Things to do in Old Orchard Beach, Maine
- The town was originally incorporated in 1683, named after an orchard planted by Thomas Rogers that was destroyed during French and Indian raids.
- The first pier in Old Orchard Beach was built in 1898 and originally extended 1,825 feet into the Atlantic Ocean.
- During the early 20th century, the town's flat, hard-packed beach served as a popular runway for early aviation pioneers to test their aircraft.
- The community features a historic Chautauqua-by-the-Sea section, which retains a distinct 19th-century intellectual and religious retreat character.
- Old Orchard Beach was a major stop for the Grand Trunk Railway, which once allowed passengers to travel directly from Montreal to the sand.
About Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Old Orchard Beach is defined by its seven-mile stretch of sandy coastline and the iconic wooden pier that serves as the heart of its tourism industry. This Maine destination offers a classic Americana seaside experience, anchored by nostalgic coastal amusement parks like Palace Playland. Visitors can explore local history at the Winslow Homer Studio or seek tranquility at the Ocean Park Temple. The area balances high-energy boardwalk entertainment with the quieter natural surroundings of Ferry Beach State Park.
Highlights of Old Orchard Beach, Maine
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Amusement parks
Features high-speed roller coasters and a large water park complex for families.
Amusement parks
Located directly on the beach, it remains one of the last remaining seaside amusement parks in New England.
Parks
Offers a protected shoreline and trails through a unique pitch pine forest.
Parks
Provides a variety of water slides and a lazy river tailored for warm summer days.
Museums
The former home and workspace of a renowned American painter, overlooking the rugged Atlantic coast.
Temples
Acts as the historic focal point for the quiet, community-oriented Ocean Park section of the town.
Top things to do in Old Orchard Beach, Maine
The 10 highest-rated places in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, ranked by travellers.
1
Amusement parks
Funtown Splashtown USA is northern New England's largest combined amusement and water park, situated on Route 1 in Saco,...
2
Amusement parks
Palace Playland is New England's only beachfront amusement park, located directly on the sand of Old Orchard Beach. The...
3
Parks
Ferry Beach State Park is located on the Saco Bay coastline, featuring a mile-long stretch of white sand situated betwee...
4
Parks
Aquaboggan Water Park is Maine's original water park, located in Saco, featuring a variety of slides, pools, and recreat...
5
Parks
6
Parks
7
Temples
8
Museums
9
Museums
10
Temples
Around Old Orchard Beach, Maine
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Old Orchard Beach, Maine on the map
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Plan your visit to Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Late June through August, when all seasonal amusement parks are fully operational and the ocean temperatures are at their most manageable for swimming.
3-4 days, which allows sufficient time for beach relaxation, amusement park outings, and local regional exploration.
The downtown and pier area are highly walkable, though a car is necessary to reach nearby attractions like Funtown Splashtown USA or the Winslow Homer Studio.
Staying near the downtown pier provides immediate access to boardwalk activities, while the quieter Ocean Park area is preferred for a more residential, historic atmosphere.
Mid-range; the area features a mix of affordable motels and standard vacation rentals, though peak summer demand increases lodging costs significantly.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 10 curated attractions in and around Old Orchard Beach, Maine, ranked by traveller ratings.
Funtown Splashtown USA is the highest-rated place to visit in Old Orchard Beach, Maine right now.
The largest category is parks, with 4 places to explore.
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