Old Orchard Beach is one of Maine’s most popular summer destinations, known for its seven-mile beach, historic pier, seaside amusement park, and lively summer atmosphere. I grew up just a few towns away and still make it back most summers, so this guide is based on decades of visits rather than a single vacation.
Whether you’re planning a family beach trip, a long weekend with friends, or a nostalgic return visit, this guide covers the best things to do, where to eat, where to stay, and the local spots that keep bringing people back year after year.
Table of Contents
Where Is Old Orchard Beach?
Old Orchard Beach sits on the southern Maine coast, about 20 minutes south of Portland and roughly 90 minutes north of Boston. Its location makes it an easy weekend trip from much of New England, whether you’re driving up from Massachusetts or exploring the Maine coast.
One detail many first-time visitors overlook is that you can reach Old Orchard Beach by train. The Amtrak Downeaster makes a seasonal stop in town from mid-May through mid-October, with the station located just steps from the beach, the pier, and Old Orchard Street. If you’re staying in town for a few days, the train also provides an easy way to visit Portland or Boston without worrying about traffic or parking.
If you’re driving, plan to arrive early on summer weekends. Parking near the beach and pier fills up quickly during peak season, particularly in July and August.
Where to Stay in Old Orchard Beach
Accommodations in Old Orchard Beach range from beachfront hotels and motels steps from the pier to vacation rentals and cottages that work well for families or groups staying a full week. Most of the hotels and motels are clustered along West Grand Avenue and East Grand Avenue, which puts you within easy walking distance of the beach, the pier, and the main restaurant strip.
Motels
For a shorter stay of a few nights, a hotel or motel on the main strip is the most convenient option. For a full week, a vacation rental gives you more space, a kitchen to avoid eating out every meal, and often a better value for larger groups.
Renting a House or Cottage in Old Orchard Beach
For a lot of families and groups, renting a house or cottage is simply the way you do Old Orchard Beach. It’s extremely common here, and for good reason. When you’re coming with extended family, a group of friends, or a mix of both, having a shared space to come back to at the end of the day makes the whole trip feel different from a hotel stay. You have a kitchen to make breakfast before the beach, a porch or yard to sit on at night, and enough room that everyone isn’t on top of each other.
Most weekly rentals in OOB run Saturday to Saturday during peak summer season, which means planning around that calendar if you want the best selection. July and the first two weeks of August go fast, often by late winter or early spring, so if you have a specific week in mind it pays to book early. Shoulder season rentals in June and September are more flexible on dates and generally more affordable.
Cottages close to the pier and beach command a premium but mean you’re walking everywhere, which adds up when you factor in parking costs and the hassle of driving in and out daily. Properties a few blocks back are usually more affordable and still within easy walking distance of everything.
Best Things to Do in Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is built for classic summer vacations. The seven-mile beach is the obvious starting point, but it’s far from the only attraction. Between the pier, Palace Playland, live music, mini golf, arcades, water parks, and one of New England’s last great beach-town main streets, there’s enough here to fill several days without running out of things to do.
Whether you’re visiting with young kids, teenagers, a partner, or a group of friends, Old Orchard Beach offers a mix of beach time, family attractions, and nightlife that appeals to just about every type of traveler.
BEACH & SWIMMING
A Day at the Beach
The beach is the reason most people come to Old Orchard Beach. Seven miles of wide, sandy shoreline stretch along the Atlantic coast, something that is surprisingly rare in a state where much of the coastline is rocky. Even on busy summer weekends, there is usually plenty of room to spread out if you’re willing to walk a few minutes in either direction from the pier.
Where you set up your blanket matters more than most people think. My two favorite spots are right beside the pier, where you’re steps from food, drinks, shops, and the center of the action, and a few blocks north near Pirate’s Patio on Walnut Street. The pier puts you within a short walk of some of Old Orchard Beach’s most popular food and drink spots, while the area around Pirate’s Patio is usually a little less crowded. It’s my favorite place to set up for the day because you can easily step off the beach for a cold drink, a slice of pizza, or some live music before heading back to your chair.
Lifeguards are on duty during peak season, and a seasonal trolley connects Old Orchard Beach with neighboring Saco and Biddeford. Public restrooms are limited, and parking fills up quickly on summer weekends, so plan accordingly. Arriving early or taking the Amtrak Downeaster from Portland or Boston can make the trip considerably easier.
BEACH | SWIMMING | SEVEN MILES | SANDY SHORELINE
OOB LANDMARK
The Pier
The pier is the defining landmark of Old Orchard Beach and one of the most recognizable structures on the Maine coast. Originally built in 1898 and rebuilt multiple times after fires, storms, and the Blizzard of 1978, it extends roughly 500 feet into the Atlantic and is worth walking to the end at least once during your visit, especially around sunset.
Beyond the views, the pier is a destination in its own right. Souvenir shops, candy stores, food stands, and bars line the wooden planks, making it one of the busiest areas in town throughout the summer. Hooligan’s Landing is a popular stop for drinks, live music, and karaoke, while the Pier Patio Pub at the end of the pier offers one of the most unique places to grab a drink in Old Orchard Beach. The outdoor railing sits directly over the ocean, giving you uninterrupted views of the beach and coastline.
The pier also serves as one of the town’s main entertainment hubs during the summer season. Live music, DJs, karaoke, and special events take place throughout the week, while the Top of the Pier hosts Yo Adrian’s long-running musical comedy show on select evenings. Check the pier schedule before your visit for the latest lineup of events.
OOB LANDMARK | PIER | OCEAN VIEWS | ENTERTAINMENT
AMUSEMENT PARK
Palace Playland
Palace Playland has been sitting right on the beach in Old Orchard Beach since 1902, making it one of the oldest continuously operating amusement parks in the country and the only beachfront amusement park in New England. For many families, it’s one of the main reasons to visit OOB.
Â
The park has 28 rides ranging from kiddie attractions to roller coasters, making it a good fit for families with children of different ages. The Electra Wheel is the ride that defines the OOB skyline, a Ferris wheel that rises more than 70 feet above the beach with views stretching across the seven-mile shoreline. There are also two roller coasters, a classic carousel, and enough rides to keep most kids entertained for a full afternoon or evening.
The arcade is another major draw. At 24,000 square feet with more than 200 games, it’s one of the largest arcades in New England and includes everything from vintage machines to modern video games.
Entry to the park is free and you only pay for rides and games. You can purchase individual ride credits or an unlimited ride bracelet if you’re planning to spend most of the day there. Ride credits never expire and can be shared among family members. During the summer, Thursday nights end with fireworks over the beach at 9:45pm, drawing crowds from across town.
Rides typically open around noon on weekdays and earlier on weekends. Palace Playland operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check the website for current hours, ride schedules, and ticket pricing.
AMUSEMENT PARK | BEACHFRONT | FAMILY FRIENDLY | FIREWORKS THURSDAYS
ADULT COMEDY
Yo Adrian
One local entertainer deserves his own mention: Yo Adrian.
For more than three decades, Yo Adrian has been performing his R-rated musical comedy show on the Old Orchard Beach pier. His act is part stand-up comedy, part live music, and part audience participation, with plenty of crowd interaction mixed in. It is definitely not for children, the easily offended, or anyone who doesn’t enjoy being the target of a joke, but if you’re up for it, he’s one of the funniest entertainers you’ll find anywhere on the Maine coast.
What makes his story even more personal for me is that he got his start playing in my father’s bar. At the time, he performed under his full name, Adrian Walker. My dad started advertising him as “Yo Adrian,” a reference to the Rocky movies, and the nickname stuck. Decades later, it’s still the name everyone knows him by.
I was probably around 11 years old the first time he made fun of me during one of his shows, which in hindsight was probably my official introduction to Yo Adrian’s style of comedy.
If you’re visiting Old Orchard Beach and see him on the schedule, it’s worth checking out at least once. Just leave the kids at home.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT | ADULT COMEDY | THE PIER | OOB LEGEND
ENTERTAINMENT
Live Music
Old Orchard Beach has more live music than most people expect from a small beach town, and during the summer you can find it almost every day of the week.
During the day, Pirate’s Patio on Walnut Street is one of the best places to start. The beachfront bar hosts live music throughout the summer, making it easy to take a break from the beach for a cold drink, a slice of pizza, and a few songs before heading back to your chair. Myst Oceanside regularly hosts both afternoon and evening entertainment, while Surf 6 and Sunset Bar & Grill are also worth checking for their current schedules.
As the sun starts to go down, The Brunswick becomes one of the busiest live music venues in town. Its large oceanfront patio fills up quickly on summer evenings, and the lineup of bands runs throughout the season. Hooligan’s Landing on the pier is another popular spot for live music, karaoke, and special events.
One of the more underrated music events in town is Rock the Park, a free outdoor concert series held at The Ballpark on Thursday nights from July through mid-August. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for an evening of live music in a family-friendly setting. If you’re visiting during the summer, it’s worth checking the town’s event calendar to see who’s playing while you’re in town.
THE BRUNSWICK | PIRATE’S PATIO | THE PIER | MYST
FAMILY ACTIVITY
Mini Golf
Old Orchard Beach has two mini golf options right in town, one outdoor and one indoor, making it an easy activity whether the sun is shining or the weather isn’t cooperating.
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf on First Street is the classic mini golf experience. The 18-hole course is well maintained, family friendly, and built around a pirate theme that fits naturally with the beach-town atmosphere. It’s a good late afternoon activity when you’re ready to get off the beach but not quite ready for dinner.
Â
Jungle Adventure 3D Mini Golf on Old Orchard Street offers a completely different experience. The indoor 18-hole blacklight course features a jungle theme, 3D glasses, and a small arcade area with pinball machines. Since it’s climate controlled and located right on the main strip, it’s one of the better rainy-day activities in Old Orchard Beach.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional outdoor round or a place to escape a rainy afternoon, both courses are easy additions to an Old Orchard Beach itinerary.
FAMILY ACTIVITY | MINI GOLF | ALL AGES | RAIN OR SHINE
WATER PARK
Aquaboggan is about five minutes from Old Orchard Beach in neighboring Saco and has been Maine’s original water park since 1979. As a kid, this was my favorite place to spend a summer day. I was obsessed with water slides, and no trip to Old Orchard Beach felt complete without at least one day at Aquaboggan.
The centerpiece is a 750,000-gallon wave pool that generates rolling surf throughout the day. The slides range from family-friendly tube rides to faster attractions like the Yankee Ripper and Turbo Drop. Younger children have their own dedicated Splash N’ Play area with shallow pools and smaller slides, while older kids and adults can easily spend hours rotating between the larger attractions.
Beyond the water slides, Aquaboggan also has go-karts, bumper boats, mini golf, and the Aquasaucer, a slippery half-dome climbing structure that becomes much harder once the water starts spraying.
Free parking and picnic areas are available on site. Aquaboggan typically operates from late June through Labor Day. Check the website for current hours, ticket prices, and seasonal opening dates.
DAY TRIP | WATER PARK | FAMILY FRIENDLY | SINCE 1979
AMUSEMENT PARK
If you can’t decide between an amusement park and a water park, Funtown Splashtown USA lets you do both. Located about ten minutes from Old Orchard Beach in neighboring Saco, it’s Maine’s largest amusement and water park and one of the most popular family attractions in southern Maine.
As a kid, this was one of my favorite day trips from Old Orchard Beach. I remember riding the roller coaster over and over, getting off, running back through the line, and doing it again. The park has changed quite a bit since then, but that’s still the feeling I associate with Funtown: spending an entire day bouncing between rides, games, and water slides.
The amusement park side features roller coasters, bumper cars, a carousel, log flume rides, and dozens of other attractions for a wide range of ages. Excalibur, Maine’s only wooden roller coaster, remains one of the park’s signature rides. On hot summer days, many families split their time between the rides and the adjoining water park, Splashtown, which features 16 water slides, a large interactive water play area, and attractions designed for both younger children and thrill seekers.
Funtown typically opens Memorial Day weekend, while Splashtown opens in mid-June and operates through Labor Day. Check the website for current hours, ticket prices, and seasonal schedules.
DAY TRIP | AMUSEMENT PARK | WATER PARK | ALL AGES
MAIN STREET
Walking Old Orchard Street
Not every activity in Old Orchard Beach needs an itinerary. One of the best ways to spend an hour is simply wandering up and down Old Orchard Street between the beach and the pier.
The main strip is packed with souvenir shops, beach stores, arcades, ice cream stands, candy shops, and snack counters that have been part of the OOB experience for decades. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth taking a walk just to soak in the atmosphere. Between the smell of fried dough, the sound of arcade games, and the crowds heading to and from the beach, it feels like the classic New England beach town many places have lost.
I always make a stop at Dickinson’s Candy, an Old Orchard Beach institution known for homemade saltwater taffy and other sweets. If you’re visiting with kids, expect a few requests to go inside. The nearby arcades are also worth a look, whether you’re chasing nostalgia or trying to win a stuffed animal you’ll later regret carrying around all day.
The best time to walk Old Orchard Street is in the evening after the beach crowds start to thin out and the lights around the pier begin to come on. Even if you don’t have a destination in mind, it’s one of those simple Old Orchard Beach traditions that’s worth experiencing at least once during your trip.
SHOPPING | CANDY STORES | ARCADES | DOWNTOWN OOB
RAINY DAY ACTIVITY
Jimmy the Greek's
Jimmy the Greek’s is one of those places that works for almost everyone in your group at the same time, which makes it especially useful on a rainy day in Old Orchard Beach when the beach isn’t an option. We ended up here on exactly that kind of afternoon, and it was the right call.
The candlepin bowling lanes are the main attraction for families. Candlepin is a New England original that uses smaller balls and thinner pins than traditional bowling, and if you’ve never tried it before, OOB is as good a place as any to give it a shot. There’s also a large arcade, pool table, and plenty of other games, making it easy to spend a few hours here even if the lanes are busy.
The menu includes brick oven pizzas, street tacos, burgers, wings, Greek specialties, and other pub favorites, while the bar pours more than 50 beers on tap, including several Maine craft options. If you’re visiting midweek, Monday night trivia is another reason to stop by.
FAMILY ACTIVITY | CANDLEPIN BOWLING | BARCADE | CRAFT BEER
A local’s guide to the best breweries in Portland Maine, the most brewery-dense city in the US. From Industrial Way to Thompson’s Point, 18 breweries covered with firsthand tips on beer, food, and where to go.
Getting Around Old Orchard Beach
One of the best things about Old Orchard Beach is that you don’t need a car if you’re staying near the beach and pier. Most visitors can easily walk between the beach, Palace Playland, Old Orchard Street, restaurants, bars, and many hotels.
A car becomes more useful if you’re staying farther from downtown or planning to visit attractions in neighboring Saco such as Funtown Splashtown USA, Aquaboggan, or Jimmy the Greek’s.
You’ll also see golf carts and other street-legal vehicles around town during the summer. They can be useful if you’re staying outside the main beach area, but they’re far less common than in many Florida beach towns. If you’re staying within a few blocks of the pier, walking is usually easier.
For visitors arriving by train, the Amtrak Downeaster station sits right in the center of town, making Old Orchard Beach one of the few beach destinations in New England where you can realistically spend an entire vacation without a car.
Best Time to Visit Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is first and foremost a summer beach town. While a handful of restaurants, bars, and hotels stay open year-round, much of what makes OOB special is seasonal. Palace Playland, the pier, many restaurants, and some attractions operate primarily between late spring and early fall, so timing your visit matters.
July and August are peak season, and for good reason. Temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to mid-80s, every restaurant and attraction is fully open, Palace Playland is running, and the beach is at its liveliest. This is Old Orchard Beach at full volume. The tradeoff is larger crowds, higher hotel prices, and parking that fills up quickly on summer weekends. If you want the classic OOB experience, this is the time to visit.
Late June is one of the most underrated times of year. The weather is usually warm enough for the beach, most restaurants and attractions are open, and the summer crowds have not fully arrived. If your schedule is flexible, this is one of the best times to visit. But the water will still be cold.
One thing first-time visitors should know: the Atlantic Ocean in Maine stays cold compared to most beach destinations. Even in August, when water temperatures are at their warmest, many visitors from farther south are surprised by how chilly it feels. If swimming is a priority, late August and early September generally offer the warmest water of the year.
September is the other sweet spot. The ocean is often warmer than it is in June, the crowds thin out noticeably after Labor Day, and hotel rates become more reasonable. Most restaurants remain open through September, and the pier stays active. The tradeoff is that some seasonal businesses begin closing as the month progresses.
May and early October can work well if you’re more interested in restaurants, bars, and quieter walks on the beach than swimming. You’ll have much of the town to yourself, but many seasonal businesses will either be closed or operating on limited schedules. Ocean temperatures remain cold, making swimming a better activity for the brave than the average visitor.
Best Restaurants in Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is best known for its beach, pier, and amusement park, but there are some surprisingly good places to eat here as well. Whether you’re looking for a lobster roll, fresh seafood, a beachfront bar, or a sit-down dinner after a day in the sun, you’ll find more options than most people expect from a seasonal beach town.
Food in OOB tends to fall into a few categories. You’ll find plenty of lobster rolls, fried seafood baskets, and beach snacks, but pizza is arguably just as popular. Old Orchard Beach is a family vacation town, and a quick slice is often the easiest way to feed hungry kids between the beach, the pier, and Palace Playland.
Pizza in Old Orchard Beach: Bill's vs. Lisa's vs. Rocco's
Ask longtime visitors where to get the best slice and you’ll quickly discover there is no consensus. Bill’s Pizza, Lisa’s Pizza, and Rocco’s Pizza have all been OOB institutions for years, and each has a loyal following.
Although I have been eating the pizza here since I was a kid, I finally did my own side-by-side taste test and came away with a few observations.
Bill’s Pizza is the cheesiest of the three, with a thicker slice that felt closest to classic beach-town pizza.
Lisa’s Pizza has the most sauce and a very soft, thick crust. If you prefer a thick and saucy slice, this may be the one for you.
Rocco’s Pizza is the closest to a traditional New York-style slice, thinner and with more emphasis on the crust. Of the three, it is my personal favorite.
That said, my favorite pizza in Old Orchard Beach isn’t actually one of the three classic slice shops. It’s the pizza at Pirate’s Patio, a beachfront bar that serves what I think is the best pizza in town. The difference is that you must order a full pizza rather than grabbing a quick slice while walking around the town.
For my full list of recommendations, including breakfast spots, seafood restaurants, beach bars, lobster rolls, and local favorites, check out my guide to the best restaurants in Old Orchard Beach.
From pier fries and lobster rolls to upscale oceanfront dining and beachfront bars with live music, a local’s guide to the best restaurants in Old Orchard Beach, Maine.
FAQ About Old Orchard Beach
Is Old Orchard Beach worth visiting?
Yes. Old Orchard Beach combines seven miles of sandy beach with a classic New England boardwalk atmosphere that is becoming harder to find. Between the beach, pier, amusement park, restaurants, and summer events, it’s one of the most complete family-friendly beach destinations in Maine.
How many days should I spend in Old Orchard Beach?
A long weekend is enough to experience the highlights, but many visitors stay for a full week. Three to four days gives you plenty of time to enjoy the beach, explore the pier, try several restaurants, and take day trips to nearby places like Portland, Kennebunkport, or Ogunquit.
Is Old Orchard Beach family friendly?
Very much so. The beach itself is a great place for families, and attractions like Palace Playland, mini golf courses, arcade games, and weekly summer fireworks give kids plenty to do. At the same time, adults can enjoy the restaurants, bars, and live music throughout town.
Can you walk everywhere in Old Orchard Beach?
If you’re staying near the beach, pier, or downtown area, you can walk to most attractions, restaurants, and bars. Many visitors park their car when they arrive and rarely use it during their stay. A car is still helpful if you plan to explore other parts of southern Maine.
Do I need a car in Old Orchard Beach?
Not necessarily. If you’re staying near the beach, pier, or downtown area, you can walk to most attractions, restaurants, bars, and hotels. A car becomes more useful if you’re planning day trips to places like Funtown Splashtown USA, Aquaboggan, Portland, or other parts of southern Maine.
What is the best month to visit Old Orchard Beach?
July and August offer the warmest weather and the most activity, but they are also the busiest months. June and September are often the sweet spot, with smaller crowds, comfortable temperatures, and many businesses still open for the season.
What are the best restaurants in Old Orchard Beach?
Some of my favorite restaurants in Old Orchard Beach include Joseph’s by the Sea for a date-night dinner, The Brunswick for live music and oceanfront drinks, JJ’s for breakfast, Pier French Fries for a classic local snack, and The Shack for lobster rolls and seafood. For a full breakdown, check out my guide to the best restaurants in Old Orchard Beach.
Can you swim at Old Orchard Beach?
Yes. Old Orchard Beach is one of the best swimming beaches in Maine thanks to its wide sandy shoreline and gradual entry into the water. Just keep in mind that ocean temperatures remain much colder than beaches farther south, even during the summer.
