{"ok":true,"data":{"id":2607,"slug":"long-sands-beach-york","name":"Long Sands Beach","country":"USA","state":"Maine","city":"York","coords":{"lat":43.1646,"lng":-70.6085},"beachType":null,"tags":["famous"],"article":{"hero":"Long Sands unfolds in a generous arc between two granite headlands, its beige sand packed firm enough for early-morning joggers and toddlers dragging plastic buckets in equal measure. The water here stays bracingly cold even in August—mid-sixties on a warm day—but that doesn't stop the parade of boogie boarders who wait for the afternoon waves that pick up as the sea breeze strengthens. Metered parking lines Ocean Avenue, where families stake claims with striped umbrellas and coolers by nine, especially on weekends when the spaces fill fast.\n\nThe vibe tilts decidedly retro: arcade games ding and whir at the Fun-O-Rama, and the scent of vinegar-soaked fries drifts from sidewalk windows. You're never far from a lobster roll here, though locals will steer you toward the shacks on Route 1A rather than the boardwalk stands. Low tide reveals tide pools worth exploring with children—sea urchins cling to rocks, and green crabs scuttle beneath ribbons of kelp.\n\nCome October, the crowds thin but the beach remains open, and you'll find dog-walkers and wetsuit-clad locals who prefer the moody gray swells and empty sand. The Nubble Light, just a short drive north, provides the postcard moment, but Long Sands delivers the unhurried pleasure of a New England beach town that hasn't forgotten what summer is supposed to feel like.","teaser":"You'll smell the fried dough before you see the water—that's Long Sands for you, a mile of gently sloping beach where tide pools collect starfish and hermit crabs between the jetties. The Nubble Lighthouse blinks from its rocky perch just down Shore Road, and kids still race barefoot across hot pavement for soft-serve cones.","uniqueAngle":"It's the rare New England beach where vintage seaside amusement culture survives alongside serious surfing and genuine tide-pool exploration.","accessType":"Drive-up, metered street parking","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"swim","title":"Ride the Break","subtitle":"Boogie boards catch afternoon waves"},{"icon":"camera","title":"Nubble Light Walk","subtitle":"Ten-minute drive to iconic lighthouse"},{"icon":"sun","title":"Tide Pool Hunt","subtitle":"Low tide reveals starfish, crabs"},{"icon":"food","title":"Boardwalk Classics","subtitle":"Fried dough and saltwater taffy"}],"audience":{"surfer":"Long Sands picks up east and southeast swells best, with consistent summer waves in the two-to-four-foot range peaking mid-afternoon when the sea breeze kicks in. The break spreads across the mile-long beach—north end near the jetty offers a bit more punch, while mid-beach provides gentler rollers for longboards. Water stays frigid year-round, so pack a 4/3 wetsuit minimum, even July. Locals surf dawn patrol to avoid the summer bodyboard gauntlet; respect the jetty zones where fishermen set lines.","couples":"Stake out the southern end near Short Sands for quieter stretches and better sunset angles over the headland. After your swim, walk five minutes to The Goldenrod for old-fashioned pulled taffy made in copper kettles, then book a table at Dockside for lobster overlooking York Harbor. The Union Bluff Hotel offers ocean-view rooms with private balconies where you can listen to waves after dark. September through early October delivers the most romantic conditions—warm sand, cool air, and half the crowds of peak summer.","backpacker":"Camp at Dixon's Campground two miles inland for tent sites under twenty dollars, or park overnight at the Walmart in neighboring Kittery if you're van-camping. Beach access is free; just feed the meters on Ocean Avenue or arrive after five when enforcement ends. Grab breakfast sandwiches at Brown's Old Fashion Ice Cream for under six bucks, and hit Stonewall Kitchen outlet store in York for discounted provisions. The Amtrak Downeaster stops in Wells, twelve miles north—bike or hitch the rest.","local":"Hit the beach before eight on summer weekends when parking's still plentiful and the sand belongs to dog-walkers and serious swimmers. The sandbars shift after nor'easters—check the south jetty after storms for striped bass in the wash. Skip the boardwalk lobster and drive to Fox's instead on Nubble Road where locals actually eat. October's yours entirely: wetsuits optional for the brave, bonfires tolerated after lifeguards leave, and that first dusting of snow on Mount Agamenticus visible from the water's edge.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Long Sands Beach is generally family-friendly with lifeguards on duty during summer months (late June through Labor Day). The beach has a gradual slope and sandy bottom, making it suitable for children. However, surf conditions vary daily—rough waves and rip currents can occur, especially during storms or high tide. Always swim near lifeguard stations, check posted flags for daily conditions, and supervise children closely. Water temperatures range from 55-65°F in summer, which can feel cold for extended swimming.","q":"Is Long Sands Beach safe for swimming with children?"},{"a":"Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather and full amenities, with temperatures in the 70s-80s°F, though crowds peak during weekends and July-August. Early fall (September) brings fewer visitors and pleasant weather, ideal for walks and surfing. Spring and winter attract surfers and beachcombers but water is too cold for casual swimming. Visit early morning or weekdays in summer to avoid parking challenges. The beach is accessible year-round, but lifeguards and facilities operate primarily Memorial Day through Labor Day.","q":"What is the best time to visit Long Sands Beach?"},{"a":"Long Sands Beach has metered street parking along Long Beach Avenue (Route 1A) with approximately 750 spaces. Parking meters operate year-round and cost $2-3 per hour, with payment via coins, credit cards, or the ParkMobile app. Arrive early in summer (before 9am) as spots fill quickly on nice days. Additional paid parking lots are available nearby. Alternative options include parking in Short Sands area and walking, or using local accommodations within walking distance. No overnight parking is permitted on beach streets.","q":"Where can I park at Long Sands Beach and how much does it cost?"},{"a":"Long Sands Beach has public restrooms and outdoor showers available seasonally. Numerous restaurants line Long Beach Avenue, including casual seafood spots, pizza places, breakfast cafes, and ice cream shops—most within easy walking distance. The nearby York Beach village (Short Sands area, about 1 mile north) offers additional dining and entertainment options. Accommodations range from beachfront motels to vacation rentals along the shore. Convenience stores and beach supply shops are nearby. The Nubble Lighthouse, a famous landmark, is just 2 miles away.","q":"What restaurants and amenities are near Long Sands Beach?"},{"a":"Yes, Long Sands Beach is one of Maine's most popular surfing destinations, particularly at the north end near the jetty. Surfing is best during fall and winter when Atlantic swells are largest, though summer offers smaller, beginner-friendly waves. The beach allows surfing year-round, but during summer swimming season (typically 9am-5pm), surfers must use designated areas away from swimmers. Local surf shops nearby offer rentals and lessons. Water temperatures require wetsuits most of the year—full suits in winter, spring suits in summer.","q":"Can you surf at Long Sands Beach?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Long Sands Beach: York, Maine's Mile of Atlantic Coastline","description":"Golden sand stretches along Maine's rocky coast where families spread blankets between tidepools and gentle surf. York's beloved shoreline delivers classic New England beach days.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4431/36628791605_887fc6f485_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"520973","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4653/25819493978_e504f2eeea_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4653/25819493978_e504f2eeea.jpg","alt":"Low Tripod, 14mm Milky Way Panorama"},{"id":"520974","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4557/27276462329_4ac7aefddd_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4557/27276462329_4ac7aefddd.jpg","alt":"San Clemente Pier, CA 2017"},{"id":"520975","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/809/27147538938_59ac529a3a_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/809/27147538938_59ac529a3a.jpg","alt":"It was old magic, something I should have foreseen"},{"id":"520976","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5602/30275217872_a79fe2dcb4_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5602/30275217872_a79fe2dcb4.jpg","alt":"Painterly beach sunrise"},{"id":"520978","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50848045748_28ef92abfb_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50848045748_28ef92abfb.jpg","alt":"Long Sands, York Beach, Maine"},{"id":"520980","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7126/27245339544_7dd5bc6d37_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7126/27245339544_7dd5bc6d37.jpg","alt":"Los Angeles County"},{"id":"520982","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/547/19338506996_c9bf2cacaf_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/547/19338506996_c9bf2cacaf.jpg","alt":"Flow"},{"id":"520983","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5019/29770514720_c6eb77b696_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5019/29770514720_c6eb77b696.jpg","alt":"Sidmouth beach - long exposure"}]}}