As a real estate agent, I spend my days helping people find their perfect place to call home—and I can confidently say that York, Maine is one of those rare coastal towns that truly has it all. Whether you're looking for a seasonal escape or a year-round residence, York offers charm, character, and some truly unbeatable local favorites. Here are just a few of the personal favorites I recommend to buyers seeking the charm of an area we call home:
🗼 1. Nubble Lighthouse – A Must-See Icon & Memory Maker
📍 Sohier Park Rd, York, ME 03909
No visit—or listing appointment—is complete without a stop at Cape Neddick “Nubble” Lighthouse. One of the most photographed lighthouses in the country, the Nubble is perched on a tiny rocky island just offshore. Whether you're snapping photos, watching the waves crash, or enjoying a quiet moment at Sohier Park, it’s a quintessential York experience.
But it’s more than just a photo op—it’s a place where memories are made. From marriage proposals on the rocks to multi-generational family portraits with the lighthouse in the background, it’s a meaningful place for locals and visitors alike.
✨ Local tip: The lighthouse is beautifully lit for the holidays—worth a winter visit!
From marriage proposals on the rocks to multi-generational family portraits with the lighthouse in the background, it’s a meaningful place for locals and visitors alike.
🌅 2. Coastal Bluffs Along Nubble Road – Ocean Views That Sell Themselves
📍 Nubble Rd, York, ME 03909
This scenic drive features some of the most stunning coastal views in Maine. Picture towering bluffs, rugged shoreline, and the endless Atlantic stretching out before you. These are the types of views that leave buyers speechless—and coming back for second showings.
A beautiful spot in any season, the bluffs take on a magical quality in winter, with snow-capped rocks and the icy blue of the ocean creating a stunning contrast. Whether it's a sunny summer day or a crisp winter morning, the views never disappoint.
🏡 Real estate note: Homes along Nubble Road are among the most sought-after in York due to their dramatic oceanfront setting.
A beautiful spot in any season, the bluffs take on a magical quality in winter, with snow-capped rocks and the icy blue of the ocean creating a stunning contrast.
🍦 3. Dunne’s Ice Cream – A Sweet Tradition with a View
📍 214 Nubble Rd, York, ME 03909
Just a stone’s throw from the lighthouse, Dunne’s Ice Cream is a classic New England stand serving up homemade scoops with a side of nostalgia. Grab a cone and take in the ocean breeze from a bench out front—with the Nubble Lighthouse perfectly framed in the background. Dunne's Ice Cream Mission is to continue the Summertime, Nubble Tradition of scooping Awesome Maine Made Ice Cream for children of all ages.
This isn’t just a pit stop for dessert—it’s a place where families come to celebrate. From post-beach treats to a birthday party for Grammy, it’s a go-to gathering spot where memories are made and the view makes everything sweeter.
🍨 Favorites: Wild Maine blueberry, ginger, and the legendary chocolate peanut butter.
This isn’t just a pit stop for dessert—it’s a place where families come to celebrate.
Grab a cone and take in the ocean breeze from a bench out front—with the Nubble Lighthouse perfectly framed in the background.
Dunne's Ice Cream Mission is to continue the Summertime, Nubble Tradition of scooping Awesome Maine Made Ice Cream for children of all ages.
🌉 4. Wiggly Bridge – A Fun, Family-Friendly Walk
📍 1 Old Mill Rd, York, ME 03909
Yes, it really wiggles! The Wiggly Bridge, fondly known as possibly the world’s smallest suspension bridge, crosses York Harbor and leads to Steedman Woods, a peaceful nature preserve perfect for an escape or a moment of quiet contemplation. Whether it’s a warm summer day or a crisp fall morning, the area offers a scenic setting for a relaxing stroll. The wooded paths make for a tranquil walk, and in the fall, the vibrant foliage creates a stunning display of color.
🌿 Pro tip: Great for families, dog-friendly, and perfect for a nature-filled escape from the hustle and bustle.
The wooded paths make for a tranquil walk, and in the fall, the vibrant foliage creates a stunning display of color.
Great for families, dog-friendly, and perfect for a nature-filled escape from the hustle and bustle.
🥯 5. The Bagel Basket – Cozy Mornings Start Here
📍 280 York St, York, ME 03909
Every great town needs a go-to breakfast spot, and for York, it's The Bagel Basket. With warm, fresh-baked bagels, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and a true hometown feel for diners of all ages, this café is a community staple.
🥯 My favorite? A toasted asiago bagel with cream cheese—simple, delicious, and perfect to-go. I love taking it with me on a morning walk and enjoying it at a picturesque spot along the Wiggly Bridge trail, with the salt air and birdsong for company.
☕ Bonus: Pair it with a dark roast coffee for the perfect start to a coastal Maine morning.
With warm, fresh-baked bagels, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and a true hometown feel for diners of all ages, this café is a community staple.
York Feels Like Home
These aren’t just great places to visit—they’re part of what makes living in York so special. It’s a town where coastal charm meets small-town heart. Whether you're watching the waves from Nubble Road, enjoying a cone at Dunne’s, or grabbing breakfast at The Bagel Basket, it just feels like home.
Thinking about buying in York? I'd love to show you around—and share a few more local secrets while we're at it.
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Interested in BUYING a seasonal getaway in York, Maine or the surrounding area OR thinking of SELLING? As an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Sellers Representative Specialist (SRS) and Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE), I’m here to help you explore your options and WIN in today's competitive market! Contact me and start your journey today:
"Karen was absolutely wonderful to work with when we were searching for our summer house. She was patient, flexible when setting up showings as we were visiting from out of state and led us through the process, from our very first showing to closing on our house, seamlessly. She was knowledgeable about market trends and extremely helpful with recommending and connecting us with the bank as well as the title company for closing. We couldn’t be happier with our experience!" Heidi Z
REMEMBER, you’ve got this one life, LIVE IT!
www.venicehousehunter.com (Florida)
www.vacationlandhousehunter.com (Maine)
Karen Udiskey - realtor / recruiter / ABR, SRS, SFR, RENE
affiliated with EXIT King Realty in Venice, Florida and EXIT Oceanside Realty in Wells, Maine