Old Orchard Beach Maine
South Coast Maine Vacation Ideas – Beach Lodging – Southern Maine Attraction
A summer visit to Old Orchard Beach – it’s an annual tradition for thousands of people. Old Orchard is Maine’s premier beach and family resort town. Old Orchard Beach is located in York county, on the inner side of Saco Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. Downtown Old Orchard is home to many tourist-oriented businesses, including take-out pizza restaurants, clam shacks and T-shirt shops. The famous Old Orchard Pier is a wooden pier on the beach that contains several tourist businesses, souvenir shops and a nightclub. There is a good selection of affordable accommodations in Old Orchard Beach.According to Wikipedia, Old Orchard Beach has been promoted as a tourist destination since 1631, when its first settler established a “Garden By the Sea.” Ask us about Maine Attractions or share comments. To feature your Maine business, contact us.
Maine Attractions: Old Orchard Beach
In 1829 the first Public House opened, and in 1837 tourists paid $1.50 each to stay at a local farm. Railroad service between Boston and Portland opened in 1842. Over the years Old Orchard developed into a major resort. Airplanes took off from the beach and auto races were held on the sand. Most of the large hotels were destroyed in the fire of 1907. Still standing is The Ocean House Hotel & Motel. The Ocean House was built in 1895.
Old Orchard Beach Attractions
The fabulous beach is of course the major attraction here. That means Old Orchard Beach is usually pretty quiet most of the year. The busy season begins in late June and extends through the month of August. The Palace Playland is a seaside amusement park – one of the last surviving “old-time” amusement parks still operating in New England.
Old Orchard Beach was home to the very first operating carousels in United States. Today, a new Ferris Wheel (built in 2011) and more than 25 rides for adults and children comprise the park.
Visiting Old Orchard Beach Maine
Every summer Old Orchard Beach comes to life – with much of the season labor coming from overseas. Foreign exchange students from Russia, Turkey, Lithuania and other countries find summer work in the local tourist-oriented businesses. Old Orchard Beach is a popular summer destination for many Quebec residents seeking summer sun and sandy beaches. French conversations are common.
Find our suggested Old Orchard Beach lodging accommodations below. Please share your Old Orchard Beach comments and reviews. To feature your Maine attraction in MELiving.com – Maine’s Internet Magazine, contact us.
Old Orchard Beach Maine Vacations!
Maine Attractions by Region
Discover Maine Attractions by region. Aroostook, Downeast, Katahdin, Kennebec, Lakes, Mid-Coast, Portland and South-Coast.
Aroostook ME Attractions
Fort Kent, Houlton, Presque Isle
Downeast & Acadia ME Attractions
Bar Harbor, Blue Hill, Deer Isle, Eastport, Lubec, Cherryfield, Machias
Katahdin & Moosehead ME Attractions
Bangor, Brewer, Greenville, Lincoln, Millinocket, Orono
Kennebec & Moose River ME Attractions
Augusta, Skowhegan, Waterville, The Forks
Lakes & Mountains ME Attractions
Auburn, Lewiston, Norway, Bethel, Farmington, Naples
Midcoast ME Attractions
Bath, Boothbay Harbor, Camden, Rockland, Brunswick, Belfast, Searsport
Greater Portland ME Attractions
Portland, Freeport, Yarmouth, Westbrook, Cape Elizabeth
South Coastal Maine Attractions
Biddeford, Kennebunk, Kittery, Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, Wells, York
Pet Friendly Lodging | Personals
Maine Weddings | Explore Maine Towns
New England Living | New England Attractions
