Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Old Orchard Beach is Maine’s most beloved beach resort town — a classic New England seaside destination with a wide sandy beach stretching for seven miles, a nostalgic amusement pier, and a lively boardwalk atmosphere that has been drawing summer visitors for over 150 years. Located just 15 minutes south of Portland, OOB (as locals call it) combines the energy of a traditional beach resort with the natural beauty of the Maine coast.

The Beach & Pier

Old Orchard Beach is one of the finest swimming beaches in New England — a broad, flat expanse of sand that stretches for miles and is warm enough for comfortable swimming in summer. The Old Orchard Beach Pier is the heart of the resort, jutting 500 feet into the Atlantic and lined with shops, restaurants, and amusements. It is one of the last surviving pleasure piers in New England and an iconic symbol of Maine’s beach resort heritage.

Best Restaurants in Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Old Orchard Beach has a classic boardwalk dining scene centered around the pier and the main strip. Joseph’s by the Sea is the most upscale dining option in town — a romantic oceanfront restaurant with fresh seafood and beautiful water views. Landmark Restaurant is a local favorite for casual dining and generous portions. For classic boardwalk fare, Pier Fries serves the beloved fresh-cut fries that are a rite of passage for OOB visitors, while Googie’s Ice Cream and Sea Spray Snack Bar are summer institutions. Surfs Up Bar & Grill offers a fun atmosphere with cold drinks and casual food steps from the beach. Old Orchard Beach House of Pizza is a go-to for a quick and satisfying meal.

Best Hotels & Motels in Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Old Orchard Beach has a wide range of accommodations from classic motels to full-service resorts. Waves Oceanfront Resort offers direct beachfront access and is one of the most sought-after properties in town. Atlantic Birches Inn is a charming Victorian inn set among birch trees just steps from the beach — a welcome alternative to the typical motel experience. Old Orchard Beach Inn is a classic New England inn with a great location. For budget-friendly options, Sea View Motel, Royal Anchor Resort, and Flagship Motel offer clean, comfortable rooms at reasonable rates.

Things to Do in Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Palace Playland is New England’s only remaining beachfront amusement park — a beloved institution with rides, games, and a giant water slide that has been delighting families for generations. Aquaboggan Water Park offers water slides, pools, and family fun just off Route 1. Ferry Beach State Park provides a quieter beach experience with nature trails through rare tupelo forest. Dunegrass Golf Club is one of southern Maine’s finest golf courses. The Eastern Trail passes through the area offering excellent cycling and walking. The Ocean Park Association is a historic Victorian community within OOB that hosts summer lectures, concerts, and cultural events.

Old Orchard Beach with Kids

Old Orchard Beach is one of Maine’s top family destinations. The combination of a safe swimming beach, Palace Playland amusement park, Aquaboggan Water Park, arcade games, and classic boardwalk food makes it a paradise for kids of all ages. The flat, wide beach is perfect for building sandcastles and playing in the gentle surf. Evening strolls on the pier with ice cream from Googie’s are a cherished summer memory for generations of Maine families.

Day Trips from Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring southern Maine. Portland is just 15 minutes north — perfect for a day of world-class dining, museums, and the Old Port. Kennebunk and Kennebunkport are 30 minutes north along the coast. Ogunquit, with its stunning Marginal Way coastal walk and beautiful Ogunquit Beach, is 20 minutes south. The Scarborough Marsh, New England’s largest salt marsh and a premier birding destination, is just minutes away.