Maine is Vacationland with its endless coastline and abundance of outdoor activities, but few would consider the state a top surfing destination. That’s changing thanks to Sonny and Taylor Perkins, the father-and-son duo who opened York Beach Surf Club, a 1960s-inspired hotel on Long Sands Beach in York. After buying the property in 2020, Taylor decided to pay homage to the original York Beach Surf Club, which was founded by his dad in 1964 as a club for local surfers to compete along the East Coast.
“I stumbled on a box of old photos from my dad’s childhood, which included one of him standing next to a truck with a hand-painted logo and some surfboards on it,” says Taylor. That’s all it took to inspire the entire York Beach Surf Club experience.
A Journey Through Time
That memorable photo of Sonny adorns the walls of the seaside hotel, as do many others from his past. The decor throughout is a minimalist “Scandinavian coastal” design that pays tribute to the surfing culture and transports guests to a bygone era. In the lobby, you’ll find one of Sonny’s surfboards signed by members of the original York Beach Surf Club and visiting surfers.
If it isn’t enough that Sonny’s legacy is woven into the physical fabric of this hotel, Sonny himself often welcomes guests, touring them through the hallways and around the resort. He tells captivating stories about the early days when surfing first came to Maine, of its rich history here and importance to the community. He pauses to share memories from each photo in the hallway, recollecting his involvement in each of them and recounting how he started the York Beach Surf Club so friends and locals could represent Maine in surfing contests.
“We would train all winter in homemade wetsuits so we could compete in the summer,” says Sonny, who recalls a Sports Illustrated article that featured a picture of him climbing over a large snowbank to get to the waves.
A Beachside Hotel with Resort-Worthy Amenities
The 52-room oceanfront property also offers 10 private bungalows with full kitchens and chic seaside décor. Each hotel room has its own patio or balcony with views of iconic lighthouses, surf breaks, the ocean, or the grounds. The hotel offers several amenities for guests, including two heated saltwater pools, a pool bar, multiple dining options, lawn games, fire pits, yoga, and other activities.
Of course, it also offers surf instruction, either with a class or private, and complimentary foam surfboards for resort guests. And since Long Sands Beach is one of the best spots for beginners in Maine, anyone from first-timers to experienced surfers can enjoy a fun and exciting set of waves.
“We have a good time, and we want everybody that comes to the hotel to have a good time. You can call it hospitality, you can call it anything you want—I call it home,” says Sonny, who is proud to say the hotel is family owned and operated.
Fun and Fresh Dining with a Panoramic View
The crown jewel of this seaside hotel is its second-story restaurant, Fiske, that as of press time is set to open in summer 2024. Fiske will offer year-round curated fare and cocktails along with a stunning view of Long Sands Beach. Taylor has continued his homage to his dad by titling the restaurant with Sonny’s middle name, which in Old Norse means fish or fisherman. It’s fitting, since the restaurant is offered as a “coastal yakitori” and raw bar that will serve sushi, with an elaborate cocktail and mocktail menu inspired by libations from Taylor’s favorite coastal hotels.
Interior designer Kurt McKeithan of McKeithan Design Studio created Fiske’s design. Guests can expect an immersive experience through its “surfer-chic” look. From the vintage longboard collection on display to the panoramic bar open daily, this will be York Beach’s seasonal favorite for guests. Taylor and Sonny also plan on opening it up to events and weddings looking for a unique seaside venue.
“From Fiske, you can see two lighthouses, Nubble Light and Boon Island Light, plus all of Long Sands Beach and Isles of Shoals from your seat at the bar,” says Taylor. He also plans to add a retro viewfinder on the deck of this year-round restaurant so guests can spy on surfers playing in the waves or watch winter storms approach. “Fiske will be the best place in southern Maine to be on both good and bad weather days; when it rains, patrons can belly up to the bar and watch the storms come in.”
York Beach Surf Club also boasts the poolside Pineapple Cafe, serving lunch and dinner daily, as well as the Daybreaker Coffee Company for breakfast and all-day espresso drinks. Outside, The Rolling Pearl is a vintage 1960s custom camper that has been transformed into a raw bar and serves clever cocktails and its own menu on the lawn. All are open to the public.
Come for a Night, Stay for a While
When you visit York Beach Surf Club, you’re not just checking in for a night’s stay—you’re embarking on a journey through the rich history of surfing in the region, befriending a local legend, and enjoying a culinary experience that captures the essence of coastal Maine.
This year is the 60th anniversary of the original York Beach Surf Club and will be marked with special events throughout the year.
Visit www.yorkbeachsurfclub.com to
book your surfing vacation in Maine.
