7 Miles of Soft Sand Await You on Maine’s Longest Beach
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Maine is known for its rocky coastline, but did you know that it has a longer coastline than California? It’s true, and this Maine fact is practically the first thing any Mainer tells someone “from away.”
Maine has 3,478 miles of coastline (per NOAA), and only three states have more. None of them are named California (it comes in just behind Maine with 3,427 miles).
As amazing as this stat is, what’s equally amazing is the lack of coastline that’s considered a beach. According to Trip Savvy, Maine has just 70 miles of beaches, which means that beach space takes up just 2% of the state’s entire coastline.
Fortunately for those who live in Southern Maine, the majority of it seems to be in Cumberland and York Counties. This includes Maine’s longest beach, Old Orchard Beach.
“Generational family favorite. Old Orchard Beach is 7 miles of perfection. It’s the best-kept secret in Maine. Been all over the Caribbean, the Bahamas, & the US with Miami Beach sand coming in a close 2nd. It’s not the trappings…it’s the beautiful breathtaking beach!”
– Elaine Roundy
7 Miles of Sandy Beach Await You at Old Orchard Beach on Saco Bay
Old Orchard Beach is located in Saco Bay, and it’s a massive space that curves beautifully in the cove. It spans three towns (Scarborough, Old Orchard Beach, and Saco) and, according to Visit Portland, measures a distance of 7 miles.
While the beach itself can get overlooked because of all the other bells and whistles of the town, it’s constantly being named on best beach lists, both locally and nationally. Also, it can be packed to the gills on a beautiful summer day, especially near the world-famous pier.
And while it’s not the longest beach in the United States, it makes up 10% of the beaches in the entire state of Maine, making it an impressive spot to visit.
Related: Best Beaches in Maine
About Old Orchard Beach
The beach at Old Orchard Beach is one of the most popular attractions in the area. It stretches for 7 miles along the coast and is known for its soft sand and gentle surf. The beach is a great place to swim, sunbathe, and relax, and there are plenty of amenities nearby to make your visit comfortable.
The Pier
One of the most unique features of the beach at Old Orchard Beach is the pier. The pier extends 500 feet out into the ocean and is a popular spot for fishing, people-watching, and enjoying the ocean views. The pier is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions, including an arcade and amusement park.
The Amenities
In addition to the pier, there are plenty of other amenities near the beach at Old Orchard Beach. There are numerous hotels, motels, and vacation rentals in the area, as well as restaurants, bars, and shops. Plus, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including mini golf, go-karting, and water sports.
The Activities
Overall, the beach at Old Orchard Beach is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly beach experience. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy the attractions on the pier, there’s something for everyone at the beach at Old Orchard Beach.
The Nostalgia
But, Old Orchard Beach is more than just a beach. It’s one of Maine’s best nostalgic destinations. Every time you drive into the town, you think of all the rounds of mini golf you’ve played and all the orders of Pier Fries you have devoured. Thankfully, you have 7 miles of sandy beach to walk and work off those calories.
More About Saco Bay
Saco Bay is a small, curved embayment of the Gulf of Maine on the Atlantic coast of Maine in the United States. It’s located in York County and stretches from Biddeford Pool in the north to Wood Island in the south. The bay is bordered by several towns, including Saco, Old Orchard Beach, and Scarborough.
The Beaches
One of the main attractions of Saco Bay is its beaches. The bay is home to several popular beaches, including Old Orchard Beach, Ferry Beach, and Scarborough Beach State Park. They offer a variety of amenities — including lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic areas — and are great places to swim, sunbathe, and relax.
The Wildlife
Another attraction of Saco Bay is its wildlife. The bay is home to a variety of seabirds — including gulls, terns, and cormorants — as well as marine mammals — like seals and whales. And, several islands in the bay are popular spots for bird-watching and exploring.
The Towns
In addition to its natural attractions, Saco Bay is also home to several towns and villages that offer a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Old Orchard Beach, in particular, is a popular tourist destination and is known for its amusement park, pier, and boardwalk.
The Variety
Overall, Saco Bay is a beautiful and diverse area that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an adventure exploring the bay’s wildlife and islands, Saco Bay is a great place to visit.
7 Underrated Maine Ocean Beaches to Explore
Maine has a reputation for having a rocky coastline, but there are still plenty of ocean beaches to enjoy. Here are some of Maine’s underrated ocean beaches that are worth visiting.
Reid State Park
Reid State Park is located in Georgetown and is often overlooked in favor of nearby Popham Beach. However, it provides a quieter, more secluded beach experience with sand dunes and rocky tide pools to explore.
Ferry Beach State Park
Ferry Beach State Park is located in Saco and is often overshadowed by nearby Old Orchard Beach. However, it offers a more natural, unspoiled beach experience with beautiful sand dunes and an extensive network of trails to explore.
Higgins Beach
Higgins Beach is located in Scarborough and is often overlooked in favor of nearby Old Orchard Beach. However, it has a quieter, more laid-back beach experience with beautiful sand dunes and a picturesque fishing village nearby.
Scarborough Beach State Park
Scarborough Beach State Park is located in Scarborough and is often overshadowed by nearby Old Orchard Beach. However, it offers a more natural, unspoiled beach experience with beautiful sand dunes and a network of trails to explore.
Crescent Beach State Park
Crescent Beach State Park is located in Cape Elizabeth and is often overlooked in favor of nearby Old Orchard Beach. However, it provides a quieter, more secluded beach experience with sand dunes and a quaint fishing village nearby.
Goose Rocks Beach
Goose Rocks Beach is located in Kennebunkport and is often overlooked in favor of nearby Kennebunk Beach. However, it offers a more natural, unspoiled beach experience with gorgeous sand dunes and a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere.
These are just a few of Maine’s less popular (and often less crowded) ocean beaches that are worth visiting. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful, secluded beach or a more natural, unspoiled beach experience, Maine has something to offer.
More Places to Visit in Maine
If you’re planning a trip to Maine, Old Orchard Beach should be on your list of must-visit places. But don’t stop there. Maine has so much more to offer than just its coastline. Here are some other places to consider visiting.
Acadia National Park
This park is located on Mount Desert Island and is one of the most visited national parks in the country. It has over 49,000 acres of land and is home to Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest point on the East Coast.
Portland
Portland is Maine’s largest city and is located on Casco Bay. It’s a great place to explore with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and delicious seafood.
Related: 10 Reasons Why Portland Maine Is the Best City in America
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a town on Mount Desert Island and is a popular tourist destination. It’s known for its stunning views of the ocean and mountains, as well as its quaint downtown area. Additionally, Bar Harbor is a gateway to Acadia National Park.
Kennebunkport
This coastal town is located in Southern Maine and is known for its beautiful beaches, historic homes, and charming downtown area. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Camden
Camden is a picturesque town located on Penobscot Bay. It’s known for its beautiful harbor, quaint downtown area, and outdoor activities — such as hiking and sailing.
Rangeley
Rangeley is a town located in the Maine Lakes & Mountains and is known for its beautiful lakes and outdoor activities — such as fishing, hiking, and skiing.
Moosehead Lake
Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in Maine and is located in the northern part of the state. It’s a great place to go fishing, boating, and hiking.
Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park is located in the Maine Highlands and is home to Mount Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine. This Maine state park is a great place to go hiking and camping.
Get Out & Explore More of Maine
As you can see, Maine has a lot to offer besides its coastline. From national parks to charming towns, there’s something for everyone in Maine. So, the next time you visit Maine, be sure to explore all that it has to offer.