4 Reasons You Need to Visit Maine in the Fall

Posted on September 21, 2020 by Mark Nosowicz

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!

How to Pack for a Week-Long Beach Vacation

Posted on August 11, 2020 by Mark Nosowicz

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.

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!

Top Things to Do in York Beach, Maine

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Tate

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 18^th 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!