Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach is a seaside town in York County featuring a seven-mile sandy shoreline along the Atlantic coast. A 500-foot pier extends into Saco Bay and serves as a central landmark where visitors gather throughout the day.

Thomas Rogers established the first settlement in 1653, naming the location after his apple orchard which served as a navigation reference for seafarers. The town gradually developed into a vacation destination that attracted visitors from across the region during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Ocean Park neighborhood reflects traditional New England village life through its wooden houses and the distinctive octagonal Temple church that serves as a community gathering place. Visitors notice how locals and seasonal residents shape daily routines around beachside customs and outdoor recreation.

The town offers numerous beachfront lodging options ranging from hotels and motels to campgrounds with convenient direct access to dining and shopping. Accommodations are distributed along the shore, making it easy to find options that suit different budgets and preferences.

Palace Playland, founded in 1902, remains one of New England's last operating oceanfront amusement parks and occupies four acres of beachfront land. The park retains vintage rides and attractions that evoke the charm of early 20th-century seaside entertainment.

Location: York County

Inception: 1653

Elevation above the sea: 31 m

Part of: Southern Maine Coast

Website: http://oobmaine.com

GPS coordinates: 43.51361,-70.38528

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:39