The Yorks - Composed of what were once four smaller communities, the towns of Cape Neddick, York Harbor, York Village and York Beach formed under one government to create this beautiful and diverse town. It is famous for its long sandy beaches, and safe, family-friendly beach-town atmosphere. Nubble Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world and is a popular spot for residents and visitors alike. It has a small park with benches that make it a peaceful place to rest and reflect. The Old York Historical Society maintains numerous historic buildings including Jefferds' Tavern, the John Hancock Wharf, the Old Goal (America's oldest jail), the Emerson Wilcox house and several others. This museum is located in the heart of York Village and offers lectures and special events throughout the year. It is open for tours in the summertime. Lobstering, fishing, boat building and farming were the foundations of the economy until the late 1800s when the southern Maine coast began to attract summer visitors in large numbers. A family favorite is a visit to our zoo & amusement park. The proximity of the Yorks to the cultural centers of Boston and New York City continue to make it one of the most sought-after places to live in southern Maine. Once a summer-season-only resort area, York has become a year-round vacation destination. In 2002, Money magazine chose York/Ogunquit as "one of the 10 best places to vacation in North America."

South Berwick - Home of the oldest power mill in America, this community has had a diverse economy that included textile and shoe manufacturing, farming, timber and fishing. During its heyday, a boat called a gundalow was built to haul goods from the smaller inland rivers to the faster-moving Piscataqua River. A replica of the gundalow can be seen during the summer at various wharfs throughout the region. It is used primarily for educational purposes. Historic homes including the Sarah Orne Jewett House and the Old Hamilton House are open to visitors in the summer as is the Counting House, home of the Old Berwick Historical Society. Vaughan Woods State Park, the Salmon Falls River and Mt. Agamenticus are all popular recreation areas for hiking, biking and picnicking. South Berwick and Eliot share a public school district, but South Berwick is also home to Berwick Academy, a highly respected college preparatory day school. Route 236 is the main artery connecting Kittery, Eliot and South Berwick.

Eliot - Once a part of Kittery known as the Upper Parish, the town separated from Kittery in 1810. The 747-ton Elizabeth Hamilton, and the clipper ship, The Nightingale, was launched from Eliot's shores, as were numerous smaller craft. Eliot was the site of the first Quaker Meeting House in 1776, and it is also the international home of the Baha'i faith. Primarily a farming community in its earlier years, Eliot was also known for its brick-making industry.The town meanders along the shores of the Piscataqua River opposite the cities of Portsmouth and Dover, NH. Take River Road for scenic views of the Piscataqua River and across to Great Bay. Also on the southern end of Route 103/Main St., there is an active public boat launch along with a family picnic area and pavilion.

Kittery - This is our gateway town, overlooking the shores of the Piscataqua River opposite the city of Portsmouth, NH, to the south. Kittery is the halfway mark on Interstate 95 between Boston, MA, and Portland, ME. Take a scenic drive along Route 103, past the gates of the 200-year-old Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, to Kittery Point where you will pass the beautiful and historic Lady Pepperrell House. You will also pass Ft. McClary State Park, built in 1690, with the current blockhouse built in 1812. Further along you will find Ft. Foster, once a fortress manned during World War II, and now owned and operated by the town as a public recreation and beach facility. Fishing, shipbuilding and other marine-related industries were the center of Kittery's economy. The Kittery Outlet malls, located along the Route 1 corridor, provide a world-renowned shopping experience. Route 1 and Route 103 are the main arteries connecting Kittery and York.

Click here for "Shop, Dine & Stay - Kittery, Maine" by the Maine Office of Tourism!

The Greater York Region - Gateway to Maine 

Kittery, Eliot, South Berwick, York Village, York Harbor,
York Beach, Cape Neddick
For every reason….in every season!

Our towns are some of the oldest in Maine, settled in the early 1600s. A significant number of historic buildings remain, creating warm neighborhoods and lovely scenic drives. We are a four-season destination, and a wonderful place to work and play! Mt. Agamenticus is a shared resource area that boasts fantastic views of the region on a clear day, as well as hosting trail bikes, hikers and birdwatchers. Portions of the Eastern Trail, the interstate bicycle trail, wind through Kittery, Eliot and South Berwick. Our long, sandy beaches and unique cultural assets make our region a "must see!"

Money Magazine rates this region as one of the top ten destinations in North America for vacations! Spend a day or spend a week. Rent a cottage on the beach, or relax at a luxurious oceanside spa. Shop at America’s number one factory outlet stores in Kittery. Visit the famous Nubble Lighthouse, officially the Cape Neddick Light Station, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. Stay at a cozy B&B, then take a bounce on the Wiggly Bridge, a suspended foot bridge over the York River. Discover Ft. McClary, a revolutionary war fort, which the legendary John Paul Jones sailed past on his way to the British Isles aboard his sailing ship, the Ranger. Visit the Kittery Historical Naval Museum to see the importance of our 200 year old shipyard in the development of the region.

History comes alive throughout the region. At the Old York Historical Society, the museum’s buildings are spread throughout the village of York, one of southern Maine’s most beautiful main streets.  In South Berwick, visit the Old Counting House or the Hamilton House on the banks of the Salmon Falls River. This area was home to the some of the first artist colonies, and the first colorized travel postcards were painted here! Artists and artisans still abound with many galleries open to the public year round.

We have the best seafood and fine dining available! Long sandy beaches, warm cozy fires, kayaking and biking---there’s something for everyone, and that’s why Family Fun magazine has rated us the best family vacation destination for the past three years!

There are family-oriented special events year-round in the greater York Region, including Celebrate Maine Festival in August, Oktoberfest in October, and York Days, a week-long celebration of summer in York Beach. A wealth of fine restaurants and accommodations, including oceanfront resorts, campgrounds, and cozy bed & breakfasts, will make your stay comfortable and memorable.

From festivals to sandcastles, the Greater York Region welcomes you - in every season---for every reason!