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York Beach essentials
Parking
5 public lots nearby, closest 0.1 mi away, 4 marked paid
Restrooms
Public restrooms 0.4 mi away
Food & drink
12 restaurants, cafés & bars nearby
Mapped by volunteers on OpenStreetMap within about ¾ mile of the beach. Rules, fees and lifeguard hours change by season, so check posted signs. Updated September 2026. Data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Something missing? Add it on OpenStreetMap
Beach Report is an informational guide from public data, not a substitute for lifeguards or official National Weather Service warnings. Always check posted signs and swim near a lifeguard.
About York Beach
York Beach, at Maine's southern tip, comprises the wide Long Sands and family-friendly Short Sands beaches, watched over by the iconic Nubble Lighthouse on its rocky islet. A classic, old-fashioned Maine beach town with an amusement arcade and taffy shops, it's a nostalgic summer favorite. Maine’s water is very cold — typically the mid-50s to low 60s°F even at the August peak, and colder the rest of the year. Check the safety flag and rip-current risk above, be ready for cold water, and swim near a lifeguard.
York Beach FAQ
When is the best time to visit York Beach?
July and August for the warmest water and full season; the Nubble Lighthouse is a scenic draw year-round.
What is the Nubble Lighthouse?
A picturesque lighthouse on a small rocky island off York Beach, one of the most photographed in Maine. For beach conditions, check the live safety flag above.
How cold is the water at York Beach?
Cold — typically the mid-50s to low 60s°F at the summer peak. Check the live reading above.
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