Hotels in Old Orchard Beach

A seven-mile stretch of golden sand invites barefoot wandering before Palace Playland's wooden roller coaster beckons. The old-fashioned pier extends into the Atlantic like a wooden runway for seagulls, lined with shops selling saltwater taffy that's practically mandatory here. Lobster rolls and fried clams taste better at beachfront shacks where napkins blow away with charming regularity. Arcade games ping and flash in the same spots they've occupied for generations, while families build ambitious sandcastles. For additional thrills, Funtown/Splashtown USA in nearby Saco features a wooden coaster with thrilling drops. The town embraces its identity as a classic American beach resort without apology.