Old Orchard Beach
Things to Do
Old Orchard Beaches seven-mile long stretch of wide sandy beach
is usually the major attraction. But when visiting Old Orchard Beach
there is a full range of things available to see and do in and
around the Old Orchard Beach area.
AMUSEMENTS PARKS...
Palace
Playland - Maine's premier beachfront amusement park. Giant
arcade, beautiful carousel, Kiddieland. Gondola Ferris Wheel and
Galaxy Coaster. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Fireworks every
Thursday night by the Pier, Old Orchard Beach. 934-2001.
Funtown/Splashtown U.S.A. - Family amusement and
waterpark. Home of Excalibur, Maine's only wooden roller coaster
ranked one of the top ten in the world. Voted one of the cleanest
parks in America and offers many rides, slides, pools, giftshops,
games, arcades and eating facilities. Open weekends May and Sept.
Daily starting early June. Free parking. Unlimited ride pass, slide
pass or combination pass, group rates. Route 1, Saco, 284-5139.
Aquaboggan Park - Waterslides, bumper
boats, gigantic wave pool, mini golf and more! Route 1, Saco.
282-3112.
MINIATURE GOLF COURSES...
Pirates Cove Adventure Golf - 36 holes
of championship mini golf within walking distance of the beach. 70
First St., Old Orchard Beach, 934-5086.
Cascade Golf Range - Rt 1 Saco, 282-3524
Schooners Mini-Golf - 58 Ocean Park
Road, Saco, 284-6174.
Westerly
Winds Golf Course and Sports Park - Miniature golf,
plus driving range, swimming pool, batting cages, tennis,
basketball, shuffleboard. 853 Cumberland Street, Westbrook. 854-9463
OCEAN RECREATION, LOBSTER BOAT TOURS,
WHALE WATCHES, DEEP SEA FISHING, KAYAKING & MORE
Rippin
Lips Charters - Enjoy the fun of recreational and
offshore fishing in Maine with Capt. Jim Bollinger. Capt. Rippin
Lips Charters offers full-day and half-day recreational fishing
trips for striped bass, bluefish and mackerel on the famous Saco
River. We also offer full day offshore trips for sharks and ground
fish such as cod, haddock and wolfish. 499-7474.
Rock N Reel
Sport Fishing Charters - 21 Snow Road, Scarborough, 883-1015
Trina Lyn Fishing
Charter - Private sport fishing charters within five minutes of
Old Orchard Beach for up to four people. P.O. Box 431, Camp Ellis,
Saco, 284-2352/cell phone 283-2352.
Saco Bay Sailing - Recreational and
sailing excursions from Camp Ellis. 14 Beach Ave, Saco, 283-1624
Gone with the Wind -
Kayaking Rentals, Lessons, and Equipment, 283-8446
Canoe Trips - Scarborough Marsh Nature
Center - Maine's largest salt marsh is best explored by canoe.
Abundant and unexpected wildlife sightings. Rt. 9, Scarborough.
883-5100
PORTLAND HARBOR:
Bay View Cruises - 66 117
passenger boat with scheduled cruises. 184 Commercial St, Portland,
761-0496
Casco Bay
Lines - Year-round narrated cruises on Casco Bay. Daily ferry
service to five Casco Bay Islands. From Casco Bay Ferry Terminal at
Commercial and Franklin Streets, Portland, 774-7871
Coast Watch & Guiding Light Navigation - Daily cruises
to Eagle Island, 170 Commercial St, Portland, 774-6498
Lucky
Catch Lobstering - Experience lobstering first
hand. 170 Commercial St, Portland, 233-2026
Old Port Mariner Fleet -
Scenic Cruises, Whale Watches, Deep Sea Fishing. Long Wharf,
Commercial St. Portland, 775-0727
Maine Island Kayak Co. - ½
day to 7 day trips. Peaks Island, 776-2373
KENNEBUNKPORT HARBOR:
Whale Watch - Two trips daily in July and August
(approx 4 hours each). Just South of the Kennebunkport Bridge (Rt 9)
behind Mobil/Big Apple Station, Kennebunk Lower Village, Free
Parking. 967-5507, 1-800-767-2628.
Scenic Lobster Boat Cruise - Scenic lobster cruise, Harbor
seals, Walkers Point, lobster catches. 967-5507 (same as location as
First Chance).
Lady J
Sportfishing Charters - Captain Adam Littell, Registered Maine
Master Guide. Arundel Wharf. Phone: 985-7304
Schooner
Lazyjack - Sailing Trips - Arundel Wharf, Ocean Ave
Kennebunkport, 967-8809
Shenanigans Chartered Cruises - Private Chartered Cruises, 967-3507
WILD
LIFE REFUGE, STATE PARKS, OUTDOOR WALKS
Ferry Beach State Park - 117 acres of
beach and nature trails. Off Route 9 in Saco. 283-0067.
Scarborough Marsh Nature Center - Maine's largest salt marsh is
best explored by canoe. Guided and self guided canoe tours. Abundant
shorebird sightings. Nature center offers slide shows, exhibits. Rt.
9, Scarborough. 883-5100.
Gilsland Farm - Maine Audubon Sanctuary
offering trails, field trips and a gift shop. North of Portland in
Falmouth off Route 1. 781-2330.
Maine Wildlife Park - Moose,
Bear, Deer, Cougars, Eagles and more. Nature Trail and Displays. Rt
26, 56 Game Farm Road, Gray, 657-4977
Wells
National Estuarine Reserve at Laudholm Farm - 1600 scenic acres
of research reserve including a 19th century saltwater farm, Rachel
Carson Wildlife Refuge area, Laudholm Farm Visitors Center,
exhibits, and seven miles of spectacular marsh walkways and trails
along marshes, fields, and wetlands. Open year round. 342 Laudholm
Farm Road, Wells. 646-1555, 646-4521.
Rachel Carson Wildlife Preserve - Open
sunrise to sunset for bird watching and self-guided tours. Rt 9
Kennebunk/Wells Town line. 646-1555.
Marginal Way Scenic Walk - Ogunquit
one-mile path along coast. Ends in Perkins Cove.
LIGHTHOUSES
Cape
Elizabeth Light/Two
Lights State Park - Two lighthouses are perched atop
the rocky shoreline. Off Rt. 77 in Cape Elizabeth. Directions: Take
Route 1N to traffic light at Oak Hill (intersection Rt 1N & Rt 207)
Take right onto Route 207 (Black Point Road). Follow almost to the
end and take a left onto Route 77. Follow Route 77 to Two Lights
road on right.
Goat Island Lighthouse - Built in 1834.
Best viewed from Cape Porpoise Pier. Follow directions for Wood
Island Light but stay on Route 9 toward Kennebunkport. When you come
into Cape Porpoise, take a left at the Stop Sign where Route 9 makes
a 90-degree right hand turn. Drive 1/2 mile to end/Pier and park.
Portland
Headlight & Museum - Maine's oldest lighthouse.
Commissioned by George Washington in 1791. Adjacent to Fort Williams
Park. Large grounds with picnic facilities and museum on the
premises. 1000 Shore Rd. (off Rt. 77) Cape Elizabeth. 799-2661.
Directions - Option One: Follow directions to Cape
Elizabeth Light continuing beyond Two Lights Road on route 77 to
Shore Road/Portland Headlight. Option Two: Take Route 1N to 295N to
Port/Waterfront Exit and stay to left. Take Danforth Street thru 3-4
traffic lights. Take right on State Street and cross over Casco Bay
bridge onto Broadway Street. Take right at second traffic light
(Cottage Road) to Shore Road. Headlight is on left. On a clear day,
you can see six area lights.
Wood Island Lighthouse -
Take Route 1S to Route 9 (Main Street/Saco). Go thru downtown area
passing over Saco River and past Saco Island. At bottom of hill past
river bear right. Taking next left onto Route 9 (Hill Street). Take
left at first set of traffic lights (Pool Road/Route 9/Route 208).
Follow Route 208 to end. Take left on Route 208 thru Biddeford Pool
and lighthouse is on right.
AREA ATTRACTIONS, RECREATION, HORSEBACK
RIDING, BOWLING & MORE
Biddeford-Saco
Ice Arena - Open to the Public Friday night 6:30-8:30pm,
283-0615. Get on Route 1 South and drive thru Saco and thru
Biddeford. When you get to Route 9 (at a five way intersection). Go
right on route 9 following signs for I-95. Go 2 miles and Arena is
on right, prior to the entrance to I-95 (set back off the road).
Desert of Maine - Natural
phenomenon, narrated tours, nature trails, museum. Open early May to
mid October daily. 95 Desert Road, Freeport, 865-6962
Farmers Market - Saco Valley Shopping
Center Parking Lot. Every Wednesday and Saturday Morning in season.
Harris Farm Cross County Ski Center - 40
Km of groomed X-C trails and Snow shoeing. Rentals and lunch
available, ice skating pond. Maple sugaring in March. 30 minutes
from Old Orchard Beach just off Rt. 35. 252 Buzzell Rd Dayton,
499-2678
Happy Wheels Skate Center - Roller
Skating Rink, Portland, 797-8207
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad - Ride along
Portland's waterfront in an historic narrow gauge. Fun for all ages.
58 Fore Street, Portland. 828-0814. Directions - Route
1N to I-295N to: Take Port Waterfront Exit. Bear right to 1A (Truck
Route/Waterfront) to stop sign onto Commercial Street. Follow
Commercial Street. Train is near end of street before it curves away
from the water (after DiMillos Restaurant).
Romanza Salon - Day Spa and
Wellness Center. Pine Point Road, Scarborough, 883-8338
Twentieth Century Lanes & Sports Bar -
Biddeford, 284-0980
Vacationland Bowling & Recreation Center
- Rt 1 Saco, 284-7386
AREA SHOPPING
Biddeford
Crossing - Just 10 minutes frm the beach over 20 name brand
stores and several name restaurants. Restaurants include Olive
Garden, Friday's, Long Horn Steak House, Chili's, and Panera Bread.
Stores include Old Navy, TJ Maxx, Target, Best Buy, Fashion Bug,
Payless Shoe, Lowe's, and more. One exit South (exit 32) off I-95.
Kittery Outlets - Just 50 minutes south
of Old Orchard Beach. Over 120 outlets and the Kittery Trading Post
with savings of 20-70% daily. This shopping mecca is often referred
to as America's Maine Street for Outlet Shopping. 1-888-KITTERY.
Directions - Route 5 to I-195 to I-95S. Pay turnpike
toll booth in York and… Option 1) Take exit 2 By Pass (Kittery/S. Berwick).
Bear right off exit and stay in left lane following signs for
Kittery. When you get to traffic circle go 3 Qquarters around and take right
onto Route 1N. Bear right onto Route 1N following signs for Coastal
Route to outlets. Option 2) Immediately after paying toll, take exit
7 (Yorks/Berwick). Take left off exit and go to traffic light. Take
right on to route 1S. Follow route 1S for 4.5 miles.
L.L. Bean -
World famous and open 24 hours, 365 days per year. 30 minutes north
in Freeport. Freeport also offers over 100 outlet stores. 865-1212.
Freeport Outlet Directions - Route 1N to I-295N which
turns into I-95N. Take exit 20 or 22 (Downtown Freeport) and follow
signs.
The Maine Mall
- Over 135 stores including restaurants, theaters and more. 364
Maine Mall Road, So. Portland. 774-0303. Directions -
Get on Route 1N to I-295N to Maine Mall Road exit or Route 1N to
traffic light at Route 98/1N intersection. Take left at 2nd set of
Lights (Payne Road). Five miles to Maine Mall.
The Old Port - Portland's Historic
District offers over 158 shops, 65 restaurants, 28 galleries, and
numerous pubs. All located in a charming five block area lined with
cobblestone streets on Portlands historic waterfront. 400 Congress
St., Portland. 772-6828. Directions - Route 1N to I-295N
to: Option 1: Take Exit 4 (Port Waterfront Exit). Bear right to 1A
(Truck Route/Waterfront) to stop sign onto Commercial Street. Follow
Commercial Street into Old Port. Option 2: Take Exit 7(Franklin
Arterial). Go to your 4th set of traffic lights. Take right onto
Congress Street. Take 3rd left (Exchange Street).
Saco Valley Shopping Center - 12 stores,
2 banks and a restaurant. Free parking. Just off Route 1, Saco.
Antique Shops and Auctions -
All along Rt 1 in Kennebunk, Wells, Ogunquit, York & Kittery.
Len Libby Candy Shops - 419
US Rt 1, Scarborough 883-4897
Lighthouse
Depot - Largest collection of lighthouse gifts in
the world. Route 1, Wells, 646-0608. Get on Route 1 South thru Saco,
Biddeford and Kennebunk. Depot is on right soon after crossing into
Wells.
ENTERTAINMENT
Live Bands and Karaoke -
Pier Patio Pub, Village Inn Restaurant & Brew Pub, and Surf 6.
Fireworks Display by the Pier -
Every Thursday at 9:30pm from late June thru Labor Day.
Weekly Concerts in Memorial Park -
Free Shows by the Pier every Monday and Tuesday night at 7pm in
season.
Salvation Army
Pavilion Amphitheater - Outdoor amphitheater
featuring live entertainment throughout the summer for the entire
family. Church Street, P.O. Box 285, Old Orchard Beach, 934-2024
Comedy Connection - Americas top
professional stand-up comedians. 6 Custom House Wharf, In the Old
Port. Portland, 774-5554
Southworth Planetarium - Shows for
children and adults including laser concerts. Off I-295 Forest Ave.
North to 96 Falmouth St., University of Southern Maines Science
Building. Portland, 780-4249
Portland Symphony Orchestra - Concerts
year round. Special events. 30 Myrtle St., Portland. 773-8191
Portland Concert Association - Dance,
opera, musical theater, jazz, & more. 1-800-639-2707
Portland Opera Repertory Theatre -
Grand Opera in Portlands magnificent Merrill Auditorium. 767-0773
Cumberland County Civic Center -
Music Concerts, Sporting Events Etc.
KIDS ENTERTAINMENT
Childrens Theater of Maine - Live theater for adults and children.
25A Forest Ave., Portland. 874-0371
Portland Public Library - Story telling and entertainment for
children. 5 Monument Sq., Portland. 871-1707
MOVIE THEATRES
Cinemagic - Twelve-screen, stadium seating, digital
stereo theater and arcade. Route 1, Saco, 282-6234
Smitty's
Cinema Pub - 5 Points Shopping Center, Rt. 111, Biddeford.
888-580-2211.
SUMMER
THEATRE & THEATRE
City Theater
- Theatrical productions. 205 Main Street, Biddeford. 282-0849.
Arundel Barn Playhouse - Summer Theatre, Just off
Route 1, Arundel, Tuesday - Saturdays in Season,
985-5552 Take Route 1 South thru Saco and Biddeford and into
Arundel. Go left at the light (just prior to Blue Moon Diner) -
Playhouse will be 200 yards on your left.
Ogunquit
Playhouse - Stock Summer Theatre, Rt 1 Ogunquit,
646-5511. Take Route 1 South thru Saco, Biddeford, Arundel,
Kennebunk, Wells and Ogunquit. Playhouse is on left in Ogunquit just
prior to York Town Line.
Saco River Grange - Salmon
Falls Road, Bar Mills. Just off Rt 117. 929-6472
ARTS,
MUSEUMS & HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Old Orchard Beach Historical Society -
Features historical memorabilia on the Old Orchard Beach area since
the 17th Century. Top of Old Orchard Street, Old Orchard Beach.
934-9319.
Saco Museum - Paintings, decorative art, tools, period furniture,
etc. from 18th century to present. 371 Main St., Saco. 282-3031.
Maine
Maritime Museum - Historic shipyard site and maritime history
building on Kennebec River. 243 Washington St., Bath. 443-1316.
Willowbrook at Newfield - Restored 19th Century Village with 36
buildings and 11,000 artifacts including 1894 carousel. Off Rt. 11
on Main St., Newfield. 793-2784.
PORTLAND:
Portland
Museum of Art - Maines largest and oldest art
museum. Designed by world renowned I.M. Pei. Features fine and
decorative art from the 18th century to present. 7 Congress St,
Portland, 773-2787.
Portland
Observatory - Not a lighthouse, it is the last
maritime signal tower in the US. Built in 1807 as a communication
tower for the harbor. Guided tours and exhibits. 774-5561
Childrens Museum
of Maine - Exhibits. Toddler Park, Cave & Farm, Interactive
Science Exhibits, Space Shuttle, Camera-Obscura-Theater. Fun for all
ages. 142 Free Street, Portland. 828-1234.
Victoria
Mansion - One of America's most significant Victorian homes. All
interiors are original and quite spectacular. 109 Danforth St.,
Portland. 772-4841.
Wadsworth-Longfellow House - Boyhood home of the famed 19th
Century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Seasonal. 485 Congress St.,
Portland. 774-1822.
The Arts District -
Portlands cultural community along Congress Street -
Portland, 772-6828
KENNEBUNKS (Museums, Historical
Societies):
Brick
Store Museum - Ship Models, Historic Displays, Rare Antiques,
Paintings, Decorative Arts. 117 Main St, Kennebunk, 985-4802. Route
One South. On left in downtown Kennebunk.
Walking Tours of the Kennebunkport - 1 hour Historic walking tours
from the Nott House, 967-2513 or 2751
Kennebunkport
Historical Society - 135 North St, Kennebunkport, 967-2751
Guided Tours of the Kennebunks. Intown Trolley - in season
Nott
House - Greek Revival House - Open Mid June to
Mid-October, $3, Dock Square, Kennebunkport, 967-2513 or 967-2751
Seashore
Trolley Museum - Largest collection of trolley cars
in the world. Countryside rides on historic rides. Log Cabin Road -
Kennebunkport, 967-2800
FITNESS CENTERS
Saco Sport & Fitness - 329 North Street,
Saco, 284-5953
Body Works Health and Fitness Center -
644 Main St, Saco, 284-9924
Biddeford YMCA Northern York County -
Alfred Road (Rt 111), Biddeford, 283-0100
Maine Rock Gym Indoor Climbing Gym
- No experience needed. 127 Marginal Way, Portland, 780-6370
SPORTING EVENTS
Beech Ridge Motor Speedway - Auto racing
every Saturday night. Holmes Road, Scarborough. 883-5227.
Portland Pirates Hockey - AHL affiliate
of NHL Washington Capitals. Play in Cumberland County Civic Center.
Regular Season: October to early April. 775-3458.
Portland Sea Dogs Baseball - AA Farm
Team for the Boston Red Sox. Home games held at Hadlock Field,
Portland, from late April through early September. 879-9500.
Scarborough Downs - Seasonal harness
racing, Rt. 1, Scarborough. 883-4331.
DRIVING RANGES - GOLF
Cascade Golf Range - Your swing on
videotape to improve your game. US Route 1, Saco, 282-3524. Get on
Portland Ave., which turns into Cascade Ave. Go right on Route 1
North and look for signs a few hundred yards on right.
Dunegrass Country Club Driving Range -
Full practice hole, lessons available, Wild Dunes Way (off Ross Rd.)
Old Orchard Beach. 800-521-1029 or 934-4513. (see directions under
Golf Courses)
Hillcrest
Golf - Driving Range and Mini Par 3 Pitch & Putt - 71 Western
Ave. Kennebunk, 967-4661
Westerly Winds Golf Course and Sports Park - Driving range. Plus
mini-golf, swimming pool, batting cages, tennis, basketball,
shuffleboard. 853 Cumberland Street, Westbrook. 854-9463
MICRO BREWERIES
D.L Geary Brewing Co Inc. - 38 Evergreen
Drive, Portland, 878-2337
Kennebunkport Brewery Tours - Shipyard Ale, Federal Jacks Brew
Pub - Lower Village - Kennebunk, 967-4322
Shipyard Brewing Co. - 86 Newbury St,
Portland, 761-0807
Stone Coast Brewing Co. - 74 York St,
Gorhams Corner, Portland, 733-BEER
Whale Tail Brewing Co. - 213 Saco Ave.,
Old Orchard Beach, 934-7370
GOLF
With over ten 18-hole golf courses within 30 minutes of the famous
Pier, Old Orchard Beach makes a great golf holiday.
GOLF
COURSE'S
Biddeford & Saco Country Club - 18
holes, 6,300 yd. Par 70, 101 Old Orchard Road, Saco, 282-5883. Saco
Ave toward Interstate (Exit 5). At 5 corners, just past the Village
Inn, go left on Old Orchard Road. Course is ½ mile on your left.
Dunegrass Golf
Club - 18 holes, 6,508 yd., par 71, 200 Wild Dunes Way (off Ross
Rd.) Old Orchard Beach. 934-4513. Get on Portland Ave. Go 2 miles
and look for sign in left. Follow signs to clubhouse.
Old Orchard Beach Country Club - 9
holes, 3,000 yd., par 35, Wild Dunes Way (off Ross Rd.) Old Orchard
Beach. 934-4513, 800-521-1029. Get on to Portland Ave. Go 2 miles
and look for sign in left. Follow signs to clubhouse.
Westerly Winds Golf Course and Sports Park
- 9-hole Championship and separate 9-hole par 3 course.
Driving range. Plus mini-golf, swimming pool, batting cages, tennis,
basketball, shuffleboard. 853 Cumberland Street, Westbrook. 854-9463
Willowdale Golf Club - 18 Holes, 5,980
yd., Par 70, off Rt. 1, Scarborough. 883-9351. Get on Route 1 North.
A couple miles after crossing Scarborough Marsh look for signs on
right side of road. Follow signs to clubhouse.
None-Such River - 304 Gorham
Road, Scarborough 883-0007, 18 Hole Course.
Sable Oaks South - 505
Country Club Road, So. Portland 775-6257, 18 Hole Course, across
Interstate from Maine Mall.
Riverside - Portland 797-3524, 18 Hole
Course.
Val Halla Golf Course - 1
Val Halla Road, Cumberland Center, 829-2226, 18 Hole Course.
Cape
Arundel Golf Course - Kennebunkport, 967-3494, 18 Hole Course.
Dutch Elm Golf Course - Brimstone Road,
Arundel, 282-9850, 18 Hole Course.
Webhannet Golf Club - Kennebunk, 967-3951, 18 Hole Course.
Pleasant Hill Golf Course - Country Club
Road, Sanford, 324-5462, 18 Hole Course.
Cape Neddick - Shore Road, Cape Neddick,
361-2011, 18 Hole Course.
The Ledges -
Ledges Drive, York, 351-2727, 18 Hole Course.
Point Sebago
Golf Course - #1 Rated Course in Southern Maine -
Golf Digest. Route 302, Casco, 655-2747, 18 Hole Course.
AREA
CHURCHES
United Methodist - Washington & Fountain
Aves., Old Orchard Beach. 934-5553.
Salvation Army Citadel - Church St., Old
Orchard Beach. 934-4381.
Blue Point Congregational Church - Pine
Point Road, Scarborough. 883-6540.
Congregation Beth Israel - East Grand
Ave., Old Orchard Beach. 934-2973.
St. Jude Catholic Chapel - Pine Point
Road, Scarborough. 883-0334.
St. Luke's Catholic Chapel - Saco Ave.,
Old Orchard Beach. 934-2322.
St. Margaret's Catholic Chapel - Saco
Ave and Old Orchard Street, Old Orchard Beach 934-2322.
The Temple - Temple Ave., Ocean Park.
934-5034.
HOSPITALS
Southern Maine Medical Center -
Get on Rt Route 5 to I-95 South to Exit 4. Go thru toll plaza and
take left at light. Hospital is a qtr mile on right.
Maine Medical Center - Get
on Route 1 North to I-295N. Take Exit 5 (Congress St./East Ramp). At
third traffic light, take right onto Bramhall Street. Bear right at
fork. Hospital is on right.
Mercy Hospital - Get on
Route 1 North to I-295N. Take Exit 4 (Port/Waterfront). Bear left
onto Danforth Street. Take left on Winter Street. Hospital is on
right.
Biarritz Motel, Suites & Apartments
78 East Grand Ave
Old Orchard Beach, Maine 04064
info@biarritzmotel.com
207-934-2983