20 Unforgettable Things to Do in Old Orchard Beach This Summer

Looking for the best things to do in Old Orchard Beach? You’ve landed in the right spot. This Maine beach town packs 7 miles of golden sand, a 128-year-old pier, New England’s only beachfront amusement park, and Thursday-night fireworks into one walkable coastal escape — all just 20 minutes south of Portland.

Whether you’re planning a family Maine vacation, a couples’ weekend, or a multi-generational reunion in a beach house rental, “OOB” (as locals call it) delivers that rare mix of nostalgic Americana and laid-back New England charm. Think saltwater taffy at sunset, kids screaming on the Sea Viper, lobster rolls eaten barefoot on the boardwalk.

In this 2026 guide, you’ll get the top attractions, real local tips, the best time to visit, where to eat, and exactly where to stay. Skip the tourist traps. Book the right spots. Make this trip the one your family talks about for years.

Quick Answer — Top 5 Things to Do in Old Orchard Beach

Short on time? Here’s the no-fluff shortlist every first-time visitor should hit:

1. Palace Playland — New England’s only beachfront amusement park (new 2026 Zamperla Speedy coaster)
2. The Pier — Historic 1898 boardwalk with shops, drinks, and ocean views
3. 7 Miles of Sandy Beach — Free, family-friendly, and walkable from downtown
4. Thursday Night Fireworks — Every week at 9:45 PM all summer
5. Pier French Fries — A 90+ year OOB tradition (yes, it’s worth the line)

Want the full breakdown? Keep reading.

Best Things to Do in Old Orchard Beach in 2026

Ride the New 2026 Coaster at Palace Playland

Address: 1 Old Orchard St, Old Orchard Beach, ME
Best for: Families, thrill-seekers, evening fun
Price: Pay-per-ride or all-day wristband (~$35–45)

Palace Playland is the heart of OOB summers. With 28+ rides, Maine’s largest arcade, and direct beach access, it’s the kind of place where parents relive their childhood while kids make new memories. The 2026 season debuts the brand-new Zamperla Speedy family coaster, joining classics like the Sea Viper, Nitro Speed, and the iconic Ferris wheel that overlooks Saco Bay.

Local tip: Go after 6 PM. Lines are shorter, the lights are magical, and you’ll catch the Thursday fireworks if you time it right.

Walk the Historic Old Orchard Beach Pier

Location: Downtown OOB, extending into the Atlantic
Best for: Sunset photos, drinks, casual dining

First built in 1898, the Pier has survived storms, fires, and over a century of New England weather. Today it’s the social pulse of town — patio bars stretched over the waves, boutique souvenir shops, fried-dough stands, and live music spilling out at night. Grab a cold beer at the end of the Pier as the sun drops behind the Saco River. It’s pure New England.

Spend the Day on 7 Miles of Sandy Beach

Best for: Swimming, beach walks, family days
Price: Free

OOB’s beach is the reason people come back year after year. Wide, flat, and clean, it’s perfect for everything from sandcastle building to long sunrise walks. Surf is gentle (great for kids), and you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or boogie boards right on the sand.

Want quieter sand? Walk 10 minutes south to Ocean Park — same beach, half the crowd.

Bike the Eastern Trail or Kayak Scarborough Marsh

Location: Minutes from downtown OOB
Best for: Active travelers, nature lovers, birdwatchers

When the boardwalk gets loud, head inland. The Eastern Trail is a paved 22-mile route through marshes, woods, and small Maine towns. Scarborough Marsh — Maine’s largest salt marsh — is best explored by kayak from the Audubon Center. Expect great blue herons, ospreys, and complete quiet.

Catch Thursday Night Fireworks

Every Thursday at 9:45 PM all summer, Palace Playland lights up the sky over the Atlantic. Best viewing? Anywhere on the beach. Bring a blanket, grab ice cream, and arrive 30 minutes early. Bonus show on the 4th of July.

Where to Eat in Old Orchard Beach

Pier French Fries

A 90+ year institution. Vinegar-soaked, hand-cut, served in a paper cup. Non-negotiable.

Joseph’s by the Sea

Upscale ocean-view dining. Best lobster bisque in town and a sunset view that justifies the price.

The Brunswick

Historic oceanfront restaurant with live music and reliable New England comfort food (chowder, lobster rolls, fried clams).

Lisa’s Pizza

A locals’ favorite for a quick, cheap, ridiculously good slice between beach and boardwalk.

Free & Rainy Day Things to Do in OOB

Not every Maine vacation day is sunny. Here’s how to keep the trip rolling:

• Maine’s Largest Arcade at Palace Playland (indoor, all ages)
• Funtown Splashtown USA — 15 minutes away in Saco
• Saco Drive-In Theatre — one of America’s oldest drive-ins (since 1939)
• Portland Head Light — 25-minute drive to Maine’s most photographed lighthouse
• Shopping at the Maine Mall — South Portland, 15 minutes north

Best Time to Visit Old Orchard Beach

Peak season: late June through Labor Day — warmest water, all attractions open, biggest crowds.

Sweet spot: early-to-mid June and first two weeks of September. Warm enough to swim, cheaper rentals, far fewer people. Locals will tell you September is the best-kept secret of Maine vacation season.

Off-season (October–April) is quiet and beautiful for long beach walks, but most amusements close.

How to Get to Old Orchard Beach

From Portland, ME: 20 minutes south via I-95
From Boston, MA: ~1 hour 50 minutes north via I-95
By train: Amtrak Downeaster stops directly in Old Orchard Beach (seasonal)
Nearest airport: Portland International Jetport (PWM), 18 miles

Where to Stay in Old Orchard Beach

After a full day of rides, beach time, and Pier fries, the last thing you want is a long drive back to your hotel — or worse, a cramped room that can’t fit the whole group.

That’s where Beachside Bliss Cottage comes in.

Located minutes from the beach, the Pier, and Palace Playland, our cottage is the ideal home base for families, friend groups, or multi-generational trips:

• 🛏️ Sleeps up to 11 guests — perfect for big families and reunions
• 🐶 Pet-friendly — bring the whole family, including the dog
• 🌊 Walking distance to the beach and downtown OOB attractions
• 🔥 Private outdoor space, modern amenities, and that real Maine cottage feel

Summer 2026 dates are already booking up fast — especially July and August weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old Orchard Beach worth visiting?

Yes — especially if you want a classic New England beach town with real character. OOB combines a 7-mile sandy beach, a historic pier, and the only beachfront amusement park in New England, all in one walkable downtown. It’s family-friendly, affordable, and packed with summer events.

How far is Old Orchard Beach from Portland, Maine?

Old Orchard Beach is about 18 miles south of Portland, roughly a 20-minute drive via I-95. The Amtrak Downeaster also runs directly between Portland and OOB during summer.

Can you swim at Old Orchard Beach?

Absolutely. The water is cool (typical Maine ocean temps in summer range from 60–68°F), but the surf is gentle and the sandy bottom slopes gradually — making it one of the safest swimming beaches in southern Maine, especially for kids.

Is Old Orchard Beach free?

Yes — the beach itself and the Pier are completely free to access. You only pay for parking (metered or paid lots downtown), rides at Palace Playland, food, and shopping.

What is Old Orchard Beach known for?

OOB is best known for its 7 miles of sandy beach, the 1898 historic Pier, Palace Playland amusement park, weekly summer fireworks, and its long-standing reputation as one of the most loved family beach towns in New England.

Is Old Orchard Beach pet-friendly?

Yes — dogs are allowed on the beach with restrictions during peak summer hours (typically off-leash before 10 AM and after 5 PM, June–September). Many vacation rentals, including Beachside Bliss Cottage, welcome pets year-round.