Old Orchard Beach MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Old Orchard Beach, Maine.
1. Old Orchard Beach
ICONIC SANDY BEACHFRONT
Old Orchard Beach is a renowned seven-mile stretch of soft, sandy shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean, popular for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside fun. The beach offers amenities such as boardwalk access, lifeguards, and proximity to shops and restaurants. Its broad, inviting sands attract visitors of all ages throughout the summer season.
2. Old Orchard Beach Pier
HISTORIC OCEANFRONT LANDMARK
The Old Orchard Beach Pier extends 500 feet over the Atlantic, offering panoramic views, entertainment, restaurants, and lively nightlife. Visitors can enjoy ocean breezes, casual dining, and regular fireworks displays that light up the night sky. The pier is a central hub for beachgoers seeking both relaxation and excitement by the water.
3. Palace Playland
BEACHFRONT AMUSEMENT PARK
Palace Playland is Maine's only oceanfront amusement park, situated directly on the beach for easy access between rides and the shoreline. The park features a range of attractions including a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, arcade games, and Kiddieland, making it ideal for families. Evening visits are enhanced with weekly fireworks illuminating both the park and nearby beachfront.
4. Ocean Park Beach
PEACEFUL COASTAL ESCAPE
Ocean Park Beach offers a tranquil alternative to the busier main beach, featuring clean sands and gentle surf ideal for swimming and quiet relaxation. The area is adjacent to a historic community known for its charming cottages and tree-lined streets. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and less crowded shoreline.
5. Dunegrass Golf Club
GOLF WITH COASTAL VIEWS
Dunegrass Golf Club is a scenic 18-hole course known for its lush fairways and proximity to the Atlantic, offering glimpses of ocean and marshland from several holes. The course is suitable for all skill levels and features a clubhouse with dining options. It provides a freshwater contrast to seawater activities but is a favorite for those seeking outdoor leisure along the coast.
6. Pine Point Beach
WIDE FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHORE
Pine Point Beach in Scarborough stretches for nearly four miles, offering soft sand and gentle surf with excellent swimming and beachcombing opportunities. The beach is adjacent to tidal rivers and salt marshes, providing scenic views and a quieter atmosphere than Old Orchard's main beach. It is equipped with restrooms and parking, making it convenient for families.
7. Ferry Beach State Park
FOREST AND OCEAN RETREAT
Ferry Beach State Park features a beautiful blend of sandy shoreline, rare pitch pine forest, and nature trails along the Saco Bay. The park's beach is known for safe swimming, tide pooling, and birdwatching. Its picnic areas and gentle dunes make it an appealing destination for nature lovers and families.
8. Bay View Beach
SHELTERED FAMILY BEACH
Bay View Beach offers a quieter, more intimate waterfront setting with calm waters ideal for swimming and wading. Its fine sand and gradual entry make it popular with families and locals. The beach is bordered by dunes and provides easy access to Old Orchard Beach's southern stretch.
9. Biddeford Pool Beach
EXPANSIVE COASTAL BEACH
Biddeford Pool Beach is a wide, natural beach facing the Atlantic, renowned for its sweeping views and relatively undeveloped surroundings. Visitors enjoy tidepooling, sunbathing, and leisurely walks along the expansive sandy shore. The area is also known for its birdlife and quiet, unspoiled character.
10. Scarborough Beach State Park
PRISTINE SURF AND SAND
Scarborough Beach State Park is well-regarded for its long stretch of clean sand, rolling surf, and ample swimming space. Summer lifeguards make it a safe destination for families, while the steady waves are a draw for surfers and bodyboarders. The park's scenic dunes and picnic areas offer plenty of space for beachside relaxation.