Unique Visitor Attractions Near Old Orchard Beach
If you’re staying in OOB, you have the perfect home base to explore the rest of the region. Want to drive to the highest peak in the Northeastern United States to the summit of Mount Washington? Eager to get your Christmas and birthday shopping done in Freeport? Want to taste some of the nightlife in downtown Portland? All of these places are an easy drive from OOB. Choosing a vacation here gets you several vacations all in one package. We’ve listed several of the more interesting day trips we think you should consider during your stay in OOB.
This is a great seaside town on the coast you should check out while in Old Orchard Beach. It was the shipbuilding, farming, and fishing industries that set the stage to turn Kennebunkport and Kennebunk into two ridiculously cute seaside summer resorts in the first place. But for more than a century now, it has been the historic mansions, charming inns, posh shops, soft-sand beaches, and renowned restaurants that have bolstered its cachet. The two sibling towns meet at the Kennebunk River, home to Dock Square’s slew of boutiques and art galleries, and the working harbor where you can catch a whale watch, eat a lobster roll, or sip a hoppy locally brewed ale.
Portland’s Old Port district is a trip back in time to the early 19th century where brick buildings line the Fore River, cobblestones pave the streets, and fishing piers remain as they were hundreds of years ago. Located on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Port is now home to locally owned boutique shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. The Old Port Festival, celebrated each June, offers live music, locally made arts and crafts, and food from several area restaurants. Any time of year, visit the shops on Fore Street and Exchange Street, find fresh seafood at the Harbor Fish Market, and try a Maine potato donut at the favorite Holy Donuts. Get on the water aboard an early 1900’s ship with Portland Schooner Co., or try your hand at lobstering with Lucky Catch Cruises.
The Portland Head Light is a historic 1791 lighthouse that sits within the Fort Williams State Park in Cape Elizabeth, on Portland Head. It’s a part of Fort Williams Park, which features old military bunkers alongside modern park amenities. This is one of the most famous lighthouses and most photographed. The iconic lighthouse operated until 1989, when it was decommissioned by the US Coast Guard. The lighthouse and adjoining keepers corners are now owned by the town of Cape Elizabeth. While the US Coast Guard continues to maintain the light and fog signal, the keeper’s quarters have been renovated into a museum. Interpretative displays and lighthouse lenses are on exhibit. A timeline guides visitors through the lighthouse’s 200 years of operations. A small gift shop operates seasonally.
Just 25 minutes north of Old Orchard Beach, hop on a harbor ferry in Portland Maine and explore Peaks Island on Casco Bay. The small island is easily explored by bicycle, with just a 4-mile long circumference. Ride along Seashore Avenue, and explore the island’s backside, facing the open Atlantic ocean. Charming cottages and New England homes line the shore. Along the paths that head inland, you’ll see old Native American trails, remnants of concrete war bunkers, and Island Avenue, home of Peaks Island’s shops, restaurants and cafes. Popular destinations include the Peaks Island House, open in the summer months and overlooking Casco Bay, and the Cockeyed Gull, which offers ‘casual fine dining’ year round.
Yes, of course it’s about the giant duckboot, as well as all the other designer outlets that spiral out from L.L. Bean’s world headquarters. But that’s far from Freeport’s only lure. What distinguishes this retail haven from others is how seamlessly it has woven in local businesses, the area’s history, and its stunning natural setting, which includes coastal and mountain hikes, and farmlands. All of it is under an hour drive from Old Orchard Beach.
The second-largest lake in Maine is also one of its deepest and clearest. That makes Sebago Lake State Park and its beaches a perfect place to cool off on a summer day. This 28,771-acre lake in Casco and Naples, Maine, is also a popular spot to fish for lake trout, bass, perch, and other species. Boating of all sorts is an option, too. Year-round, The park’s trails are open year-round to hikers and in the winter to snowshoes and cross-country skiers.
Bradbury Mountain offers a mountain climbing adventure for everyone and is just under an hour away from Old Orchard Beach. The trails on this glacial mountain aren’t terribly long and are very popular for mountain biking. They are also quite good for hiking, though you’ll want to bring bug spray. The summit offers great views and the Boundary Trail also connects to the Mt. Tryon Trail for longer hikes. The summit is easily accessible with a one-mile gently sloped trail to the top. Bradbury Mountain State Park is open year round 9 AM to 9 PM. There is a small charge for entry, parking is ample, and the views are fabulous.
For only $7.50 per adult and $5.50 per child, you can see all of Maine’s wildlife at the Maine Wildlife Park. This is a great way to learn and explore when summer boredom takes root. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aliquam pellentesque massa a ultrices pretium. Vestibulum rhoncus est posuere gravida ultrices. Curabitur vehicula lacus nibh, et convallis nulla consectetur pulvinar. Phasellus iaculis pharetra eros, et mollis quam tempus eget. Vivamus molestie suscipit turpis, quis cursus neque lacinia vel. Quisque placerat nibh sed magna viverra hendrerit.
A family oriented zoo conveniently located in York Beach, Maine. This is a zoo and an amusement park in one! With a large number of beautifully landscaped animal exhibits, the park is home to Emus, Eagle Owls, Eurasian Lynx, Red Tail Boa Constrictors, Black Swans and American Alligators. This amusement park and zoo has something for every member of the family, from a petting zoo to mini-golf and a Haunted House to thrill visitors of all ages. There’s also an extensive Butterfly Kingdom and an amusement park with numerous rides for all ages plus food and ice cream stands, gift shops and so much more.
OK, this is not in Maine but surprisingly, Old Orchard Beach day trips can easily extend into the neighboring state of New Hampshire. If you’re up for the two-hour drive, you can make it to Mount Washington, the highest point in the Northeast.
The peak of Mount Washington can be reached by several means. Perhaps easiest is by car, with roads leading right to the summit. You can also take the cog railway, which provides a scenic, steep train trip to the top. And finally, there’s the option of hiking one of the many trails to the top. The view from the summit is well worth the trip.
Discover the best of Old Orchard Beach with our travel blog highlighting special travel tips, sightseeing suggestions and local interest stories to make the most of your trip. We bring you insigthful articles about unique places, kid-friendly activities, and local entertainment that will help in planning your trip.
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The TakeMe2 Online Travel Guide for Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Find local area attractions, lodging, restaurants, novelty shops, and information for local businesses and much more.
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