Old Orchard Beach in summer — Photo courtesy of Mark PechenikThere is always something happening in Maine's Old Orchard Beach. If active, always-something-to-do beach vacations are your ideal, then Old Orchard Beach has just what you’ve been seeking.
The focal point of Old Orchard Beach is the beach itself. The sand is smooth, soft and wide – perfect for children to frolic and explore. The beach is also a big hit with adults and families who often arrive early in search of choice spots on those perfect beach days. The shoreline itself features gentle surf that is ideal for parents in search of safe, seaside fun for their children.
The Old Orchard Pier neighborhood area is the focal point of Old Orchard Beach, one of the top seaside resort destinations in Maine. The pier is a dramatic, eye catching structure which extends almost 500 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. Along its boardwalk, the pier offers a dazzling array of fast food restaurants, shops, video games and arcades, and amusement rides. Palace Playland, one of the few shoreline amusement parks still in operation in the United States, is a pier favorite with its ferris wheel, Kiddieland rides for young children, and the Galaxi Roller Coaster. Summer is prime time on the pier with a full schedule of fairs, street dances, family and community festivals, and fireworks.
Enjoying the surf at Old Orchard Beach — Photo courtesy of Mark PechenikThanks to the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce, special events abound on a year-round basis. However, spring and summer are the seasons of when events are most plentiful. For instance, every Thursday evening from June 23 to Labor Day, it is possible to enjoy a gala fireworks display next to the pier. In addition, on Sunday evenings, the Ocean Park Music Festival presents concerts that bring smiles to families, couples and individuals.
When the sun goes down, Old Orchard Beach and its iconic pier kick it up a notch with full service restaurants, arcade and amusement ride activities, and nightclubs. Among the top night spots are the Pier Patio Pub and the Village Inn Restaurant & Brew Pub which feature some of the best coastline musicians and groups in New England. Meanwhile, the Salvation Army Pavilion Amphitheater provides a robust schedule of family friendly outdoor concerts.
Lodging options in Old Orchard Beach cater to just about every type of vacationer. There are a number of motels and motor inns which feature kitchenettes for budget-savvy families looking to create their own meals. Meanwhile, quaint bed and breakfast inns and more traditional hotels offer leisure, relaxed, full-service stays for guests.
For those looking to create their own active summer beach memories, Old Orchard Beach and the famous Old Orchard Pier should be near the top of your favorite Maine destinations.