Summary
Overview of Old Orchard Beach
Have you heard of Old Orchard Beach? As New England summer beach destinations go, it’s not as well known as Cape Cod and not quite as crowded as Hampton Beach or the beaches along the Rhode Island shore. This seven-mile stretch of sand in southern Maine is the perfect choice for those who seek both typical family beach amusements and the chance to enjoy vast personal space.
If you are familiar with Old Orchard Beach, you likely think of The Pier, the center of activity for the beach resort since the original pier was constructed in 1898. On warm summer days, the area surrounding The Pier is bustling with beachgoers, yet the beauty of Old Orchard Beach lies in its vastness. The beach extends about 3.5 miles in either direction from The Pier, allowing visitors to enjoy the soft sand with fewer crowds. Even more enticing: All of Old Orchard Beach is free and open to the public.
Free Information: A free Old Orchard Beach Vacation Planner is available online in English or French.
A Journey Back in Time
One reason the area around The Pier is so popular is that Amtrak’s Downeaster stops at a railroad station just diagonally across from The Pier. This convenience allows visitors from Boston and Portland to easily escape to the beach without the hassle of car travel and traffic jams along I-95. No other beach in New England is as easily accessible by rail. Additionally, traveling by train evokes nostalgia, harkening back to when trains first brought visitors to Old Orchard Beach from 1842 until the mid-1900s, until the advent of Amtrak’s Downeaster in 2002 revitalized this travel option.
Transformatively, Old Orchard Beach is experiencing a renaissance, as efforts are underway to mitigate the honky-tonk reputation of The Pier in favor of recapturing some Victorian-era charm. The focus is on fostering a family-friendly atmosphere, and although The Pier is still home to the typical amusement rides, carnival games, and food stands, the town’s ambition is to evolve into a year-round resort community.
There’s More To Do Than Swimming in the Ocean Blue
You might be curious about the ocean temperature. While the water is undoubtedly cooler than that found at more southern beaches, it’s still quite tolerable for wading and quick dips, and children enjoy the brisk ocean conditions.
Alongside beach activities, the Old Orchard Beach area is rich with family attractions, dining options, and shopping opportunities. Notable attractions include the Funtown Splashtown USA waterpark, fishing charters, and golf. Additionally, Portland, Maine’s largest city, along with the outlet stores of Kittery, are a brief drive away.
During special events like Back to the Beach Corvette Weekend or the annual Beach Olympics, visitors can discover even more diverse activities. Evening entertainment flourishes as well, with free fireworks displays at the pier every Thursday night from late June through late August. Furthermore, concerts are typically held on weekends during the summer months at the Ocean Park Association Temple.
Off-Season Quietude
Winter brings a serene quiet to Old Orchard Beach, but increasingly, hotels are extending their seasons into spring and fall. Some establishments remain open year-round, providing an excellent getaway for those seeking a quiet oceanside retreat. You can discover attractive off-season rates from Labor Day through Memorial Day.
Where To Stay in Old Orchard Beach, Maine
The hotels, motels and inns along Old Orchard Beach are independently owned, resulting in various qualities, prices, and amenities. There are numerous hotels right on the beach, making access to the ocean easy. However, since the beach is extensive, many accommodations may not be within walking distance of the amusements around The Pier. Be sure to inquire about individual properties regarding their exact location, cancellation policies, check-in times, and facilities. More recognized chain hotels can be found a few miles away in Portland and South Portland. For rentals, confirm whether linens are provided. Moreover, camping presents an affordable alternative for family vacations.
Getting to Old Orchard Beach
Location: Old Orchard Beach is located along Maine’s southern coast, about 100 miles and a two-hour drive north of Boston. The beach is situated just 12 miles or a 20-minute drive south of Portland, Maine.
Directions: From Boston and points south, follow I-95 North to exit 36 in Maine. Then, take I-195 for 5 miles. Shortly after passing a Rite Aid pharmacy, you’ll come to a three-way intersection with a stop sign. Turn right, head downhill toward the ocean, cross the railroad tracks, and when you reach The Pier with a welcoming sign for Old Orchard Beach, turn right for West Grand Avenue or left for East Grand Avenue. From points north, simply follow I-95 South, the Maine Turnpike, to exit 36 and proceed as described.
Parking: Most hotels provide free parking for guests. If you plan on staying overnight, it’s a good idea to choose accommodations within walking distance to The Pier. For day visitors and those located farther away, parking near The Pier is available but can be somewhat costly during peak summer seasons. A handy tip: Jimmy’s Oceanside Parking at 25 West Grand Avenue allows use of restrooms and changing facilities included with your parking fee.
Taking the Train: The Amtrak Downeaster conveniently stops in Old Orchard Beach, dropping passengers right across from the beach’s seven miles of sand and all the attractions at The Pier. The Downeaster runs five round trips daily between Boston and Portland, Maine, offering an easy day trip for travelers from both cities and along the route. Furthermore, two of these round trips extend each day to Freeport and Brunswick, Maine.
