Old Orchard Beach, ME

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Old Orchard Beach
Experience some quintessential New England charm at this town known for its pier, waterfront amusement park, beaches and classic lobster rolls.

Old Orchard Beach is a popular seaside vacation destination in Maine. Its clean shoreline and refreshing waters are filled with families during summer. Pack a picnic basket, get to the beach early and spend a day by the water.

Rent a kayak from vendors along the sand and see the town from the water. Accommodation options line the 7-mile (11-kilometer) beach. Some of the bed-and-breakfasts were housese once owned by the rich and famous.

For a fun family day out, take the kids to an amusement park. There’s Palace Playland, which covers 4 acres (1.6 hectares) right near the beach in town. Ride roller coasters, carousels and a Ferris wheel with views across the ocean. Enjoy the water slides at Funtown Splashtown, which is less than 10 minutes’ drive from Old Orchard Beach. 

As the sun sets, walk across the sand to the Old Orchard Beach pier. This was a high society destination in the early 19th century and featured a massive ballroom that hovered over the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors to the pier today can enjoy souvenir shops, restaurants and bars. 

No Maine vacation is complete without one, or many, seafood feasts. Dine in restaurants overlooking the water. Try lobster rolls, a signature local dish most popular in summer.

Old Orchard Beach’s central location makes it ideal for day trips. Rent a car and drive half an hour north to explore the artistic city of Portland where you can spend an afternoon wandering through shops and galleries. A perfect photo opportunity awaits you at nearby Portland Head Light. This is said to be the most photographed lighthouse in the country, and with the dramatic backdrop and historic architecture, you’ll soon see why. 

Old Orchard Beach is easily accessible by car. The Amtrak runs from Boston to Old Orchard Beach during summer months. Once in town, it’s easy to reach most of the sights on foot.

Where to stay in Old Orchard Beach

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Surfside

Though Surfside might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Grand Beach and Old Orchard Beach Pier.

Surfside
The Edgewater
The Edgewater
2 out of 5
57 W Grand Ave, Old Orchard Beach, ME
The price is ¥21,599 per night from May 21 to May 22
¥21,599
per night
May 21 - May 22
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Old Orchard Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (688 reviews)
"The beach was amazing."

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

The Edgewater
Grand Beach Inn
Grand Beach Inn
3 out of 5
198 East Grand Avenue, Old Orchard Beach, ME
The price is ¥24,555 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥24,555
per night
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Old Orchard Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
6.8/10 (1,001 reviews)
"Good place to stay"

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2024

Grand Beach Inn
Old Orchard Beach Inn
Old Orchard Beach Inn
2.5 out of 5
6 Portland Ave, Old Orchard Beach, ME
The price is ¥24,575 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥24,575
per night
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this B&B in Old Orchard Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (729 reviews)
"It was clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2024

Old Orchard Beach Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
2 duplex
2 duplex
3 out of 5
58 Portland Ave, Old Orchard Beach, ME
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Old Orchard Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Old Orchard Beach ...
2 duplex
Gorgeous ocean-front home with stunning beach views
Gorgeous ocean-front home with stunning beach views
Old Orchard Beach
Book a stay at this beach condo in Old Orchard Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and balconies. Popular attractions Old Orchard Beach Pier and Palace ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
Perfect getaway!
"Great little condo. Right on the beach! Balcony is wonderful, as is the view from the master. Second bedroom is definitely a “kids” room with the two bunk beds. Garage was great for a car, would not fit the height of a truck"

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2024

Gorgeous ocean-front home with stunning beach views
Oceanfront condo!!!!  Steps to 7 mile beach & downtown OOB. 3rd floor w/elevator
Oceanfront condo!!!! Steps to 7 mile beach & downtown OOB. 3rd floor w/elevator
Old Orchard Beach
Book a stay at this beach condo in Old Orchard Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions Old Orchard Beach Pier and Old Orchard ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (172 reviews)
Winter beach getaway
"Even with a snow/ice storm, the beach doesn’t disappoint! Beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and waves crashing. The condo was warm and cozy and I was very happy to be able to watch the Bruins on tv. Already planned my next visit!"

Reviewed on Apr 8, 2024

Oceanfront condo!!!! Steps to 7 mile beach & downtown OOB. 3rd floor w/elevator
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Old Orchard Beach

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
181
" "5 - Excellent 53.70919881305638%
4 - Good
123
" "4 - Good 36.49851632047478%
3 - Okay
24
" "3 - Okay 7.121661721068249%
2 - Disappointing
7
" "2 - Disappointing 2.077151335311573%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.5934718100890207%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 3, 2020

I love it in the off season!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 27, 2019

A place where memories are created!!!!

5/5 - Excellent

DT
Oct 23, 2019

Great location as a home base for great 1-2 hour day trips. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, North Conway NH Railroad, LL Bean, and Wolfe Neck State Park.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 20, 2019

Off season but very nice

5/5 - Excellent

Ann-Margaret
Oct 18, 2019

The only downside at all which was not related to the hotel at all was there was a group of many “professional” dog training individuals there with mostly Malinowski dogs. They were rude, uptight & let their dogs poop everywhere & not clean up.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 14, 2019

Nice location for a short visit.

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