Unique Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Happy fathers day card illustration design

Skip the usual card and box of suit ties this Father’s Day and get your dad something he will truly love and appreciate! The special man in your life deserves a meaningful and thoughtful gift. Although it’s easy to succumb to generic gifts lining the stores, it is important to make your father feel special and seen on this sentimental occasion.

Here are a few unique gift ideas that will wow your dad this Father’s Day!

Make a Donation in His Name

If your father is not big on receiving physical gifts, consider donating to a charity or cause he loves in his name. This is a thoughtful way to honor your dad with a special present while helping those in need.

Choose Something Sentimental

A sentimental gift from the heart never goes out of style. Perhaps a photo album filled with your favorite moments together, a copy of his favorite book, or even a box of his favorite chocolates. Your gift does not have to be an extravagant affair, but it should be meaningful and specific to your father figure. 

Write a Heartfelt Letter

Any father would love a heartfelt letter. Take the time to consider what you appreciate about your dad and how you’re thankful for him. Present a sweet hand-written sentiment that tells him why you love him and what his presence in your life has meant to you over the years. He will love and appreciate your heartfelt words and be able to reread your letter for years to come.

Plan a Short Getaway

The most precious gift you can give this Father’s Day is time. Time is something we can never get back, and planning a getaway trip with your dad will allow you to make lasting memories.

At Sands by the Sea, we recognize how important it is to relax and spend time with the ones you love. A trip to one of Maine’s most picturesque oceanside communities is just what you and your father need to bond and make new memories together. Our spacious rooms, sensational beaches, and outdoor heated pool are just a few of the amazing amenities we offer! 

Enjoy our sand dollar special the week of Father’s Day, June 20th-23rd. Simply mention the “sand dollar special” at the time of your booking and get $20 off per night with all the same comfortable amenities, fabulous views, and exceptional service we always offer our customers.

Call us today at (207)363-211 to give your dad the gift of an unforgettable getaway this Father’s Day!

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! 

4 Reasons to Have a Beach Wedding

Bride and groom kissing on the beach during sunset.

Choosing the perfect place to say ‘I do’ to the love of your life can seem daunting. You want your special day to be an intimate affair, but your guests need to have an exciting time as well. A beach wedding covers all your bases. The natural beauty of the sparkling sea as the backdrop to your wedding vows and the romantic glow of the setting sun to close the evening could convince anyone to choose a beach wedding destination.

Here are four reasons to have a beach wedding this upcoming summer.

1) A Bigger Guest List

A common issue with wedding planning is figuring out the guest list—who makes the cut and who must miss out. With a beach wedding, you are not committed to indoor seating limitations. With the pandemic still in full swing, there is plenty of space by the shore for guests to spread out and enjoy your special day safely. 

2) Amazing Wedding Pictures

With a beach venue, you’ll get to enjoy gorgeous views, and your wedding photos and videos are bound to be stunning. Pictures taken during golden hour and sunset are always a hit, and the wide-open sky will enhance the amazing lighting. 

3) Destination Wedding

If you’re not lucky enough to live by the sea, making your wedding a destination vacation for your friends and family is an amazing idea. You do not have to travel to a tropical paradise or leave the country to get a perfect beach wedding location. Maine is a wonderful place to plan your wedding and has hundreds of beaches for you to choose from.

4) Honeymoon Included

If you pick a beach destination for your wedding, there is no need to book an added extravagant honeymoon. A place like Sands by the Sea has the perfect seaside accommodations for you and your wedding guests. The York Beach area has endless activities and events for you and your partner to enjoy.

If you are currently planning a summer wedding for 2022, the enchanting allure of the Maine coastline and its many beaches is the perfect destination for you. Call (207)363-2211 to start planning your beach wedding in Maine!  

Have You Traveled to Maine During the Off-Season? Here’s Why You Should!

Traveling to Maine

Maine is always a great place to travel at all times of the year!  Usually, the summertime seems to be the most popular time to travel to Maine. However, Maine is still a wonderful place to experience even during the “off-season.”

 

Here are some reasons to consider traveling to Maine during the off-season:

 

The Breathtaking Fall Foliage

Maine has breathtaking views all year round. It’s hard to believe that they can get even better. In the fall, the leaves on the trees fade to shades of red, orange, and yellow. Because the state is filled with trees, there are eruptions of beautiful colors all around. October is the best month for leaf-peeping in Maine.

If you travel to Maine during this time, don’t forget to bring your camera!

Snow in Maine

Those who live in Maine know how to make the most out of their winters! The winter is a great time for travelers to ski, snowmobile, snowshoe, ice fish, cross-country ski, and dog sled! January and February are the peak of the winter months and are usually filled with snow and cold temperatures.

 

Visiting Maine During the Spring

When you visit Maine during the spring, you’ll start to see the green emerge after the long winter. The spring is usually a quieter time to visit Maine. So when you travel, you won’t have to deal with intense crowds and wait times. It’s a great time to see some wildlife like whales, puffins, moose, and eagles!

If you’re an avid angler, the spring is also a great time to visit Maine for a fishing trip. Although you can get lobster all year round in Maine, you’ll notice that it’s more difficult in the winter because of the harsh winter weather. However, the lobster season starts back up again toward the end of spring.

Because the peak travel season in Maine hasn’t started, you can find great prices on hard-shell lobster!

 

When You Travel to Maine, Don’t Forget to Stay in York Beach, ME.

If you’re planning a trip to Maine, book your stay at Sands by the Sea Motel. Visit our website to view our rates and accommodations for the spring/fall seasons!

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!

Planning Your Family Vacation

family on vacation

A family vacation is a great way to reconnect with your loved ones while having fun exploring a new place. There are also other benefits that help children with growth and development. A recent study conducted by the U.S. Travel Association reports students who traveled were more likely to be academically and financially successful.

Here are a few tips for planning your family vacation: 

Set an itinerary 

Although you may not have figured out your travel location, it is a good idea to decide what exactly you want to do on your vacation. Are you an adventurous family that enjoys outdoor activities, or more laid back? Start by writing down a few items you would like to so like hiking, fishing, sightseeing, etc.

Save Money 

Planning a vacation is not cheap, and the more family members you have, the more it will cost. If you want to book a trip for the spring/summertime, now is the best time to start putting money aside. Figure out how much your estimated expenses are and then begin setting aside a portion of that on a weekly basis.

Decide Location 

It can be tough to narrow down a location, but if you are looking for adventure or relaxation, there is no better place than York Beach, Maine. As one of the oldest towns in the United States, it offers a cozy atmosphere with exquisite restaurants, family fun amusements, and awe-inspiring scenery. Check out these must-see locations

Book Accommodations 

Once you have a substantial amount of money, you can book your plane tickets/ stay accommodations. Booking in advance can help you save money by getting a lower rate.

When planning a visit to York Beach, Maine, be sure to book a room at the Sands by the Sea Motel. Located on one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in southern Maine, it is the perfect place to begin and end your day! Call 207-363-2211 or contact us online today!

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!