Where the Road Meets the Surf
Long Sands Beach runs for about a mile along Route 1A between the villages of York Harbor and York Beach, with the road and a low seawall on one side and the open Atlantic on the other. It is one of the most accessible beaches in Maine. You park along the road, step over the seawall, and you are on the sand. No entrance gates, no long walks from distant parking lots. The ocean is right there.
The beach sits in a long, shallow cove that catches swells from the southeast, making it one of the most consistent surf breaks in southern Maine. On summer mornings, surfers in wetsuits line up at the designated surf zone while families claim spots on the wide sand to the north and south. The two groups coexist easily on a beach that feels spacious even when busy.
The Beach
At high tide, Long Sands is a relatively narrow strip of sand backed by the seawall. At low tide, it transforms. The water pulls back to reveal a wide, flat expanse of packed sand that stretches out toward the break line. This is when the beach is at its best for walking, building sandcastles, and playing beach games.
The sand is fine and golden, firmer at the waterline and softer above. The seawall runs the full length of the beach, with steps at regular intervals leading down to the sand. Restaurants, motels, and shops line Route 1A directly across the road, giving Long Sands a classic beach-town feel that you do not find at more isolated Maine beaches.
High tide is better for swimming and surfing. Low tide is better for walking and beachcombing. The beach can feel like two completely different places depending on the tide, so check the tide chart and plan accordingly.
Surfing at Long Sands
Long Sands is probably the most popular surf spot in southern Maine. The beach break produces consistent, rideable waves that are well-suited to longboards and beginners. From mid-June through the first Monday in September, surfing is restricted to a designated zone marked by signs. The rest of the year, surfers can use the entire beach.
Several surf shops along Route 1A rent boards and wetsuits and offer lessons. The Long Sands Surf School operates directly from the beach during summer months. Even if you have never surfed before, Long Sands is a forgiving place to try. The waves are not large, the bottom is sandy, and the water (while cold) is warmer here than further up the coast.
Fall is the best surf season at Long Sands. Hurricane swells from the south bring the biggest and cleanest waves of the year, the crowds are gone, and the water is at its warmest in September. You will need a full wetsuit, but the rides are worth it.
The Nubble Connection
From the northern end of Long Sands Beach, you can see Cape Neddick and the famous Nubble Lighthouse perched on a small rocky island just offshore. The lighthouse, built in 1879, is one of the most photographed in Maine. Sohier Park at Cape Neddick, about a 5-minute drive from the north end of Long Sands, provides the closest viewing point. The combination of a morning at Long Sands and an afternoon visit to Nubble Light makes a full day in York.
Practical Details
Metered parking lines both sides of Long Beach Avenue (Route 1A) for the full length of the beach. The rate is $4 per hour, paid by credit card at kiosks on the sidewalk. Spaces fill quickly on summer weekends. A public restroom building sits roughly at the midpoint of the beach.
Restaurants and food stands are steps away across Route 1A. You can grab a lobster roll, ice cream, or a full meal without moving your car. This convenience is one of Long Sands’ best features and something that most Maine beaches cannot offer.
Long Sands can develop rip currents, especially during incoming tides and after storms. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months. Swim near the lifeguard stations and pay attention to posted conditions. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore rather than fighting it directly.
Dogs on the Beach
From May 20 through September 20, dogs are not allowed on the beach between 8 AM and 6 PM. Before 8 AM during summer, dogs may be off-leash if under voice control with the owner present. From late September through mid-May, dogs are welcome at all hours.
When to Go
Spring
Cool and breezy. Good for walking the beach. Surfers start appearing. Water still very cold.
Summer
Warm sand, swimmable water, active surf zone. Parking fills fast on weekends. Lifeguards on duty.
Fall
Best surf season. Warm water in September. Fewer crowds. Foliage along Route 1A in October.
Winter
Hardy surfers in full wetsuits. Empty beach, dramatic waves. Restaurants mostly closed.
Long Sands Beach Essentials
- Credit card for parking meters
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Towels
- Wetsuit if surfing (water rarely exceeds low 60s)
- Camera (Nubble Lighthouse views from the north end)
- Tide chart (low tide for walking, high tide for swimming)
- Light layers (ocean breeze can be cool even in summer)
Getting There
Long Sands Beach is along Route 1A in York. From I-95, take Exit 7 (York) and follow Route 1 south to Route 1A. The beach is about 55 minutes from Portland and just over an hour from Boston. Short Sands Beach, a smaller pocket beach in York Beach village, is about a mile north around Cape Neddick.
FAQ
Is Long Sands Beach good for surfing?
Yes. Long Sands is one of the best beginner surf spots in Maine. The beach break is consistent and forgiving. Surfing is restricted to a designated zone in summer. Rental boards and lessons are available from shops along Route 1A.
How much does parking cost at Long Sands Beach?
Metered parking along Long Beach Avenue is $4 per hour, paid by credit card at kiosks. Meters are enforced during summer. No fee in the off-season.
Can you see Nubble Lighthouse from Long Sands Beach?
Yes. Cape Neddick and Nubble Lighthouse are visible from the northern end of Long Sands Beach. For the closest views, drive to Sohier Park at Cape Neddick, about a 5-minute drive.
Are dogs allowed at Long Sands Beach?
Dogs are restricted from the beach between 8 AM and 6 PM from May 20 through September 20. Before 8 AM in summer, dogs may be off-leash under voice control. Off-season, dogs are welcome at all hours.
Is there food near Long Sands Beach?
Yes. Restaurants, ice cream shops, and food stands line Route 1A directly across from the beach. You can walk from the sand to a lobster roll in under a minute.
