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What You Need to Know About Old Orchard Beach
Location: Old Orchard Beach is located along Maine's southern shore, just about 100 miles and a two-hour drive north of Boston. The beach is just 12 miles or a 20-minute drive south of Portland, Maine.
Directions: From Boston and points south , follow I-95 North to exit 36 in Maine. Follow I-195 for 5 miles. Just after a Rite Aid pharmacy on your right, you will arrive at a three-way intersection with a stop sign. Take a right, proceed down the hill toward the ocean, cross the railroad tracks and when you reach The Pier and the sign welcoming you to Old Orchard Beach, either turn right for West Grand Avenue or left for East Grand Avenue. From points north, Follow I-95 South, the Maine Turnpike, to exit 36 and proceed as above.
Taking the Train: The Amtrak Downeaster stops in Old Orchard Beach, depositing guests right across the street from seven miles of sand and all of the amusements at The Pier. As of 2009, the Downeaster offers five round trips daily between Boston and Portland, making a day at the beach an easy trip for travelers from those cities and stops along the route.
Lodging: The hotels, motels and inns along Old Orchard Beach are all independently owned and operated. That means there is quite a bit of variety when it comes to quality, price and amenities. There are many hotels right on the seven-mile beach, which makes getting to the ocean a cinch. However, since the beach is long, many are not walking distance from the amusements centered around The Pier. Be sure to ask individual properties about their exact location, cancellation policies, check-in times and facilities. You'll find some more predictable chain hotels a few miles away in Portland and South Portland. For rentals, be sure to ask if linens are provided. Camping can be an affordable alternative for family vacations.
Parking: Most hotels offer free parking for guests, so if you're planning an overnight stay, you may want to select accommodations within walking distance of The Pier. For day visitors and those staying further out, parking near the pier is readily available but can be a bit costly during the peak summer season. As of my visit in 2004, parking lots were charging about $15 to park for the day. A tip: Jimmy's Parking on West Grand Avenue includes use of restrooms and changing facilities with your parking fee.
Fees: There is no fee to access the beach anywhere along Old Orchard Beach, which makes this an affordable choice for a family beach vacation.
What to See and Do: In addition to the beach and The Pier, the Old Orchard Beach area offers many family attractions , dining options and shopping opportunities for vacationers.
Free Information: To request a free Old Orchard Beach Vacation Planner, call toll free, 800-FMLY-FUN.
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