Short Sands Beach
A charming beach town with a lively promenade, shops, arcades, and dining, perfect for families and classic seaside fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Short Sands Beach
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming beach town with a lively promenade, shops, arcades, and dining, perfect for families and classic seaside fun.
"We love Short Sands. Great beach. Very scenic. It gets crowded quick in the summer. "
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim to arrive before 10 AM to snag a spot near the beach. :car:
🛍️ Explore the Promenade
Don't miss the shops, arcades, and diverse food options right by the beach. :shopping_bags:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Beach Itself
Short Sands Beach
A scenic, relaxed beach perfect for families and beach games at low tide. Enjoy the ocean breeze and sandy shores.
Promenade & Town
Short Sands Beach Promenade
Stroll along the promenade with shops, arcades, and diverse dining options from pizza to lobster.
Nubble Lighthouse
Cape Neddick, York, ME
A picturesque, historic lighthouse offering stunning views and photo opportunities.
Short Sands Beach Trail
Oswald West State Park, Oregon
A short, family-friendly hike through old-growth trees to a secluded cove beach.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Short Sands
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim to arrive before 10 AM to snag a spot near the beach. :car:
🛍️ Explore the Promenade
Don't miss the shops, arcades, and diverse food options right by the beach. :shopping_bags:
🌊 Check Tide Times
Low tide offers more space for beach games and exploring. :ocean:
🚶♀️ Walk to Long Sands
Short Sands is a short walk from the larger Long Sands Beach. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim to arrive before 10 AM to snag a spot near the beach. :car:
🛍️ Explore the Promenade
Don't miss the shops, arcades, and diverse food options right by the beach. :shopping_bags:
🌊 Check Tide Times
Low tide offers more space for beach games and exploring. :ocean:
🚶♀️ Walk to Long Sands
Short Sands is a short walk from the larger Long Sands Beach. :walking:
📸 Nubble Lighthouse Views
Visit the iconic Nubble Lighthouse for beautiful coastal scenery and photos. :camera:
🌲 Hike to Secluded Cove
For a different vibe, hike the Short Sands Beach Trail in Oswald West State Park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Short Sands Beach is a beloved destination, praised for its scenic beauty, family-friendly atmosphere, and vibrant promenade with shops and dining. Visitors appreciate the convenient amenities like restrooms and a playground. However, parking can be challenging and expensive during peak times, and the beach can get crowded quickly in the summer.
"We love Short Sands. Great beach. Very scenic.It gets crowed quick in the summer. The people are friendly. Lots of families. A Playground. Food for everyone. Shopping. Arcade. At low tide there’s lots of space for beach games. The zoo is close. Very busy roads. Parking is about $4 per hour on the Park n Go app. It’s a short walk to Long Sands."
Craig Joseph
"This beach is in a prime location. It's close to an arcade, bowling, a zoo, and so many other restaurants and shops. There's a parking lot right against the beach that charges 4 dollars an hour. There are bathrooms, which is a luxury in this area. It's good to get to this place before 10am because it fills up fast."
brian tenney
"We love short sands! The surrounding little town area is easy to walk to. Everything from fancy restaurants to a pizza by the slice can be found!"
Christina Baker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Short Sands Beach is located in York, Maine. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. If you're visiting Oswald West State Park in Oregon, the beach is reached via the Short Sands Beach Trail.
There are multiple 'Short Sands Beaches'! The popular one with a promenade, shops, and arcades is in York, Maine. Another beautiful Short Sands Beach is located within Oswald West State Park in Oregon.
Driving is the most common way to reach Short Sands Beach in Maine. It's part of the York Beach area, easily accessible from major routes.
Public transportation options can be limited directly to Short Sands Beach. It's best to check local transit schedules for York, Maine, or consider ride-sharing services if available.
Short Sands Beach in Maine is a short drive from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, typically around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Short Sands Beach in York, Maine, does not typically have an entrance fee for the beach itself. However, parking is paid. The Short Sands Beach Trail in Oswald West State Park, Oregon, is part of the state park and may have parking fees.
Short Sands Beach in Maine is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. The surrounding shops and arcades have their own operating hours, typically extending into the evening during peak season.
Parking at Short Sands Beach in Maine is approximately $4 per hour, managed through the Park n Go app. It's advisable to arrive early as spots are limited and fill up quickly.
While the beach itself doesn't require tickets, nearby attractions like arcades and the zoo may have separate admission fees. It's best to check individual venue websites for pricing and hours.
Parking at Short Sands Beach is typically on a first-come, first-served basis, though payment is managed via an app. Booking in advance is not usually an option for beach parking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Short Sands Beach is great for relaxing, sunbathing, and beach games, especially at low tide. The promenade offers shopping, arcades, and dining. Families will enjoy the playground and nearby zoo.
Yes, Short Sands Beach in Maine has convenient public restrooms and changing areas located right next to the beach.
Absolutely! Short Sands Beach is very family-friendly, with a playground, shallow areas for wading, and a lively promenade with arcades and food options.
While not as renowned for surfing as some other spots, Short Sands Beach near Cannon Beach, Oregon, is a known surf spot with surfers often present.
The Short Sands Beach Trail in Oswald West State Park, Oregon, is a 1.2-mile out-and-back hike through lush, old-growth forest, leading to a secluded cove beach with a small cave and waterfall.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Short Sands Beach in Maine boasts a variety of dining options along its promenade, from casual pizza places to seafood restaurants like Fox's Lobster House.
Yes, you can find excellent seafood options, including lobster, at restaurants near Short Sands Beach in Maine. Fox's Lobster House is a popular choice.
The promenade at Short Sands Beach offers many family-friendly choices, including pizza, ice cream, and casual eateries that cater to all ages.
You can expect a range of food, from classic beach fare like hot dogs and fries to pizza, ice cream, and fresh seafood.
Yes, York Beach Beer Co. is located near Short Sands Beach and offers a place to relax with drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself offers scenic views, especially at sunrise or sunset. The Nubble Lighthouse nearby is a classic photographic subject. The Short Sands Beach Trail in Oregon also provides beautiful forest and coastal shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local ordinances for Short Sands Beach in Maine and Oswald West State Park in Oregon regarding drone operation before flying.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography at Short Sands Beach. Midday can be harsh due to direct sunlight.
In Oregon, the Short Sands Beach Trail offers opportunities to photograph old-growth trees, a small cave, and a waterfall. In Maine, the Nubble Lighthouse is a unique coastal landmark.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and coastal views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant lighthouse shots. Waterproof gear is advisable for beach photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
A modern, fenced-in playground is conveniently located right by the beach, providing a safe and fun area for children to burn off energy. The nearby zoo is also a popular attraction for families visiting the area.
🚗 Day-Trippers
If you're visiting the Oregon location, the Short Sands Beach Trail offers a rewarding short hike that leads to a beautiful, secluded beach, perfect for a few hours of exploration and relaxation before heading back.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Beachcombers
Beachcombers will find treasures along the shore, and at low tide in Maine, the expansive sand is perfect for beachcombing and exploring tide pools. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Short Sands Beach, Maine
The surrounding promenade is a hub of activity, packed with charming shops selling souvenirs and beachwear, lively arcades for some old-fashioned fun, and a variety of eateries. From casual pizza joints to sit-down restaurants serving fresh seafood, there's something to satisfy every craving.
Beyond the immediate beach area, the iconic Nubble Lighthouse is a short drive away, providing stunning photo opportunities and a glimpse into maritime history. The proximity to other attractions like the zoo and the larger Long Sands Beach also makes Short Sands a convenient base for a full day of exploration.
The Natural Beauty of Short Sands Beach, Oregon
+1Upon reaching the beach, you'll find yourself in a secluded cove, protected by dramatic cliffs. It's a popular spot for surfers, drawn by the consistent waves. Beyond surfing, the beach is perfect for exploring, with tide pools teeming with marine life and even a small cave and waterfall to discover.
+1This Short Sands Beach is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a more rugged, less commercialized coastal experience. The drive along the Oregon Coast to reach Oswald West State Park is also incredibly scenic, with numerous viewpoints and other stunning beaches along the way.
+1Navigating Crowds and Parking
The parking situation is managed via the Park n Go app, with fees typically around $4 per hour. While convenient, this cost can add up, so budgeting for parking is essential. Some visitors suggest walking from Long Sands Beach if parking at Short Sands is full, offering a slightly less crowded alternative.
For those visiting during peak season, weekdays offer a noticeably less crowded experience compared to weekends. This allows for a more relaxed enjoyment of the beach, promenade, and surrounding amenities without the intense hustle and bustle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit