Introduction
Nestled along the picturesque coastline of York, Maine, Short Sands Beach stands as a seaside gem beckoning both locals and tourists alike. This coastal haven boasts a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, captivating visitors with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters.
Its intimate size, hugged by charming shops and eateries, fosters a welcoming ambiance, making it a favored destination for families and adventurers seeking a relaxed day by the sea. From sun-soaked afternoons to sunset strolls, Short Sands Beach Maine encapsulates the quintessential New England coastal experience, enticing all who wander its shores with its serebne allure.
A Brief History Of Short Sands Beach
Originally known for its use by Native American tribes, Short Sands Beach gained popularity during the late 19th century as a summer destination. It evolved from a local fishing spot to a cherished seaside retreat. The development of railways in the area facilitated accessibility, drawing more visitors seeking the beach’s scenic beauty and calm waters.
Over time, it became a staple in York’s tourism, attracting families, surfers, and sun-seekers, preserving its reputation as a beloved coastal gem.
Attractive Places In Short Sands Beach
Short Sands Beach, Maine boasts captivating locales like the iconic Nubble Lighthouse, bustling downtown York with its quaint shops, and the charming Ellis Park. Visitors also relish the scenic views from Sohier Park, while York’s Wild Kingdom provides family-friendly entertainment. Nearby, the Goldenrod offers a taste of old-fashioned charm with its candy-making demonstrations.
Attractions On Short Sands Beach
- Nubble Lighthouse
- Downtown York
- Ellis Park
- Sohier Park
- York’s Wild Kingdom
- The Goldenrod
- York Beach
- Long Sands Beach
- Mount Agamenticus
- Wiggly Bridge
- Museums of Old York
- York Harbor Beach
- Cape Neddick Country Club
- York Art Association
- York Farmers Market
Things To Do On Short Sands Beach
At Short Sands Beach, Maine, visitors indulge in beachcombing, sunbathing, and picnicking amidst breathtaking coastal views. Adventurers relish activities like surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Families frequent nearby attractions such as the amusement park at York’s Wild Kingdom or simply enjoy building sandcastles along the shore.
Things You Can Do In A Specific Short Sands Beach
- Beachcombing
- Sunbathing
- Picnicking
- Surfing
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Amusement park at York’s Wild Kingdom
- Sandcastle building
- Fishing
- Beach volleyball
- Walking trails
- Shopping in downtown York
- Exploring Nubble Lighthouse
- Golfing at Cape Neddick Country Club
- Wildlife watching
Incredible Facilities Of Short Sands Beach
Short Sands Beach offers amenities like clean restrooms, convenient parking, and beach equipment rentals for visitors’ comfort. Additionally, the nearby eateries and cafes ensure an array of dining options, while the beach’s lifeguards prioritize safety for all beachgoers.
Incredible Facilities Options In Short Sands Beach
- Clean restrooms
- Convenient parking
- Beach equipment rentals
- Lifeguard services
- Dining options nearby
- Beach showers
- Public seating areas
- Picnic tables
- Beachside shops
- Outdoor showers
- Umbrella rentals
- Beach wheelchair access
- Dog-friendly areas
- First aid stations
- Water sports equipment rentals
Nightlife Options On Short Sands Beach
While the nightlife at Short Sands Beach Maine is quieter, visitors can enjoy cozy evenings at seaside restaurants and bars offering scenic views. Evening strolls along the beach or attending local events and live music performances in nearby venues provide relaxing nighttime entertainment.
Types Of Nightlife Options On Short Sands Beach
- Seaside restaurants
- Beachside bars
- Evening strolls
- Beach bonfires (where permitted)
- Local events
- Live music performances
- Beachfront dining
- Pub crawls (in nearby areas)
- Sunset viewing spots
- Outdoor movie nights
- Beachside cafes
- Rooftop bars (in nearby towns)
- Lounge bars
- Karaoke nights
- Jazz nights
Availability Of Tour Guide For Short Sands Beach
Visitors to Short Sands Beach Maine can opt for guided tours offered by local agencies or the York Chamber of Commerce, providing insights into the area’s history, attractions, and recreational opportunities. Private tour guides or self-guided tour maps are also available for those seeking a more personalized experience.
Options For Availing Tour Guides For Short Sands Beach
- Local tour agencies
- York Chamber of Commerce tours
- Private tour guides
- Group excursions
- Audio-guided tours
- Historical society tours
- Customized private tours
- Beachfront walking tours
- Cultural heritage tours
- Nature discovery tours
- Lighthouse tours
- Kayak tours
- Bike tours
- Scavenger hunt tours
- Haunted history tours
Backpack Tips & Tricks For Short Sands Beach
When visiting Short Sands Beach, packing essentials like sunscreen, water, a beach towel, and a hat is crucial. Carrying snacks, a camera for capturing stunning views, and a reusable water bottle ensures a comfortable and enjoyable beach outing. Don’t forget comfortable footwear for exploring nearby attractions!
Backpacking Tips And Tricks For Visiting Short Sands Beach
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Beach towel
- Hat or cap
- Snacks
- Camera or smartphone
- Sunglasses
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Beach toys (if with kids)
- Portable charger
- Beach umbrella
- Lightweight backpack
- Insect repellent
- Beach games
- Foldable beach chair
Useful Products For Short Sands Beach
Essential products for Short Sands Beach Maine include sunscreen for UV protection, a waterproof phone case, beach towels, portable shade like umbrellas or tents, insulated water bottles, beach chairs, a cooler for beverages, a beach bag, flip-flops, sunglasses, a hat, a portable speaker for music, a frisbee, a beach volleyball, and a first aid kit.
Useful Products That Are Considered Essential For Short Sands Beach
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof phone case
- Beach towels
- Portable shade (umbrella/tent)
- Insulated water bottles
- Beach chairs
- Cooler for beverages
- Beach bag
- Flip-flops
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Portable speaker
- Frisbee
- Beach volleyball
- First aid kit
Availability Of Food On Short Sands Beach
Short Sands Beach offers a diverse culinary experience with beachfront eateries serving fresh seafood, beachside snacks, and ice cream for a quick treat. Visitors can relish seafood delicacies, burgers, fries, sandwiches, and refreshing beverages while enjoying the scenic views of the beach.
Food Options That You Can Avail In Short Sands Beach
- Fresh seafood
- Beachside snacks
- Ice cream
- Seafood delicacies
- Burgers
- Fries
- Sandwiches
- Salads
- Pizza
- Smoothies
- Fish tacos
- Grilled sandwiches
- Hot dogs
- Lemonade
- Soft drinks
Weather Details On Short Sands Beach
Short Sands Beach experiences diverse weather conditions throughout the year. Summers are warm and pleasant, ideal for beach activities with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Winters tend to be cold and snowy, averaging around 20°F to 30°F (-6°C to -1°C), making it suitable for winter sports enthusiasts.
Expected Short Sands Beach Weather Details For Overall Months
| Month | Average Temperature | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20°F (-6°C) | Snowfall: Common |
| February | 25°F (-4°C) | Snowfall: Common |
| March | 35°F (2°C) | Snowfall: Occasional |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | Rainfall: Increasing, occasional snow |
| May | 55°F (13°C) | Rainfall: Increasing, occasional showers |
| June | 65°F (18°C) | Rainfall: Moderate, occasional showers |
| July | 70°F (21°C) | Rainfall: Moderate |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | Rainfall: Moderate |
| September | 65°F (18°C) | Rainfall: Decreasing, occasional showers |
| October | 55°F (13°C) | Rainfall: Decreasing, occasional showers |
| November | 45°F (7°C) | Rainfall: Increasing, occasional snow |
| December | 30°F (-1°C) | Snowfall: Common |
Plant Species Of Short Sands Beach
Short Sands Beach is adorned with a variety of coastal plant life. Among the species found are beach grasses like American beachgrass and seaside goldenrod. You’ll also encounter beach pea, beach rose, bayberry, beach plum, beach pea, dune grass, wildflowers like asters, beach pea, and beach morning glory.
Plant Species At Short Sands Beach
- American beachgrass
- Seaside goldenrod
- Beach pea
- Beach rose
- Bayberry
- Beach plum
- Dune grass
- Asters
- Beach morning glory
- Beach heather
- Sea rocket
- Beach knotweed
- Beach grasses
- Beach peas
- Beach vetch
Animal Species Of Short Sands Beach
Short Sands Beach Maine hosts various mammal species including the occasional sighting of red foxes, white-tailed deer, and raccoons. Visitors may also encounter small mammals like Eastern chipmunks, gray squirrels, and cottontail rabbits amidst the coastal habitat.
Animals At Short Sands Beach
- Red foxes
- White-tailed deer
- Raccoons
- Eastern chipmunks
- Gray squirrels
- Cottontail rabbits
- Gray foxes
- Mink
- Muskrats
- Skunks
- Porcupines
- Bobcats
- Weasels
- Opossums
- Woodchucks
Bird Species Of Short Sands Beach
Short Sands Beach welcomes an array of bird species. Visitors can spot seagulls, piping plovers, and common terns along the shoreline. Additionally, sightings may include sandpipers, cormorants, herons, and ospreys soaring above the coastal landscape.
Birds Species In Short Sands Beach
- Seagulls
- Piping plovers
- Common terns
- Sandpipers
- Cormorants
- Herons
- Ospreys
- Egrets
- Black-bellied plovers
- Sanderlings
- Willets
- American oystercatchers
- Laughing gulls
- Least terns
- Northern gannets
Nearby Attractive Places Of Short Sands Beach
Near Short Sands Beach Maine, attractions like the iconic Nubble Lighthouse, Long Sands Beach, York’s Wild Kingdom, and Mount Agamenticus offer diverse experiences. Visitors can explore the picturesque Sohier Park, historic Museums of Old York, and the charming downtown area with its shops and cafes.
Attractive Places Near Short Sands Beach
- Nubble Lighthouse
- Long Sands Beach
- York’s Wild Kingdom
- Mount Agamenticus
- Sohier Park
- Museums of Old York
- Downtown York
- Goldenrod
- York Beach
- York Harbor Beach
- Cape Neddick Country Club
- York Art Association
- Wiggly Bridge
- York Farmers Market
- York River Wildlife Refuge
Nearby Clubs Of Short Sands Beach
Near Short Sands Beach, there are vibrant clubs and venues for varied tastes. Options include the lively Union Bluff Meeting House, the classy Cape Neddick Country Club, and the fun-filled lounges in downtown York, offering entertainment and socializing opportunities for visitors seeking vibrant nightlife.
Clubs That Are Considered Near Short Sands Beach
- Union Bluff Meeting House
- Cape Neddick Country Club
- Downtown York lounges
- York Harbor Inn
- The Front Porch Piano Bar
- The Ship’s Cellar Pub
- York Beach Club
- Wiggly Bridge Distillery
- The Purple Urchin Restaurant & Bar
- The Roost
- The Stage Neck Inn
- Inn on the Blues
- Maine Craft Distilling
- FogDucker’s
- The York River Landing
Nearby Spa Of Short Sands Beach
Visitors seeking relaxation near Short Sands Beach can indulge in nearby spas like The Cliff House Resort and Spa, the luxurious York Harbor Inn’s spa facilities, or rejuvenate at the Breakwater Inn and Spa, offering serene treatments amidst picturesque coastal landscapes.
Spas That Are Considered Near Short Sands Beach
- The Cliff House Resort and Spa
- York Harbor Inn Spa
- Breakwater Inn and Spa
- The Spa at Stage Neck Inn
- Soothe Spa
- Beach Plum Spa
- Portsmouth Spa
- Cottage Breeze Day Spa
- The Rejuvenation Room
- MassageCraft & Acupuncture Clinic
- Ocean Spirit Wellness
- Soulfire Power Yoga
- Elements Massage
- Inner Truth Massage
- Caring Hands Massage & Spa
Nearby Bank Of Short Sands Beach
For banking needs near Short Sands Beach Maine, options include banks like TD Bank, Kennebunk Savings Bank, People’s United Bank, Bank of America, and KeyBank, providing convenient financial services to locals and visitors in the York area.
Bank That Are Considered Near Short Sands Beach
- TD Bank
- Kennebunk Savings Bank
- People’s United Bank
- Bank of America
- KeyBank
Nearby Supermarket Of Short Sands Beach
Residents and visitors around Short Sands Beach can access supermarkets such as Hannaford Supermarket, Shaw’s, Trader Joe’s, Walmart Supercenter, Market Basket, Whole Foods Market, and Stop & Shop, offering a range of groceries and essentials for their convenience.
Supermarkets That Are Considered Near Short Sands Beach
- Hannaford Supermarket
- Shaw’s
- Trader Joe’s
- Walmart Supercenter
- Market Basket
- Whole Foods Market
- Stop & Shop
Nearby Shopping Malls Of Short Sands Beach
While Short Sands Beach itself does not host shopping malls, nearby towns like Kittery and Portsmouth offer mall experiences. Kittery Premium Outlets, The Mall at Fox Run in Newington, and Tanger Outlets in Tilton provide a diverse retail experience for visitors seeking shopping opportunities near the beach.
Shopping Malls That Are Considered Near Short Sands Beach
- Kittery Premium Outlets
- The Mall at Fox Run (Newington)
- Tanger Outlets (Tilton)
- Crossings Premium Outlets (Tannersville)
- The Maine Mall (South Portland)
- Pheasant Lane Mall (Nashua)
- Bangor Mall
Nearby Markets Of Short Sands Beach
Near Short Sands Beach, markets like Beach Brook Farm Market, Maine-ly Drizzle, and Stonewall Kitchen offer locally sourced produce, specialty foods, and artisanal products. Visitors can also explore Sun & Surf Market, York Corner Mart, and Hannaford Supermarket for grocery essentials and convenience.
Markets That Are Considered Near Short Sands Beach
- Beach Brook Farm Market
- Maine-ly Drizzle
- Stonewall Kitchen
- Sun & Surf Market
- York Corner Mart
- Hannaford Supermarket
- Village Food Market
Nearby Guest Houses Of Short Sands Beach
Guests seeking accommodation options near Short Sands Beach Maine can consider charming guest houses like the Inn Between the Beach, the York Harbor Inn, the Inn abt Tanglewood Hall, and the Morning Glory Inn, offering cozy stays and personalized hospitality amidst the coastal beauty.
Guest Houses That Are Considered Near Short Sands Beach
- Inn Between the Beach
- York Harbor Inn
- Inn at Tanglewood Hall
- Morning Glory Inn
- The Lighthouse Inn & Carriage House
- Atlantic House Inn
- Dockside Guest Quarters & Restaurant
- Harbor Crest Inn
- ViewPoint Hotel
- Stage Neck Inn
- Cutty Sark Motel
- Sands by the Sea Motel
- Sea Latch Inn
- York Beach Residence Club
- The Lynwood Inn
Nearby Luxurious Hotels Of Short Sands Beach
For luxury stays near Short Sands Beach, hotels like The Cliff House Resort and Spa, Stage Neck Inn, and Dockside Guest Quarters & Restaurant offer upscale accommodations with ocean views. Visitors can also consider the ViewPoint Hotel and the Union Bluff Hotel for luxurious experiences in York.
Luxury Hotels That Are Considered Near Short Sands Beach
- The Cliff House Resort and Spa
- Stage Neck Inn
- Dockside Guest Quarters & Restaurant
- ViewPoint Hotel
- Union Bluff Hotel
- The York Harbor Inn
- Atlantic House Inn
- York Harbor Motel
- The Lighthouse Inn & Carriage House
- Harbor Crest Inn
- Cutty Sark Motel
- Sands by the Sea Motel
- Sea Latch Inn
- York Beach Residence Club
- The Lynwood Inn
Nearby Cheap Hotels Of Short Sands Beach
Affordable lodging options near Short Sands Beach Maine include budget-friendly hotels like Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham, Sea Turn Motel, and Long Beach Motor Inn, offering comfortable stays without compromising on convenience and proximity to the beach attractions.
Cheap Hotels That Are Considered Near Short Sands Beach
- Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham
- Sea Turn Motel
- Long Beach Motor Inn
- Sands by the Sea Motel
- Sea Latch Inn
- Union Bluff Hotel
- Cutty Sark Motel
- Harbor Crest Inn
- York Harbor Motel
- Atlantic House Inn
- The Lynwood Inn
- Dockside Guest Quarters & Restaurant
- ViewPoint Hotel
- York Beach Residence Club
- The Lighthouse Inn & Carriage House
Nearby Luxurious Restaurants Of Short Sands Beach
Indulge in fine dining near Short Sands Beach Maine at upscale eateries like The Dockside Restaurant, Blue Sky on York Beach, and MC Perkins Cove, offering exquisite cuisines and scenic ocean views. Visitors can also savor gourmet meals at The White Barn Inn Restaurant and Bintliff’s Ogunquit for a luxurious dining experience.
Luxury Restaurants That Are Considered Near Short Sands Beach
- The Dockside Restaurant
- Blue Sky on York Beach
- MC Perkins Cove
- The White Barn Inn Restaurant
- Bintliff’s Ogunquit
- Surf Point 360
- Joshua’s Restaurant & Tavern
- Cape Neddick Lobster Pound
- The Velveteen Habit
- That Place in Ogunquit
- The York River Landing
- Roberto’s Italian Restaurant
- The Front Porch Piano Bar
- The Black Birch
- The Gas Light
Nearby Cheap Restaurants Of Short Sands Beach
Affordable dining options near Short Sands Beach include eateries like Lobster Cove, Sun & Surf Restaurant, and The Goldenrod, offering delicious meals without breaking the bank. Visitors can also enjoy budget-friendly dining experiences at Woody’s Brick Oven Pizza and The Village Food Market.
Cheap Restaurants That Are Considered Near Short Sands Beach
- Lobster Cove
- Sun & Surf Restaurant
- The Goldenrod
- Woody’s Brick Oven Pizza
- The Village Food Market
- The Bagel Basket
- The York River Landing
- Cape Neddick Lobster Pound
- York Harbor Inn Dining Room
- The Front Porch Piano Bar
- Wild Willy’s Burgers
- The Ice Cream House
- Wiggly Bridge Distillery
- The Purple Urchin Restaurant & Bar
- Fat Tomato Grill & Pizzeria
Nearby Public Transport For Short Sands Beach
Public transportation options nearShort Sands Beach Maine include the York Trolley, providing convenient access to nearby attractions and towns. Visitors can also utilize taxi services, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, or rental car services for flexible travel arrangements in the York area.
Nearby Public Transportations Options For Short Sands Beach
- York Trolley
- Taxi services
- Uber
- Lyft
- Rental car services
- York Community Shuttle
- Ogunquit Trolley
- Seacoast Trolley
- Coastal Transportation Services
- Portsmouth Harbor Cruises Trolley
- C&J Bus Lines
- Amtrak Downeaster (train)
- Island Explorer Shuttle (during summer)
- Intercity buses
- Private shuttle services
Nearby Airports Of Short Sands Beach
While there are no airports directly adjacent to Short Sands Beach, nearby airports facilitating travel include Portland International Jetport (PWM), Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM), and Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport (SFM).
Airports That Are Considered Near Short Sands Beach
- Portland International Jetport (PWM)
- Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT)
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM)
- Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport (SFM)
Nearby Hospitals Of Short Sands Beach
For medical assistance near Short Sands Beach, visitors can access hospitals like York Hospital, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in nearby Dover, New Hampshire, and Portsmouth Regional Hospital. In addition, Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford and Maine Medical Center in Portland are within reasonable driving distance.
Hospitals That Are Considered Near Short Sands Beach
- York Hospital
- Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (Dover, NH)
- Portsmouth Regional Hospital
- Southern Maine Health Care (Biddeford)
- Maine Medical Center (Portland)
Google Map Location For Short Sands Beach
Short Sands Beach in York, Maine, is located along the southern coast, easily accessible via Route 1A or Ocean Avenue. Situated adjacent to downtown York, the beach offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy amenities like parking areas, restrooms, and eateries nearby. The Nubble Lighthouse and Ellis Park are prominent landmarks in the vicinity. The beach’s coordinates are approximately 43.1657° N latitude and -70.5983° W longitude, ensuring a convenient and picturesque coastal retreat for all beach enthusiasts.
Exact Map Link For Short Sands Beach
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q: Is Short Sands Beach family-friendly?
Ans: Yes, it’s perfect for families with amenities and a calm atmosphere.
Q: Are pets allowed on Short Sands Beach?
Ans: Leashed pets are allowed, following local regulations.
Q: Is parking available near the beach?
Ans: Yes, there are convenient parking facilities nearby.
Q: Can you swim at Short Sands Beach?
Ans: Absolutely; designated areas are safe for swimming.
Q: Are there dining options close to the beach?
Ans: Yes, there are various restaurants and cafes nearby for beachgoers.