Old Orchard Beach: Salt, Trolls & Lobster Rolls
Updated: 2 days ago
Old Orchard Beach offers a perfect blend of classic seaside charm, natural beauty, and unique local experiences. This three-day itinerary guides you through sandy beaches, iconic lighthouses, quirky art installations, and some of Maine’s best seafood. Whether you want to relax by the ocean, explore coastal gardens, or savor fresh lobster rolls, this trip covers it all with easy drives and plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere.
Day 1:
Kick off your day with a morning stroll along the Old Orchard Beach shoreline. Snap some sunrise pics by the pier and soak in the feel of the soft sand and the soothing sound of the waves. When you start feeling hungry, swing by Beach Bagels, a go-to spot on the main strip for freshly made bagels, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and huge homemade muffins.
After you've fueled up, take a scenic 30-45 minute drive to check out three famous lighthouses:
Bug Light: This 9-acre waterfront park in South Portland, Maine, offers amazing views of Portland Harbor and the city skyline. The highlight is "Bug Light," built in 1875 with white cast-iron plates and featuring elegant Greek-inspired Corinthian columns.
Spring Point Ledge Light: This historic 54-foot sparkplug lighthouse is located in South Portland, Maine. First lit on May 24, 1897, it's the only caisson-style lighthouse in the U.S. that you can walk to from land.
Portland Head Light: This historic 80-foot lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, was first lit in 1791 and is Maine's oldest lighthouse, originally commissioned by George Washington. Perched on a rocky overlook on Casco Bay, it's one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.
Hey, let's grab some lunch in the Old Port area of Portland at Highroller Lobster Co. They started as a food cart back in 2015 and opened their cool retro-diner spot in December 2018. They're famous for giving classic Maine seafood a fun, modern spin. Prices are a bit up there, around $30-50, but it's totally worth it.
In the afternoon, make your way back to Old Orchard Beach and visit Palace Playland, a cool beachfront amusement park with some history. It’s a blast for everyone with its classic rides and arcade games. It’s been on the same beach since 1902, and you can stroll around the park for free. If you want to hop on the rides, just grab a rechargeable credit card or a ticket book.
Let's head indoors and play some mini golf at Jungle Adventure 3D Mini Golf, a popular indoor, glow-in-the-dark mini golf spot at Old Orchard Beach. It's a fun way to escape those rainy days or the blazing summer heat at the beach. It usually costs $15, but during Happy Hours on Mondays through Thursdays from 3-5pm, it's just $10 for everyone!
For a quick low key dinner, check out Bill’s Pizza on the pier. Their pier fries are a hit with the locals—crispy, golden, and just right for munching as you enjoy the ocean view. Open since 1949, it's one of the oldest pizza places still going strong in Maine. Remember, they only take cash, so come prepared to enjoy one of their tasty slices.
After dinner, hop on the Ferris wheel just as the sun sets for an exhilarating, panoramic view of the entire beach and town! While Old Orchard faces east, making it famous for its stunning sunrises, the Ferris wheel offers a spectacular view of the sunset as it dips behind the town. Don't miss this unforgettable experience!
Day 2:
Get up early to catch the sunrise at Old Orchard Beach. Swing by Cafe 64 for a quick breakfast and get ready for a day of adventure. They're famous for their Ocean Park Cinnamon Buns, made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, açai bowls, and top-notch coffee from Coffee By Design. Whatever you choose, you'll be set for the day after eating at the Cafe.
Take a drive for around 1 hour and 45 minutes, It'll be worth it to check out the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. For just $28, you can explore gardens full of native plants, stunning landscapes, and seasonal flowers. Plus, don't miss the fun Thomas Dambo Trolls—five huge wooden trolls hidden along the forest trails, bringing a playful vibe to the woods.
For lunch, why not take a drive over to Burano's Wood-Fired Pizzeria? It's a popular spot in Maine that's famous for its Neapolitan-style, thin-crust pizzas made in a super hot wood-fired oven. Besides the option to create your own pizza, they've got some cool flavor combos, salads, and comfort dishes, all priced between $15-$20.
Next, make your way to Portland for a Vintage Firetruck Sightseeing Tour. This 50-minute tour is a cool and unique way to explore Portland, Maine. For just $42, you can hop on a Vintage Fire Engine and take a trip back in time as your guide shares Portland’s vibrant history from a local's point of view. Check out lighthouses, Civil War forts, city parks, buildings, and hear some interesting stories along the way.
Afterwards head over to the Old Port in Portland, Maine, and get ready to embark on the amazing Casco Bay Sunset and Lighthouse Cruise! Feel the invigorating salty breeze as you set sail under the enchanting evening glow. For just $59, you'll explore the breathtaking Casco Bay, a stunning and ecologically vibrant area renowned for its picturesque islands, rich history, and diverse marine life. Enjoy captivating stories from your guide as you pass by famous landmarks along the journey.
For dinner, take a 20-minute drive to Ken’s Place Seafood in Scarborough. This joint is famous for its fresh seafood and comfy vibe. It's been around since 1927, and they're celebrating 99 years in business. It's the perfect spot to wrap up your day!
Day 3:
Be sure to swing by the Red Door Market and Deli to create your own egg sandwich on a fresh bagel or English muffin. Anna and Pete started this cozy spot in 2019, and it's become a favorite for locals and beach visitors alike.
After breakfast, take a half-hour drive to Kennebunkport. If you're only going to do one boat tour on this trip, this is the one you don't want to miss! New England Eco Adventures (Kennebunkport, ME) offers small, intimate tours that provide an unforgettable front-row seat to the breathtaking lighthouses, picturesque islands, hidden coves, and vibrant marine wildlife. They have two exciting tours available in Kennebunkport. I highly recommend joining the Ultimate Whale Watching Tour for just $119! You'll head out on a four-hour trip into the Gulf of Maine to spot some humpbacks. There's also a one-hour scenic adventure for only $49, if that seems more doable for you. This quick trip includes stops at Walker’s Point, Cape Porpoise, Goat Island Lighthouse, and playful seals. If there's time, we'll even cruise by Goose Rocks Beach!
When you return, take a walk around Dock Square, the lively and historic center of downtown Kennebunkport. Situated by the Kennebunk River, it's the go-to spot for boutique shopping, art galleries, and dining on waterfront patios.
For lunch, enjoy a famous lobster roll at The Clam Shack. Perched directly on the bridge over the Kennebunk River, this tiny walk-up counter has been serving award-winning lobster rolls and classic New England fried seafood since 1968.
Embark on a scenic drive along Ocean Avenue to reach St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, a delightful little stone church perched right by the water, celebrated for its beautiful stone architecture and stunning vistas. Keep the adventure rolling as you visit the Spouting Rock and Blowing Cave, where Mother Nature gives you a surprise shower with ocean spray shooting through those impressive rock formations.
Head back to Old Orchard Beach in the late afternoon for one last stroll on the sand. With every step, you leave footprints behind, marking your time in this amazing spot, even as the tide rolls in to erase them.
Cap off your trip with an exciting dinner at Hooligan's Steak and Ale, where the focus is all on delicious steaks, not seafood! This hotspot is renowned for its vibrant beachfront vibes, refreshing coastal breezes, and an electrifying atmosphere that seamlessly transitions from relaxed beach dining to a buzzing nightlife scene.
Things to Know:
Palace Playhouse: Thursday Night Fireworks: If you're around during the summer, don't miss the awesome fireworks show on the beach every Thursday night at 9:45 PM.
Peak Season: July and August are the hottest months (temps in the 70s to 90s) and also the busiest. If you're heading there during these months, make sure to get there early to snag a spot on the beach.
Off-Peak Closures: Visiting in May or after Labor Day in September means cheaper hotel rates and fewer people. Just keep in mind that the amusement park and many pier shops might be closed or have limited hours.
Parking is a big deal and strictly enforced by the town from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Nightlife: The pier is buzzing with beachfront bars and clubs that keep the music going late. If you're after a quiet, early night, look for a place to stay further down the coast, away from Old Orchard Street.
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