Local Area Guide: Things to do / Activities / Attractions
Southern Maine is home to many beaches, none quite like historic Old Orchard Beach. Old Orchard Beach features 7 miles of sandy beach and includes the famous Old Orchard Beach Pier. Spend your days strolling the beach, building sandcastles, collecting seashells, sunbathing, boogie boarding and jumping waves. Jet Skiing, boat tours, bicycling, golfing, deep sea fishing can be found nearby.
Children love Old Orchard Beach Palace Playland. There are endless amusements, rides, arcade games and more. Mini golf and nearby Funtown/Splashtown amusement and water park in neighboring Saco.
When you’ve had enough of the beach, there’s plenty to explore in the southern Maine area. Head north to Portland, Maine’s largest city for all the cultural and dining opportunities there. Museums galore, including the Portland Museum of Art, the Children’s Museum, and multiple theater experiences.
For the sports fans, Portland is home to the Portland Sea Dogs, the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and home to mascot “Slugger”. Portland boasts a number of custom breweries as well for the beer lovers.
Travel further north of Portland to Freeport and enjoy outlet shopping and the world-renowned L.L. Bean Store, open 24 hours a day.
Heading south of Old Orchard beach you can find the quaint shops of historic Kennebunkport where you can also enjoy a whale watching tour or exciting speed boat tours. Still further south you’ll find more outlet shopping in Kittery and continued cultural delights just over the border in another wonderful city, Portsmouth, N.H.
For all you hikers….There are plenty of easy day mountain hikes in the Southern Maine area. The White Mountains and White Mountain National Park are a few hours to the west for an easy day trip. Enjoy the crisp air, beautiful scenery and spectacular views found among some of the highest peaks in the northeastern United States.