Looking for sandy beaches, family fun, and New England charm? Head to Saco, Maine! Located along the southern coast just minutes from Old Orchard Beach, Saco offers a mix of coastal recreation, historical attractions, and small-town appeal. With easy access to riverside parks and Atlantic shores, Saco is a relaxing yet vibrant destination for all ages.
Saco, ME Highlights:
- For Families: Splash and play at Funtown Splashtown USA – Maine’s largest amusement and water park with thrill rides, wave pools, and family fun.
- For Beachgoers: Relax on Ferry Beach or Camp Ellis Beach – Enjoy soft sand, calm surf, and scenic dunes just minutes from downtown.
- For History Buffs: Explore the Saco Museum – Discover regional art, history exhibits, and decorative arts in a charming historic building.
- For Nature Lovers: Paddle the Saco River – Rent a kayak or canoe and float along this peaceful, scenic river.
- For Animal Fans: Visit the Center for Wildlife in nearby York – A rescue and rehab center offering educational programs and wildlife encounters.
Best Time to Visit Saco, ME
The best time to visit Saco is during the late spring through early fall (May–October). Summer offers warm beach weather and seasonal attractions, while early fall provides crisp air, fewer crowds, and vibrant foliage along the coast and riverbanks.
How to Get to Saco, ME
- By Car: Saco is just off I-95, about 20 minutes south of Portland and 90 minutes north of Boston.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Downeaster line stops in Saco, offering direct service to Portland, Boston, and beyond.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM), just 25 minutes away by car.
Where to Stay in Saco, ME
- Recommended for Families: Exit 5 Motel & Cottages – Spacious family-friendly lodging with a pool and easy access to local attractions.
- For Couples: Pine Point Beach Inn – Quaint ocean-view inn near the beach in neighboring Scarborough, great for a romantic stay.
- For Budget Travelers: Rodeway Inn Saco – Affordable option with basic amenities and a central location for day trips.
Best Things to Do in Saco, ME
1. Spend a day at Funtown Splashtown USA
Offering the ideal fun day out for the entire family, Funtown Splashtown USA is a family-owned amusement park and water park. The Funtown section of the park features a wide selection of thrilling rides for all ages including an impressive wooden roller-coaster called Excalibur and their Thunder Falls Log Flume ride.
Little visitors will enjoy the Teacups Ride, the Red Baron Planes and the Kiddie Swings. Moving on to the Splashtown Water Park you will find several tube slides and white-water loops for the dare-devils and Fun Lagoon for the younger visitors. Visitors can buy tickets for either park or opt for the excellent-value Combination Ticket.
Funtown Splashtown USA, US Route 1, 774 Portland Rd, Saco, ME 04072, Phone: 207-284-5139
2. Visit Saco Heath Preserve
Saco Heath Preserve protects the southern-most example of a raised coalesced bog, which was formed when adjacent peat-filled ponds grew together above the water table. This unique habitat supports a large variety of plants which have adapted to living in the nutrient-poor soil of the bog, including a large stand of Atlantic white cedar.
You can access the heath via a one-mile boardwalk trail. The 2.1 mile round-trip trail is only suitable for foot traffic and is considered to be an easy hike. In spring you will find a carpet of beautiful wild flowers covering the heath. Be on the lookout for butterflies, many bird species and deer, moose, hares and other wildlife.
Saco Heath Preserve, 163 Buxton Rd, Saco, ME 04072, Phone: 207-729-5181
3. Discover the Saco Museum
Located in the heart of Saco’s historic Main Street, the Saco Museum is one of the oldest museums in Maine. It was founded in 1866 with the express purpose to collect, preserve and show-case anything and everything of historic interest. Today the museum is home to a very large collection of decorative and fine arts and historic artifacts.
Over the years the collection has been boosted by generous donations and now includes more than 10,000 artifacts. Categories include antique furniture and household goods, textiles, costumes, ceramics, silver and more. There is also a large section devoted to paintings including portraits, landscapes and sculpture.
Saco Museum, 371 Main Street, Saco, ME 04072, Phone: 207-283-3861
Where to Eat:
4. Have dinner at Huot’s Seafood Restaurant
The beautiful Maine coastline has always been synonymous with excellent fresh seafood. While visiting Saco, the place to go for the tastiest and freshest seafood is Huot’s Seafood Restaurant.
This historic eatery has been pleasing palates since 1935, directly after the Great Depression, and is still owned and operated by the descendants of the original Huot family.
Huot’s Seafood Restaurant owners still use the original recipes for their batters, clam cakes and sauces, and are dedicated to offering visitors reasonably-priced fresh seafood in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Menu highlights include traditional Clam Chowder, Lobster, Fried Shrimp and Clam Cakes and they also serve a limited selection of non-seafood meals like burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs.
Huot’s Seafood Restaurant , Camp Ellis Beach, Saco, ME 04072, Phone: 207-282-1642
5. Stop for pizza at OTTO
Constantly striving to produce ever better and tastier pizzas, Chefs Anthony Allen and Mike Keon head up the team at the OTTO headquarters. Both men know that using the finest and freshest local ingredients can elevate the simple pizza pie to an unforgettable taste sensation.
Flavor combinations are equally important and neither chef is shy to try out new pairings. You will find the Saco branch of OTTO directly across the road from Funtown Splashtown USA, where you can settle in for a full-service meal or grab a slice of pie to go. The venue offers patio seating and there are 16 local craft beers on tap. Vegetarian and gluten-free pizza options are also available.
OTTO, 779 Portland Rd, Saco, ME 04072, Phone: 207-494-8148
If you are interested in local events:
- For Summer Fun: Saco Sidewalk Arts Festival (June) – Local artists, craftspeople, and food vendors fill the historic downtown streets.
- For Family Entertainment: Thursdays on Main (Summer) – Live music, food trucks, and kids’ activities every Thursday evening downtown.
- For Holiday Cheer: Saco Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival (December) – Festive lights, music, and a visit from Santa in Saco’s downtown.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–90 Minutes of Saco, ME:
- For Coastal Amusement: Old Orchard Beach (10 min) – Iconic boardwalk, amusement park, and a lively beach scene.
- For Lighthouses & Cliffs: Cape Elizabeth (30 min) – See the famous Portland Head Light and explore Fort Williams Park.
- For City Culture: Portland, ME (25 min) – Art galleries, breweries, and Old Port shopping in Maine’s largest city.
- For Wildlife: Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (20 min) – Marshland trails and birdwatching in a peaceful natural setting.
- For Seaside Charm: Kennebunkport (30 min) – Stroll Dock Square, enjoy boat tours, and spot the Bush compound at Walker’s Point.
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Question: Why is Saco a great vacation destination?
Answer: Saco is a great Maine seaside vacation destination, offering a generous number of activities. -
Question: What makes Ferry Beach State Park an ideal spot?
Answer: Ferry Beach State Park boasts miles of clean white beach, change rooms, a picnic area, and hiking trails. -
Question: What is unique about the Saco Bay Trails?
Answer: The Saco Bay Trails meander through the community, offering visitors an enjoyable way to explore the area.
Map:
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