Activities, Restaurants, and More in Old Orchard Beach
What To Do
Besides the beach Old Orchard Beach is full of activites! We’re passing along what some of our guests have shared with us as their highlights.
Broad Reach Adventures is New England’s only sailing, lighthouse, lobstering, scenic cruise, fishing & wildlife eco-tour company. Whew, what a mouthful! This truly is a one-stop business for your boating charter needs! Their Maine location is between Kennebunkport and Portland. They strive to offer an intimate setting, with no more than 6 guests per boat. Each trip is customizable to your interest, prioritizing a more relaxing or adventurous travel experience.
Maine Day Ventures, Biddeford Culinary Walking Tour is for the foodies of your group. This tour is available year-round and takes about 3 hours. Walk along Main Street in downtown Biddeford to enjoy the flavors of Maine. The tour guide will share stories about the history of the delicacies and you’ll even visit a 4th generation, 100 + year old family-owned bakery.
Dunegrass Golf Club is the perfect one-stop-spot! In the summer, play on their outdoor 18-hole course over 300 acres, and in the winter enjoy their golf simulators. This course is open to the public and welcomes all skill levels. Open year-round enjoy something to eat at their clubhouse. Grill 65 offers seasonal menus to ensure fresh delicacies from appetizers to desserts, and everything in between. Don’t forget that they host events, too!
Pirates Cove allows you to immerse yourself in the world of 18th century pirates! Enjoy putting through caves, under waterfalls, or over bridges. Choose between one of their two 18-hole courses. Both are quite fun and keep all ages and abilities in mind. ARRRRGH you ready to have some fun?
Miss Madison Charter Services offers tailored outings such as fun boat tours, deep sea fishing, sightseeing, and more! You’ll fall in love with the natural beauty that Maine offers. Either on a family outing or a serious deep-sea fisherman, there are options for a variety of skills. Whales, dolphins, sunfish, and seals are often seen on these fishing trips! All excursions are led by experienced captains who prioritize safety and provide insight about the local marine environment.
Funtown Splashtown is located in Saco, Maine, and is the perfect place to create memories that will last a lifetime! The park, which has been operating for over 55 years, is split into two! The Funtown Ride Park features Maine’s only wooden roller coaster and has a variety of thrill rides and more family-friendly rides. The other part of the park, Splashtown Waterpark is full of slides and pools.
Aquaboggan Water Park has been operating for over 45 years and is known as Maine’s original water park! Located in Saco, the park offers a day of fun and excitement for all ages. From high-speed water slides and relaxing wave pools to bumpin’ boats and mini-golf, there are plenty of activities to have a fun-filled day. Although the waterpark is seasonal, there are off-season events too!
Palace Playland is a seasonal five-acre family amusement park with over 28 rides and Maine’s largest arcade with over 250 games! If you prefer chill games like Skee-Ball or love the adrenaline rush of a roller coaster, there is something for everyone. Throughout the summer, fireworks light the sky at 9:45 each Thursday night which is a beautiful view right on the beach. Don’t miss out on a variety of food options through its on-site concession stands.
City Theater is Biddeford, Maine’s historic opera house! Their mission is to foster an appreciation for the performing arts by using creative avenues to increase community involvement. There are five community theater productions per year, running a few weeks at a time. The annual season runs from October – August and features musicals and plays. There are a few other standalone events that occur periodically throughout the year.
Seaside Pavilion is the place to experience the arts, naturally! A variety of music genres are performed from Christian and melodic to 60’s and 70’s hits. Their annual season runs from May through August, so this is a perfect summer activity as it is an outdoor venue.
The Saco Drive In offers a unique and nostalgic movie-watching experience from the comfort of your car. It is a fun and laid-back experience that you can’t get at a regular indoor theater. It’s perfect for a cozy date night or a family outing.
Where To Go
Old Orchard Beach is often considered one of Maine’s most beautiful coastal destinations, and it certainly has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty and charm.
The beach itself is a wide, clean stretch of golden sand, bordered by the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean. With its gentle waves and spacious shoreline, it’s an inviting place to relax, swim, or take a leisurely stroll. The oceanfront is often accented by the presence of local wildlife, including plovers and occasionally, seals.
The sunset views are also stunning, with the sun sinking into the ocean, casting beautiful colors across the sky. There’s something quite serene about watching the waves crash against the shore as the day winds down.
We’re fortunate not only for our beach but numerous natural attractions that boasts beautiful sceneries!
Eastern Trail is 9.3 miles from beginning to end. Generally considered an easy route, it takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, cross-country skiing, biking, and fishing. This off-road section of the Eastern Trail offers over 8 miles of flat easy trails connecting Saco, Old Orchard Beach, and Scarborough. The northern end of this section traverses the Scarbrough Marsh providing scenic views and wildlife watching.
Ferry Beach State Park is a 1.7-mile trail made up of 3 smaller trails: the Tupelo, Red Oak. and White Oak. The Tupelo Trail (0.4 miles) begins at the trailhead and traverses through a tupelo swamp on a raised boardwalk. Along this trail, there is a large stand of Tupelo trees which are very rare in Maine, and this is one of the largest stands of trees at this latitude level. The Red Oak (0.1 miles) and White Oak (0.4 miles) trails pass through a forest dominated by oaks. After hiking the trails, visitors can sit at one of the many picnic tables with grills and enjoy an afternoon lunch.
Milliken Mills Trails Park has a picnic area and has two main areas with looped trails, between 1 and 2 miles long. Milliken Mills Woods South offers easy trail loops with picnic tables, a story trail, and educational signs made by students. A steep side trail leads to a Revolutionary War soldier’s gravesite. This trail is recommended for nature walks, tree identification, birdwatching, snowshoeing, or just exploring. Milliken Mills Woods North has narrow trails with steep hills and the main trail crosses Mill Stream.
Cascade Falls Trail is a true hidden gem. Follow the trail and you’ll be led to a waterfall. The Trout Pond Loop is a gently sloping trail (0.25 mile loop) surfaced with stone dust that allows easy access for wheelchairs, elderly and children. This serene path is perfect for those seeking a peaceful stroll surrounded by nature’s beauty. Along the way, keep an eye out for native wildlife and vibrant foliage that add to the charm of the experience.
Guild Park has a one-mile trail system that takes you through an old-growth forest of hemlocks and white pines. It has flat trails, soaring hemlocks, babbling streams, and a covered bridge. Many types of plants dwell in the forest. Though a short walk, you’re sure to feel the peace and tranquility of being surrounding by nature.
The Ted Wells Trail leads to an observation deck that looks over a saltmarsh. The marsh is home to birds such as egrets and glossy ibis. You can get a nature guide at the kiosk for a more informed adventure. This trail is recommended for short nature walks and birding. It’s a great spot to connect with the serene beauty of the marsh while observing the diverse ecosystem up close.
Scarbrough Marsh is the state’s largest contiguous salt marsh, encompassing over 3,000 acres. This vital ecosystem serves as a crucial habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including numerous bird species, fish, mammals, and shellfish. Whether you’re interested in wildlife observation, outdoor activities, or environmental education, the marsh provides a rich and engaging experience.
Where To Eat
Old Orchard Beach offers a diverse culinary scene catering to various tastes and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual bite or something more upscale, you can find plenty of options.
Beach Vibes Bistro is a vibrant year-round dining spot that offers a welcoming atmosphere. The bistro’s menu features a variety of dishes created from fresh, local ingredients. Popular appetizers include the Charcuterie Plank, Buffalo Chicken Wontons, and Caprese Naan Flatbread. For main courses, guests can enjoy loaded waffle fries or nachos with toppings like shredded steak and shrimp, as well as a selection of pizzas and sandwiches.
Clambake If you’re looking for a traditional Maine clambake experience near Old Orchard Beach, the Clambake Seafood Restaurant is a popular choice. This restaurant is nestled beside Maine’s largest saltwater marsh and offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Ken’s Place Seafood Restaurant has been a local favorite since 1927, renowned for its fresh and high- quality seafood served in a casual atmosphere. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including fried clams, lobster rolls, haddock sandwiches, and a raw bar featuring freshly shucked oysters.
Pine Point Grill offers a year-round cozy dining room, a lively bar area and outdoor seating when weather permits. The menu features a variety of dishes inspired by the local neighborhood, including fresh seafood, choice cuts, artisan pizzas, and locally grown vegetables.
Lone Pine Brewing has a few locations, but there is one in our very own Old Orchard Beach! Known for their creative drinks, from hoppy IPAs to refreshing sours, there is surely something for everyone to enjoy. Pair your drink with one of their delicious menu items from pizzas and salads or soups and sandwiches! Depending on the weather, you may want to enjoy your food and drink with the inside seating or in the outdoor beer garden.
Sea Salt Lobster is a popular year-round dining destination known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood. The restaurant offers a casual dining experience. In addition to the restaurant, Sea Salt Lobster operates a wholesale seafood business, supplying fresh Maine lobster and other seafood.
Dickinson’s Candy Factory will make you feel like you took a time machine back to your childhood. You truly will feel like a kid in a candy store! After choosing from a variety of nostalgic treats, enjoy your sugary finds in the sun with their outdoor seating. There is surely something to satisfy you and your loved one’s sweet tooth.
Fielder’s Ice Cream has been serving Maine for almost 2 decades! Fielder’s does not just stop at a soft serve cone or a scoop in a cup! You can enjoy a variety of creations like slushies, ice cream floats, homemade ice cream sandwiches, and milkshakes all year long.
Len Libby Candies is known for their delectable chocolate and irresistible saltwater taffy! Open year- round, this is the perfect place to grab a sweet treat for yourself and also purchase some to take back home to your loved ones, as they make perfect gifts. To spice up your visit, meet Lenny! The world’s only life-size chocolate moose is made of 1,700 pounds of the finest milk chocolate. Lenny was unveiled on July 1, 1997 and is still enjoyed by visitors today.
Joseph’s By The Sea is a renowned oceanfront restaurant. Known for its breathtaking views and exceptional dining experience, the establishment offers both indoor and rooftop seating, allowing guests to enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The menu features a diverse selection of dishes, with a strong emphasis on fresh, locally sourced seafood.
Asian House LLC is located in Old Orchard Beach and serves authentic Thai food. The owner is inspired by her mother’s cooking and her childhood experiences in Thailand. She has more than 10 years of experience making Thai food, so this is a must-stop during your stay in Maine. Some of the delicacies include orange chicken, summer rolls, and ginger soup.
serves year-round pub classics and seafood favorites. Sim City Indoor Golf is also located inside Birdies Grill so you can enjoy a bite to eat while you work on your golf game.
The Brunswick is the largest oceanfront patio bar in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Open 7 days a week at 11 am daily, they serve lunch and dinner to be paired with delicious beverages. Check out their year- round entertainment schedule!
Grill 65 offers year-round fresh delicacies from appetizers to desserts, and everything in between. Located at Dunegrass Golf Club ensures you can have a bite to eat after a game. Their elevated pub offers drinks including hand-selected wines and craft cocktails.
Jimmy The Greek’s is a brick oven restaurant, pub, and function hall. Their menu includes brick oven pizza and Greek-inspired dishes. They offer over 50 rotating draft beers featuring local beers, seasonal selections, and IPA’s. Be sure to check out their year-round entertainment schedule.
Lisa’s Pizza has been an Old Orchard Beach tradition since 1972. This is a must-stop during your vacation, as it is tradition, of course. They serve fresh pizza year-round!
Red Door Market and Deli, located in Old Orchard Beach, creates a wide variety of sandwiches year- round! Breakfast sandwiches can be enjoyed on a bagel or on an English muffin. Signature sandwiches include a turkey BLT, a corned beef Rueben, and many more!
Pier French Fries is renowned for its hand-cut, perfectly crisp French fries. Founded in 1932 on the town’s iconic pier, this family-owned business has become a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists. Despite facing challenges like the 1969 fire and the Blizzard of 1978, which necessitated relocation, Pier French Fries has remained a staple in the community.