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Sohier Park in York, Maine: Complete Visitor Guide and Travel Tips

February 28, 2026 by Emily A Leave a comment
sohier park
Image Credit: visitingnewengland.com

Sohier Park is one of the most scenic coastal viewpoints in New England. Located in the charming seaside town of York, this oceanfront park is best known for offering the most iconic view of Nubble Lighthouse, officially called Cape Neddick Light. Perched on rocky cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the park provides panoramic water views, crashing waves, and postcard-worthy scenery in every season.

Unlike traditional recreational or national parks with playgrounds or long walking trails, Sohier Park is a scenic overlook destination. Visitors come here to photograph the lighthouse, enjoy ocean breezes, watch boats pass along the coastline, and simply relax while taking in the dramatic Maine shoreline. The combination of rugged granite rocks, deep blue waters, and the historic lighthouse makes this one of the most photographed locations in the state.

Sohier Park is easy to access, family-friendly, and ideal for both short scenic stops and extended visits. Whether you are planning a coastal Maine road trip, exploring York for the first time, or searching for the best lighthouse views in the Northeast, this complete visitor guide will help you plan your visit with confidence.

Location and Directions Sohier Park

Sohier Park is located in Cape Neddick, a coastal village within the town of York. The park sits at the southern tip of the Cape Neddick peninsula, directly facing the Atlantic Ocean and the famous Nubble Lighthouse. Its address is commonly listed as 11 Sohier Park Road, York, Maine, making it easy to find using GPS navigation.

How to Get to Sohier Park

If you are driving from Interstate 95, take Exit 7 in York and follow the signs toward Route 1 South. From there, turn onto Nubble Road and continue until it ends at Sohier Park. The drive from downtown York Beach takes only a few minutes, while the trip from Portland, Maine, is about one hour. Visitors traveling from Boston can reach the park in approximately 90 minutes by car.

Public transportation options are limited, so having a vehicle is the most convenient way to visit. Rideshare services may be available in peak summer months, but availability can vary.

Nearby Landmarks

Sohier Park is situated near York Beach and is a short drive from other coastal attractions, making it easy to include in a broader Maine itinerary. Many visitors combine a stop at the park with scenic drives along the southern Maine coastline or a visit to nearby beaches and restaurants.

Because the park is located at the end of a residential road, visitors should follow posted signs and drive slowly. The final stretch opens to a dramatic oceanfront overlook where the lighthouse stands proudly offshore, offering one of the most recognizable views in New England.

Parking Information for Sohier Park

Parking at Sohier Park is straightforward but highly seasonal. Because the park is one of the most visited scenic spots in York, especially for views of Nubble Lighthouse, planning ahead is important during peak travel months.

Seasonal Parking Fees

From late spring through early fall, typically May through October, parking is paid and enforced daily. Rates are usually charged per hour, and payment kiosks are available on site. Visitors should bring a credit card or small bills, as payment systems may not always accept large denominations. In the off-season, parking is often free, making winter and early spring visits more budget-friendly.

Parking Capacity

The lot is relatively small and can fill quickly during summer afternoons, weekends, and sunset hours. Arriving early in the morning or closer to sunset often increases your chances of finding a spot. Holiday weekends and peak foliage season in October can also attract large crowds.

Accessibility

Sohier Park’s parking lot is located directly adjacent to the main viewing area, making it easily accessible for families, seniors, and visitors with limited mobility. There is minimal walking required to reach the primary lighthouse overlook.

Local Tips

If the main lot is full, nearby roadside parking is limited and often restricted. It is best to wait patiently for a space rather than parking illegally, as local enforcement is active during busy periods. Planning your visit during shoulder season or weekday mornings provides the most relaxed experience.

Best Time to Visit Sohier Park

Sohier Park is open year-round, and each season offers a different coastal experience. Because the park is primarily a scenic overlook facing the Atlantic Ocean and Nubble Lighthouse, timing your visit can significantly affect weather conditions, crowd levels, and photography opportunities.

Sohier Park in Summer

Summer is the busiest time to visit Sohier Park. From June through August, temperatures are comfortable, usually ranging from the mid 60s to mid 70s Fahrenheit. Clear skies and long daylight hours make it ideal for sightseeing and photography. However, parking fills quickly, especially in the afternoon and at sunset. If visiting in summer, arrive early in the morning for a quieter experience.

Sohier Park in Fall

Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons at Sohier Park. Crisp air, fewer tourists, and dramatic ocean views create a peaceful atmosphere. September and October offer mild temperatures and excellent lighting conditions for photography. Fall foliage in the surrounding areas adds extra scenic value to your coastal Maine trip.

Sohier Park in Winter

Winter provides a completely different perspective. Snow-covered rocks and powerful Atlantic waves create dramatic coastal scenery. While temperatures can be cold and windy, winter visitors enjoy fewer crowds and free parking. It is a great time for photographers seeking unique seasonal images of the lighthouse.

Sohier Park in Spring

Spring brings fresh ocean air, blooming coastal vegetation, and moderate visitor traffic. Late April and May are especially pleasant before peak summer crowds arrive.

Best Time of Day to Visit Sohier Park 

Sunrise and sunset are the most popular times to visit. Sunrise offers softer light and fewer visitors. Sunset provides vibrant colors over the Atlantic, making it one of the best times for capturing iconic lighthouse photos.

The Lighthouse Views in Sohier Park

The main reason travelers visit Sohier Park is for its direct and unobstructed view of Nubble Lighthouse. Positioned on a small rocky island just offshore, the lighthouse stands against the Atlantic Ocean backdrop, creating one of the most iconic coastal scenes in New England.

sohier park
Image credit: newengland.com

Why the View Is So Special

Unlike many lighthouses that are partially blocked by buildings or require boat access, Nubble Lighthouse is perfectly framed from Sohier Park. The elevated shoreline gives visitors a panoramic angle of the lighthouse, the keeper’s house, the surrounding rocks, and the open sea. On clear days, the contrast between the white lighthouse tower and the deep blue ocean creates striking visual depth.

The perspective changes throughout the day. Morning light casts a soft glow over the lighthouse from the east. Midday offers crisp visibility and vibrant colors. Sunset often produces dramatic skies with warm tones reflecting across the water.

Ocean and Coastal Scenery

Beyond the lighthouse itself, Sohier Park provides sweeping views of the Atlantic coastline. Waves crash against granite rocks, seabirds circle overhead, and fishing boats occasionally pass in the distance. During winter storms, the ocean becomes powerful and dramatic, attracting visitors who want to witness Maine’s rugged coastal beauty.

Seasonal Lighting and Atmosphere

In summer, the scene feels bright and lively. In the fall, the atmosphere becomes calmer and more reflective. Winter snow and ice create a rare and stunning contrast against the lighthouse structure. Each season offers a different mood, making repeat visits worthwhile.

Whether you are a first-time visitor to York or a returning traveler, the lighthouse view from Sohier Park remains the highlight and defining feature of this coastal destination.

Photography Tips for Sohier Park

Sohier Park is one of the most photographed coastal locations in Maine, largely because of its clear vantage point of Nubble Lighthouse. Whether you are using a smartphone or professional camera equipment, thoughtful timing and positioning can dramatically improve your images.

Choose the Right Time of Day

Golden hour provides the best natural lighting. Sunrise offers soft light, calm winds, and fewer visitors, making it ideal for clean compositions without crowds. Sunset creates warm tones and dramatic skies over the Atlantic Ocean. Cloud cover can enhance photos by adding texture and depth. Midday light is bright and clear but can produce harsh shadows. If visiting at noon, adjust exposure settings or use natural rock formations to add foreground interest.

Use Foreground Elements

The rocky coastline at Sohier Park offers excellent framing opportunities. Position granite rocks, coastal grass, or ocean waves in the foreground to create depth and scale. This technique makes lighthouse photos feel more dynamic and layered.

Seasonal Photography

Winter provides rare snow-covered lighthouse scenes. Fall delivers softer lighting and fewer people in the background. Summer offers vibrant blue water and green coastal vegetation. Each season tells a different visual story.

Camera Settings and Equipment

A zoom lens helps capture detailed lighthouse shots without cropping too tightly. A tripod is useful during low-light conditions or for long exposure wave photography. If using a smartphone, enable HDR mode for balanced highlights and shadows.

Respect Safety Boundaries

Stay within designated viewing areas. Coastal rocks can be slippery, especially during high tide or storm conditions. Safe positioning ensures both personal safety and stable image capture. For photographers visiting York, Sohier Park offers a reliable and visually compelling coastal subject in nearly every weather condition.

Top Things to Do in Sohier Park

Although Sohier Park is primarily known as a scenic overlook, there are several meaningful ways to experience and enjoy the space beyond simply viewing the lighthouse. Its coastal setting in York makes it ideal for slow travel, nature appreciation, and coastal photography.

Admire and Observe Nubble Lighthouse

The highlight of any visit is observing Nubble Lighthouse from multiple angles within the park. Walk along the fenced viewing perimeter to find slightly different perspectives. Notice how wave patterns, tides, and light conditions change the overall scene. Many visitors spend time simply watching the ocean and appreciating the historic maritime structure that has guided ships since the 19th century.

Relax and Enjoy Coastal Scenery

Sohier Park provides open grassy areas with benches facing the Atlantic Ocean. It is an excellent location for quiet reflection, reading, or simply breathing in fresh sea air. The steady rhythm of the waves and open horizon create a calming environment ideal for unwinding.

Wildlife and Bird Watching

The coastal environment attracts seabirds such as gulls and cormorants. During certain seasons, visitors may also spot seals offshore. Whale migration occurs further out in the Atlantic, and while sightings are rare from shore, binoculars enhance your wildlife viewing opportunities.

Picnic with Ocean Views

Bring light snacks or a packed lunch and enjoy a casual picnic overlooking the lighthouse. While Sohier Park does not have extensive picnic infrastructure, the open seating and grassy areas allow for relaxed outdoor dining.

Seasonal Events and Holiday Displays

During the winter holiday season, Nubble Lighthouse is often decorated with festive lights, creating a unique nighttime viewing experience. Check local announcements before planning an evening visit.

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Top Nearby Attractions to Visit While Exploring Sohier Park

Sohier Park is rarely a standalone destination. Most travelers visiting York combine it with beaches, scenic trails, historic landmarks, and neighboring coastal towns. Its strategic location in southern Maine makes it an ideal anchor stop within a larger coastal itinerary.

York Beach

Just minutes from Sohier Park, York Beach offers classic New England seaside charm. The area includes short sands and long stretches of shoreline, seasonal arcades, family-owned restaurants, and oceanfront lodging. It is especially popular in summer for swimming, sunbathing, and casual boardwalk-style entertainment. 

Visitors often plan their day in reverse: morning at the beach, followed by an afternoon stop at Sohier Park to photograph Nubble Lighthouse. During shoulder season, York Beach becomes quieter and ideal for long coastal walks.

Long Sands Beach

Long Sands Beach stretches for over a mile and offers a wide, open shoreline that contrasts beautifully with the rocky cliffs at Sohier Park. It is ideal for families, surfers, and travelers who prefer space to spread out. The gradual shoreline makes it accessible for casual swimmers, while photographers appreciate sunrise reflections over the Atlantic. Parking is seasonal and regulated, so early arrival during the summer is recommended.

Mount Agamenticus

For a completely different vantage point, visit Mount Agamenticus. Located about 20 minutes inland, this protected conservation area features hiking trails, scenic drives, and summit overlooks that extend across southern Maine and into New Hampshire on clear days. The summit observation area provides panoramic views that complement the oceanfront experience at Sohier Park. Combining coastal and inland perspectives creates a more comprehensive understanding of Maine’s geography.

Ogunquit and the Marginal Way

The town of Ogunquit sits approximately 20 minutes north and is known for art galleries, boutique shops, and excellent seafood restaurants. The highlight is the Marginal Way, a paved coastal walking path offering cliffside ocean views and seasonal wildflowers. Ogunquit works well as a half-day extension for travelers who want additional coastal scenery and dining options after visiting Sohier Park.

Perkins Cove

Located within Ogunquit, Perkins Cove is a small harbor village featuring working lobster boats, waterfront dining, and craft shops. It provides a more intimate maritime setting compared to the broader beaches of York.

Portland

Travelers spending multiple days in Maine often extend their itinerary to Portland. About one hour north, Portland offers historic architecture, vibrant food culture, breweries, and additional lighthouse experiences such as Portland Head Light. For those building a multi-day coastal Maine road trip, Sohier Park fits naturally between Portsmouth, York, Ogunquit, and Portland.

Travel Tips to Visit Sohier Park and Surroundings

Planning strategically improves both comfort and overall experience. These practical insights reflect seasonal realities and local travel patterns in southern Maine.

  • Arrive Early During Peak Season: Summer weekends and sunset hours draw heavy visitor traffic. Arriving before 9 AM or closer to sunrise increases your chances of easy parking and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Monitor Weather and Tides: Coastal Maine weather can change quickly. Wind conditions can make temperatures feel significantly colder, especially in fall and winter. Checking tide charts enhances photography and wave viewing experiences.
  • Dress in Layers: Even in summer, ocean breezes can create cooler conditions. Bring a light jacket or windbreaker.
  • Respect Local Regulations: Stay within marked viewing areas. Do not attempt to access the lighthouse island, as it is not open to the public. Follow parking guidelines strictly to avoid fines.
  • Plan for Limited Amenities: Sohier Park does not offer extensive facilities. Restrooms may be seasonal. Plan accordingly, especially when visiting with children.
  • Combined with Regional Exploration: Southern Maine is compact and easy to navigate. Pair Sohier Park with beach visits, hiking trails, or dining stops to create a full-day coastal itinerary.

Conclusion

Sohier Park is one of the most iconic and accessible coastal viewpoints in southern Maine. With its panoramic Atlantic Ocean scenery and direct view of Nubble Lighthouse, it offers visitors a simple yet unforgettable New England experience. Whether you visit during a summer sunset, a crisp fall afternoon, or a dramatic winter day, the park consistently delivers scenic beauty and peaceful coastal charm.

Its convenient location in York makes it easy to include in broader Maine travel plans. From nearby beaches and hiking trails to charming coastal towns, Sohier Park serves as both a highlight and a gateway to exploring southern Maine. For a complete planning resource with maps, seasonal guidance, and curated itineraries, download our full Sohier Park Visitor Guide in PDF format and start planning your Maine coastal trip with confidence.

Sohier Park Map!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sohier Park located?

Sohier Park is located in Cape Neddick within the town of York, Maine. It sits at the end of Sohier Park Road and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Nubble Lighthouse.

Is parking free at Sohier Park?

Parking is typically paid during peak season from late spring through early fall. In the off season, parking is often free.

Can you walk to Nubble Lighthouse from Sohier Park?

No, visitors cannot walk to Nubble Lighthouse. The lighthouse sits on a small offshore island and is not open to the public for general access.

What is the best time to visit Sohier Park?

The best time to visit is early morning or sunset for optimal lighting and fewer crowds. Fall months provide pleasant weather and reduced visitor numbers.

How long should you spend at Sohier Park?

Most visitors spend 30 minutes to 1 hour enjoying views and taking photos. Photography enthusiasts may choose to stay longer.

Is Sohier Park open year round?

Yes, Sohier Park is open year round, though weather conditions can impact accessibility during winter months.

Are there restrooms at Sohier Park?

Restroom availability may be seasonal. Visitors should check ahead or plan accordingly.

Is Sohier Park good for families?

Yes, Sohier Park is family friendly and easily accessible. The viewing areas require minimal walking.

Can you see whales from Sohier Park?

While whale sightings are rare from shore, seals and seabirds are more commonly observed in the area.

Is Sohier Park worth visiting?

Yes. Sohier Park is widely considered one of the best places in Maine to view and photograph Nubble Lighthouse, making it a must see coastal stop.

Author

  • Emily is the Senior Writer and Editor at Roam50States, primarily contributing to the Travel Ideas and Where to Stay categories. She manages the writing, editing, and quality control of all published content, ensuring every guide is well-structured, readable, and traveler-friendly. Emily also maintains consistency across all articles while aligning content with SEO best practices, delivering engaging and reliable information for readers planning their trips.

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