During our visit in early May there were few people here making for a quiet visit. There are…read moreseveral picnic tables and a few benches scattered around the property with beautiful views of the water. This fort was active through many wars and then decommissioned while building a protective wall around the property. Huge slabs of quarried stone, partually carved blocks and lots of stone 'chips' are scattered about. There are a few information signs detailing the history of Fort McClary and some buildings have signs that state the building purpose. Foundations of some buildings is all that remains. They have a few cannons on display. Check out their website for information on events and when the fort is manned. There is a seperate picnic grove up the road about 50 yards across the street. A dirt parking lot holds around a dozen vehicles or so and there is an 'RV turn around' area, but no parking for RV's or busses here. One outhouse is located past the end of the parking lot. There is a wooded trail at the back corner.

A nice outing. The structures are still in good shape, lots of history here…read more Especially loved the map that shows where things are in front of you. Views of Constitution Light (NH) and Whaleback Light, which is actually just a short 10 minute drive away and we went to visit that after! Sign said they officially open Memorial day but the picnic area across the street was open.

So beautiful. Small and quiet with friendly and helpful people in the area. Nice lunch and dinner…read morespots nearby

So, I can't speak to this beach in the summer time - just the shoulder season - but that's when I'd…read moreadvise locals to go (unless you need to swim; which I totally get as I'm a mermaid, but there is something to be said about just sitting peacefully and letting the sounds, smells, and site of the Atlantic wash over you - it's relaxing, rejuvenating, and a reminder of the bigger world... what? the ocean doesn't inspire profound thoughts in you as well?). We came in early November on a Sunday, parked on Route 1A by a 2-hr parking sign, and walked down to the loop at the end of Harbor Beach Rd near Cliff Walk, and just sat on the concrete path leading to the beach eating our lunch. It was bliss. The abundant and unseasonably warm sunshine, the vast expanse of ocean ebbing and flowing, the sloping crescent shaped sandy beach... there was nothing not perfect about it. Definitely one of the most memorable afternoons I've had in a long time!

Parking $7/hour or $45 the whole day! Would recommend to come early because parking was getting…read morepacked. We came at 9am on a Sunday and it was already pretty busy. Once you cross the bridge, the beach is very close. The sand is nice and the water is cold. The bathrooms were tight but it's at the front by parking. If you go at noon during a busy summer season, be prepared to wait. Wish there was food vendors for some snacks. So make sure to bring your own drinks/food. There is a lobster shack at the end of the road but looks like a hassle to walk to.

I thought I swore off beaches for good during these COVID months. But things looked good when we…read morefirst went to one in late June and everyone did their part to distance themselves significantly. Let's just say, folks kept at least 12' from the person next to them, in front of them, behind them, etc so my mood was further lifted. In keeping with the summer vibe, I didn't want to leave Maine without stepping foot at a beach. But I also wanted our beach outing to be a healthy one and more importantly- safe without people hovering all over me. Ogunquit Beach was our initial visit- but the parking lot was jam-packed so was the sand area. We took off and a short drive later, came here. $25 to park and masks required walking on ramps. Folks in front of us kept a noticeable distance- but there were folks behind us and next to us who weren't nearly distant enough for me to make me want to stay more than the 45 minutes we were here. But I will say, there are restrooms, outdoor showers, beach is well kept, and the water....oh man....the water looked like sapphire. Under (real) normal circumstances, I would've had my fill of beach time, then head out for Lobsters. Just one of those was achieved.

clean, vast, and open beach. lots of room and hasn't been overcrowded when i've came.read more

LOVE this beach! It's close to my Mom's & I have been coming here for over 20yrs. It's known as Rye…read moreon the Rocks because its surrounded by a big wall of rocks. Get ready to do some climbing folks to get to this beach. There are a few flat board ramps planted along the rock wall on the outside to get up onto the top. There are not any planks to get down to the beach once your on top. So you have to be really careful climbing down the rocks. Probably kinda hard to do carrying a bunch of stuff & kids. I like this beach because its never crowded or full of screaming kids. When it's high tide you have to sit on top of the rock wall so you better bring a chair. Also it doesn't hurt to have some bug spray because it can get a little buggy @ times. Also there are no bathrooms @ this beach....big down fall if you don't live close by. So you better go pody before you come to this beach & don't forget your sunscreen!! Also there are no trash cans to throw your trash away so be prepared to take your trash home with you! This beach is a very clean one so lets keeping this way! Thanks! :-)

Absolutely stunning views as you walk along the trail. So many great spots to take pictures and…read morejust enjoy the the sights. Trail can be quite busy, make sure to move to the side for faster travelers. Pathway is pretty easy, just a few ups and downs... very doable. We loved this spot so much, we came back again before we headed home.

The walk is a must to view the gorgeous coast of York. Definitely wear good walking shoes and pay…read moreattention to the trail. This not a paved sidewalk. There are any areas of uneven rocks and no railing, but it is a must . There are plenty of areas to stop and enjoy the spectacular views. The walk is just over one half mile and ends, or begins at the public beach. There are many signs warning of poison ivy, so it is best not to touch any of the plants.

This is a great spot to try out if you are visiting with young children. There are several picnic…read moretables under shady trees to enjoy a snack. The playscape is beautiful with a fun zip line feature and plenty of climbing, slides, and swings for different ages. We enjoyed the playground first then walked over to the small beach which wasn't too crowded and perfect for an hour of cooling off in the water and searching for cool rocks. There is an outdoor shower for washing off after the beach by the bathrooms. The only thing we were surprised about was the lack of garbages, not a big deal as we just put our garbage in our bag to throw away later.

The way to Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse was closed for renovation so we ended up just checking…read moreGreat Island Common. It's actually a large enough place with plenty of parking and had some good amount of spots for gatherings/picnics/BBQ. I didnt feel like it was the most beautiful place although the view of the harbor was. I enjoyed the little painter decor that they have and that wide open feel of just standing by the waters. However i felt like the place needed some TLC. Idk. The gentleman by the entrance was very kind and sweet though and allowed us to just check the area for some quick pics for free as we didnt stay too long for this visit.

Growing up a few towns away led me to enjoy many visits here over the past 30 years. But last…read moreweekend was my first visit in around 5 years. It was good to see some small upgrades around the land, starting with a revamp of the parking area and more identifiable main signage to lead you into the park. The Trustees of Reservations segment of the land is now also more clearly delineated, though there is no additional admission charge or anything like that. The trails themselves maintain a timeless and spirited quality that encourages exploration and staying in the moment. The views are certainly something to behold, which I appreciate more now as an adult and needing to make the effort if/when I want to return to these surroundings.

Many many hiking trails going 1) around a central quarry now inactive and 2) leading to the ocean,…read moreboth up to vista views, and down to the very rocky, beautiful shore line. We hiked a LOT there. The trails are not for beginners--there are steep inclines and declines. We did several miles while taking photos and pacing ourselves. Everything here is breathtaking and beautiful. You are at the extreme end of the Rockport Peninsula. It doesn't get any better than this, unless you go to Acadia in Maine. A first rate park hiking destination and park. A plus!