York Beach or Ogunquit?

We have one night along the coast south of Portland. Are looking for an area that is not hustle bustle, but is family friendly. Most places are booked for next week, but we found one small hotel in Oqunquit near Marginal Way and a B %26amp; B in York Harbor near Short Sands Beach. We have a ten year old. Would like a taste of coastal Maine on this quick trip. What do you recommend? What is the difference b/t the two towns?

Thanks!

York Beach or Ogunquit?

york beach is in my opinion a bit rundown. it has an almost carnival atmosphere with arcades on the beach and an actual amusement park area at the other end. the beach is nice but u have to use parking meters to park or find a lot that charges nearby. there aren%26#39;t many good clean restaurants with the exception the goldenrod which makes saltwater taffy and has a sort of diner-menu.

i personally love ogunquit. it has quaint shops, a beautiful white sandy beach. park in a lot if you see one for a flat fee instead of paying to park at the beach. rates are steep. if you get there on the verge of high tide, get a float (you can rent one at the beach) and get in the tidal river and the tide will push you along to the ocean part. wonderful treat for kids with a parent. it has many wonderful restaurants. get on the trolley which goes from perkins cove which is the start of the marginal way which is a beautiful scenic walk along the ocean. dine at barnacle billys for a lobster roll, catch a boat ride out to nubble light or point. lots of people watching. if u happen to be at the ogunquit beach during lunch, eat at Splash on the desk overlooking the beach. wonderful reasonable food and friendly waitresses. treat your kid to ';dippin dots'; (ice cream of the future) enjoy

York Beach or Ogunquit?

a great reasonable place to stay in ogunquit is The Mariner. www.marinerresort.com it is at the other end, almost to Wells, Maine but it is on the trolley line. It has clean rooms, wonderful pool, beautiful view of the marsh and the ocean beyond. friendly helpful staff. a good place to eat breakfast 2 min down the road; the hayloft. take a right out of mariner parking lot. it is on the left. a great place for lunch/dinner is haddock jacks in wells, maine, just beyond the Hayloft. there is also a mini golf place near there.

i see on the mariner%26#39;s site that rooms next week are just $69 a night. I don%26#39;t think you can beat that price.

Thank you for the assistance, Colleen. I was trying to decide if York Beach would be quaint and old-timey, or just tired and commercial. Sounds like Ogunquit is a better choice. I like the float idea. I will check on the Mariner. Thanks again!