekend away from home.
• If you're traveling with an RV, you can't beat the ocean view at Libby's Oceanside Camp at the south end of York Beach, ME. And they all the needed hookups to get you situated.
• At Cape Neddick, ME there's a great spot to pitch a tent (or tether the RV) - Dixon's Campground. They also offer yurt rentals, facilities, a playground, and a sizeable outdoor pool.

Credit: Union Bluff Hotel, York Beach ME