Things to do in York Beach

Hugging the southeastern corner of New Hampshire, Hampton Beach is renowned as one of the cleanest beaches in the U.S. Most of the area’s attractions revolve around the Atlantic Ocean.

Smell the salt air and walk with the sand beneath your feet at Ogunquit Beach. The beach lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ogunquit River. It is within convenient walking distances from the town center. Explore its 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) of shoreline and enjoy the sea and surf.

Set between land and sea, Marginal Way is a 1.25-mile (2-kilometer) cliff walk between Ogunquit Beach and Perkins Cove. Watch Atlantic Ocean waves crashing into the rocks and spraying the tide pools beside the path, while surfers and divers venture out into the salty water. Considered one of the most walkable communities in Maine, Ogunquit is understandably proud of this scenic coastal path. The land for the walkway was donated to the community by Josiah Chase Jr. in 1925.

If you want to experience an authentic Maine fishing village, visit Perkins Cove. In this enclave of Ogunquit, located just south of the town center, explore an array of shops, restaurants and scenic walking routes.

Find much to appreciate along the pretty swath of sand at York’s popular Long Sands Beach. For 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers), you can surf, sun, stroll and enjoy the scenic sights, including the Nubble Lighthouse and Boon Island.

Enjoy a nostalgic visit at Short Sands Beach, which has been an established Southern Maine vacation hub for decades. Not much about the postcard-perfect views and family-friendly boardwalk has changed in that time. The many classic entertainments available nearby, from candlepin bowling to bumper cars, are just as popular as ever.