Early summer vacation in Maine - thinking York Beach area (Portland: rentals, amusement park)

[Scott R]

Hello everyone, we're trying to plan our summer vacation (probably on the early side - last week of June or first week or two of July). For those familiar with the area, we've vacationed in Chatham (Cape Cod) and really liked that area, but we're thinking of venturing more north to try something different this year.

York Beach seems like it could be a good location, since it's not too far of a trek from home (Hartford county in CT) and it's also convenient to Portsmouth or, a bit farther, to Portland. Or even a day trip to Boston.

We'd be looking to be there for a week, and would like to be able to accommodate my sister and niece, so a house rental would be ideal, but a hotel could work if the price was right. Ideally, being close to, or on, a beach (and one that isn't too crowded) would be ideal.

We're going to try to do more cooking at the rental place to keep costs down, but we always say we're going to do that and never do. To be honest, we like really good food, and I like to eat out, especially on vacation. So having some good restaurants available is important.

Feel free to recommend areas other than York Beach if you think we'd be happier somewhere else. Again, if you're familiar with Chatham, and know of areas that have a similar vibe, that would be helpful.

Also, if you're aware of some good websites for finding vacation rentals, please let me know. I've used weneedavacation.com before, and they're great (showing weeks available and with a great search engine), but they only cover the Cape Cod area.

Thanks in advance!

[mainegrl2011]

Google is your friend. Deals on York Beach Vacation Home Rentals & Condos

[Scott R]

Thanks. After posting I did find the HomeAway website, which looks like it will be really useful. I'm still interested in hearing from some of the Maine locals as to whether York Beach sounds like a good choice, or if there are other areas I should also consider. Kennebunk was another one that looked nice.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

If you are going to be in Maine in early summer, you want to be as far south as possible. York is a good choice. If you go wading in the ocean and your feet turn blue, don't be concerned. It isn't some kind of pollution. It's the water temperature.

[IHeartMaine]

Early summer should be around August 1st this year.

[Scott R]

Well, I mailed in a deposit on a house in Cape Neddick.

[mainegrl2011]

Originally Posted by Scott R

Well, I mailed in a deposit on a house in Cape Neddick.

For what it's worth, I think York Beach is an excellent choice and I love Cape Neddick in any season.

[mainebrokerman]

york beach is a beautiful beach...

my grandfather was from york and lived in kennebunkport,,,he would take us kids down to a donut shop and to long sands beach

if traffic isnt too bad,,,take a drive up rte one thru wells, to kennebunk and kennebunkport- pretty areas,,,kennebunk beach is an awesome beach...
take a drive along ocean avenue in kennebunkport,,, you can stop on a small rocky beach (across from the colony) and walk out on a breakwater at the mouth of the kennebunk river

there is also a trolley museum in k'port,,,its a good visit..

oh yeah,,,york animal park,,,or something like that , has animals,,and also is an amusement park-