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Short Sands Beach, York Beach, Maine: A Perfect Summer Companion

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Short Sands Beach Maine
Short Sands Beach, York Beach Maine (photo by Eric)


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New England has so many great beaches, but my favorite is Short Sands Beach in York Beach, Maine. Framed by rocky coast, magnificent old oceanfront homes, arcades, and a lively, small downtown, Short Sands Beach best captures the essence of summer in New England for us with its classic Maine sights, sounds and that wonderful and refreshing salt air smell. Although Short Sands Beach can get busy in the summer, there’s always a relaxing, intimate feeling as the beach is only about of fourth of a mile long and more visitors opt for nearby Long Sands Beach. The Short Sands Beach area also features a nice paved walkway, lifeguards, a gazebo where concerts are held, grass fields and a playground. The water is chilly, but many visitors get used to the brisk feel after repeated visits!

The only cost to you for visiting this beautiful beach is just filling the parking meter — a dollar an hour — or local private lots that offer parking for as low as $5!

Here are some photos of Short Sands Beach that I hope inspire you to visit this summer:

Late afternoon at Short Sands Beach, York Beach, Maine.
Late afternoon at the beach.
Oceanside at the Union Bluff Hotel, York Beach, Maine.
Oceanside at the Union Bluff Hotel.
Water splashing on the rocks at Short Sands Beach, York Beach, Maine.
Water splashing on the rocks.
Another look at the rocky coast and ocean at Short Sands Beach, York Beach, Maine.
Another look at the rocky coast and ocean.
Photo of Short Sands Beach, York Beach, Maine
A sunny, summer day. 
Early evening at Short Sands Beach, York Beach, Maine
Early evening. 
Short Sands Beach arcades and fried food in York Beach ME
Seaside arcades, bowling and fried food  — what else could anyone ask for in the summer? 
Photo of morning at Short Sands Beach
Morning brings instant refreshment and inspiration.
Photo of rocky coast and big homes at Short Sands Beach
Rocky coast and spectacular homes. 
Photo of sandy beach and arcades at Short Sands Beach
Relaxing in the sand and having fun at the arcades.
Nice spot for lunch and shade at Short Sands Beach (photo by Eric)
Nice spot for lunch and shade.

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Short Sands Beach in York Beach, Maine is one of New England's best family-friendly beaches.

Related articles and resources:
Salt water taffy and more at The Goldenrod, York Beach, Maine
Having a picnic by Nubble Lighthouse, Cape Neddick, Maine
Joan’s Beach and Gift, York Beach, Maine
York Maine overview
The best York Beach attractions
Visiting Nubble Lighthouse
Book a room in York, Maine

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