Top Maine beach

About

Old Orchard Beach is one of Maine's most iconic coastal destinations, stretching seven miles along the southern coastline with soft sand, gentle waves, and a classic New England beach town atmosphere. It's the kind of place where families have been making memories for generations, and today it's more welcoming than ever.

The beach itself is the main attraction - a wide, expansive stretch of sand that meets the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you're looking to swim, build sandcastles, or simply sit and watch the waves roll in, there's plenty of room to spread out. The water tends to be calmer here than at rockier Maine beaches, making it a good choice for wading and swimming.

Beyond the sand, the town offers Palace Playland, a beachfront amusement park with rides, games, and that unmistakable smell of fried dough and cotton candy. The Pier extends out over the water and is lined with local restaurants and shops where you can grab lobster rolls, ice cream, and souvenirs. It's a full sensory experience that captures everything people love about the Maine coast.

Old Orchard Beach is easy to reach, located about 15 miles south of Portland along Route 1. The town is well set up for visitors, with plenty of lodging options ranging from oceanfront hotels to cozy motels and vacation rentals. Summer is peak season, running from late June through Labor Day, when all attractions are open and the beach is fully staffed.

For those planning a longer visit, the area connects to other great coastal towns. Scarborough and Pine Point are just to the north, and the charming streets of Kennebunkport are a short drive south. But many visitors find that Old Orchard Beach itself has more than enough to fill a full vacation, with its mix of natural beauty, family-friendly entertainment, and laid-back coastal charm.

Accessibility

Old Orchard Beach has taken meaningful steps to make the beach experience available to all visitors. The town offers free beach wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing people with mobility challenges to get out onto the sand and closer to the water. These chairs are designed with wide wheels that move across sand without sinking.

The Pier and boardwalk area provide paved, relatively flat surfaces for strolling and accessing restaurants and shops. ADA-compliant parking is available in the public lots near the beach entrance.

For visitors who need additional coastal accessibility options, nearby Scarborough Beach State Park also offers beach wheelchairs available upon request, along with ramps leading to the sand, accessible restrooms and showers, and ADA-compliant parking.

The town's commercial area along the beachfront is generally flat and walkable, with most restaurants and shops at street level. Palace Playland's accessibility varies by ride, so visitors should check with staff about specific attractions.

Visitors with sensory sensitivities should be aware that the beachfront area can be quite busy and loud during peak summer weekends, especially near Palace Playland. Early morning and weekday visits tend to be quieter. Contact the Old Orchard Beach town office or visit their website for the most current information on beach wheelchair availability and accessibility improvements.

More accessible places in Maine

• Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Boothbay)
• Acadia NP & coastal hikes & food scene (Acadia National Park / Bar Harbor)
• Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor)
• Maine Maritime Museum (Bath)
• Portland Museum of Art (Portland)
• Southern Maine Beach Towns (Ogunquit)