Like many shorefront towns in Maine, York Beach has a long history entertaining summer visitors. It's easy to imagine tourists adorned in the full-length bathing garb of the late 19th century. Visitors still come here to eat ice cream, enjoy carnival-like novelties, and indulge in the sun and salty sea air.
York Beach is a real family destination, devoid of all things staid and stuffy—children are meant to be both seen and heard here. Just beyond the sands of Short Sands Beach are a host of amusements, from bowling to indoor minigolf and the Fun-O-Rama arcade. Nubble Light is at the tip of the peninsula separating Long Sands and Short Sands beaches. The latter is mostly lined with unpretentious seasonal homes, with motels and restaurants mixed in.