York Beach, Maine Attractions

York's Wild Kingdom just might be York Beach's most famous attraction. More than 200,000 people visit the park each year. You can expect bear exhibits, an aviary, monkeys, go-karts, batting cages, a 90-foot slide, petting zoo, elephant shows, a merry-go-round, arcade games, a Ferris Wheel, elephant rides, bumper cars and dozens of other exotic animals.The park is divided into two sections--the amusement park and the zoo. You can purchase a combo ticket or individual entry tickets for each section. The park is open seasonally--York Beach's tourism season begins around May and runs to about October. During the peak of the season, late June to late August, the amusement park and zoo operate at maximum efficiency. During May, September and parts of June, the zoo has reduced hours and the amusement park may be closed completely.

York's Wild Kingdom
23 Railroad Ave.
York Beach, ME 03910
(207) 363-4911
yorkzoo.com

The town of York Beach includes two beaches: Short Sand Beach and Long Sands Beach. Despite the town's name, no beach possesses the name York Beach. Long Sands Beach encompasses a fairly long stretch. Metered parking, restrooms and seasonal lifeguards are available. This beach has an area for surfing. Short Sands Beach is smaller than Long Sands Beach--hence the name. Visitors have access to restrooms, showers and a changing area as well as the local shops set up around the perimeter of the beach. Parking is limited and metered. Lifeguards are also seasonal.

The Nubble Lighthouse, a historical landmark, began signaling to mariners in 1879. As early as 1930, the lighthouse drew visitors, with more than 1,000 recorded that year. The Nubble Lighthouse is a major attraction because of its significance, history and picturesque view. According to Lighthouse website, "The Nubble Light has probably appeared on more postcards, calendars, and other souvenirs than any other New England lighthouse with the possible exception of Portland Head Light." A postcard of the lighthouse was among other symbols of society that went into space with Voyager II. The Nubble Lighthouse historically, flashed a red light. Despite the 1987 automation of the lighthouse, the active lighthouse still flashes red every three seconds. In poor visibility, the fog signal shrieks every 10 seconds. Going into the actual lighthouse or on its grounds is not permitted---it was built over a century ago. Visitors get the best view from Sohier Park in York Beach. The distance between the two is just 200 yards.

Friends of Nubble Light
186 York St.
York, ME 03909
lighthouse.cc/capeneddick/