Have you heard of Old Orchard Beach? As New England summer beach destinations progress, it is not as well known as Cape Cod and not as crowded as Hampton Beach or the beaches along the Rhode Island coastline. That means this seven-mile stretch of sand in southern Maine is the perfect choice for those seeking not only the funs of a family beach destination, but the opportunity to claim more than a piece of beach the size of a beach. towel as own.
If you ‘re familiar with Old Orchard Beach, you probably immediately think of The Pier, which has been the center of activity for the beach resort since the original pier was built in 1898. On hot summer days, the area around The Pier It is as densely packed with ocean lovers as any New England beach, but the beauty of Old Orchard Beach is that it stretches non-stop for about 3.5 miles in either direction from the pier, and as you move away from this epicenter, you will share the soft sand and sea with fewer and fewer people.
Even more beautiful: all of Old Orchard Beach is open to the public for free.
Free Information: A free Old Orchard Beach vacation planner is available online in English or French.
A travel in the time
One reason the area around the pier is more popular is that Amtrak’s Downeaster stops at a rail station diagonally across the street from the pier, allowing visitors to Boston and Portland escape to the beach without the need for a car and without fighting traffic. I-95. There is no other beach in New England that is easily accessible by rail. Traveling to the beach by train is also a nostalgic way to get there. Trains took visitors to Old Orchard Beach from 1842 to the mid-1900s, but the city was without an active station for many years until Amtrak’s Downeaster debuted in 2002.
Speaking of nostalgia, Old Orchard Beach is undergoing a bit of a transformation these days as efforts are underway to tone down The Pier’s honky-tonk reputation and to bring back some of the coastal town’s Victorian charm. The goal is to create a welcoming environment for families, and while The Pier still hosts amusement rides, carnival games, arcades, temporary tattoo stands, bars, and food stalls, the city’s goal is to become a community. tourist throughout the year.
There’s more to do than swimming in the blue ocean
You may wonder if the water is cold. While it’s colder than you’ll find on more southern beaches, getting your feet wet or taking a quick dip is certainly tolerable, and kids don’t seem to mind the high ocean temperatures.
In addition to playing on the beach and at The Pier, the Old Orchard Beach area offers many family attractions, dining options, and shopping opportunities for vacationers. Attractions include Funtown Splashtown USA water park, fishing charters, golf and miniature golf courses, lighthouses, and more. Portland (Maine’s largest city) and Kittery’s outlet stores are just a short drive away.
During special annual events at Old Orchard Beach, like Corvette Back to the Beach Weekend or the Annual Beach Olympics, there are even more fun to fill your days. The nights are also full of fun, as Old Orchard Beach hosts a free fireworks show near the pier every Thursday night from late June to late August. Concerts are held most summer weekends on Saturday or Sunday nights at the Temple of the Ocean Park Association.
Silence out of season
Winter is a quiet time at Old Orchard Beach, but more and more hotels are extending their seasons into spring and fall, with some staying open year-round for those longing for a quiet getaway to the sea. From Labor Day to Memorial Day, you’ll find attractive off-season rates.
Where to stay in Old Orchard Beach, Maine
The hotels, motels and inns along Old Orchard Beach are independently owned and operated. That means there is quite a bit of variety when it comes to quality, price, and services. There are many hotels on the seven-mile beach, which makes getting to the ocean a breeze. However, since the beach is long, many are not within walking distance of the amusements centered around the pier. Be sure to ask individual properties about their exact location, cancellation policies, check-in times, and facilities.
You’ll find some more predictable chain hotels a few miles away in Portland and South Portland. For rentals , be sure to ask if sheets are provided. Camping can be an inexpensive alternative for family vacations.
How to get to Old Orchard Beach
Location: Old Orchard Beach is located along the southern coast of Maine, about 100 miles and a two-hour drive north of Boston. The beach is just 12 miles or a 20 minute drive south of Portland, Maine.
Directions: From Boston and south , follow I-95 North to Exit 36 in Maine. Follow I-195 for 5 miles. Just past a Rite Aid pharmacy on your right, you will come to a three-way intersection with a stop sign. Turn right, go down the hill to the ocean, cross the railroad tracks and when you reach The Pier and the sign that welcomes you to Old Orchard Beach, turn right onto West Grand Avenue or turn left onto East Grand Avenue. From points north, follow I-95 South, Maine Turnpike to Exit 36 and continue as above.Â
Parking: Most hotels offer free parking for guests, so if you’re planning to stay overnight, you can select accommodations within walking distance of The Pier. For day visitors and those staying further afield, parking near the pier is available, but it can be a bit pricey during peak summer season. Tip: Jimmy’s Oceanside Parking at 25 West Grand Avenue includes use of restrooms and changing rooms with your parking fee.
Taking the train: The Amtrak Downeaster stops at Old Orchard Beach, depositing guests across the street from seven miles of sand and all the diversions at The Pier. The Downeaster offers five daily round trips between Boston and Portland, Maine, making a day at the beach an easy commute for commuters from those cities, stopping along the way. Two of these round trips extend to Freeport and Brunswick, Maine, each day.
