Local's Guide
Old Orchard Beach and Scarborough (Pine Point) are two neighboring towns nestled on the coast of Southern Maine, forming a charming beach community. These towns offer the best of both worlds: a place to relax and unwind on beautiful beaches or enjoy a variety of excursions, attractions, and activities that are perfect for adventurers and families alike.
Old Orchard Beach and Scarborough (Pine Point) are two neighboring towns nestled on the coast of Southern Maine, forming a charming beach community. These towns offer the best of both worlds: a place to relax and unwind on beautiful beaches or enjoy a variety of excursions, attractions, and activities that are perfect for adventurers and families alike.
Amazing Beaches In and Near Old Orchard beach
Pine Point Beach
Located in Scarborough, Pine Point Beach offers soft sand, calm waters, and a serene atmosphere. It’s great for families and those looking for a quiet day by the ocean.
Old Orchard Beach
Known for its lively pier, Old Orchard Beach is a 7-mile stretch of beach that is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games. Families with kids will love building sandcastles and playing in the gentle surf. OOB Tide and weather charts.
Higgins Beach
A popular spot for surfers, Higgins Beach has a more laid-back vibe and offers stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Crescent Beach
Just a short drive away, Crescent Beach State Park offers a wide sandy beach and beautiful coastal scenery, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks.
Fort Williams Beach
Located near the iconic Portland Head Light, Fort Williams Beach offers dramatic views of the coastline and the historic lighthouse.
Willard Beach
Willard Beach is a smaller, family-friendly beach in South Portland, perfect for a peaceful day by the water with views of Casco Bay.
Hosting Events and Special Occasions in Old Orchard Beach
Grand Beach Properties is the perfect venue for small, intimate events. (house name) boasts the ultimate chef’s kitchen, including a 48″ gas range, double ovens, and two dishwashers. There is a second outdoor kitchen fully equipped with another 48″ grill, sink, and refrigeration. The outside patio offers ample seating for dining and features a fire pit. The living room is centered around a mesmerizing gas fireplace, a 75” TV, and a large wet bar.
Head up to the top floor, and you will find a full bar, seating areas, and a wraparound rooftop deck with 360-degree views of Old Orchard Beach and Pine Point. The home has three large decks and plenty of covered outdoor space for those rainy days or when you want to escape the sun.
(house name) is Ideal for:
– Wedding parties and rehearsal dinners
– Bachelor/bachelorette parties
– Family reunions
– Wellness retreats (Yoga, Meditation, and culinary)
– Team building (small business or executive committee strategic development)
– Astrological events (full moons, etc.). This significant location with amazing – sunrises, sunsets, and moonrises, coupled with low light pollution, makes this property ideal for stargazers.
Things to do Near Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach and the surrounding area offer a wealth of activities for visitors of all ages:
Palace Playland Amusement Park
Palace Playland is New England’s only beachfront amusement park, featuring classic rides, an arcade, and carnival games.
Thursday Night Fireworks
From late June through August, visit and enjoy weekly fireworks over the beach.
Mini Golf
There are several fun mini-golf courses nearby, perfect for family outings.
Funtown Splashtown USA
A combined amusement park and waterpark offering a mix of thrill rides, waterslides, and family-friendly attractions.
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center
Explore the largest salt marsh in Maine by kayak or on a guided canoe tour. It’s a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Eastern Trail
An 8-mile scenic trail that runs from Old Orchard Beach through Scarborough, perfect for biking, hiking, and birdwatching.
Aquaboggan Water Park
Maine’s original water park, featuring a wave pool, water slides, and more.
Gift Shops and Souvenirs Near Old Orchard Beach
Briar & Bone
Find an unusual mix of gifts, novelties, and oddities like fossils, bones, and unusual stones at this store in Biddeford.
Beachology
Love the oceanside sands? You’ll be thrilled by the offerings at Beachology!
Whimsical ME
Another cute little shop with many Maine-themed gifts and trinkets in Saco.
Trillium
Find a highly curated mix of gifts, decorations, apparel, jewelry, cooking kits, and more at this adorable shop in Biddeford!
Maine Country Woods
You can find many Maine-themed novelties, gifts, and souvenirs at this little independent shop right here in OOB.
Excursions Near Old Orchard Beach
If you’re looking to explore beyond the beaches, here are some great nearby excursions:
Visit Portland (20 minutes)
Maine’s largest city offers a vibrant food and drink scene, with award-winning restaurants, breweries, and historic sites.
Visit Kennebunkport (30 minutes)
A charming coastal town known for its boutiques, galleries, and scenic views.
Visit Freeport (30 minutes)
Home to L.L. Bean’s flagship store and outlet shopping.
Visit Boothbay Harbor (1.5 hours)
Famous for its Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, one of the largest botanical gardens in New England.
Visit Cape Elizabeth (20 minutes)
Visit Twin Lights and Fort Williams, home to Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country.
Important Information and Amenities Near Old Orchard Beach
Health Services
The nearest hospitals are SMHC in Biddeford, Maine Medical Center in Portland, and Northern Light Mercy Hospital. For urgent care, visit ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care in Scarborough or Maine Health Walk-In Care in Saco.
Pharmacies
You’ll find Walgreens in Old Orchard Beach and Scarborough for your pharmacy needs.
Provisions
Stock up on groceries and local produce at On The Vine Market, Landry’s Market, and Hannaford’s. For specialty items, visit The Cheese Iron, Nibblesford or Bayley’s Lobster Pound.
Great Restaurants Near Old Orchard beach
Seafood
Enjoy fresh steamers, crab, and lobster rolls at Bayley’s Bait Shed, or savor fried clams at The Stern.
Barbeque
The Garage offers hearty barbeque options for meat lovers in Scarborough and so does Griffin’s Food For The Soul in Biddeford.
Breakfast
Start your day at the Alouette, JJ’s Eatery or Ocean Park Soda Fountain for classic breakfast fare.
American
Joseph’s and The Pine Point Grill serve up a variety of American dishes with an emphasis on fresh, local seafood.
Thai
Some of the best Thai food in Maine can be found at Thai Me in Biddeford and Chaba Thai in Scarborough.
Sushi & Hibachi
find super fresh sushi and delicious Hibachi takeout at Kirin Sushi and classic large-party sit down hibachi at Kobe in Biddeford.
