Maine’s Summer Playground
Old Orchard Beach has been drawing visitors to the southern Maine coast for more than a century. Seven miles of wide, flat sand stretch from Pine Point in Scarborough south to the Saco River, making this one of the longest sandy beaches in the state. At the center of it all sits a 500-foot pier, a beachfront amusement park, and a boardwalk lined with food stands, arcades, and souvenir shops. It is loud, busy, and unapologetically fun.
The town is a beach resort in the classic New England mold, closer in spirit to the Jersey Shore than to the rocky headlands that define most of the Maine coast. French-Canadian families have been coming here for generations, and you will hear as much French spoken on the boardwalk as English on a busy summer weekend. The vibe is casual, the food is fried, and the beach is enormous.
The Beach
The sand at Old Orchard is fine-grained and compact at the waterline, wide enough at low tide that the ocean seems to recede to a distant line. Families spread out across the beach with chairs, umbrellas, and coolers, and even on the busiest days there is room to find your own space if you walk north or south away from the pier area.
The water warms to the low 60s by August, which is warm by Maine standards. The beach faces east and south, catching morning sun and holding it through the afternoon. The surf is gentle most days, with occasional swells that draw bodyboarders and beginner surfers.
Walk north along the beach toward Pine Point for a quieter experience. The boardwalk crowds thin out within a few hundred yards, and by the time you reach the Scarborough town line, the beach feels almost empty. This is the same seven miles of sand, just without the noise.
The Pier and Boardwalk
The Old Orchard Beach Pier extends roughly 500 feet over the water and has been rebuilt multiple times after storms and fires. The current structure dates to a 1980 reconstruction following a devastating fire. The pier itself holds shops, food stands, and a nightclub at the far end. Walking to the tip and looking back at the beach and boardwalk gives you one of the best views on the southern Maine coast.
Palace Playland, directly on the beach next to the pier, is New England’s only beachfront amusement park. It has operated since 1902 and features about 25 rides, including the Sea Viper roller coaster, a Ferris wheel overlooking the ocean, bumper cars, and classic carnival games. Rides are purchased with tickets or wristbands. The park opens in late May and runs through Labor Day.
The boardwalk stretches several blocks in both directions from the pier, packed with pizza shops, fried dough vendors, ice cream stands, and gift stores. It has the feel of a seaside carnival that has been running for over a hundred years, because it has.
Parking near the pier and boardwalk fills early on summer weekends, sometimes by mid-morning. Metered parking along the main roads costs $4 per hour. Private lots charge $5 to $20 per day. Consider arriving before 10 AM on weekends or parking further from the beach and walking.
Beyond the Boardwalk
The quieter sections of Old Orchard Beach, away from the pier area, offer a different experience. The northern stretch toward Pine Point is residential and peaceful. The southern end near the Saco River mouth has good birding and calmer water. Ocean Park, a small community south of the main beach, has a more subdued, family-centered atmosphere with a historic tabernacle and summer concert series.
The Eastern Trail, a multi-use path that runs along the coast, passes through Old Orchard Beach and connects to Scarborough and beyond. Cyclists and joggers use it to access the beach without dealing with car traffic.
September is the best-kept secret at Old Orchard Beach. The crowds drop off sharply after Labor Day, but the water is still at its warmest and the weather is often excellent. The boardwalk and pier wind down, but the beach itself remains wide open and free of the summer chaos. Parking becomes free after meter season ends.
Dogs on the Beach
Dogs are welcome at Old Orchard Beach with seasonal restrictions. From May 15 through Labor Day, dogs are not allowed between 9 AM and 5 PM. After 5 PM, dogs must be on a leash until dusk. Outside of summer season, dogs are welcome anytime. Keep dogs away from roped-off piping plover nesting areas at all times.
When to Go
Spring
Cool and often windy. Beach is empty and parking is free. Water too cold for swimming.
Summer
Full boardwalk and amusement park experience. Warm water by August. Crowded weekends, arrive early.
Fall
September is warm and uncrowded. Boardwalk closes after Labor Day but beach remains excellent.
Winter
Empty beach, dramatic storms. Good for walking. Everything closed except a few restaurants.
Old Orchard Beach Essentials
- Sunscreen and hat (limited shade on the beach)
- Cash for boardwalk food and games
- Towels and swimsuit
- Credit card for parking meters
- Quarters for arcade games
- Light jacket for evening boardwalk walks
- Water bottle (stay hydrated in the sun)
Getting There
Old Orchard Beach is about 25 minutes south of Portland via I-95 and Route 5. Take Exit 36 (Saco) and follow the signs. From Kennebunk and points south, take Exit 32 and head north on Route 1. The Amtrak Downeaster stops at the Old Orchard Beach station in summer, making this one of the few Maine beaches accessible by train.
FAQ
Is Old Orchard Beach free to visit?
The beach itself is free. Parking is metered at $4 per hour during summer. Palace Playland rides require tickets or wristbands purchased separately.
How long is Old Orchard Beach?
The beach stretches seven miles from Pine Point in Scarborough to the Saco River. The boardwalk and pier area sits roughly in the middle.
Are dogs allowed at Old Orchard Beach?
Dogs are restricted from 9 AM to 5 PM between May 15 and Labor Day. After 5 PM they must be on a leash. Off-season, dogs are allowed anytime. Stay away from piping plover nesting areas year-round.
When does Palace Playland open?
Palace Playland typically opens on weekends in late May and runs daily from mid-June through Labor Day. Hours vary by season. Check their website for the current schedule.
Can you take the train to Old Orchard Beach?
Yes. The Amtrak Downeaster stops at Old Orchard Beach station during summer months. The station is a short walk from the beach and boardwalk.
