Want classic boardwalk fun with New England charm? Visit Old Orchard Beach! This beloved beach town offers seven miles of sandy shoreline, a lively pier, vintage amusement rides, and salty sea air. It’s the perfect spot for a family vacation, romantic getaway, or nostalgic summer escape.
🌤 When I like to visit
The best time to visit Old Orchard Beach is in summer (June–August). This is when the beach is at its best, the amusement park is open, and the pier comes alive with food, music, and entertainment.
🗺 My tips for getting There
- By Car: Located off I-95, Old Orchard Beach is about 30 minutes south of Portland and 1.5 hours from Boston.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Downeaster line stops right in Old Orchard Beach during the summer season.
- By Air: Fly into Portland International Jetport (PWM), just 25 minutes away by car or shuttle.
🏬 Where I like to stay
- Sea Cliff House Motel – Oceanfront rooms with pool access, steps from the sand.
- The Beachwood – Upscale motel with modern amenities right on the beach and near the pier.
- Alouette Beach Resort – Family-friendly resort offering a range of accommodations, from suites to cottages.
Top Attractions
1. Swim, Sunbathe, and Stroll the Sand at Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is a seven-mile stretch of wide sandy beach which provides a little bit something for any beachgoer. It has also been regularly voted as the “Best Maine Beach for Families.” Children can build sand castles in the sand, swim in the gentle surf, or splash in the waves, while parents and other beachgoers relax on the sandy beach. Setting near the Old Orchard Beach Pier offers livelier beach activities, providing easy access to games, drinks, and food.
Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
2. If You Love Ocean Breezes and Classic Fun, Visit the Old Orchard Beach Pier
The Old Orchard Beach Pier first opened in July of 1898, providing a variety of entertainment like a casino, lectures, dancing, and concerts. However, over the years, storms started to destroy the original pier. Extending a total of seven hundred feet out over the Atlantic Ocean, the Old Orchard Beach Pier that exists today was opened in 1980 and is now home to several restaurants and shops. Owned and operated by the Golzbein family, the Pier has built a reputation for great entertainment, great food, and fun for families on vacation in the resort town of Old Orchard Beach, Maine.
2 Old Orchard St, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064, Phone: 800-551-6949
Recommended Activities for Families
- Palace Playland – Classic seaside amusement park with rides, games, and fun for all ages.
- Funtown Splashtown USA – Nearby water and amusement park with thrill rides and kid-friendly attractions.
🥗 Where I Like to Eat
- Big Daddy’s Bar & Grill – Casual spot for seafood, burgers, and beachy cocktails near the pier.
- Joseph’s by the Sea – Elevated oceanfront dining with fresh seafood and romantic views.
- Pirates Patio and Galley – Laid-back eatery with lobster rolls, live music, and a beachside vibe.
Local Events
- Old Orchard Beach Fireworks (Weekly, Summer) – Enjoy fireworks over the water every Thursday night during summer.
- Beach Olympics (August) – Fun-filled weekend of games, competitions, and beachside team spirit.
- Car Show at the Beach (September) – Classic cars, live music, and family fun by the ocean.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Old Orchard Beach, Maine
- Portland (25–30 min) – Explore cobblestone streets, fresh seafood, lighthouses, and the lively Old Port district.
- Funtown Splashtown USA (10 min) – Enjoy classic amusement park rides, waterslides, and family-friendly fun in nearby Saco.
- Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center (15 min) – Paddle or walk through Maine’s largest saltwater marsh, great for birdwatching.
- Biddeford (15–20 min) – Check out revitalized mill buildings with local shops, cafés, and breweries.
- Higgins Beach (25–30 min) – Popular spot for surfing, beachcombing, and relaxing near the shipwreck at low tide.
- Kennebunkport (25–30 min) – Stroll Dock Square shops, eat lobster rolls, and cruise the scenic coastline.
- Goosefare Brook Wildlife Conservation Area (5–10 min) – Quiet nature trails and marshland views just minutes from downtown.
- Cliff Walk at Prouts Neck (20–25 min) – Scenic coastal trail with dramatic rocky views near Winslow Homer’s studio.
- Pine Point Beach (15 min) – Wide, sandy beach with calm surf and peaceful atmosphere, great for walks and picnics.
- Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (30 min) – Meandering trails and tidal salt marshes rich in wildlife and coastal views.
FAQ
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What is the main attraction in Old Orchard Beach?
- The long, seven-mile stretch of sandy beach is perhaps the major draw for visitors and locals alike in Old Orchard Beach in the New England state of Maine.
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What other activities can visitors enjoy in Old Orchard Beach?
- There are a number of other things to do and see in town at one of the premier beach resorts in the state.
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What types of attractions are available besides the beach?
- From dining and shopping to biking and fishing to amusement park-style attractions and entertainment, there is much more to Old Orchard Beach than simply sand and surf.
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Why is Old Orchard Beach a popular destination?
- It is a popular seaside town offering a variety of activities and attractions for a fun and memorable getaway.
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Alouette Beach Resort – A charming beachfront stay with modern amenities.
Walk along the Old Orchard Beach Pier – Enjoy ocean views, restaurants, and entertainment.
Summer (June-August) – Peak season with warm beach weather.
The Edgewater – A cozy and stylish oceanfront hotel.
Relax on Old Orchard Beach – A perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and family fun.
Fall (September-November) – Fewer tourists and pleasant temperatures.
Sea Cliff House – A peaceful and well-located seaside retreat.
Explore Ferry Beach State Park – Enjoy scenic trails and beautiful coastal scenery.
Old Orchard Beach, Maine is a 30-minute day trip from Portland, Maine (19.6 mi) via I-295 S and I-95 S:
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