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 south of Portland, OOB (as locals call it) combines the energy of a traditional beach resort with the natural beauty of the Maine coast.

Heading to the sand? Our Old Orchard Beach guide covers the summer dog hours, parking and how to plan a beach day.

Old Orchard Beach at a Glance

• What it is: a resort town in York County on Saco Bay, with 8,960 people at the 2020 census, according to Wikipedia.
• The beach: about 7 miles of sand, with lifeguards in summer. Rip currents are a real hazard, so read our Old Orchard Beach guide for parking, swimming and the summer dog rules.
• The pier: the current pier was built in 1980 and extends 500 feet into the Atlantic. The first pier, opened in 1898, was 1,770 feet long.
• Palace Playland: dates to 1902. The park’s FAQ says there is no admission fee or gate, and riders need credits or a wristband.
• Fireworks: Thursday nights at the pier from Memorial Day to Labor Day, per Wikipedia.
• By train: the Downeaster made a seasonal stop here from May 18 to October 18 in 2026. See below.

Getting to Old Orchard Beach

• By train: the 2026 seasonal Downeaster stop ran daily from May 18 to October 18. All Downeaster trains stopped there except the early-morning Trains 680 and 690. The station is at 11 First Street, next to the Chamber of Commerce, and tickets started at $5.00, with half price for seniors and children under 12. Check the Downeaster site for 2027 dates.
• From the station: Amtrak’s page puts the beach, the pier and other attractions within a quarter mile. The Chamber building, open daily 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the 2026 listing, has a ticket kiosk, restrooms and visitor information. The Chamber can issue parking passes for Downeaster passengers for up to three nights.
• By bus: the station page lists the Blue-White bus line from Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit.
• By car: parking near the pier is metered in summer, and the lots are a mix of town and private operators. Our beach guide has the rates and the season dates we found.

A Short History of the Beach and Pier

• 1883: Old Orchard Beach was incorporated, on February 20.
• 1898: the first pier, made of steel, opened on July 2. It was 1,770 feet long at first, and storms later shortened it.
• 1902: Palace Playland dates its start to this year. Wikipedia says the current version was built in 2019.
• 1907: a fire destroyed most of the large hotels.
• 1923: Cummings’ Guest House opened to offer lodging to Black visitors. Wikipedia lists Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Count Basie and Lionel Hampton among its guests.
• 1969 and 1970: a fire destroyed Noah’s Ark, the two carousels and other attractions, and the Pier Casino was demolished the next year.
• 1978 and 1980: a blizzard destroyed the pier, and the current 500-foot pier was built in 1980.

Why the Sources Disagree

• Pier length: the pier is 500 feet today, but the first one was 1,770 feet, so older postcards and histories give a different number.
• Palace Playland: the park says it dates to 1902, while Wikipedia says the current version was built in 2019. The park’s FAQ lists 28 rides in a 2019 entry, while its site says over 30 rides and attractions. A February 2026 report said a new coaster appeared to be planned but did not confirm it.
• Downeaster end date: NNEPRA says mid-October 2026, and the Amtrak station page says October 18.
• Drive time from Portland: we found no source for a drive time, so we removed the one we had. Summer traffic changes it a lot.

The Beach & Pier

Old Orchard Beach has about 7 miles of broad, flat sand, and lifeguards patrol it in summer. Rip currents are a real hazard here, so see our Old Orchard Beach guide for the swimming and parking details. 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.

For the pier’s length, history, fires and what is on it, read our Old Orchard Beach Pier guide.

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. Sea Cliff House Moteloffers a choice of motel rooms, 2-room kitchenette/apartment units several that feature oceanfront views. 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 and games 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 wide swimming beach with lifeguards, 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 at the water edge, though children should stay within reach because of rip currents. 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.

Looking for work in Old Orchard Beach? Browse Jobs in Old Orchard Beach on JobsInMaine.com.

Weighing Old Orchard Beach against the more refined Ogunquit a few miles north? See our Ogunquit vs Old Orchard Beach guide for an honest side-by-side breakdown.

Traveling with kids? See our Old Orchard Beach with Kids guide for age-by-age recommendations, family-friendly lodging, and what to know before you go.

Comparing destinations? See our Old Orchard Beach vs Wells comparison guide for the honest differences.

Old Orchard Beach, Maine FAQ

What is Old Orchard Beach known for?

Old Orchard Beach is known for its seven-mile sandy beach, the iconic pier, and Palace Playland — a beachfront amusement park. It’s a classic, lively, affordable family beach destination with arcades, food stands, and a summer boardwalk atmosphere, popular with visitors from across New England and Quebec.

What are the best things to do in Old Orchard Beach?

Top things include relaxing and swimming on the long sandy beach, riding at Palace Playland amusement park, strolling and fishing off the historic pier, playing the arcades and mini-golf, and enjoying classic beach food like fried dough and saltwater taffy. It’s especially popular with families.

How far is Old Orchard Beach from Portland?

Old Orchard Beach is south of Portland, and summer traffic changes the drive a lot, so we do not give a time. It’s an easy day trip from Portland and a popular, budget-friendly beach base in southern Maine.

Related: Want to see the beach before you go? Local lodgings run live Old Orchard Beach cams, including a pier cam and a surf cam. See our Old Orchard Beach webcams page.

Our details come from Wikipedia, NNEPRA, the Amtrak Downeaster station page, the Palace Playland FAQ and a February 2026 B98.5 report. Dates, fares and hours change each year, so confirm them before you go.