The Top Interesting and Fun Things to Do in an Amazing Coastal Setting
THINGS TO DO
There are a ton of fun activities to enjoy during your vacation stay at Old Orchard Beach, whether you’re indulging in adventurous rides at the local amusement parks or simply want to enjoy the stunning views across Saco Bay. But so much variety can make it difficult to know what you should do first. Well never fear – we’ve compiled a list of the ten best things to do while you’re here!
These are the most popular tourist activities in Old Orchard Beach and surrounding areas, and every attraction is well worth a visit if you have the time. Just remember that many of the local attractions in southern Maine are seasonal, so make sure to check the business websites if you are visiting in the off-season.
TOP 10 THING TO DO
1. The Beach at Old Orchard Beach
It’s got the word “beach” in its name for a reason! The town is the center point of a gorgeous 7-mile coastline that runs along Saco Bay. While Old Orchard Beach tends to be the main attraction due to its vibrant beachfront and iconic pier, it is actually only one of a whopping nine beaches that comprise the sandy 7-mile stretch of Saco Bay.
These beaches include Pine Point Beach, Bayview Beach, Grand Beach, Surfside Beach, Old Orchard Beach, Ocean Park Beach, Kinney Shores Beach, Ferry Beach, and Camp Ellis Beach. Each one is unique and offers its own kind of experience, depending on what you’re looking for. You can find peaceful nooks away from the throngs of summer tourists, places to go fishing and kayaking, lively beach communities, and more!
More Beach Info
TOP 10 THING TO DO
2. Old Orchard Beach Pier
The Old Orchard Beach pier is a veritable icon of the area, an instantly recognizable 500-feet of timber jutting out across the Atlantic Ocean. Built in 1898, the pier has seen its fair share of celebrations and disasters – from raging fires to thunderstorms and blizzards, it has been rebuilt three times over the years. This beach town just can’t do without it!
Today there’s plenty to love about the old pier. Not only is it a great place to take in some of the history and atmosphere of the area, but there are great seafood restaurants, lively bars, and frequent live music performances to keep you entertained all day (and night!).
OOB Pier Info
TOP 10 THING TO DO
3. Palace Playland Amusement Park
Right beside the entrance to the Old Orchard Beach pier sits Palace Playland, otherwise known as “New England’s Only Beachfront Amusement Park!” It was built in 1902 and has been entertaining local families and holidaymakers for generations. You can enjoy such classic rides as the Power Surge and Pirate Ship while gazing out over the Atlantic ocean.
The Palace Playland offers 28 rides in three categories: for kiddies, for families, and thrill rides for adrenaline junkies. The site also offers one of the largest arcades in New England, with over 200 arcade games. Park admissions are seasonal, so the site is closed from early September to late May.
Palace Playland Info
TOP 10 THING TO DO
4. Ferry Beach State Park
At the southern end of Saco Bay sits Ferry Beach State Park, a close and convenient place to explore the local wildlife. It’s a great way to spend a peaceful few hours away from the more tourist-focused areas. Here you can enjoy the stunning beach views and enjoy a picnic or explore the nearby protected Tupelo swamp and sand dunes at the edge of the beach.
It’s also a popular place to find beginner to medium-level hiking trails, through pine, oak, and hemlock forests. You can also go to the park’s nature center to join a guided program through the forested nature trails. During the off-season, the park is closed, but the beach and trailhead can still be accessed on foot.
Ferry Beach Park Info
TOP 10 THING TO DO
5. Funtown, Splashtown, USA
Enjoy the best of both worlds at Funtown, Splashtown, USA, where you can have tons of fun at an extensive waterpark and an amusement park, all in one site. This attraction draws tons of groups from all over due to its nine water slides, swimming pools, and Pirates Paradise, which dumps up to 500 gallons of water over visitors! Not to mention you’ll be guaranteed to have a blast at the Funtown amusement park.
The amusement park has 28 different rides on offer, and two are totally unique to the site. The Excalibur is the only wooden roller coaster in Maine, and the log flume ride, Thunder Falls, is the tallest ride of its kind in New England!
Admission is reasonably priced, and there’s more than enough to keep you and the kids entertained for the whole day. Both sites are open over the summer, and Funtown, Splashtown, USA is just a short drive from the center of town.
Funtown Splashtown Info
TOP 10 THING TO DO
6. Aquaboggan Water Park
If Splashtown USA wasn’t enough for you, don’t worry – there’s plenty more aquatic fun to be had just up the road at the Aquaboggan Water Park. The first water park ever built in Maine, it’s the perfect place to splash around with friends and family. Take a dip in the famous 750,000-gallon Wave Pool, or try out one of the adrenaline-inducing waterslides while the kiddies are busy at the Toddler Splash N’ Play. And if you want a bit of fun on dry land after that, why not try a round of mini-golf or take a whirl on the Grand Prix Go Carts? A general ticket gives you all-day access to every pool and slide on site.
Aquaboggan Info
TOP 10 THING TO DO
7. Hiking the Eastern Trail (Saco to Scarborough Section)
The Eastern Trail is an off-road 8-mile hiking trail, that connects OOB to both Saco and Scarborough. The trail is part of the East Coast Greenway and is a great way to experience the geography and biodiversity of the area on foot. Take in the beautiful views of the countryside and forests, and prepare for a stunning sight as you reach the Scarborough salt marsh estuary.
It’s a fairly easy trail to walk and is accessible for hikers of all skill levels, so don’t be discouraged by the length of the track. If you need to stop and rest there are plenty of picnic benches and seats along the trail.
Eastern Trail Info
TOP 10 THING TO DO
8. Fort Williams State Park & Portland Head Light
For those interested in local history, or who just want to enjoy a scenic day on the coast, nothing beats a day trip to Fort Williams State Park. Here you’ll find the decommissioned military fort that has been turned into a picturesque park and recreational site by the town of Cape Elizabeth. You can visit the picturesque Portland Head Light, the oldest lighthouse in Maine, and the Keeper’s House which currently contains the award-winning Portland Head Light Museum.
There’s also a lovely park with tennis courts, basketball courts, and a baseball diamond, as well as picnic benches where you can enjoy a lobster roll or gelato from one of the park vendors. Cap off your day with a brisk walk along the coast and a quick stop at the Goddard Mansion.
Fort Williams Park Info
TOP 10 THING TO DO
9. Local Charter Fishing Trips
If you’re a fishing hobbyist, or simply want to experience one of the most beloved Maine past time, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are a multitude of fishing charter services you can hire during your stay in OOB. During a charter fishing trip in the Saco Bay area, you’ll be able to try more relaxed, scenic cruises, intensive deep sea fishing for more experienced anglers, and even lobster and shark fishing.
Explore the depths of Pine Point with Reel Salty Fishing, enjoy a scenic ride and lobster fishing with Hat Trick Fishing Charters, or join a customizable, family-orientated expedition with Maine Way Outfitters. Other charter services include Hat Trick Fishing, Maine Tuna Fishing, Saco Bay Stripers, and more.
Fishing Charters Info
TOP 10 THING TO DO
10. Whale Watching Tours
What if charter fishing isn’t to your taste, but you still want to see more of the waters surrounding OOB? In that case, a whale-watching tour might be right up your alley. That’s right – just off the coast you can watch whale pods as they cruise through Casco Bay. These include humpback whales, minke whales, and pilot whales, not to mention you’re likely to catch a glimpse of other ocean residents such as dolphins and seals.
It’s a glorious display of nature, and as an extra, you’ll also get some of the best views of Old Orchard Beach from the ocean! The best time to whale watch is from April to October when the pods come closer inland to feed. Keep in mind that some whale-watching tour companies are seasonal, and you may want to make reservations well in advance. Whale watching is one of the most popular tourist activities, and spaces are limited.
Whale Watching Info
FAQs
Top 10 Things to Do in Old Orchard Beach? ›
- University of Southern Maine Planetarium.
- Cinemagic Stadium Theaters.
- Bowling.
- Portland Museum of Art.
- Brewery Tours.
The central beach area is located along the very popular Old Orchard Beach, a 7-mile long sandy beach. It's a great place for swimming and sunbathing, but you will also find people bodysurfing, playing volleyball, kayaking, jetskiiing, and just strolling along the waterfront.
How old is the pier at Old Orchard Beach? ›The Old Orchard Beach Pier first opened to the public on July 2, 1898, offering entertainment of all types – including concerts, dancing, lectures, and a casino located at the very end of the pier. The 1825 foot structure was built with three pavilions by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company for a cost of $38,000.
Can you drink beer on Old Orchard Beach? ›Alcohol not permitted on beach.
Is Orchard Beach a clean beach? ›After water quality testing done to more than 200 beaches on the Long Island Sound, Orchard Beach ranks among the top 10.
Why is the water red at Old Orchard Beach? ›The Asian red algae is an invasive species that tends to show up in early August, turning the sand and surf reddish-brown, town officials said. “It's just thick and red and yucky.
Is Orchard Beach a real beach? ›Orchard Beach is an artificial beach constructed by the City of New York between 1935 and 1937. The beach is crescent-shaped, approximately 400 feet wide and one mile long, and constructed across Pelham Bay, which connects Hunter Island and Rodman's Neck.
Can you sleep on Old Orchard Beach? ›Cabins can be reserved for a minimum of two nights during the off-season. A minimum of a Seven-night stay is required during the summer season.
How much is parking at Old Orchard Beach? ›$7 to $20. If you don't mind the walk, you can park for free. over a year ago. There are many places to park on the street that turn over quickly and there are many parking lots priced only $5 or $10 for the day close to the beach.
What beach in Maine has a boardwalk? ›
With the only beachfront amusement park in New England, Old Orchard Beach is one of those legendary boardwalk destinations where wonderful experiences form stories shared for generations.
Does Old Orchard Beach have parking? ›Cap'n Mike's Parking is conveniently located near the center of downtown Old Orchard Beach. It is across the street from the Veterans Memorial Municipal Park, the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Amtrak Downeaster Train Station and the Municipal Park public restrooms.
What is a fun fact about Old Orchard Beach? ›5 Fast Facts About Old Orchard Beach, Maine:
Frank Sinatra once sang at the casino! The Pier originally cost $38,000 to construct in 1898 and was made of steel. The Ferris wheel in Palace Playland was replaced in 2011 to be more environmentally friendly than the existing structure.
Stroll the Old Orchard Beach boardwalk, enjoy small, local shops and stop by Old Orchard Beach restaurants, local bars and local hotels and motels. Pick up a sandwich, shop for a t-shirt, sip a beer or grab some cotton candy. People have been strolling these same streets and enjoying these places for generations.
What happened to Old Orchard Beach? ›The Casino was demolished in 1970. The current incarnation of the pier was built in 1980 after being destroyed by a blizzard in 1978. The current structure stretches 500 feet (150 m) into the Atlantic Ocean. The wooden walk way is lined with souvenir shops, carnival-style foods, and a night club at the end of the pier.
Can you smoke on Old Orchard Beach? ›NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Old Orchard Beach does hereby declare that its municipal beaches are VOLUNTARY tobacco-free zones and specifically discourages the use of any tobacco product, including, but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, on, in or at any municipal beach area ...
How do I park at Old Orchard Beach? ›...
Online purchases
- Go online to www.oobmaine.com and click on “Seasonal Parking Permits” in the Citizen Action Center.
- You must have an e-mail address to purchase online. ...
- Create a user name and password.
- Apply for a “New Permit” and select the permit to purchase.
Open fires are allowed only in grills or fireplaces provided by the Bureau. No fires are allowed on beaches.
What beach in New York has the clearest water? ›Known as "The Roof Garden of the Lakes", New York's Skaneateles Lake is amongst the top ten cleanest lakes in America. Spanning across roughly 16-miles, along the lake's northern shore you can find views like this out on Skaneateles's town pier where you can get amazing views of the water.
Which beach is cleanest beach? ›- Rushikonda Beach, Andhra Pradesh. ...
- Radhanagar Beach, The Andamans. ...
- Padubidri Beach, Karnataka. ...
- Shivrajpur Beach, Gujarat. ...
- Kasarkod Beach, Karnataka. ...
- Kappad Beach, Kerala. ...
- Golden Beach, Odisha. ...
- Ghoghla Beach, Diu.
What is the most clean beach? ›
- Nassau, Bahamas. ...
- Honolulu, Hawaii. ...
- Perth, Australia. ...
- Barcelona, Spain.
Most people can swim during red tide without serious risks, but it may cause symptoms such as skin irritation and a burning sensation in the eyes.
What time is high tide Old Orchard Beach? ›Tides in Old Orchard, ME for Today & Tomorrow
Next high tide is 1:19 pm. Next low tide is 7:23 pm. Sunset today is 5:22 PM. Sun rise tomorrow is 6:24 AM.
Orchard Beach was built as part of Pelham Bay Park and was originally located on the eastern shore of Rodman's Neck peninsula. In the 1930s, New York City parks commissioner Robert Moses announced a project to expand Orchard Beach northward by connecting several islands in Pelham Bay Park via landfill.
What island is across from Old Orchard Beach? ›The center piece of the Phineas W. Sprague Memorial Sanctuary. Location and Description: This 24-acre island is located in Saco Bay, 3 miles east of Old Orchard Beach, York County.
Does Orchard Beach take credit cards? ›For reservations made directly on our website or via phone, a first-night deposit plus lodging tax is required to secure your reservation and will be charged to the Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express card provided.
Can you sleep in a tent on the beach overnight? ›If you want your camping tent to work well when used at the beach, you should make sure that it has some ventilation system to prevent condensation from building up inside. This will ensure that your sleeping experience isn't ruined by moisture buildup throughout the night while you sleep.
Can I sleep in my car in Long Beach? ›Long Beach, Calif. 10.18. 040 Living in vehicles prohibited: No person shall use or occupy any recreational vehicle, trailer coach, camper, van or other vehicle on any public street for human habitation or camping purposes. Why should I pay rent when I can be homeless and have the whole world?
What time Orchard Beach opens? ›Ask the Community - Orchard Beach
Hours are 7 am to 7 pm, but lifeguards are only on duty from 10-6 during the summer.
Old Orchard Beach has a seven-mile stretch of wide-open beach. There are 25 rides and arcade games at Palace Playland, its seaside amusement park.
What is the water temperature at Old Orchard Beach? ›
Today's Old Orchard Beach sea temperature is 41 °F.
Where is the cheapest parking in Orchard? ›| Where to park in Orchard/ Dhoby Ghaut | Parking rates |
|---|---|
| The Cathay | 6pm to 7.59am: S$3 per entry |
| Forum the Shopping Mall | 5pm to 6am: S$3.20 per entry |
| Singapore Shopping Centre | 8.01pm to 8am: S$3 per entry |
| Plaza Singapura | 6pm to 11.59pm (Mon to Thurs): S$3 per entry |
Fortune's Rock Beach, Biddeford: This two-mile beach runs from Biddeford Pool to Fortune's Rocks. The southernmost end is where you'll be most likely to find the most sea glass.
What is the big pier in Maine? ›The stunning Old Orchard Beach Pier is one of the most iconic structures in the area. At 500 feet long, it soars out over the Atlantic Ocean. For years it has offered the most popular recreational hotspots in Old Orchard Beach, particularly restaurants, bars, and live entertainment.
How big are the waves at Old Orchard Beach? ›| High | 2:37AM | 9.81ft |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 8:48AM | -0.33ft |
| High | 3:08PM | 8.92ft |
| Low | 9:05PM | 0.33ft |
Old Orchard Beach Weather
This combination of wave energy is seeing surf in the 1-2 ft range with a dominant wave period of 9 seconds. As of 5:05 PM wind is moderate and onshore from the E (90) at 7 mph.
The current surf forecast for Old Orchard Beach at 5PM is: 5ft 7s primary swell from a East direction and 5ft 7s secondary swell from a East direction, 0ft 8s secondary swell from a South direction (forecast issued at 12:00pm February 23). The wind direction is predicted to be cross-onshore and the swell rating is 3.
Is Ogunquit near Old Orchard Beach? ›Yes, the driving distance between Old Orchard Beach to Ogunquit is 28 miles. It takes approximately 34 min to drive from Old Orchard Beach to Ogunquit.
Who owns the pier in Old Orchard Beach Maine? ›Right across the street is The Pier, owned by Paul Golzbein.
What is the crime rate in Old Orchard Beach Maine? ›The crime rate in Old Orchard Beach is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 16 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate.
How many people live on Old Orchard Beach in the summer? ›
The Summer Months: For 9 months of the year the population of Old Orchard Beach is less than 20,000. Between the middle of June and the middle of September however, the population surges to above 100,000 as vacationers flock to the area to relax on one of Maine's most beautiful beaches!
What do you do on a beach day when it rains? ›- Have a spa day.
- Explore top attractions in the area. Even if a locale is known for its stretches of sand, it likely has a few top attractions that can be enjoyed indoors. ...
- Catch a movie. ...
- Take a self-guided food tour. ...
- Bust out the games. ...
- Keep cozy in bed. ...
- Embrace the rain.
- INDOOR ACTIVE SPORTS. American Nina Warrior Adventure Park, Santa Ana. ...
- BOWLING. Bowlero Bowl, Tustin. ...
- ROCK CLIMBING. Aesthetic Climbing Gym, Lake Forest. ...
- INDOOR ART. Artventure, Aliso Viejo. ...
- INDOOR ICE SKATING. ...
- INDOOR PLAY. ...
- MUSEUMS. ...
- PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
...
- Spa Day.
- Cook Up Some Fun.
- Board Games, Cards and Puzzles.
- Souvenirs and Scrapbooks.
- Book It!
- Movies – Inside and Out.
- Museums and Art Galleries.
- Check Out the Local Coffee Shop or Ice Cream Parlor.
- Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. 946. Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks. ...
- Anaheim Packing District. 886. ...
- South Coast Plaza. 603. ...
- Bowers Museum. 401. ...
- Anaheim Convention Center. 976. ...
- Honda Center. 660. ...
- Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 334. ...
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! 234.
- Read a book. marinabeachmotel. ...
- Kayaking on the water. If you're looking for something a little more active, getting out on the water is a great pastime. ...
- Go swimming. It might seem obvious, but it's still worth mentioning! ...
- Play frisbee. ...
- Cloud gazing. ...
- Stay close to the beach.
- Build a Sandcastle. ...
- Bury Someone in the Sand. ...
- Camp on the Beach. ...
- Celebrate a Special Occasion. ...
- Collect Seashells or Rocks. ...
- Collect Driftwood. ...
- Daydream. ...
- Indulge in Fruity Drinks.
- Map of the Attractions.
- Disneyland.
- Laguna Beach.
- Old Towne Orange.
- Richard Nixon Library.
- San Juan Capistrano.
- Santa Ana Museums.
- Surfing Beaches.
- Build a blanket fort. There's no better way to forget a gloomy day than with a cosy blanket fort. ...
- Putting pen to paper. ...
- Freeze dance. ...
- Indoor treasure hunt. ...
- Shadow games. ...
- Window painting. ...
- Hide & seek. ...
- Mini golf.
- Host a picnic. One of the most fun things to do at the beach with family is hosting a picnic. ...
- Try watersports. ...
- Have seafood from food stalls. ...
- Look for dolphins. ...
- Take a sunbath. ...
- Play outdoor games. ...
- Make sandcastle. ...
- Watch sunrise and sunset.
Is it OK to go to the beach after it rains? ›
"Public health agencies should warn beachgoers to avoid water contact at enclosed and storm drain, creek or river impacted beaches for at least five days after a significant rain." Californian surfers are advised to stay out of the water five days after it rains. The three-day rule is appropriate for open beaches only.
How can I be cute in the rain? ›- Go With the Classics.
- Find New Ways to Layer.
- Don't Be Afraid to Mix It Up.
- Do a Bit of Color Blocking.
- Wear a Maxi Dress.
- Break Out Your Sweats.
- Think Outside the Box.
- Remember Your Rain Boots.
- Dana Point Harbor. Dana Point, CA 92629. ...
- Huntington Beach Pier. Main Street & E Pacific Coast Highway. ...
- Irvine Spectrum Center. ...
- Knott's Berry Farm. ...
- Doheny State Beach. ...
- Anaheim Packing District Night Market. ...
- Balboa Island. ...
- Disney California Adventure Park.
A rainy-day fund is smaller than an emergency fund and is often used for one-time small, unexpected expenses. A rainy-day fund should generally have $500-$1000 to ensure you have enough cash on hand to cover things such as car repairs, new appliances, etc.
What to do when it raining outside adults? ›- Take a Virtual Cooking Class. Then test out your newfound skills with some good tunes and a glass of wine to keep you company.
- Learn a New Language. ...
- Get Into Online Gaming. ...
- Enjoy a Virtual Dance Class. ...
- Read a Book. ...
- Look Over Old Photos. ...
- Listen to Music. ...
- Knit.