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The Nest — Local Guidebook

Everything we love about York, Ogunquit, Portsmouth, and the surrounding Seacoast - the spots we send guests to, in every season.

Sunset on the water in York Maine - vacation rentals

Where to Eat - York & Kittery

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Nick's Steakhouse
the special-occasion pick. High-end steaks and seafood, a covered patio, and owner Nick is usually there himself making sure the night goes well. Reservations recommended, especially in summer.
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Where to Eat - Ogunquit - 15 Min

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Treehouse Taqueria
Elevated Mexican with a fun, laid-back vibe and a view over Main Street from its perch above the strip. The birria tacos are the standout, and there's a genuinely great vegan/vegetarian menu if that matters for your group.
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Where to Eat - Portsmouth (15 Min)

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Moxy
Small plates, big flavor, meant for sharing. A lively, warm atmosphere and a menu that rewards ordering a little of everything — the fried cauliflower and the steak are standouts. Great for a fun night with a group.
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On the Water

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Wiggly Bridge
A fun, easy stop right in York Village. Said to be one of the smallest suspension bridges in the world, it crosses a little tidal inlet with a short walking loop around it — a nice quick stretch of the legs, especially with kids.
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On Land

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Shopping
For an afternoon of browsing, Portsmouth's walkable downtown is our favorite spot — small boutiques, gift shops, and galleries all within a few blocks. Ogunquit's Main Street and Perkins Cove offer a smaller, beachier mix of shops worth a wander too, especially paired with a walk on the Marginal Way.
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Snow-covered Market and Cafe near York Maine

Winter on the Seacoast

Winter here is a completely different kind of beautiful — quieter, colder, and honestly one of our favorite times to be at The Nest. Long Sands and Short Sands empty out almost entirely, so a walk on the sand with waves rolling in under a gray winter sky is just yours.

  • Nubble Lighthouse: The Nubble Lighthouse is stunning any time of year, but there's something about seeing it dusted in snow or lit up against a winter sunset that hits differently than a summer visit.
  • Mount Agamenticus: Stays open and hiking year-round, and a clear winter day up top can mean some of the best visibility of the year for those ocean-to-mountains views.
  • Marginal Way: The Marginal Way in Ogunquit is just as dramatic in the off-season — you'll likely have long stretches of the cliffside path to yourself and a lot of the restaurants in downtown stay open.
  • Portsmouth: Portsmouth comes alive for the holidays, with festive lights and holiday markets downtown (late November through December). 
  • Kennebunkport: Only 25 minutes away is beautiful in the Winter and stays open through the season. Winter Prelude is big multi-weekend event that's worth the visit. 
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