Old Orchard Beach Pier extends 475 feet over the Atlantic from the center of Old Orchard Beach, a seven-mile barrier beach south of Portland in Maine's Southern Coast region. The pier is the focal point of Maine's most traditional seaside amusement destination, backed by a compact midway of carnival rides, arcades, fried dough stands, and seafood shacks extending along Old Orchard Street from the beach inland. Palace Playland, the largest amusement park in Maine, operates seasonal rides including a historic carousel, roller coasters, and a Ferris wheel directly adjacent to the pier. The beach itself — wide, flat, and sandy — is the longest accessible swimming beach in Maine and draws both local families and visitors from Quebec, giving the town a bilingual French-English summer character. The pier hosts small shops, seafood restaurants, and a bar at its ocean end. Jet ski and parasail concessions operate from the beach during July and August. Old Orchard Beach is historically a working-class resort town with origins in the 1840s rail excursion era; the architecture and atmosphere retain a nostalgic summer carnival feel unlike more refined coastal Maine destinations. Summer weekends in July and August are the busiest and most energetic; the beach and pier are significantly quieter before mid-June and after Labor Day. METRO bus Route 5B connects Portland to Old Orchard Beach for $1.50 each way.
Good to know
- Hours
- Beach open 24/7; pier attractions May–September daily from 11:00
- Best time
- July–August for full amusement park atmosphere
Location
Old Orchard Street Pier, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
43.5173, -70.3715 View on map
Highlights
- 475-foot Atlantic Ocean pier anchoring Maine's most traditional seaside amusement district
- Palace Playland amusement park with a historic carousel, roller coasters, and Ferris wheel beside the beach
- Seven miles of wide, flat, sandy beach — the longest accessible swimming beach in Maine
- Classic New England carnival midway of fried dough, arcades, and seafood shacks on Old Orchard Street
- Bilingual French-English summer resort atmosphere, a unique cultural character among Maine coastal towns
Tips for visiting
- Arrive by 9 a.m. on summer weekends to secure free beach parking before it fills completely
- Palace Playland wristbands offer the best value for families wanting multiple rides in a single day
- Visit after Labor Day for a quieter beach experience — water temperatures remain warm but crowds thin dramatically
- Take the METRO bus Route 5B from Portland for $1.50 each way and skip the parking challenge entirely
- Ride concessions and fried dough stands on the midway are cash-preferred; bring small bills
When to visit
July and August are peak season with all rides, concessions, and pier businesses fully operational. The beach itself is enjoyable from late June through mid-September when water temperatures peak.
Accessibility
The main beach access points have boardwalk ramps to the sand; soft sand may be difficult for manual wheelchairs. The pier has a flat, wide wooden deck accessible by ramp from the shore end. Palace Playland has some accessible rides; inquire at the park office for specific ride accessibility. The midway streets are paved.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Old Orchard Beach pier worth visiting for families?
Yes, particularly for families with younger children. Palace Playland, the arcade midway, fried dough, and the broad swimming beach make it one of the most complete traditional American seaside experiences in Maine.
When is the best time to visit Old Orchard Beach pier?
July and August offer the full amusement park and pier experience at peak operation. June is quieter with fewer crowds. After Labor Day, the pier is open but many midway businesses close for the season.
How long does a visit to Old Orchard Beach typically take?
A few hours covers the pier and midway. A full beach day with Palace Playland rides and swimming can easily fill 6 to 8 hours, especially with children.