wintertime Activities
With deep colonial roots, our villages and towns are among the oldest in Maine.
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You may have come for the beach, but any visit to the York area requires a trip to see the famous and picture-perfect Nubble Light. Officially called the Cape Neddick Light Station, it is one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses.
Make the easy climb or drive (692 ft.) to the peak of Mount Agamenticus for the best vantage point to see all of York, including our sandy beaches. Look east for the Boon Island Light or northwest to spot Mount Washington in the distance.
Back at sea level, if you are looking to shop, take time out from the sun and sand to explore the many outlet stores along Kittery’s US Route 1.
Explore
History comes to life at our many historic properties and museums. The Museums of Old York collection, nine buildings at last count, includes rugged barns, salty taverns, stately residences, and the fascinating Old York Gaol (jail). In South Berwick, visit the Counting House Museum or the home of beloved novelist and short story writer Sarah Orne Jewett.
In Kittery, explore the pre-Civil War blockhouse at Fort McClary only a short distance from the sloop USS Ranger, commanded by Cpt. John Paul Jones built and launched from Badger’s Island. Take in the breadth of the country’s maritime history at the Kittery Historical Naval Museum and learn how Kittery’s 200 years of shipbuilding impacted the region’s development. Head inland to Hamilton House or the 250-acre Vaughan Woods State Park, an ideal place to put in for a day of paddling along the Salmon Falls River.
Relax
Finding a place to stay in the York region is limited only by your imagination. Rent a beachside cottage or camp out under the stars, go Glamping, stay in a warm and welcoming B&B or historic inn, or kick back at a motel or hotel steps from the beach. Visitors looking to feast on Maine’s famous lobster and seafood will have no end to a selection of tasty restaurants from which to choose.
Whether it is a week-long summer family getaway, picturesque destination wedding, or romantic retreat, our long sandy beaches, breathtaking views, easy access to lots of outdoor recreation, shopping, and dining offers something for all who visit the York area.