Maine’s Southern Coast has welcomed a fresh addition to its hospitality scene: the York Beach Surf Club.
First established as a surf club in 1963 by local surf legend Sonny Perkins, the property was purchased by Perkins’ son, Taylor Perkins, in 2020. The Surf Company, Perkins’ real estate and hospitality company, then embarked on its transformation—the largest restoration the region has seen in two decades.
The newly opened 52-room resort, nestled along Long Sands Beach, is defined by a design concept that blends minimalist Scandinavian style with coastal architecture that’s traditional of the area.
“Our goal with creating this project was to offer something entirely new for York and this area of Southern Maine,” Perkins says, “by creating a full-service property that offers a fun and laidback atmosphere for guests and locals to hang out and immerse themselves in Maine’s surf and beach vacation culture.”
The resort’s Waverider and Oceanfront buildings
The family-owned property is steeped in the local surf culture, showcasing the evolution of surfing through its thoughtfully designed décor. One highlight is the use of natural wood bands to encircle the perimeter of the Waverider building as a nod to surfboard stringers. The property is also peppered with coral-painted doors, a tribute to the art of board making.
The entrance to York Beach Surf Club, in the Oceanfront building, combines a mix of materials that reflect coastal Maine, such as cedar accents, gray wood floors, and bold black fixtures. As guests check in, they will notice classic 1960s longboards, which have been surfed by the founding members of the York Beach Surf Club, orientated around the check-in desk. Artwork sourced from Perkins’ photography collections and that of original York surfers adorn the walls, offering guests a nostalgic glimpse into the rise of surfing in the ’60s.
Each of York Beach Surf Club’s accommodations—42 guestrooms and 10 bungalows—boast indoor and outdoor spaces. The property also features a heated salt water pool and pool bar, as well as all-day dining option, the Pineapple Cafe. A full-service rooftop restaurant, Fiske, will be added later this summer, too. Designed by McKeithan Design Studio, the eatery will boast a curved bar that faces the beach for a picturesque ocean views.
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