York Beach is a quaint seaside town on the rocky coast of Maine, 44 miles from Portland and 70 miles from Boston. York Beach features a carousel and arcades for family entertainment, but its primary attraction are the miles of sandy beaches, with Nubble Light off in the distance. York also boasts Maine's largest zoo and amusement park, and the oldest jail in America, which no longer holds prisoners but is open for tours. While York Beach's peak tourist season is July through August, the Maine shore is beautiful throughout the year, and offers autumn leaf-peepers a relaxing oceanside accommodation.
Anchorage Inn http://anchorageinn.com 265 Long Beach Ave. 207.363.5112
With a beachfront location, two outdoor swimming pools and two indoor swimming pools, the Anchorage Inn is a great place for families looking for an ocean vacation. The Anchorage Inn also offers a fitness center and conference rooms, with free wireless access in the hotel lobby.
Union Bluff Hotel http://unionbluff.com 8 Beach St. 800-833-0721
Completed in 1868, the Union Bluff hotel overlooks Short Sands Beach and offers guest rooms, a grand ballroom available for wedding rentals, and additional conference facilities. The Union Grill restaurant and Bluff Pub offer fine food or casual dining on the premises.
Sands by the Sea http://sandsbythesea.com 207.363.2211
The Sands by the Sea Motel offers a range of accommodation levels, from private condominiums and connecting suites to kitchenette studios and king-bed rooms. The rates fluctuate with the season but are posted on the website. Sands by the Sea also offers an outdoor swimming pool.
Sea Latch http://sealatch.com 277 Long Beach Ave 207-363-4400
Sea Latch offers daily and weekly rates on motel rooms, efficiencies and apartments located across from Long Sands Beach. Rates include free wireless Internet. The Sea Latch also offers an on-site laundromat, coffee shop and outdoor swimming pool. The Sea Latch's rates, posted on its website, are comparable to those at Sands by the Sea.
York Rentals http://yorkrentals.com 781-932-8570
York Rentals offers two- to five-bedroom rentals either on or near the ocean. Pets are welcome in some, but not all, of the cottages. Each rental comes with off-street parking, grill setups and air conditioning. Prices vary with size, but 2009 prices range from $1,000-$2,800 per week in peak season, with cheaper pricing in the spring and fall.
While pets are welcome on York Harbor Beach plus Long and Short Sands beaches, they are not welcome in many hotels in York Beach. Dog Friendly's guide recommends the Enchanted Nights motel in nearby Kittery, or Libby's Oceanside Camp in York Harbor. Many national chains, including Motel 6, offer pet-friendly rooms.
Libby's Oceanside Camp: 725 York St., York Harbor 207-363-4171
Enchanted Nights: 29 Wentworth St., Kittery 207-439-1489
