York: Coastal Trails, Beaches and Culture

Nubble Light, officially called Cape Neddick Light Station, opened in 1879 on a small rocky island off York. The area’s history can also be explored through specific buildings: the Old Gaol Museum is a National Historic Landmark, and the York Corner Schoolhouse is one of New England’s earliest surviving schoolhouses from the 18th century. Those looking to explore natural areas will find more than 10,000 acres at the Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region.

Coastal Beaches and Trails

The Maine Beaches tourism region encompasses more than 30 miles of beaches. Beach activities available there include sunbathing, swimming, bodysurfing, walking and kite flying. This broad coastal perspective complements the distinctive trails of individual places: in Ogunquit, the paved Marginal Way runs 1.25 miles from Shore Road to Perkins Cove. Along the way, it offers views of the sea, beach and natural rock formations. Perkins Cove itself is an active fishing and arts community.

A different kind of landscape can be found at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1966, it protects valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. The refuge stretches along 50 miles of coastline in York and Cumberland Counties and includes 11 divisions between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth. The approximately one-mile Carson Trail is mostly flat and offers views of salt marshes. The 1.8-mile Cutts Island Trail passes through higher terrain and also offers salt marsh views; it is described as an easy hiking trail. Check trail conditions and access information before your visit. Parking at the Cutts Island Trail may also change.

At Wells Reserve at Laudholm, the Barrier Beach Trail connects an orchard and a marsh with Laudholm Beach, where visitors can explore tide pools. Since the tides affect walking on the beach, it is worth taking them into account when planning. Wells Reserve is a National Estuarine Research Reserve; its headquarters is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In Kittery, historic Fort Foster Park on the waterfront has three beaches and nearly two miles of walking trails across 88 acres. Ferry Beach State Park in Saco adds to the coastal options with nature trails and views of long, white sandy beaches between the Saco River and Pine Point.

Local History, Art and Events

In Kennebunk, the Brick Store Museum has shared local history and art since it was founded in 1936. It was established in a former brick storehouse. In Biddeford, tours by the Biddeford Mills Museum take visitors through historic textile mill buildings. Biddeford ArtWalk offers self-guided tours that may include visits to open studios and hands-on workshops; check event dates before your trip, as plans can change.

Ogunquit also brings art and architecture together. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art includes a three-acre sculpture park with landscaped gardens and rotating exhibitions. Charles Worley designed the building in the Mid-Century Modern style. The museum is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. For performing arts, Ogunquit Playhouse produces Broadway-caliber performances and top-notch entertainment. City Theater in Biddeford is a year-round performing arts center.

Biddeford also has seasonal highlights: WinterFest is a major annual festival in February, and River Jam is a major annual festival in August. Since event dates can change, check the dates for your travel period. When choosing a hotel, it helps to first decide whether coastal trails, beach time, local history or art will shape your stay. Then consider the locations of your planned visits when looking for accommodation that suits your trip.

Discover more destinations: Limerick, Buxton, North Berwick, South Berwick, York, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Saco, Wells, Kittery, Old Orchard Beach, Biddeford, Sanford.

For the broader travel guide: Maine.