York Beach, Maine | Skee-Ball, Goldenrod Kisses, and the Most Photographed Lighthouse in New England
Tucked between Kittery and Ogunquit on the southern Maine coast, York Beach is a popular summer seaside destination thanks to its family-friendly vibe, beautiful beaches, fun downtown, and memorable attractions.
By Aimee Tucker|Jul 07 2022|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
It’s this vibrant mix of accessible sun and fun that earned York Beach a spot on Yankee‘s list of The 25 Best Beach Towns in New England, so while I was spending a recent long weekend in nearby Kittery Point, I decided to try and take in all of York Beach that I could in one afternoon.
First up? We kicked things off right by heading straight to the feather in York’s cap, the Cape Neddick Light Station, better known as the Nubble Light for the “nub” of island it sets on. Look familiar?The Nubble Light — a coastal Maine favorite. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Dating back to 1879, the Nubble is arguably the most photographed lighthouse in New England. In fact, the image of Nubble Light is so iconic that when NASA sent Voyager II into space in 1977 armed with artifacts that might teach extraterrestrials about Planet Earth, one of those was a picture of the Nubble.
The romantic allure of Nubble Light is twofold. Not only is the structure and setting almost painfully idyllic (the rocky coast, sturdy light, and button-cute adjoining keeper’s house — which, for the record, is unoccupied and has been since 1987), but the island setting just a hundred yards across the water from Sohier Park on the mainland means the Nubble is always tantalizingly just out of reach.
No matter the season or the weather, as long as the Nubble stands, so will the tourists — to photograph it. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
If you’re curious about what it looks like over the water, Yankee featured photographer and Nubble Light keeper Matt Rosenberg has a fun collection of unique, behind-the-scenes shots to admire, and if you’re into knowledge and wisdom, we’ve also got a trove of Nubble Light facts and trivia.
After dutifully circling for a parking spot, then admiring the postcard-perfect view at great length, it was time for some refreshments. Fox’s Lobster House is close enough to offer views of the Nubble while digging into a lobster roll or bowl of chowder, but we opted to head to Brown’s Ice Cream a short distance away. [Editor’s note: Brown’s Ice Cream closed before the 2015 summer season. Former operator Steve Dunne has opened up his own shop, Dunne’s Ice Cream, nearby.]The now-closed, but never forgotten, Brown’s Ice Cream. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
The stand’s “old fashion” ice cream was a local and tourist favorite for a cup, cone, or sundae. I’m fond of classic Yankee flavors, so on my visit, I ordered a cup of Grapenut ice cream (narrowly victorious over Wild Blueberry). Rich and creamy with just the right amount of nutty cereal bits, this was a good scoop.
Rich, nutty, and delicious Grapenut ice cream! Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
We next made the mile-long trip to the hub of York Beach along Route 1A. A large lot with metered parking is just steps from the action, which includes a beach, arcade, restaurants, shops, and even a zoo animal or two (or more). If you can’t wait to swim or soak up some rays, the small but sufficient quarter-mile of Short Sands Beach (one of York’s two main beaches) is your first stop.Short Sands Beach is just steps from the bustle of downtown. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
A literal stone’s throw from Short Sands are two of York’s most enduring tourist spots — a compact candlepin bowling alley (there’s miniature golf in there, too) and the Fun-O-Rama arcade.
Bowling just steps from the beach. Photo Credit : Aimee SeaveyArcade nostalgia at Fun-O-Rama. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
According to their Web site, the Fun-O-Rama building was once a 1940s bathhouse before converting to an arcade and sometimes roller rink a few decades later. Today it packs more than 250 rides and arcade games (including my favorite, Skee-Ball) into its 10,000 square feet, and there’s something endearingly boardwalk-retro about it that makes you want to stroll through even if video games and old-fashioned photo booths aren’t your thing.
Skee-Ball — an arcade classic. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
A few steps away, the Goldenrod in downtown York Beach has been luring in hungry folks for more than a century, and the old-school neon-style signage out front speaks right to the heart of memory-seeking visitors. Inside, a three-part operation offers up something for everyone, from the bustling candy counter to the soda fountain and adjacent traditional dining room.
No visit to York Beach is complete without a stop at the Goldenrod. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Saltwater taffy is the signature sweet at the Goldenrod (they call them “Goldenrod Kisses“), and visitors are treated to a sneak peek at the taffy-making process from the outside sidewalk, where children and iPhone-toting adults peer through the glass windows to watch the candy being made in separate stages — from boiling to pulling to cutting and wrapping.
Watching the taffy get its final wrap. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Inside, the candy counter is expertly staffed to serve up all the fudge, bark, brittle, and caramel corn you could ever ask for, but if you want ice cream, a root beer float, stack of pancakes, or even a club sandwich or burger, they’ve got that, too.
Busy employees at the Goldenrod candy counter. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Still feeling the sugar effects from our ice cream at Brown’s, we opted for something salty instead. Fresh guacamole and plentiful sunny outdoor seating proved too tempting to resist at Guac-n-Roll just around the corner, but we easily could have sought out a sandwich, wood-fired pizza, or gourmet popcorn just a few steps in either direction.
An afternoon snack at Guac-n-Roll. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Continuing down Railroad Avenue, you’ll pass the usual clutch of gift and souvenir shops, food joints, and even a spot to have your palm read before ending up at York’s Wild Kingdom, which is billed as New England’s only zoo and amusement park. It might look small from the entrance, but, as the saying goes, looks can be deceiving. Inside you’ll find traditional amusement park rides, classic fair food (like fried dough), a number of landscaped animal exhibits (lions, monkeys, alpacas, and more!), a “butterfly kingdom,” and mini golf. We opted to save our visit for another day, but I suspect a stop at York’s Wild Kingdom packs in enough fun and adventure to fill a whole day.
York’s Wild Animal Kingdom is another classic York Beach attraction. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Full of sugar and salsa and feeling tired from the late-summer sun, we got back in the car and headed down Route 1A toward Long Sands Beach, which, as you might guess, is larger and longer than Short Sands, for a final look at the ocean. Stretching 1.5-miles, Long Sands has a more traditional “day-at-the-beach” feel with plenty of room for the whole family to spread out for a day of fun, from strolling the shoreline to boogie boarding to wave jumping. You can even see the Nubble Light in the distance from the sand, and there are restaurants across the road should you need sustenance.
Long Sands Beach offers an enticing sandy stretch. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
So what did we miss on our visit to York Beach? Had we ventured further north up Route 1 we could have stopped at the famous Flo’s Hot Dogs, but the beauty in forgetting a thing or two on vacation is that you’ve got the perfect reason to plan a trip back.
Have you ever been to York Beach? What would you say is the best thing to see, do, or eat while you’re there?
This post was first published in 2014 and has been updated.
Yes, you missed Newick’s Lobster House in Dover, not far from Kittery and York. I have many happy childhood memories of going there, eating off red-checkered tablecloths, seeing the day’s catch being offloaded from the boat we just saw come in from the ocean. Our plates were always piled high with food, no matter what we ordered. Fantastic!
I have been going to York beach Maine for vacation since i was baby. It is a great place, very family friendly and there is a lot to do there. Can’t wait to go back up next Summer
Basically exactly everything we do each summer in York Beach on our way to camping! Did you follow us?! We like to park at a local church a street behind Guac to support the local folks and because of the shade! For a longer stop visit the Old York historical Society in York itself including the “Old Gaol”!!
my parents have had a house on long sands since ’95, so I’ve gotten to check out plenty of the area. If you are visiting with smaller children, there is a great play ground next to the parking lot at short sands.
The one part of town I would say you missed entirely, York Harbor. Don’t miss the great views of the York Harbor and River from the path along the northern side of the river, best place to park is near the Rt 103 bridge over the York River, the runs along a causeway from the parking area heading upstream, and along the Harbor edge past classic new england Mansions. The Harbor walk ends on the grass of the Stage Neck. There is a very interesting man made tide pool there (built for swimming many years ago, now off limits to swimming) and the Stage Neck Inn. We ate there many years ago and I remember an ocean view from the dining room windows. Stage Neck beach has a path running from the parking area (parking for locals only) that once was a great path running along the clifs that border the ocean, but property owners have blocked most it off and it falls far short of the Marginal way in Ogunquit.
As you mentioned, the Wild animal Kingdom is worth a day in itself. Young Kids may find the Zoo and amusement park too much for one day, but teens and adults can make a long day of it. We normally did the Zoo for the day, ate dinner, then went back to ride the rides into the night. The bumper cars there are the best and fastest I know of!
If you are staying nearby during the summer, be sure to look up the free concerts at the Soheir park bandstand located in front of short sands beach.
For an interesting view of the area, be sure to take a drive up to the top of Mt Agamenticus, 700 feet above the seacoast and just a few miles inland. On a clear day you can see most of Southern Maine, the White mountains, and Cape Ann in Massachusetts. There are also plenty of hiking trails running from the top of the mountain. (My sister had her wedding reception in the lodge at the top of the mountain)
If you are into biking, skating, running, or walking, early mornings on Long sands are the best, with very few cars in the parking lane and a huge beach at low tide. There are at least three good spots to catch breakfast and the sunrise, starting at the southern end with the Lobster cove Restaurant, the sun and surf, and another that slips my mind (on the edge, or something like that) just next to the Nevada Motel.
Love York. I’ve been going up there since I was a kid. Love all the shops and beaches and farmer market. Zach corn is so delicious. Each time I go up there always something different. Always have to go to the lighthouse. Someday I’m going to live up there. Walk on the beach everyday, collect shells,put my feet in the water. Lots of fresh air. So Beautiful up there.
Hi Josh! Thanks so much for all of the great suggestions. How lucky you are to spend so much time in beautiful York! I actually did visit the beautiful Mount Agamenticus on my visit, but decided to focus the post on York Beach and the Nubble area since that’s where the majority of my photos were from. I hope we can highlight the mountain and other parts of York (like the harbor) in a future Explore New England edition. Thanks for commenting!
If you are a dog owner/lover and an early riser, it is fun to go to Long Sands for the off leash exercise time for dogs. Starts a sunrise- which is mighty early at midsummer – and ends at 8am. Lots of dogs joyously running, swimming and chasing tennis balls. Our dogs enjoy it and start whining in anticipation any time we drive near the beach.
I married into a New England family the vacations in York- I look forward to a relaxing and calorie filled visit each summer.
My husband has been going to York since he was a small child. We spent part of our honeymoon there 42 years ago. We spent our vacations there with our three children and sometimes the extend family came along with us. Now our children and their children are vacationing at York.. We love Long Sands Beach, The Nubble Lighthouse, Fox’s Restaurant, Mrs. Brown’s ice cream, the shops and the Zoo!
I have been going to York several times a year for about 20 years, my favorite place!! I was married at Sohier Park 3 years ago with the backdrop of the Ocean and the Nubble, nothing could have been more beautiful or more perfect!! I would have said you mentioned all of the wonderful places in York until I finally tried a restaurant in York that I had walked past for years, even parked at, but never experienced until recently. Mimmo’s is located right across the street from Long Sands Beach near the Anchorage Inn and is one of the most amazing Italian restaurants I have ever tried. I never eat anything besides seafood while at the beach until I finally tried Mimmo’s and I will never skip it again!!
That was a great article. My family went to York Beach since the early 60’s. It was always a thrill for a kid to walk downtown after supper with a few quarters in his pockets. The arcade was my favorite. Probably skee-ball caught my attention. And the stuff you could get with all those tickets!! I still remember the brouhaha when they painted the little red building on the Nubble white. Not sure how long it was white. Next time I saw it, it had returned to normal. Again thanks for the trip down memory lane,
First time I was at York I was 3 months old. Now I am 80 and it still is my most favorite place to be. As a teenager, I was friends with the lighthouse keeper’s daughter. We were the same age. That was the most wonderful thing.
One place in the U.S that I love is York Beach. In 1930s, each year my family spent my dads week’s vacation tent camping at Libby’s campground. My favorite days were when we went to Nubble Light, the Goldenrod, and candlepin bowling!! I have such fond memories also of playing in the freezing waves at the long sands beach. I am now 89 years old.
I’ve been going to York since I was a kid – 60+ years. We started in a tent at Libbey’s, then a trailer at Eatons, then a cottage at Crowe’s cottages. Love that the beaches are clean (with the exception of seaweed – which is to be expected at times), water is cold and refreshing. I still love to ride the waves – makes me feel like a kid again. York holds a lifetime of memories – love it there.
I remember it so well. Went there from the time I was a baby. Stayed in cottages across the street from Long Beach (don’t remember the name of them). Our biggest thrill was going to watch the kisses being made and the bowlarama. Of course I will neve forget the zoo. I have photo’s of me riding the kiddie boat ride. I’m 71 years old and it seems like yesterday. And the many photo’s of the Nuble Lighthouse! I use them for my ipad lock screen photo’s. My mother used to have a fit as my brothers and I used to climb on all the rocks across from Nuble. There were no buildings at the parking lot back then. Thanks for the memories!
My grandparents owned a cottage at Short Sands right next to the Katahdin. My family would go up every summer. My brother and I would go to the Funarama,at the end of summer, we would cash in our tickets for a prize. My mom worked at the Goldenrod when she was in college.When I was about 8 yrs.,old, my father was transferred to the Kittery Navy Yard for a year. My parents had to rent a house right around the corner from Nubble Light. That winter we had so much snow, one snow storm we couldn’t open the front door because the snow had drifted up to the door.At that time there was a family living at the lighthouse. The boy came over in a bucket that was attached to a cable that was strung to the lighthouse. In the summer on the beach people would have bonfires. At the pavilion on the the short boardwalk, they would have concerts. I remember going on the beach and collecting sand dollars.
I loved the article and all the comments! So glad that York Beach has such fond memories for so many others like myself! Five generations of my family have been going to York Beach since the 30’s. My dads’s great Aunt used to camp at Libby’s in a tent. My mom and dad took my brother and me to York Beach every summer. The Goldenrod was my dad’s favorite (and mine too). He has taken his grandchildren there and then his great-grandchild (from Florida, age 4 then) visited in July 2015. She loved playing skee ball and it was great they have smaller size lanes for little ones. My dad passed away 14 years ago but I still take me mom several times during the summer. She is now 98 and we will be making our first trip of the 2019 season .Nubble Light is a very close second to the Goldenrod as my favorite. Thanks again for the great article.
I went every summer of my childhood to York Beach. We camped in a tent trailer at Flagg’s. I have such wonderful family memories of this place. I live in the midwest now, would love to go back. I can almost smell the ocean!
I loved this article about York, Me. I’d love to see an article done about Weirs Beach, NH….they have it all including the Mt. Washington, Lake Winnipesaukee, Weirs Beach & all the arcades & Fun Spot!….sorry, I’ve been in Maine for 39, but Laconia & the surrounding areas will always be my home.
I love this article. I can’t believe there is an Arcade with Skeeball. That brings back such great memories for me as a child and teenager. I loved it. I was good at it too. That would be one of my first stops.
i remember vikings ice cream shop in Ogunquit an flags camp grounds and surfing from sun up to sun down only stopping to eat two banner splits at surf side
Anna Marie, July 7, 2022
I was introduced to York Beach, Maine by my late husband David. He started going there at a young age, with his parents and older brother Tom. They had gone every year though out their childhood. Just before David and I married , we went with his relatives to vacation. In 1966, we married the following year 1967 and went every year till our daughter Debbie turned 16. We stayed at Decatur’s Cottages , until they sold them. Then we stayed at 2 of their homes a street away. They were the best vacations. We would eat at Spillar’s at Short Sands beach and the Golenrod . Took home candy kisses from Goldenrod every time. Boxes for all our family and friends. They were and still are the best. Now my daughter Debbie and I go each year to continue the our times at York Beach. We only missed the Covid years. A tradition my husband started. When Debbie didn’t go, David and I went to enjoy our times in Maine. We always travel to other sites along the coast , the furthest Booth Bay. We do that on days that aren’t beach days. We always find new memories each year. We come from up state New York . It’s a tradition we hope to keep for more years to come It’s our Happy place. (I’m 78).
Yes, you missed Newick’s Lobster House in Dover, not far from Kittery and York. I have many happy childhood memories of going there, eating off red-checkered tablecloths, seeing the day’s catch being offloaded from the boat we just saw come in from the ocean. Our plates were always piled high with food, no matter what we ordered. Fantastic!
I have been going to York beach Maine for vacation since i was baby. It is a great place, very family friendly and there is a lot to do there. Can’t wait to go back up next Summer
Basically exactly everything we do each summer in York Beach on our way to camping! Did you follow us?! We like to park at a local church a street behind Guac to support the local folks and because of the shade! For a longer stop visit the Old York historical Society in York itself including the “Old Gaol”!!
my parents have had a house on long sands since ’95, so I’ve gotten to check out plenty of the area. If you are visiting with smaller children, there is a great play ground next to the parking lot at short sands.
The one part of town I would say you missed entirely, York Harbor. Don’t miss the great views of the York Harbor and River from the path along the northern side of the river, best place to park is near the Rt 103 bridge over the York River, the runs along a causeway from the parking area heading upstream, and along the Harbor edge past classic new england Mansions. The Harbor walk ends on the grass of the Stage Neck. There is a very interesting man made tide pool there (built for swimming many years ago, now off limits to swimming) and the Stage Neck Inn. We ate there many years ago and I remember an ocean view from the dining room windows. Stage Neck beach has a path running from the parking area (parking for locals only) that once was a great path running along the clifs that border the ocean, but property owners have blocked most it off and it falls far short of the Marginal way in Ogunquit.
As you mentioned, the Wild animal Kingdom is worth a day in itself. Young Kids may find the Zoo and amusement park too much for one day, but teens and adults can make a long day of it. We normally did the Zoo for the day, ate dinner, then went back to ride the rides into the night. The bumper cars there are the best and fastest I know of!
If you are staying nearby during the summer, be sure to look up the free concerts at the Soheir park bandstand located in front of short sands beach.
For an interesting view of the area, be sure to take a drive up to the top of Mt Agamenticus, 700 feet above the seacoast and just a few miles inland. On a clear day you can see most of Southern Maine, the White mountains, and Cape Ann in Massachusetts. There are also plenty of hiking trails running from the top of the mountain. (My sister had her wedding reception in the lodge at the top of the mountain)
If you are into biking, skating, running, or walking, early mornings on Long sands are the best, with very few cars in the parking lane and a huge beach at low tide. There are at least three good spots to catch breakfast and the sunrise, starting at the southern end with the Lobster cove Restaurant, the sun and surf, and another that slips my mind (on the edge, or something like that) just next to the Nevada Motel.
Love York. I’ve been going up there since I was a kid. Love all the shops and beaches and farmer market. Zach corn is so delicious. Each time I go up there always something different. Always have to go to the lighthouse. Someday I’m going to live up there. Walk on the beach everyday, collect shells,put my feet in the water. Lots of fresh air. So Beautiful up there.
Hi Josh! Thanks so much for all of the great suggestions. How lucky you are to spend so much time in beautiful York! I actually did visit the beautiful Mount Agamenticus on my visit, but decided to focus the post on York Beach and the Nubble area since that’s where the majority of my photos were from. I hope we can highlight the mountain and other parts of York (like the harbor) in a future Explore New England edition. Thanks for commenting!
If you are a dog owner/lover and an early riser, it is fun to go to Long Sands for the off leash exercise time for dogs. Starts a sunrise- which is mighty early at midsummer – and ends at 8am. Lots of dogs joyously running, swimming and chasing tennis balls. Our dogs enjoy it and start whining in anticipation any time we drive near the beach.
I married into a New England family the vacations in York- I look forward to a relaxing and calorie filled visit each summer.
My husband has been going to York since he was a small child. We spent part of our honeymoon there 42 years ago. We spent our vacations there with our three children and sometimes the extend family came along with us. Now our children and their children are vacationing at York.. We love Long Sands Beach, The Nubble Lighthouse, Fox’s Restaurant, Mrs. Brown’s ice cream, the shops and the Zoo!
There is always something to do at York.
I have been going to York several times a year for about 20 years, my favorite place!! I was married at Sohier Park 3 years ago with the backdrop of the Ocean and the Nubble, nothing could have been more beautiful or more perfect!! I would have said you mentioned all of the wonderful places in York until I finally tried a restaurant in York that I had walked past for years, even parked at, but never experienced until recently. Mimmo’s is located right across the street from Long Sands Beach near the Anchorage Inn and is one of the most amazing Italian restaurants I have ever tried. I never eat anything besides seafood while at the beach until I finally tried Mimmo’s and I will never skip it again!!
I been going to York Beach during my trips to Maine since I was very young. I still stop there when I am up in Maine to have my Salt Water Taffy Fix.
…a refreshing trip back in time, thank you for this great article, it is very much appreciated!
Spent my honey,
Spent my honeymoon there in May of 1960. Will always be special to me.
That was a great article. My family went to York Beach since the early 60’s. It was always a thrill for a kid to walk downtown after supper with a few quarters in his pockets. The arcade was my favorite. Probably skee-ball caught my attention. And the stuff you could get with all those tickets!! I still remember the brouhaha when they painted the little red building on the Nubble white. Not sure how long it was white. Next time I saw it, it had returned to normal. Again thanks for the trip down memory lane,
First time I was at York I was 3 months old. Now I am 80 and it still is my most favorite place to be. As a teenager, I was friends with the lighthouse keeper’s daughter. We were the same age. That was the most wonderful thing.
One place in the U.S that I love is York Beach. In 1930s, each year my family spent my dads week’s vacation tent camping at Libby’s campground. My favorite days were when we went to Nubble Light, the Goldenrod, and candlepin bowling!! I have such fond memories also of playing in the freezing waves at the long sands beach. I am now 89 years old.
I’ve been going to York since I was a kid – 60+ years. We started in a tent at Libbey’s, then a trailer at Eatons, then a cottage at Crowe’s cottages. Love that the beaches are clean (with the exception of seaweed – which is to be expected at times), water is cold and refreshing. I still love to ride the waves – makes me feel like a kid again. York holds a lifetime of memories – love it there.
I remember it so well. Went there from the time I was a baby. Stayed in cottages across the street from Long Beach (don’t remember the name of them). Our biggest thrill was going to watch the kisses being made and the bowlarama. Of course I will neve forget the zoo. I have photo’s of me riding the kiddie boat ride. I’m 71 years old and it seems like yesterday. And the many photo’s of the Nuble Lighthouse! I use them for my ipad lock screen photo’s. My mother used to have a fit as my brothers and I used to climb on all the rocks across from Nuble. There were no buildings at the parking lot back then. Thanks for the memories!
My grandparents owned a cottage at Short Sands right next to the Katahdin. My family would go up every summer. My brother and I would go to the Funarama,at the end of summer, we would cash in our tickets for a prize. My mom worked at the Goldenrod when she was in college.When I was about 8 yrs.,old, my father was transferred to the Kittery Navy Yard for a year. My parents had to rent a house right around the corner from Nubble Light. That winter we had so much snow, one snow storm we couldn’t open the front door because the snow had drifted up to the door.At that time there was a family living at the lighthouse. The boy came over in a bucket that was attached to a cable that was strung to the lighthouse. In the summer on the beach people would have bonfires. At the pavilion on the the short boardwalk, they would have concerts. I remember going on the beach and collecting sand dollars.
I loved the article and all the comments! So glad that York Beach has such fond memories for so many others like myself! Five generations of my family have been going to York Beach since the 30’s. My dads’s great Aunt used to camp at Libby’s in a tent. My mom and dad took my brother and me to York Beach every summer. The Goldenrod was my dad’s favorite (and mine too). He has taken his grandchildren there and then his great-grandchild (from Florida, age 4 then) visited in July 2015. She loved playing skee ball and it was great they have smaller size lanes for little ones. My dad passed away 14 years ago but I still take me mom several times during the summer. She is now 98 and we will be making our first trip of the 2019 season .Nubble Light is a very close second to the Goldenrod as my favorite. Thanks again for the great article.
I went every summer of my childhood to York Beach. We camped in a tent trailer at Flagg’s. I have such wonderful family memories of this place. I live in the midwest now, would love to go back. I can almost smell the ocean!
I loved this article about York, Me. I’d love to see an article done about Weirs Beach, NH….they have it all including the Mt. Washington, Lake Winnipesaukee, Weirs Beach & all the arcades & Fun Spot!….sorry, I’ve been in Maine for 39, but Laconia & the surrounding areas will always be my home.
I love this article. I can’t believe there is an Arcade with Skeeball. That brings back such great memories for me as a child and teenager. I loved it. I was good at it too. That would be one of my first stops.
i remember vikings ice cream shop in Ogunquit an flags camp grounds and surfing from sun up to sun down only stopping to eat two banner splits at surf side
Anna Marie, July 7, 2022
I was introduced to York Beach, Maine by my late husband David. He started going there at a young age, with his parents and older brother Tom. They had gone every year though out their childhood. Just before David and I married , we went with his relatives to vacation. In 1966, we married the following year 1967 and went every year till our daughter Debbie turned 16. We stayed at Decatur’s Cottages , until they sold them. Then we stayed at 2 of their homes a street away. They were the best vacations. We would eat at Spillar’s at Short Sands beach and the Golenrod . Took home candy kisses from Goldenrod every time. Boxes for all our family and friends. They were and still are the best. Now my daughter Debbie and I go each year to continue the our times at York Beach. We only missed the Covid years. A tradition my husband started. When Debbie didn’t go, David and I went to enjoy our times in Maine. We always travel to other sites along the coast , the furthest Booth Bay. We do that on days that aren’t beach days. We always find new memories each year. We come from up state New York . It’s a tradition we hope to keep for more years to come It’s our Happy place. (I’m 78).