A longtime favorite vacation destination, Old Orchard Beach is a wonderful place to spend the summer—and the early days of fall as well. Take advantage of the final days of warm weather in this tranquil and family-friendly oceanfront paradise, which is about five hours from New York City and an hour and a half from Boston.
Beach
Of course, the main attraction in OOB is the seven-mile stretch of sand, which is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, frisbee, and just about any other beach pursuit you can think of. Then there’s the historic Old Orchard Beach Pier, a bustling area with shops, restaurants, and beautiful views.
Eat and Drink
Grab some cocktails and dinner at Hooligan’s Steak & Ale, Tequila Frogs, or Patio Pub, or just grab a slice at Pier Pizza. There are plenty of eateries off of the pier, too; Red Door Market and Deli is great for quick bites, Duffy’s Tavern & Grill offers a full menu of burgers, lobster rolls, baked scallops, and fried clams, and if you’re sick of seafood, Bua Thai has you covered.
Family Friendly
Bring the little ones—or just the young at heart—over to Palace Playland, which holds the distinction of being the only beachfront amusement park in New England. From the carousel to the funhouse, tilt-a-whirl, Matterhorn, and two roller coasters, there’s something for every thrill-seeker, along with more low-key rides like the teacups and Ferris wheel. Still have energy to burn? Cap off the day with a game of mini-golf at Pirate’s Cove.
Where to Stay
As for accommodations, you can get the old fashioned resort experience if you’d like: among the most popular are the Alouette Beach Resort, Waves Oceanfront Resort, and The Grand Beach Inn. In the mood for a more secluded beach house vibe that’s perfect for the current pandemic times? There’s plenty of private options, too; take a look at Airbnb or VRBO for listings.
