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Long Sands Escape

Long Sands Escape: A Beachfront Apartment in York

Families
a living room with a couch and a tv at Long Sands Escape in York
a living room with a couch and a tv at Long Sands Escape in York

Why Stay

Why Long Sands Escape

Three-minute walk to one of Maine's best swimming beaches. Long Sands stretches for nearly two miles along York's coast, backed by a quiet neighborhood rather than a commercial strip. Families consistently praise the direct access - you can practically see the sand from the front porch. If you're traveling with a dog, the beach is ideal for off-season visits when restrictions ease.

Spacious layout designed for actual living. Two full bedrooms, a lofted sleeping area (which reviewers note kids love), and a separate living room mean nobody's tripping over bags or arguing about who gets the couch. Two bathrooms are a genuine luxury when you're sharing the space with a group or family. The main bedroom is genuinely large; the kitchen has real counter space and a dishwasher.

Self-catering without sacrificing convenience. The kitchen arrives well-stocked with basics - dishes, utensils, paper towels, soap. You can cook actual meals, and the outdoor grill works. That said, Ogunquit's restaurants and shops are a short drive (three miles), so you're never far from takeout if the mood strikes.

Quiet neighborhood, close to everything. The street itself feels residential and calm. Walk-distance access to local shopping and dining. Downtown York and the Short Sands area are minutes away by car.

Rooms

The rooms

This is a two-bedroom apartment with a sleeping loft, not a traditional hotel. The main bedroom is spacious and quiet; the second bedroom is more modest. The loft - a favorite with teenagers and kids - offers cozy roofline charm and its own skylight. All bedrooms have linens provided. The unit shares its practical strengths (two bathrooms, living-room sofa bed option) and its age-related quirks (some windows don't open fully, some mattresses are quite firm).

  • Main Bedroom - Larger, quieter space with a double or queen bed
  • Second Bedroom - Comfortable secondary room
  • Lofted Sleeping Area - Charming skylit alcove with sleeping space, popular with kids

One honest note: reviewers have flagged that some windows are difficult to open for ventilation, mattresses vary in firmness, and the overall furnishings show daily wear. None of this affects the fundamental appeal of the place - it's comfortable and functional - but it's worth knowing if you're sensitive to dated finishes or prefer newer appointments.

At a Glance

At a glance

Style

Two-bedroom apartment with loft, residential setting

Best for

Families, small groups, dogs, beach-first travelers

Price tier

Mid-range (varies by season; shoulder season ~$150–200/night)

Open

Yes

Guest score

8.1 Very Good

Standout amenities

Three-minute walk to Long Sands Beach · full kitchen · washer/dryer · two bathrooms

Details

York, 03909, United States
Nearest airport: Portsmouth International (16 miles)

Check-in / out

Check-in15:00 – 22:00
Check-out07:00 – 11:00
ReceptionOpen 24 hours

Amenities

On-site amenities

Kitchen & Cooking · Fully equipped kitchen with stovetop, oven, dishwasher, microwave, coffee machine, and toaster · Outdoor grill for barbecues · Dining area with table seating

Laundry & Housekeeping · Washer and dryer on-site · Laundry service available

Outdoor Spaces · Patio with outdoor furniture · Outdoor dining area · Barbecue grill and facilities

Family Friendly · Children's playground on grounds · Sofa bed in living room · Two bathrooms (helpful with kids)

Practical Amenities · Pet-friendly (note: the space has some carpeting, which may affect guests with allergies) · Private entrance · Heating and smoke-free property

Seasons

When to visit

Summer (June–August) Long Sands is at peak season and peak temperature. The beach is busy, and the neighborhood fills with families. This is when the property fills fastest. Restaurants and attractions in Ogunquit run full hours. Water temperature reaches the low 60s.

Shoulder Season (May & September–early October) Fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and lower rates. Beach still swimmable in September. This is when many reviewers visit - families with school breaks, couples avoiding crowds. Early June and late September offer the best balance.

Off-Season (November–April) Quiet and good for couples or small groups seeking peace. Winter storms and cold keep most away. Ogunquit Playhouse runs a winter schedule. The property remains open, but some local attractions reduce hours. Holiday weeks (Thanksgiving, Christmas) fill up.

Fall Foliage (Mid-September through October) Maine's leaf-peeping season brings color to inland areas. Coastal York stays relatively green, but nearby Acadia National Park and the Midcoast show spectacular color within an hour's drive.

Reviews

What guests say

"Easy walk to Long Sands Beach was a delight. Spacious bedrooms, well-stocked kitchen, and the loft space was perfect for my daughter to spread out."

  • Amie, United States · Family · 9/10

"Wonderful location. Apartment was very clean and tastefully decorated. Abundance of towels and well-stocked kitchen."

  • Karen, United States · Solo traveler · 10/10

"Great place, comfortable, had everything I needed and close to the beach, shopping, restaurants."

  • Shellie, United States · Solo traveler · 9/10

"Proximity to beaches, two bathrooms, washer/dryer, outdoor sitting area, outdoor grill, quiet neighbors, well-stocked kitchen."

  • Lori, United States · Family · 8/10

"Très bien localisé, les enfants ont adorés dormir au grenier. Très pratique d'avoir 2 salles de bain."

  • Karine, Canada · Family · 8/10

Guests highlight the unbeatable beach proximity, spacious rooms, and thoughtful kitchen provisioning. Minor criticisms center on aging furnishings - windows that don't stay propped open, outdoor furniture that's worn, and mattresses past their prime. One guest reported a gas-detector false alarm and felt the property-management response was slow. These are maintenance issues worth flagging to the owner if you book; they don't reflect the cleanliness or basic functionality of the apartment.

Location

Things to do nearby

  • Long Sands Beach - 3-minute walk. Two miles of sand, gentle waves, less crowded than Short Sands.
  • Short Sands Beach - 0.8 miles. Smaller, more popular beach with boardwalk amenities and lifeguards.
  • York's Harbor & Cape Neddick - 2 miles. Scenic coves, lighthouses, and coastal walking trails.
  • Ogunquit Playhouse - 6 miles. Regional theater hosting Broadway-style productions and musicals.
  • Ogunquit Museum of American Art - 6 miles. Oceanfront art museum with rotating contemporary collections.
  • Perkins Cove, Ogunquit - 4 miles. Working fishing village with galleries, cafes, and photo-worthy harbor views.
  • Golf (York and Cape Neddick) - Links-style courses within 2 miles. Granite greens and coastal views.
  • Portsmouth, New Hampshire - 16 miles. Historic downtown, restaurants, and waterfront attractions.

FAQ

Good to know

Is Long Sands Escape right on the beach? No, it's a three-minute walk away - close enough to be convenient, far enough to enjoy quiet residential surroundings. The beach is easily accessible with kids and dogs.

Are pets allowed? Yes, the property is pet-friendly. Note that there is carpet upstairs, which may affect guests with pet allergies.

Is breakfast included? No, but the kitchen is fully equipped to cook your own meals. Coffee maker, toaster, full cookware, and common pantry staples are provided.

Is WiFi available? Yes, though one guest noted an incorrect password on printed materials - call ahead to confirm the current code.

How far is it to restaurants and shopping? The neighborhood is quiet and residential, but Ogunquit's galleries, restaurants, and shops are 3–4 miles away. York town center is walkable for some errands.

Is there an air-conditioning? The listing doesn't confirm AC. Heating is provided for winter. Fans are in the rooms. Ventilation through windows may be limited due to mechanical issues noted in reviews.

Can multiple groups or families share the space? Yes. The two bedrooms, loft, and two bathrooms accommodate groups of up to six comfortably. It's especially popular with families or small groups of friends.

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