Things To Do & Area Sight Seeing
Old Orchard Beaches seven-mile long stretch of wide sandy beach is understandably 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.
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:
Rugosa Lobster Boat Tour – Scenic Lobster boat tour of Kennebunk River and Walker’s Point, see seals, haul lobster traps, friendly Captain & crew. Departs daily from Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Ave. Kennebunkport. 207-967-5595
Pineapple Ketch Sailing Excursions – beautiful sailboat tour along Kennebunkport shore. Relax and enjoy the scenery or hoist sails and take the helm. Two-hour sails depart daily from Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport. 207-468-7262
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.
Scenic Lobster Boat Cruise – 1 ½ hour 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 Tours – Eleanor Sailing Trips – Arundel Wharf, Ocean Ave Kennebunkport, 967-8809
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 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).
Smiling Hill Farm – X-country skiing and Snowshoeing in winter. Homemade ice cream. Westbrook, 775-4818
Twentieth Century Lanes & Sports Bar – Biddeford, 284-0980
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, 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 ¾ 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 Portland’s 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.
ENTERTAINMENT
Live Bands and Karaoke: Pier Patio Pub, Surf 6.
Fireworks Display by the Pier – Every Thursday at 9:45pm from late June thru Labor Day.
Weekly Concerts at The Ball Park – Free Shows by the Pier every Thursday night at 6pm 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 –America’s 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 Maine’s 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 Portland’s magnificent Merrill Auditorium. 767-0773
Cumberland County Civic Center – Music Concerts, Sporting Events Etc.
KIDS ENTERTAINMENT
Children’s Theater of Maine – Live theatre for adults and children. 25A Forest Ave. Portland, 207-874-0371
Portland Public Library – Story telling and entertainment for children. 5 Monument Sq., Portland. 207-871-1707
MOVIE THEATRES
Apple Cinemas IMAX – Live theater for adults and children. 779 Portland Rd. Saco, 207-910-6400
SUMMER THEATRE & MUSIC THEATRE
Vinegar Hill Music Theatre – 53 Old Post Road, Arundel, Maine. A music venue in an historic barn, bringing top local and national talent to an intimate Maine concert setting during the summer season.
City Theater – Theatrical productions. 205 Main Street, Biddeford. 282-0849.
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 – Maine’s 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
Children’s Museum of Maine – Exhibits. Toddler Park, Cave & Farm, Interactive Science Exhibits, Space Shuttle, Camera-Obscura-Theater. Fun for all ages. 250 Thompson Point Rd. Portland, 207-828-1234
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 – Portland’s 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
White Columns 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
Biddeford YMCA Northern York County – Alfred Road (Rt 111), Biddeford, 283-0100
SPORTING EVENTS
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.
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)
CRAFT BREWERIES
Lone Pine Beer Garden – 32 East Grand Ave., Old Orchard Beach, 207-937-2182
Brickyard Hollow Brewing Co. – 180 Main St. #3, Biddeford, 207-282-0583
Sacred Profane Brewery – 50 Washington St., Biddeford, 207-298-3307
Banded Brewing Co. – Building 13-W, 32 Main St., Biddeford, 207-602-1561
Lucky Pigeon Brewing – 40 Main St. ste. 13-131, Biddeford
Blaze Brewing Co. – 28 Pearl St., Biddeford, 207-274-0666
GOLF
With over ten 18-hole golf courses within 30 minutes of the famous Pier, Old Orchard Beach makes a great golf holiday.
GOLF COURSES…
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 – 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. 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 – Go Left on Rt Route 5 to I-95 South to Exit 4. Go thru toll plaza and take left at light. Hospital is ¼ mile on right.
Maine Medical Center – Go Left our of our Parking Lot and right 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 – Go Left our of our Parking Lot and right 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.