Does the chilly winter weather have you dreaming of summer holidays in Maine? York, Maine is one of the best destination for trips to the Maine coast. And because Dockside Guest Quarters is child friendly, there is nowhere better to stay for a family vacation. In the York area, you’ll find some of the best things to do in Maine for families. From idyllic beaches, to boating adventures, your family won’t be short of activities to keep you busy with this selection of the best things to do in Maine.
Hit the Maine Beaches
The go-to family vacation activity would probably have to be the beach. And there are many reasons why it’s a perennial favorite. Sun, sand, and sea are the perfect ingredients for a good time. One of the best things to do in Maine is definitely visiting one of the great beaches here, including all of the beaches in York, Maine. Short Sands Beach is a great family friendly beach that even has a playground. Nearby restaurants and quaint shops complete the beach-going experience. Long Sands Beach is perfect for walking, sunning, swimming, surfing, or just relaxing. Long Sands Beach is a lovely place to catch a sunrise. Just up the coast of Maine are other fantastic beaches like Ogunquit Beach, Wells Beach, and on to Portland beaches and Bar Harbor beaches.
Go Wild at York’s Wild Kingdom Zoo and Fun Park
This is a small, family oriented zoo with a menagerie of amazing animals including African lions, Bengal tigers, camels, zebras, lemurs and many more. The zoo also allows patrons to get up close to the animals with interactive opportunities like duck feeding and a fallow deer encounter. Throughout the zoo occasional presentations take place giving visitors an opportunity to converse with the zookeepers. Along with the animal exhibits and presidents there are other activities to entertain children and adults alike. These amusements include rides, paddle boats, a petting zoo, a haunted house, and a miniature golf course.
Follow the Beacon to Area Lighthouses
One of the best things to do in Maine is visiting one of our area’s iconic lighthouses. One of the most famous Maine lighthouses close to Dockside Guest Quarters is the Cape Neddick “Nubble” Light. Another notable lighthouse nearby is Portland Head Lighthouse. These attractions not only provide a glimpse into Maine’s history, but the sites also offer amazing views of the beautiful coast.
Spot a Marine Mammal While Whale Watching
Children and adults alike will get a thrill out of spotting one of the ocean’s most majestic creatures. That makes whale watching one of the best things to do in Maine for families. First Chance Whalewatch will take out on an 4.5 hour whale watching excursion. Not only can you see whales, but you might also glimpse dolphins and other marine life native to the Gulf of Maine.
Explore by Sea and by Land
There are so many ways to explore our coastal Maine environment! Hiking and nature walks along the shore and through the beautiful wilds are the perfect way to experience the area. You can take the trail over Wiggly Bridge to the Steedman Woods Nature Preserve, or take the Marginal Way Walk, Fisherman’s Walk, or Cliff Path. You can also take canoe tours or a boat cruise to enjoy the views from the ocean. The Silverlining is one cruise that takes you along the Ogunquit Beach coast for a relaxing and enjoyable time.
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No matter which of the best things to do in Maine you decide to do while on family vacation, staying at Dockside Guest Quarters will complete your getaway experience. With amazing views of the coastline and York Harbor, our accommodations offer luxurious comfort and great amenities. Dockside Restaurant is also among the finest in the area. We offer expertly prepared food using fresh local ingredients. With the water views, you’ll get the yacht club experience without any of the pretense. We can’t wait to have you with us soon!
Photo: By N.V. Deremer via Wikimedia Commons
