Published: June 9, 2026
New England’s ultimate, high-energy sandbox and a nostalgic throwback to the classic American seaside resort.
The energy here is infectious, fueled by a vibrant mix of sun-soaked relaxation and retro boardwalk fun.
Stretching across seven miles of soft, golden sand along Saco Bay, it trades Maine’s typically rugged, rocky coastline for a lively, carnival-like atmosphere that has been welcoming vacationers since the railroad boom of the 19th century.
🏖️ Beaches – Beach Names & Quirks
Old Orchard Beach
The energy here is fueled by a vibrant mix of sun-soaked relaxation and retro boardwalk fun. The Old Orchard Beach Pier juts nearly 500 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. This historic landmark is the bustling epicenter of town. Palace Playland amusement park operates right on the edge of the sand. It is New England’s only remaining beachfront amusement park. Classic Beach Food here and it is legendary. Everything a nutritionist tells you not to eat.
Ocean Park
Nestled just a mile south of the neon lights and roaring roller coasters of downtown Old Orchard Beach, Ocean Park, Maine is a peaceful, woodsy coastal village. Known affectionately as “Chautauqua-by-the-Sea,” this historic enclave offers a stark, tranquil contrast to its high-energy neighbor, featuring towering pine groves, historic cottage architecture, and a deeply rooted sense of community.
🚴 Bike Rides – Route Descriptions
This bike ride is easy and mostly flat, combining gravel (on the Eastern Trail) with quiet roads. Park at the Eastern Trail trailhead (free parking). Ride the trail until it branches off toward Old Orchard Beach. From there, head down to Ocean Park for a lunch stop. On the return, ride past the Old Orchard Beach Pier up to Pine Point, then head inland to rejoin the Eastern Trail and return to your car.
🍽️ Food – Fresh, Local & Unique
Lisa’s Pizza
For some reason french fries are “a thing” in Old Orchard Beach. You can start a war by saying one place is better than the other. We happened upon this place. Located in the heart of Old Orchard Beach’s bustling strip, Lisa’s Pizza has delicious pizza, crispy fries, fresh seafood, and fried dough loaded with your choice of toppings. As you can see there is no seating here. It’s a grab and go.
Mike’s Fried Dough
You got a hankering for beach food? Mike’s Fried Dough on The Pier in Old Orchard Beach has it all. What a menu! Sno cones, cotton candy, jumbo pretzels, fresh squeezed lemonade, caramel apples, nachos, fried Oreos, fried Snickers, fried Reece’s, and some really massive fried dough.
Ocean Park Grocery
If you ride the extra couple of miles to Ocean Park the grocery store there makes a good lunch stop. A deli/bakery/grocery store. Perfect pit stop for something simple. Across the street is a nice park with a gazebo — take your lunch there and enjoy. While in the park walk to the end and check out the shuffleboard courts. You’ll see they take their shuffleboard seriously in Ocean Park.
Ocean Park Soda Fountain
Step back in time. This place serves breakfast and lunch, right across the street from the gazebo. A genuine time capsule.
📜 Local Knowledge & History
🏛️ Old Orchard Beach
When the Boston & Maine Railroad arrived in 1842, OOB transitioned almost overnight into a booming seaside destination. Large, luxury Victorian hotels began lining the waterfront, hosting elite vacationers, politicians, and celebrities.
The iconic Old Orchard Beach Pier first opened in 1898 and originally stretched a massive 1,825 feet into the ocean. Over the past century, the pier was entirely destroyed and rebuilt three separate times by a series of catastrophic events: a massive ocean storm in 1898, a devastating fire in 1907, and the infamous Great Blizzard of 1978. The current iteration, rebuilt in 1980, extends 500 feet into the water and remains the primary shopping, dining, and nightlife anchor of the town.
🏛️ Ocean Park
Ocean Park was founded in 1881 by the Free Will Baptist denomination, led by Bates College President Oren B. Cheney. Inspired by the Chautauqua movement sweeping the country at the time, they sought to establish a seaside summer assembly dedicated to spiritual renewal, intellectual development, culture, and outdoor recreation in a non-denominational setting. The village grew as families built charming Victorian-style summer cottages among the cathedral pines, establishing a unique family-first culture that has been meticulously preserved for well over a century.
The Chautauqua movement is an influential adult education and social initiative that originated in 1874 at Chautauqua Lake, New York. Initially focused on training Sunday school teachers, it rapidly evolved to encompass a broader range of educational and cultural programs aimed at the community. The tradition continues in Ocean Park.
🎥 Video Highlights
📌 Tips for Old Orchard Beach & Ocean Park
Getting There & Parking
- Trailhead Parking – Park at the trailhead. There’s no charge.
- Scarborough Marsh – An easy ride with great views.
Tips for Old Orchard Beach
- Plan on spending 1 – 2 hours here – There’s a lot to see and do. Lock up the bike and walk around.
- Check out the arcades – they’re something to see even if you don’t play.
- Sample some “beach food” – the OOB french fries should be on your list.
Tips for Ocean Park
- Ocean Park Grocery – Nice deli and bakery. Perfect for lunch stop.
- Park Gazebo – Across the street from the deli. Relax with a lunch.
- Ocean Park Soda Fountain – Ice cream in an old style parlor.
📸 Photo Gallery
