How to Plan Your Family Reunion to York Beach, Maine

family reunion at York Beach, Maine

Over the last few years, many of us have relied on technology to connect and spend time with our family members. However, as summer approaches, many families consider planning a reunion to make up for lost time and create new memories. The only question remaining is where to host it.

The location of your reunion is an important part of a successful reunion. Ideally, the perfect spot has a wide variety of nearby activities, beautiful sights and offers comfortable accommodations. York Beach, Maine, has all these amenities, plus more! Here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your family reunion in York Beach, Maine.

Plan Your Activities Ahead of Time

Looking at all York Beach, Maine, has to offer ahead of time is a great way to ensure your reunion runs smoothly. Rather than planning things the day of, setting up a basic schedule allows people to be informed and choose what they wish to participate in. Not everyone will want to do the same activities, and York Beach, Maine, has a wide array of activities near each other.

For example, Long Shore Beach offers a beautiful beach, quaint shops, and even some arcades! If half of the family wants to soak up some sun, and the other wants to get some souvenirs or play some games, it can all be done without worrying about coordinating rides or being far away.

Plan Out Transportation

What means the most is the quality time spent with loved ones. Your reunion shouldn’t be spent worrying about coordinating cabs to places, renting a car, or braving long walks. By planning out your transportation and understanding local public transportation, you can alleviate anxiety and be prepared. Choosing a location like Sands by the Sea, which has many walkable options in the area, can cut the hassle of planning transportation altogether!

Find Fun Lodging

Having a fun place to stay is a must! Of course, it’s lovely to go out and explore, but some days, it may be best to stay back and hang out together. Renting a cottage or suite allows the space to have group gatherings, so if some relaxing time at home is needed, just open up the connecting doors or invite people over for a game day! Also, while the ocean is a fun time for swimming and tanning alike, some people prefer a pool. By staying with us at Sands by the Sea, you can relax at a sparkling pool with a panoramic view of the ocean.

 

At Sands by the Sea, you can focus on what matters: family time. With a trolley stop right outside the motel, and quick access to beaches, food, and shopping, it’s a great choice that will make everyone happy. With a location that can’t be beaten and a wide variety of room choices, it’s been a destination for reunions and vacations alike for years. Give us a call at 207-363-2211 and allow us to assist you with booking your family reunion in beautiful York Beach, Maine! 

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.

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!

Safety Tips to Follow When Staying by the Beach

Beach Vacations

Beach vacations are the best. Before you start splashing around in the waves or play in the water, make sure you know some of the more important ocean swimming safety rules.

Here are a few tips to help you keep all of your beach trips as safe as possible:

Know Your Beach Warning Flags

Sometimes, depending on the beach, they will have different colored flags displayed to communicate different warning signs to the community. Before you dip your toes in the water, make sure you’re checking the warning signs.

Here are some of the more popular ones that you might see: 

  • Red Flags: extreme danger, water closing, high hazard, and strong currents
  • Yellow Flags: medium hazard, moderate surf and/or currents
  • Green Flags: low hazard, calm conditions, exercise caution
  • Purple Flags: dangerous marine life

If you don’t notice any flags, don’t assume that the water is safe. Use your best judgment, and talk to a lifeguard. 

Locate the Lifeguard Stations

If you’re traveling with young children, it’s always a good idea to swim near a lifeguard. If your child is old enough to swim on their own, a lifeguard will be able to keep an extra eye on them. 

Don’t Dive Into the Water if You Don’t Know How to Swim 

Rule of thumb, if you can’t do the doggie paddle, keep your distance from the water. Ocean swimming is a lot different than swimming in a pool. If you feel uncomfortable with your swimming ability, don’t hesitate to wear a certified life jacket near the water.

Swimming should only take place when a lifeguard is present. Instruct your child to never head out in the water without a family member to look after them. Plus, it’s always more fun to swim with a buddy than alone. 

Vacationing By the Water

To ensure a relaxing vacation, make sure that you are following these water safety tips. If you’re looking to travel to a beautiful location with the best waterfront views, travel to York, Maine. When you stay at Sands by the Sea Motel, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful waterfront view, and you’ll be close to all of the local attractions. 

Contact us today to start planning your stay! 

Benefits of Staying at a Motel

When traveling there are many different options to choose from to book your accommodations. The key factors which determine where most people stay are usually comfort and value. People want the best option that costs the least amount of money. If you are looking for a deal, chances are a motel is your best bet.

Here are the benefits of booking your accommodations with a motel:

Save Money: Booking accommodations at a hotel can come with a high-priced mark-up, especially when booking through different travel websites. The advantage of booking at a locally owned motel is that you can book directly through their website or front-desk service which can help save money and time. Travelling can already become very expensive, so there is no reason to spend money unnecessarily. Almost always, if you see a price online with Booking.com or Expedia you can just call the motel and ask them to match that price or give you a better one. When you get the price you want it’s much easier to deal with the motel directly after that point instead of a 3rd party travel website that just delays solutions and enhances wait times and frustrations. If there are any questions, concerns or requests, you won’t have to deal with an answering service that sends your call overseas to a call center that will, in the end, just be calling the motel anyways. The motel itself will always offer superior and more efficient solutions.

Better Service: Oftentimes, chain motels have many different people coming and going with staff that can be less than pleasant. A smaller, locally owned motel has the advantage that they are able to provide a more personal service to their patrons with repeat and seasoned staff. Quite often the staff has been there at the motel for many years and the style within which they train their newer housekeepers is second nature and always the same. This will certainly provide a more consistent, refreshing and even cleaner experience!

Parking: Larger hotels have high-priced parking which can put a damper on your vacation fund. Some hotels will charge hundreds for their parking just for a short stay. Most motels have free or discounted parking. This is very helpful for road trip vacations. The parking is also much closer which makes it easier to access your vehicle whenever you need to.

Local knowledge: A motel can offer a personalized experience for many patrons. The front desk and concierge can provide a knowledgeable history of the location you are visiting and the best places, restaurants and sights to see.

Uniqueness: Many “big name” hotels are meant to be the same and if you’ve stayed at one, you’ve stayed at them all. With a local motel, you get the uniqueness of staying at a one-of-a-kind accommodation. Each motel has its own way of doing things. Each motel has its own style and history. These natural elements tend to be beneficial to the guests that stay there. Nothing can replace a unique experience.

Motel Myths: Quite often people think that a motel is a one trick pony, but many motels not only offer standard accommodations at good prices but oftentimes they will even offer family suites, connecting rooms, cottages or even luxury condominiums. These units tend to be much larger and accompanied with more amenities such as a kitchen, additional bathrooms, extra parking or even a private outdoor deck. With the growing needs of today’s savvy customers, the personal expectations of the ownership usually grows with those needs. When you contact your motel just ask them about the range of their accommodations and you could be pleasantly surprised. Remember that not all motels will have such choices, but some most certainly do and that can make all the difference between a good vacation and a truly memorable and enjoyable one.

Planning a trip to Maine? Book your accommodations with Sands by The Sea Motel! Our locally owned and operated motel is the ideal place to start your trip to Maine. Check rates & accommodations here!

Top Things to Do in York Beach, Maine

York Beach, Maine, should be your next vacation destination! It’s one of the oldest towns in the United States, it offers a quaint, noncommercial atmosphere with cozy inns, delicious restaurants, wonderful family amusements and stunning natural scenery.

Here are the top things to do in York Beach, Maine:

Amusements

If your children keep saying ‘I’m bored!’ it might be time to swing into York’s Wild Animal Kingdom or Fun-O-Rama. York’s Wild Animal Kingdom is a family aimed zoo and amusement park located in York Beach, Maine. With over 250 rides and games, Fun-O-Rama is also a great option for families. This awesome amusement park is located right on Short Sands, so what are you waiting for?

Visit the lighthouses

You’ll find two historic lighthouses in York Beach. Chances are the Nubble Lighthouse on Cape Neddick will look familiar to you, even if you’ve never visited the area before. That’s because its gleaming white walls and crisp red trim, set against a stunning blue sea, have made it the subject of countless postcards and paintings. The Nubble Lighthouse is still the most photographed lighthouse in America. The Boon Island Lighthouse, visible in the distance six miles offshore, is the state’s tallest at 137 feet.

York Beach Lighthouses

Hit the beach

The York Beach area has a number of beaches to enjoy. Some are sandy, but others are rocky, so bring sturdy shoes! Families will love Long Sands Beach and Cape Neddick Beach is known for its tide pools. York Harbor Beach is off the beaten path and is one of the most scenic in the area. The best beach of all? Short Sands Beach! It’s the only beach in York that is centrally located and has tons of dry sand (unlike all the other beaches) and it’s walkable to most of the greatest things to do in York ME, including the Nubble Lighthouse.

It’s an excellent beach to look for sea glass and spend quality time with your loved ones. If you’re really lucky you could witness a 250-year-old schooner shipwreck that unearths itself from under the sand from time to time after a storm. Short Sands Beach is close to the shops and places to eat, plus you can jaunt across the street and visit us here at the Sands by the Sea Motel!

Try some delicious local food

One of the things you absolutely must do when you visit York, Maine is to stop by the York Beach Bucket, a beachy, modern-day general store and pizzeria. At this must-stop location, you’ll find authentic handmade dough and fresh, made in house pizza sauce. Top off your pizza or sandwich with a cold beer or a refreshing glass of wine while watching people stroll by on the patio. The York Beach Bucket also offers a wide variety of deli meats, breads, dairy products, espresso, gelato, beer & wine, sundries and more!

What to do in York Maine

Looking for something sweet after your yummy meal at York Beach Bucket? If the Gelato just isn’t your thing, then head over to The Goldenrod for salt water taffy and homemade ice cream. This Short Sands must-stop location has been in business for over 150 years and it’s a real draw for kids and adults alike.

Visit Old York

Get your history fix with a guided tour through Old York buildings and check out the Museums of Old York and the Virginia Weare Parsons Education Center, which features an 18th century one-room schoolhouse complete with period graffiti an old jail, historical cemeteries and so much more.

Get your steps in at Mt. Agamenticus 

Looking to exercise, bond with your loved ones, see beautiful views of the summit and just breathe a bit? Check out Mt. Agamenticus, which is located right in York, Maine. There are many hiking and mountain biking trails on the mountain and at 692 feet above sea level, you’ll be able to see the skyscrapers of Boston to the south on a clear day.

Things to do in York Beach, ME

If you’re planning a visit to York Beach, Maine, book a room at the Sands by the Sea Motel. Nestled on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in southern Maine, we’re the perfect home base for your next Maine getaway! Call 207-363-2211 or contact us online today!

Advantages of Staying at a Locally Owned Motel

York Beach ME Hotel

When you take a trip to a place like York, Maine, you’ll have the option of staying at a chain motel if you’d like. But if you really want to experience everything that a place has to offer, you’re much better off booking a stay at a locally owned motel.

Here are several advantages of going with a locally owned motel over a motel that’s part of a chain:

Locally owned motels will give you a more local feel

There is so much to see and do in a city like York, Maine. From kicking back and relaxing on the Short Sands Beach to walking through all the shops in York Beach, you’ll be able to do a little bit of everything during your visit. And staying at a locally owned motel will enhance this experience since you’ll be right in the middle of the action. A hotel like Sands by the Sea is conveniently located right near the Short Sands Beach, just steps from amazing dining options, shops, a gorgeous harbor, and more. You’ll really feel like a local when you stay at Sands by the Sea when you’re in town.

Locally owned motels will provide you with more personalized customer service

Whether you stay at a chain motel in York, Maine or a chain motel in York, Pennsylvania, you can expect to get the same level of standard customer service. But when you go with a locally owned motel like Sands by the Sea instead, you’ll get customer service that goes above and beyond what you would normally expect. You’ll be able to ask for restaurant recommendations, learn about some of the things you have to see when you’re in town, and interact with the motel managers on a regular basis at a locally owned motel. You won’t usually have these same opportunities at a chain.

Locally owned motels will offer you and your family better accommodations

If you’ve been in one chain motel, you’ve been in them all! They usually have the same exact room setups regardless of location. But a locally owned motel like Sands by the Sea understands the need for different room configurations. It’s why we offer 60 rooms and vacation rentals that come in many shapes and sizes. Whether you’re a couple planning an anniversary getaway or a large family looking for a place to host a reunion, we can offer better accommodations than any chain motel would.

There are also many other benefits that come along with staying at Sands by the Sea

You can get to the beach within just a minute or two from any of our rooms. You can also lounge by our heated outdoor pool, which will have food and drink service courtesy of the York Beach Bucket beginning in 2019. And if you want to go out and explore, we’re not far from a number of attractions, including a zoo, an amusement park, an arcade, a bowling alley, a mini-golf course, and so much more. Call us at 207-363-2211 today to reserve a room for your York, Maine vacation.