What to do and see in York, Maine (ME): The Best Free Things to do

September 7, 2021 Alida England

From quaint town shops and quiet beaches, to honky tonk arcades and carousels, the York area is guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Old York, run by the local historical society, contains nine different restored buildings, including "The Old Gaol," the oldest jail in America. The beautiful coastline provides cliff walks with views of an authentic Maine lighthouse. Head to nearby York Beach and visit York's Wild Kingdom, an amusement park and zoo that is home to Rewa, a White Bengal tiger.
Restaurants in York

140 Lindsay Rd, York, ME 03909-1038 +1 207-351-1083 http://www.georgemarshallstoregallery.com/
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

George Marshall Store Gallery

The George Marshall Store Gallery, well known for its exhibitions of contemporary art, is located in beautiful York, Maine. Beyond its idyllic setting in an historic building on the York River, the Gallery has become a destination in itself. During the past twenty-one years, its high quality and compelling exhibitions have featured some of the regions finest established, as well as, rising artists. With its varied exhibition program of one-person exhibitions, group exhibitions, installations, and educational programs, the gallery appeals to a wide range of visitors. Also available by appointment,

2. Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse

Sohier Park York Beach, Maine, York, ME 03909 +1 207-363-1040 http://lighthouse.cc/capeneddick/
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,661 reviews

Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse

Considered to be the "most photographed" lighthouse, this 41-foot conical tower sits on the summit of Cape Neddick Bubble, a small offshore rocky islet, looking proudly over the Atlantic.

Reviewed By 581colleenc - Troy, United States

Nubble is one of Maine most famous lighthouses and for good reason. 1) Its one of the first places you come across as you drive into Maine. 2) Free and abundant parking 3) Cute visitors center/ gift shop 4) Amazing views on the left and right sides of the lighthouse 5) Huge rocks to carefully walk on 6) Great resturant (fox's) and ice cream shop (Dunne's) right next door! A Must!

3. Knight's Quilt Shop

1901 US Route 1, Cape Neddick, York, ME 03902-7432 +1 207-361-2500 [email protected] http://mainequiltshop.com
Excellent
88%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17 reviews

Knight's Quilt Shop

4. Hartley Mason Reserve

Cliff Walk, York, ME 03909 http://www.yorkparksandrec.org/attractions/parks-playgrounds-and-places
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

Hartley Mason Reserve

Reviewed By jpinet - Merrimack, United States

We found this on a day we could not find parking in the crowded Marginal Way Cliff walk area further north. Had never heard of it. What a beautiful, peaceful park overlooking York Harbor with paths leading to the beach on one side and the Cliff Walk on the other. We were lucky and found a free parking space in front of the park. There was a wedding going on in one area but plenty of room for visitors to respect their space and stroll along the paths. Plan on a return visit as we did not complete the Cliff trail and still want to explore the lower trails near the beach. Highly recommend as a place to get away from the crowds and still enjoy the beauty of the Maine coast.

5. The Shops at Cape Neddick

1300 U.S.Rte. 1 Between York & Ogunquit in Southern Maine., Cape Neddick, York, ME 03902-7452 +1 207-363-2500 [email protected]
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

The Shops at Cape Neddick

A contemporary mall set in a beautifully inviting barn. You will be delighted with the many small shops offering an outstanding array of antique, vintage, new and unique items. Many one of a kind creations. Custom made furniture, lampshades and home decor designs. Local artisan crafts,jewelry, pottery, gifts and cards. Miss Mustardseed & Annie Sloan CHALK PAINT®. Monthly Workshop & Art Classes.

Reviewed By NHjo - Saco, United States

I've driven by this place dozens of times and finally stopped in out of curiosity. I was impressed by the well-organized, intriguing shops with goods that ranged from upscale clothing to jewelry, art to antiques, bath and beauty products, garden products, lamps, bric-a-brac, gifts, consignment items, and on and on. Things are very reasonably priced, considering that it's all good quality. The personnel here are friendly and very helpful. It's a great place to shop or browse!

6. Wiggly Bridge Distillery

441 US Route 1, York, ME 03909-1638 +1 207-363-9322 [email protected] http://www.WigglyBridgeDistillery.com
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

Wiggly Bridge Distillery

It all started during a family dinner with a joking statement of “lets make our own whisky.” With a shared love for good whisky and fascination to see how things are made, this father and son team decided to explore the idea. David and David Woods researched and studied (and some say obsessed) over how to build a still and process alcohol. Now, winning awards, the Woods family understand that they have created something very special.

Reviewed By patricktZ9996VS

Wiggly Bridge Review We happened to pass by Wiggly Bridge and we decided to make a stop there and check it out. First I tried the white whisky and while I am not a fan of white spirits, I found it to be a very nice surprise, hints of vanilla and very smooth. The small batch bourbon was very smooth and wasn’t overly hot. The two standouts for me were the bottled in bond bourbon and the small batch rum. The extra aging of the bottled in bond bourbon really showed, even smoother with good oak, toast and caramel flavors. It was incredibly drinkable. The small batch rum was perfect for sipping, hint of sweetness without the syrupy feeling that I get with some of the darker rums. I purchased two bottles of the bottled in bond bourbon and one of the small batch rum. My wife had a cocktail called a Pain Killer which she really enjoyed as well. The distillery barn has excellent ambiance and the COVID protections are unobtrusive but there. The owner an staff were very friendly and we had a great conversation while there. We will definitely come back every time we are in ogunquit.

7. Mount Agamenticus

21 Mount Agamenticus Road, York, ME 03907-3622 +1 207-361-1102 http://www.agamenticus.org
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 306 reviews

Mount Agamenticus

Excellent trails for mountain biking and hiking.

Reviewed By omarg129 - Phoenix, United States

A must do for everyone, beautiful scenery, easy access, hiking trails very well delineated, beautiful viewers. The best time to go during sunset, is magical, for photographers and enthusiastic a great opportunity to capture nature. Amazing place to commute with nature.

8. Stonewall Kitchen

Stonewall Lane, York, ME 03909 +1 207-351-2712 http://www.stonewallkitchen.com/
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 343 reviews

Stonewall Kitchen

You can smell the wafting of the sweet preserves from the parking lot or maybe it's ginger for one of the sauces. This is home for Stonewall Kitchen. Located just off 1-95 on Coastal Route 1-A in York, Maine are the: Home Offices, Production Facility, Company Store & Cafe and Cooking School. The welcoming environment of our Company Store is exemplified in the friendly staff ready to greet you, offer you samples of any of our specialty food items or assist you in picking out the ideal gift. The store features our entire line of specialty foods plus useful kitchen gadgets, cookware, tableware and home decor. Our demonstration kitchen is often cooking up something delicious to taste and is on-hand to share recipes and food for thought with you.

Reviewed By GarretN - Danbury, United States

1. Have ordered from Stonewall Kitchen on line for years, mentioned to a friend that we were headed to Kennebunkport for a long weekend and he told me about SK in York ME. So much fun choosing all kinds of things and taste testing as well. Lots of great Fall (and Christmas) goodies. One heavy bag and done! 2. The campus is beautiful, the landscaping is extraordinary. What a joy it was just to look around. Inside and out. 3. LUNCH....at the SK Café. Lobster BLT on Brioche. Holy Lobster Batman....it was delicious. The café is a bit chaotic and very busy, but we did not wait long and it was worth every minute. Served with chips and a very crunchy tasty dill pickle...it started out food weekend off on the right foot. 4. Checked out the cooking class kitchen and production area - all very interesting. Worth the stop x10!

9. Long Sands Beach

189 Long Beach Ave, York Beach, York, ME http://www.yorkparksandrec.org/attractions/beaches
Excellent
66%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 658 reviews

Long Sands Beach

Reviewed By 9350traveler9350

I've been renting a house with family here for about 5 years and have grown to love it. My wife grew up coming here and dragged me along initially. Now I don't need to be dragged any more. This beach has it all, in terms of a huge wide stretch of sand and medium waves. Food options dot the strip across street from several small market/deli's to ice cream stands and fried seafood, and even a couple of sit down restaurants. The markets have beach toys and supplies, and there is a surf rental shop with lessons. The water is usually warm in July and August but can change on weather. There is a brand newly rebuilt bath house with clean bathrooms and some picnic tables coming. Parking is tight on street unless you're early, it is $2 per hour using CC machines. Across street some of the places charge $20 for the day. Be aware of the high tide, which fills almost the entire sand area on the beach except near the bath house area (mid beach). When low tide there is a massive beach to setup on. Canopies are allowed and usually setup along very back near seaweall. Advise strongly to look at a tide chart when planning trip. Also small children should be watched careful on sidewalk near seawall as there is non fence.

10. Short Sands Beach

York Beach, York, ME https://visitmaine.com/things-to-do/parks-and-natural-attractions/short-sands-beach
Excellent
58%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
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Terrible
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4.5 based on 482 reviews

Short Sands Beach

A family-oriented beach that includes a playground.

Reviewed By tiffaniars20

We love this small beach! Go early to get a spot since high tide makes it tight. Ample parking, walking distance to village treats, and clean public restrooms. When COVID was not an issue they also have a great playground.

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