Maine will forever be my happy place. I grew up coming here every summer and the second I step out of the car the salty ocean air mixed with the smell of pine trees and wild blueberries just feels like home. This was the first time we stayed at Anchorage Inn in York, and it could not have been more perfect for a family getaway to end the summer together. If you are looking for the best things to do with kids and a family-friendly place to stay, this trip checked all the boxes. York, Maine is one of the best family vacation spots in New England, offering beaches, hiking, charming restaurants, and fun activities for kids of all ages.
The Anchorage Inn
Anchorage Inn is a family-run hotel that sits directly across from Long Sands Beach. The property is beautifully updated, with modern ocean-view rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, and even a beachside café and restaurant. It feels both classic and fresh, the kind of place where you can spend the day making sandcastles, grab a mudslide by the pool, or visit Nubble Lighthouse. We loved how easy the location made it to explore York’s highlights and even pop down to Ogunquit for the day.
What We Did
Long Sands Beach
The tides in Maine are extreme, which makes the beach feel different depending on when you go. My kids especially loved low tide, when the beach stretched out wide and gave them endless space to run, collect shells, and toss the football.
Nubble Lighthouse (Cape Neddick Light)
No trip to York is complete without visiting the iconic Nubble Lighthouse. It was windy when we went, but the views were stunning and the kids had a blast scrambling around the rocky coastline. We capped off the day with dinner nearby at Fox’s Lobster House, where the lobster rolls were everything you dream about when you picture Maine: simple, buttery, and delicious. Sitting outside at sunset with the lighthouse in view was unforgettable.
Wiggly Bridge & Steedman Woods
For a quick and kid-friendly hike, we explored Wiggly Bridge, a small suspension bridge that leads into a loop trail through the woods. The bridge was short but fun for the kids, and the wooded trail was easy to manage. Tip: Park at Barrel Mill Pond off Lilac Lane. There is a small lot and it is only a short walk to the bridge.
A Day Trip to Ogunquit
Just 15 minutes from York, Ogunquit makes a great full-day adventure. We hiked the Marginal Way, a gorgeous oceanside path with sweeping coastal views, and wandered through Perkins Cove, which is filled with adorable shops and restaurants. We also spent time at Ogunquit Beach, a wide sandy beach with sparkling blue water that is perfect for families.
Food Highlights
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Fox’s Lobster House (York): Classic Maine lobster rolls with a view of Nubble Lighthouse.
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Cove Café (Ogunquit): A bustling breakfast spot where we grabbed muffins and breakfast sandwiches to fuel up before our hike.
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Woody’s Brick Oven Pizza (York): This one surprised us. Being from New York, our expectations for Maine pizza were not high. But Woody’s was incredible, even rivaling Frank Pepe’s that we grabbed on the way home through Connecticut.
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Sun & Surf (York): Located right across the street from the Anchorage Inn on Long Sands Beach, this spot was perfect for an easy, casual meal by the ocean. The menu had something for everyone, and you can’t beat the views of the water while you eat.
- The Goldenrod (York Beach): Homemade candies and sweet treats.
York has a way of feeling both nostalgic and exciting, with its mix of rocky coastline, sandy beaches, great food, and plenty of family-friendly things to do. Staying at the Anchorage Inn made our trip easy and enjoyable, with everything right across the street or just a short drive away. From playing on the beach at Long Sands to exploring the lighthouse and taking a day trip to Ogunquit, our time in York was the kind of simple family vacation to perfectly end the summer. I can’t wait to go back! The Maine fall foliage is calling my name…
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