4 Fun Activities for Kids in York Beach, Maine

Thinking of taking the kids on an adventure to York Beach, ME this summer? If so, there are no shortage of activities for them to choose from during your stay.

Child Feeding Animal

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing time on the beach or want to take them to one of the many local attractions, you should have no problem finding something they’ll love.

Have a wonderful trip and create lasting memories by exploring all the family-friendly activities that York Beach has to offer.

Enjoy a day at York’s Wild Kingdom

New England’s only zoo and amusement park, York’s Wild Kingdom features many animal exhibits at the zoo including African lions, red kangaroos, Grant’s zebras, ring tailed lemurs and more. The amusement park has rides that your kids will enjoy, as well as an ice cream stand, gift shop and other activities to keep then entertained all day long. 

Spend some time at the local arcade at Fun-O-Rama

Fun-O-Rama is aptly named, as it is a great time and a throwback to the glory days of arcades. Featuring over 200 games and attractions that include skee ball, air hockey, a fortune teller, and several other arcade classics, it is sure to be a fun time for your children and may even bring back some memories for you.

Plan a beach day at Short Sands Beach

If you’re planning a trip to York Beach, it won’t be complete without a beach day. Short Sand Beach is the perfect choice as it is centrally located, offers beautiful sand to relax on and even has a playground for the kids.

Cool off at the York Beach Bucket

After you’ve spent the day lounging on the beach or exploring the zoo and amusement park, you’ll want to cool down with a delicious cold treat. The York Beach Bucket General Store is the perfect choice. It offers premium local handmade gelato from Coppa Magica, fresh smoothies from Smoothie Operator, ice cold coffee and espresso drinks and even fresh iced tea and lemonade. On top of all these cool options they offer fresh bags of ice as well as ice cold soft drinks, beer and wine, both on tap or on the shelf to take back to your hotel room.

If you’ve made the decision to visit York Beach, ME with your family and are looking for a relaxing, centrally-located motel with all of the amenities you could ever need, we ask that you think of us at Sands by the Sea.

We’ve welcomed visitors since 1961 and offer 60 rooms and vacation cottages with multiple sleeping arrangements, ensuring we’ll have something to fit your family’s needs.

When you would like to book a stay with us for your York Beach, ME vacation, we ask that you explore our site or give us a call today at 207-363-2211 to learn more.

Foods That You Must Try When You Travel to Maine

Maine Lobster

You don’t have to be a seafood lover to have an excellent dining experience in Maine. Besides seafood, the state is also known for its delicious sweet treats and unique drinks. If you’re visiting Maine, here is a list of some seafood and other tourist must-have dishes that you need to try! 

Lobster

Maine is known the most for its lobster dishes. Whether you steam it with melted butter and lemon or stuff it into a lobster roll, you will be blown away by the fresh taste, and strong flavors of the lobster served in Maine. As you visit, you’ll notice that each restaurant tries to add its unique twist to a lobster dish. 

Oysters

Oysters are a very popular menu option in the spring and fall months. Many people enjoy ordering oysters closer to the winter season because oysters will store more fat and sugar while preparing for the winter. Although their taste isn’t for everybody, when they are prepared correctly, oysters are quite indulgent. 

Clams

In Maine, the locals enjoy eating their clams. Typically, they will enjoy them steamed, fried, or tossed in clam chowder. Steamed clams, also referred to as “steamers,” are usually served with butter. On the other hand, fried clams are usually enjoyed dipped in tartar sauce or ketchup and served with a side of French fries! 

Blueberry Pie

Maine’s official state fruit is the wild blueberry. Because of their sweet, bold flavor, blueberries are often incorporated into many desserts in Maine, the most popular being blueberry pie. Because blueberries enjoy growing in acidic soil, the plants thrive when they’re planted in Maine. 

Commonly paired with a scoop of sweet vanilla ice cream, blueberry pie is a must-have treat when you travel to Maine. 

Whoopie Pies

Although blueberry pie is a common dessert choice across the state, Maine’s official dessert is the whoopie pie. If you are curious, a whoopie pie is like a sandwich, but it’s made with two soft cookies with a creamy white filling. Whoopie pies come in various unique flavors, including the classic chocolate whoopie, Raspberry & Cream, Red Velvet, and Peanut Butter. 

As you begin to plan your next trip to Maine, don’t forget to book your accommodations at the Sands by The Sea Motel. Our locally owned motel is conveniently located minutes away from some of the best restaurants in Maine. Visit our website to start booking your stay! 

We’re Ready to Kick Off Spring in Maine!

Fishing in Maine

If you ask us, the spring months are some of the best months to travel to Maine. As we transition from our snowy ski hills to our warm sandy beaches, the warm weather brings plenty of new opportunities to explore when traveling to Maine.

Let’s take a look at some ways you can enjoy the spring weather in Maine! 

Let’s Start Fishing! 

As the ice begins to melt, there will continue to be more opportunities to fish! The official fishing season in Maine begins April 1st, so it’s safe to say you can start breaking out your fishing gear and making sure it’s ready to go for the start of the season! Maine has thousands of miles of rivers and streams, ad nearly hundreds of freshwater lakes for guests to fish in. When you plan your trip, you can expect to catch unique fish like chase brook trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass, pike, musky, and more! 

Don’t forget that if you want to fish for saltwater creatures, you can also fish off Maine’s rugged coastline! 

Check Out Maine’s Lighthouses

You can visit Maine’s historic lighthouses all year round. However, there is something about visiting them in the spring that makes the experience that more special. The Portland Headlight, Nubble Light, and Rockland Breakwater are some of the most popular lighthouses people visit when they travel to Maine. 

Explore the Different Dining Options in Maine

Maine is known for its delicious seafood, but did you know that we have plenty of other dishes we’re proud of too? When visitors travel to Maine, they often feel pressured to eat as much lobster as they can. Although lobster is available all season long, the best season to get them is between June and December. 

So, during the off-season, don’t be afraid to try some new dishes! Besides our fishing, we are also known for our farm-to-table food experience, and we serve excellent unique comfort food dishes. In the spring, keep your eyes out for fresh fish, new beer, and blueberry-filled desserts! 

Visit the Ocean

The start of spring means that warm beach weather is near! After a cold, snowy winter, you deserve to take a stroll on the beach or plan a sailing trip to explore the waters. 

When you stay at Sands by the Sea, you will have access to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Contact us for more information, or reserve your room online today to start planning your spring Maine vacation! 

3 Tips to Help You Save for Your Next Beach Vacation

How to Start Saving for Your Vacation

Life can be stressful, which is why you deserve to treat yourself to a nice vacation. There are plenty of mental and physical health benefits of taking a vacation, including decreasing burnout and increasing your mental power. Planning your dream vacation can be exciting, but as we know, it can also be expensive if you’re not prepared.

Many families avoid taking vacations because they believe that they won’t be able to afford to take one. However, if you start saving and organizing your trip now, your plan to take a vacation could come true.

Here are some of our tips to help you start saving for your next beach vacation:

Creating a Budget

One of the first steps to planning a successful vacation is to create a budget. If you don’t establish a budget of how much money you’re willing to spend on your trip, it can be difficult to follow a savings plan. You may want to keep track of how much money you spend each month on bills, groceries, and other expenses on your budget.

Once you establish your budget, you can focus on cutting expenses, finding a way to accumulate a second source of income, and allocating your money towards a savings goal.

Start Saving Your Money

Between flights, reservations, and setting aside money for food and activities, you can expect a vacation to cost anywhere between a few hundred to a couple of thousands of dollars, depending on where you want to go. Although your vacation’s initial cost can look intimidating, it can be an achievable goal as long as you take the right steps and give yourself enough time to save. 

Many families have found that opening a separate savings account and naming it can be great motivation!

Planning Your Airfare and When You Want to Travel

When you’re taking a vacation, there are times during the year that are more expensive to travel than others. For example, early June or late August is typically a great time to travel because not all students are on summer vacation. However, you’ll notice that holidays and weekends are more expensive times to travel. Do your research and plan accordingly! 

Are you looking for the perfect place to relax? Stay with us at Sands by the Sea! Located in York Beach, ME, we are proud to be one of York Beach’s most beloved motels. Contact us today to start planning your visit! 

4 Tips for Planning a Romantic Getaway

Planning a Romantic Getaway

What’s more romantic than a beach vacation? The soft sand, blue ocean, and salty sea breeze, the beach makes for the perfect romantic and relaxing getaway. It’s fun planning a romantic getaway; however, it can be stressful trying to make it perfect.

Here are 4 suggestions for planning the perfect romantic beach vacation:

Try a New Adventure Together

If you have a usual vacation spot that the two of you travel to frequently, now’s the time to change it up. There are many beautiful beaches around the U.S. that are just waiting for you to try. Going to a new destination together is a great way to connect with your significant other on a whole new level.

Get to Know the City You’re In

If you need an escape from the beach, don’t forget to dedicate some time to explore the city you’re in. Who knows, you may even find some amazing new restaurants, shopping areas, and other fun things to try! Discovering a new city together is a very special way for a couple to connect.

Book a Nice Room with a View

An oceanfront view is a perfect way to start and end your day. If you’re spending the time and money to plan a romantic getaway, you should be budgeting for a nice room with a view. Having a nice, spacious room with a view is romantic and it will encourage you both to take time to relax together.

Plan for Downtime

When you travel to a new place, it can be tempting to want to try everything. However, this often leads you to having a very packed schedule. One of the key components to planning for a successful romantic beach getaway is to account for downtime.

If your goal is to bond and reconnect with your partner during this trip, you have the greatest chances of doing so when you schedule downtime into your trip.

Plan a Vacation in Maine

Are you looking for a romantic beach getaway in Maine? If so, come stay with us at Sands by the Sea! When you stay with us, you will find breathtaking seaside views, delicious seafood restaurants just minutes away from our motel, and you’ll get to explore everything Maine has to offer. 

Give us a call today at (207) 363-2211 to start planning your next romantic stay.

What Do You Need to Know About Maine Before Traveling There?

Beaches in Maine

If you haven’t traveled to Maine, you certainly need to add it to your list of places to go. There are plenty of amazing foods to try, places to explore, and the most incredible breathtaking views. Before you eagerly start planning your next trip to Maine, allow us to help you learn a little more about the state before you go!

Here are a few interesting facts about Maine: 

You Will Have the Best Lobster in Maine

If you’re a lobster lover, then you’ll love traveling to Maine. At almost every restaurant you try, you are likely to find delicious lobster dishes. From Lobster Tails to Lobster BLT’s, you will always be on the hunt for a new unique lobster dish to try.

Because you can find restaurants all over Maine that serve lobster, here is a list of four restaurants that you should try first!

Some of the Best Restaurants in the Country are in Maine

Portland, Maine, is one of the most restaurant-dense communities in the United States. Maine is known for its seafood, blueberries, apples, and maple syrup, so when you dine at our restaurants, you will find that our Chefs try and incorporate these ingredients as much as they can.

There Are Breathtaking Seaside Views

If you’re traveling to Maine, don’t forget to bring your camera. Maine’s scenic spots look like they should be straight from a painting, especially when you go by the water.

The fall is a very popular time to travel to Maine. Since the state is highly populated with trees, you will see their leaves transform into red, orange, and yellow shades. Thus, creating incredible eruptions of beautiful fall colors.

Everyone Loves to Be on The Water

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll recognize quickly that everyone loves being on the water. One of the most popular activities to do when you travel to Maine is whale watching. It’s easy to spot whales breaching in Maine’s oceans, so make sure you’re keeping an eye out!

Finding a Place to Stay When You Visit Maine

Now that we’ve shared a few things that you can expect when you travel to Maine, it’s time to start planning your trip.

Come stay with us at Sands by the Sea! Our beautiful motel is only minutes away from Maine’s best seafood and beautiful ocean views. Give us a call at (207) 363-2211 to learn more about planning your next stay.

 

4 Wonderful Reasons to Plan Your Wedding in Maine

Weddings in Maine

Due to COVID-19, we know that a lot of wedding planning had to be put on hold. If you’re recently engaged or are trying to plan a wedding for the near future, may we suggest researching wedding venues in Maine? Maine is flowing with natural beauty. It has breathtaking views and some of the most incredible foods you’ll ever taste.

From beaches to barns, there are many beautiful places to plan a wedding in Maine.

Here are our favorite reasons to get married in Maine: 

Every Terrain You Desire

Maine has every possible landscape that you could imagine for your wedding. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor ceremony in the mountains or on the beach, Maine has it. When you travel to Maine for your wedding, you’ll have plenty of both ceremony and reception options in the mountains, rushing rivers, near meadows, barns/farms, nautical coasts, and the lake, old brick mills for an industrial look, etc.

Maine Has Delicious, Fresh Seafood

If you love seafood, you’re in luck! It seems like every local restaurant in Maine serves fresh seafood. The cold waters in the Gulf of Maine mean that they have delicious lobsters, shellfish, and fish. Imagine the look on your guest’s face when you serve them a dish with fresh lobster!

Maine is Home to Wonderful Beer, Wine, and Spirits

Maine is home to many of your favorite breweries, including the very well-known Shipyard Brewing Company and Maine Beer Company. Maine is home to over 100 breweries, so there is always an opportunity to grab an amazing beer. Besides their breweries, Maine is also home to 20 wineries and close to 20 distilleries. When you host your wedding in Maine, you can incorporate all local alcohol for your guests to enjoy.

Your Guests Will Love Traveling to Maine

Whether you have guests who love to explore different cities or those that prefer to be outdoors, there are a ton of things for your guests to enjoy. There never seems to be a dull moment when you travel to Maine, and there is a lot you can do with all age groups. If you’re looking to plan a destination wedding, do yourself a favor and plan your wedding in Maine.

Stay at Sands by the Sea Motel

When you get the opportunity to safely travel to Maine, stay at Sands by the Sea. You are guaranteed to be only minutes away from Maine’s best seafood, beautiful ocean view, and a refreshing outdoor pool. We are nestled on one of Southern Maine’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. You and your guests will love this beach getaway.

Give us a call at (207) 363-2211 to start planning your stay! 

4 Reasons You Need to Visit Maine in the Fall

Maine Landscaping

Although Maine is known for its beautiful beaches and delicious fresh seafood, it’s also a sought-out place to travel to in the fall too. As New England’s largest state, Maine is covered with over millions of acres of forests and miles of scenic sights. As soon as the leaves begin to change, tourists will do anything they can to see these breathtaking fall sights in person.

Besides the amazing views, there are also many great activities that guests can do while enjoying the fall weather in Maine.

Here are some of the best things to do in Maine in the fall:

Seek Out Maine’s Fall Foliage

Be sure to grab your camera, because you won’t want to miss this. Once autumn officially hits, the trees across the state will bloom with the most beautiful fall colors. Maine is known for its gorgeous forests, so you can only imagine what they will look like with beautiful fall hues. Whether you take a stroll along the beach or a drive to one of the national parks, you will love being surrounded by the striking colors.

Don’t forget to bring your camera with you!

Whale Watching in Maine

Another great way to experience Maine in the fall is by going out on the water! Whale watching in Maine will typically extend into October, so there is still plenty of time to head out on the water and see whales. Guests can expect to see humpback whales, finback whales, and other aquatic creatures too! There are plenty of places to whale watch in Maine, and some of the best are just a short 30 minutes away from Sands by the Sea.

Hike Around Maine

If you want to see the amazing fall colors up close, then take a hike! Many tourists enjoy traveling to York Beach, ME because it offers beautiful ocean views and spectacular mountain sights. One of our favorites is Mount Agamenticus, which is just under 20 minutes from our motel.

Mount Agamenticus is popular because it has both hiking and biking trails, and a stunning 360-degree view from the top of the mountain. You won’t want to miss this!

There Are Amazing Places to Stay in York Beach, ME

Have we convinced you to take a trip to Maine this fall? If you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to stay at Sands by the Sea Motel. Our locally owned motel is conveniently located a short distance away from some of Maine’s most popular attractions.

Visit our website to view our rates and start planning your stay!

4 Delicious Restaurants to Get Lobster Dishes in Maine

Maine Lobster

If you enjoy indulging in seafood, Maine is the perfect vacation destination for you. All around York Beach are fantastic restaurants serving delicious seafood and lobster dishes. To help you save the time searching for the best restaurants, we’ve created a list of some of our favorites within minutes from our ocean-side rentals.

Here’s a list of some local restaurants serving lobster dishes:

Fox’s Lobster House


Just five short minutes away from Sands by the Sea, Fox’s Lobster House has served a lot of fresh Maine lobster, seafood, and homemade dishes to tourists. Lobsters are boiled the “old fashioned way” in a lobster pound, which dates back to 1936. Fox’s Lobster House has a breathtaking oceanfront view, and tourists can take photos of the famous Nubble Lighthouse.

Lobster Cove


Overlooking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, Lobster Cove is 7 minutes down the road from Sands by the Sea. This is the perfect dining experience where guests can sit back and relax on the outdoor deck. When you travel to Maine, you can’t leave without trying the Twin Lobster dinner. The lobsters are brought in daily, and each weighs in at 1 and 1/4 lb.

Lobster Shack


If you’re looking for a more intimate, yet rustic dining experience, you and your family should dine at The Lobster Shack in the Heart of Perkins Cove. There is quite the menu offered, filled with lobster dishes, steamers, lobster rolls, chowder, and plenty of other seafood options. Local lobster-men catch-all lobsters, so you know that you’re getting the best quality.

Did you know that before becoming a restaurant, The Lobster Shack was a simple lobster-men’s shack for the storage of equipment? That’s right! When you dine in, you can even see many of the original building materials. Plus, the Lobster Shack is only 16 minutes away from your stay!

Foot Bridge Lobster


Are you a lobster lover? If so, we have the place for you! At Foot Bridge Lobster, they turn your favorite lobster into unique dishes like Lobster BLT, Lobster Egg Sandwich, Lobster Grilled Cheese, and their Lobster Roll. At Foot Bride Lobster, they only serve fresh lobster to their customers. It’s caught daily! If you’re looking for an incredible seafood experience, this location is only 16 minutes away from your stay at Sands by the Sea.

Stay at Sands by the Sea

When you plan your stay at Sands by the Sea, you are guaranteed to be only minutes away from Maine’s best seafood. Nestled on one of southern Maine’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, this is your ideal beach getaway. Give us a call at (207) 363-2211 to start planning your next stay!

How to Pack for a Week-Long Beach Vacation

Are you headed to York Beach, ME, for your next getaway? If so, lucky you! Before your travels, you’ll first need to pack your bags, of course. Packing for a beach vacation isn’t as easy as it seems. There is a lot to remember to bring with you on your trip. 

If you’re worried about what to pack for the beach, here’s a detailed guide to help you remember to pack everything you need. 

What to Pack for a Beach Vacation

Research Your Vacation Destination 

It’s always best to get organized as much as possible before you start packing. First, research the area where you will be staying. What’s the weather like there? Are you traveling during a rainy season? Always consult the weather forecast for your vacation area before you leave your trip. That way, you can pack only what you need and not overpack. 

Create a Checklist Before You Start Packing 

If you plan on mostly spending your time at the beach, you will have to prepare for all of the beach activities! From sandals to running sneakers, sunscreen and baseball caps, you’ll need to figure out an organization method to keep everything packed securely. Even if you plan to just lounge on the beach, you will want to make sure you include sunscreen, sunglasses, a few bathing suits, sandals, magazines, etc. 

If you plan to sightsee or do any other activities while visiting Maine, your list may be more extensive. Other things you may want to include are walking shoes, makeup, lightweight layers, along with extra toiletry items. 

Packing Personal Items and Travel Documents

When packing your personal and travel documents, you should always have them easily accessible. Whether you’re driving or flying, consider bringing a carryon bag that stays close to you throughout your travels. In your bag, you’ll want to include photo identification, passports, credit cards, and money. You may also want to add a light jacket and change of clothes if your bag gets lost or delayed. 

You’ll also want to keep all of your electronics and their charger close by for entertainment purposes. 

Plan Your Visit to York Beach, ME

Before you start packing your bags, you first have to book your trip!

When you plan your stay at Sands by the Sea, you are guaranteed to be only minutes away from Maine’s best seafood, beautiful ocean view and refreshing outdoor pool . Nestled on one of southern Maine’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, this is your ideal beach getaway. Give us a call at (207) 363-2211 to start planning your next stay!