Blue Crab Cottage, Beachfront Cottage on the Beach in Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Things to Do in the Old Orchard Beach and Saco Bay Area

When visiting the Saco Bay and Old Orchard Beach there is a full range of things available to see and do.

OCEAN RECREATION, LOBSTER BOAT TOURS, WHALE WATCHES, DEEP SEA FISHING, KAYAKING & MORE
Rippin’ Lips Charters – Enjoy the fun of recreational and offshore fishing in Maine with Capt. Jim Bollinger. Capt. Rippin’ Lips Charters offers full-day and half-day recreational fishing trips for striped bass, bluefish and mackerel on the famous Saco River. We also offer full day offshore trips for sharks and ground fish such as cod, haddock and wolfish. 499-7474. Rock N’ Reel Sport Fishing Charters - 21 Snow Road, Scarborough, 883-1015
Trina Lyn Fishing Charter - Private sport fishing charters within five minutes of Old Orchard Beach for up to four people. P.O. Box 431, Camp Ellis, Saco, 284-2352/cell phone 283-2352.

Steve Brettell - Fish stripers in the ocean of Kennebunkport with a licensed Coast Guard Captain. 336 Guinea Road, Biddeford, 283-4129

Saco Bay Sailing - Recreational and sailing excursions from Camp Ellis. 14 Beach Ave, Saco, 283-1624

Gone with the Wind – Kayaking Rentals, Lessons, and Equipment, 283-8446

Canoe Trips - Scarborough Marsh Nature Center - Maine's largest salt marsh is best explored by canoe. Abundant and unexpected wildlife sightings. Rt. 9, Scarborough. 883-5100

PORTLAND HARBOR:

Bay View Cruises – 66’ 117 passenger boat with scheduled cruises. 184 Commercial St, Portland, 761-0496

Casco Bay Lines - Year-round narrated cruises on Casco Bay. Daily ferry service to five Casco Bay Islands. From Casco Bay Ferry Terminal at Commercial and Franklin Streets, Portland, 774-7871

Coast Watch & Guiding Light Navigation – Daily cruises to Eagle Island, 170 Commercial St, Portland, 774-6498

Lucky Catch Lobstering – Experience lobstering first hand. 170 Commercial St, Portland, 233-2026

Old Port Mariner Fleet – Scenic Cruises, Whale Watches, Deep Sea Fishing. Long Wharf, Commercial St. Portland, 775-0727

Maine Island Kayak Co. – ½ day to 7 day trips. Peaks Island, 776-2373

KENNEBUNKPORT HARBOR:

Cape Arundel Cruises – Scenic cruises, whale watching. Kennebunkport Marina, Ocean Ave. 967-0707

Whale Watch – Guaranteed Sightings. Two trips daily in July and August (approx 4 hours each). Just South of the Kennebunkport Bridge (Rt 9) behind Mobil/Big Apple Station, Kennebunk Lower Village, Free Parking. 967-5507, 1-800-767-2628.

Scenic Lobster Boat Cruise - 1 ½ hour scenic lobster cruise, Harbor seals, Walkers Point, lobster catches. 967-5507

WILD LIFE REFUGE, STATE PARKS, OUTDOOR WALKS

Ferry Beach State Park - 117 acres of beach and nature trails. Off Route 9 in Saco just down the street from the Blue Crab. 283-0067.

Scarborough Marsh Nature Center - Maine's largest salt marsh is best explored by canoe. Guided and self guided canoe tours. Abundant shorebird sightings. Nature center offers slide shows, exhibits. Rt. 9, Scarborough. 883-5100.

Gilsland Farm - Maine Audubon Sanctuary offering trails, field trips and a gift shop. North of Portland in Falmouth off Route 1. 781-2330.

Maine Wildlife Park – Moose, Bear, Deer, Cougars, Eagles and more. Nature Trail and Displays. Rt 26, 56 Game Farm Road, Gray, 657-4977 (Exit 11 off the I-495, Maine Turnpike)

Wells National Estuarine Reserve at Laudholm Farm: 1600 scenic acres of research reserve including a 19^th century saltwater farm, Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge area, Laudholm Farm Visitors Center, exhibits, and seven miles of spectacular marsh walkways and trails along marshes, fields, and wetlands. Open year round. 342 Laudholm Farm Road, Wells. 646-1555, 646-4521.

Rachel Carson Wildlife Preserve, Open sunrise to sunset for bird watching and self-guided tours. Rt 9 Kennebunk/Wells Town line. 646-1555.

Marginal Way Scenic Walk - Ogunquit one-mile path along coast. Ends in Perkins Cove.

LIGHTHOUSES

Cape Elizabeth Light/Two Lights State Park – Two lighthouses are perched atop the rocky shoreline. Off Rt. 77 in Cape Elizabeth. Directions: Take Route 1N to traffic light at Oak Hill (intersection Rt 1N & Rt 207) Take right onto Route 207 (Black Point Road). Follow almost to the end and take a left onto Route 77. Follow Route 77 to Two Lights road on right.

Goat Island Lighthouse - Built in 1834. Best viewed from Cape Porpoise Pier. Follow directions for Wood Island Light but stay on Route 9 toward Kennebunkport. When you come into Cape Porpoise, take a left at the Stop Sign where Route 9 makes a 90-degree right hand turn. Drive 1/2 mile to end/Pier and park.

Portland Headlight & Museum – Maine's oldest lighthouse. Commissioned by George Washington in 1791. Adjacent to Fort Williams Park. Large grounds with picnic facilities and museum on the premises. 1000 Shore Rd. (off Rt. 77) Cape Elizabeth. 799-2661. Directions – Option One: Follow directions to Cape Elizabeth Light continuing beyond Two Lights Road on route 77 to Shore Road/Portland Headlight. Option Two: Take Route 1N to 295N to exit 4 (Port/Waterfront) and stay to left. Take Danforth Street thru 3-4 traffic lights. Take right on State Street and cross over Casco Bay bridge onto Broadway Street. Take right at second traffic light (Cottage Road) to Shore Road. Headlight is on left. On a clear day, you can see six area lights.

Wood Island Lighthouse – Take Route 1S to Route 9 (Main Street/Saco). Go thru downtown area passing over Saco River and past Saco Island. At bottom of hill past river bear right. Taking next left onto Route 9 (Hill Street). Take left at first set of traffic lights (Pool Road/Route 9/Route 208). Follow Route 208 to end. Take left on Route 208 thru Biddeford Pool and lighthouse is on right.

AREA ATTRACTIONS, RECREATION, HORSEBACK RIDING, BOWLING & MORE

Biddeford-Saco Ice Arena Open to the Public Friday night 6:30-8:30pm, 283-0615. Get on Route 1 South and drive thru Saco and thru Biddeford. When you get to Route 9 (at a five way intersection). Go right on route 9 following signs for I-95. Go 2 miles and Arena is on right, prior to the entrance to I-95 (set back off the road).

Desert of Maine – Natural phenomenon, narrated tours, nature trails, museum. Open early May to mid October daily. 95 Desert Road, Freeport, 865-6962

Farmers Market - Saco Valley Shopping Center Parking Lot. Every Wednesday and Saturday Morning in season.

Harris Farm Cross County Ski Center - 40 Km of groomed X-C trails and Snow shoeing. Rentals and lunch available, ice skating pond. Maple sugaring in March. 30 minutes from Old Orchard Beach just off Rt. 35. 252 Buzzell Rd Dayton, 499-2678

Happy Wheels Skate Center - Roller Skating Rink, Portland, 797-8207

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad - Ride along Portland's waterfront in an historic narrow gauge. Fun for all ages. 58 Fore Street, Portland. 828-0814. Directions – Route 1N to I-295N to: Take Exit 4 (Port Waterfront Exit). Bear right to 1A (Truck Route/Waterfront) to stop sign onto Commercial Street. Follow Commercial Street. Train is near end of street before it curves away from the water (after DiMillos Restaurant).

Romanza Salon – Day Spa and Wellness Center. Pine Point Road, Scarborough, 883-8338

Smiling Hill Farm – X-country skiing and Snowshoeing in winter. Homemade ice cream. Westbrook, 775-4818

Twentieth Century Lanes & Sports Bar - Biddeford, 284-0980

Vacationland Bowling & Recreation Center - Rt 1 Saco, 284-7386

Balloons Rides - Hot Air Balloon Rides. 17 Freeman St, Portland. 1-800-952-2076

AREA SHOPPING

Kittery Outlets - Just 50 minutes south of Old Orchard Beach. Over 120 outlets and the Kittery Trading Post with savings of 20-70% daily. This shopping mecca is often referred to as “America's Maine Street for Outlet Shopping.” 1-888-KITTERY. Directions – Route 5 to I-195 to I-95S. Pay turnpike toll booth in York and… Option 1) Take exit 2 By Pass (Kittery/S.Berwick). Bear right off exit and stay in left lane following signs for Kittery. When you get to traffic circle go ¾ around and take right onto Route 1N. Bear right onto Route 1N following signs for Coastal Route to outlets. Option 2) Immediately after paying toll, take exit 7 (Yorks/Berwick). Take left off exit and go to traffic light. Take right on to route 1S. Follow route 1S for 4.5 miles.

L.L. Bean - World famous and open 24 hours, 365 days per year. 30 minutes north in Freeport. Freeport also offers over 100 outlet stores. 865-1212. Freeport Outlet Directions – Route 1N to I-295N which turns into I-95N. Take exit 22 (Downtown Freeport) and follow signs.

The Maine Mall - Over 135 stores including restaurants, theaters and more. 364 Maine Mall Road, So. Portland. 774-0303. Directions – Get on Route 1N to I-295N to Maine Mall Road exit or Route 1N to traffic light at Route 98/1N intersection. Take left at 2^nd set of Lights (Payne Road). Five miles to Maine Mall.

The Old Port - Portland's Historic District offers over 158 shops, 65 restaurants, 28 galleries, and numerous pubs. All located in a charming five block area lined with cobblestone streets on Portland’s historic waterfront. 400 Congress St., Portland. 772-6828. Directions – Route 1N to I-295N to: Option 1: Take Exit 4 (Port Waterfront Exit). Bear right to 1A (Truck Route/Waterfront) to stop sign onto Commercial Street. Follow Commercial Street into Old Port. Option 2: Take Exit 7(Franklin Arterial). Go to your 4^th set of traffic lights. Take right onto Congress Street. Take 3^rd left (Exchange Street).

Saco Valley Shopping Center - 12 stores, 2 banks and a restaurant. Free parking. Just off Route 1, Saco. Rt 5 toward Interstate I-95 (Exit 5). Take first exit off I-295 onto Route 1 South. Shopping Center is a few hundred yards on right.

Antique Shops and Auctions – All along Rt 1 in Kennebunk, Wells, Ogunquit, York & Kittery.

Len Libby Candy Shops – 419 US Rt 1, Scarborough 883-4897

Lighthouse Depot – Largest collection of lighthouse gifts in the world. Route 1, Wells, 646-0608. Get on Route 1 South thru Saco, Biddeford and Kennebunk. Depot is on right soon after crossing into Wells.

AMUSEMENTS PARKS

Palace Playland - Maine's premier beachfront amusement park. Giant arcade, beautiful carousel, Kiddieland. Gondola Ferris Wheel and Galaxy Coaster. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Fireworks every Thursday night by the Pier, Old Orchard Beach. 934-2001.

Funtown/Splashtown U.S.A. – Family amusement and waterpark. Home of Excalibur, Maine's only wooden roller coaster ranked one of the top ten in the world. Voted one of the cleanest parks in America and offers many rides, slides, pools, giftshops, games, arcades and eating facilities. Open weekends May and Sept. Daily starting early June. Free parking. Unlimited ride pass, slide pass or combination pass, group rates. Route 1, Saco, 284-5139

Aquaboggan Park - Waterslides, bumper boats, gigantic wave pool, mini golf and more! Route 1, Saco. 282-3112.

York’s Wild Kingdom - Zoo and theme park, Rt 1 York, 363-3883.

MINIATURE GOLF COURSES...

Pirates Cove Adventure Golf - 36 holes of championship mini golf within walking distance of the beach. 70 First St., Old Orchard Beach, 934-5086.

Cascade Golf Range - Rt 1 Saco, 282-3524

Schooners Mini-Golf - 58 Ocean Park Road, Saco, 284-6174.

Westerly Winds Golf Course and Sports Park – Miniature golf, plus driving range, swimming pool, batting cages, tennis, basketball, shuffleboard. 853 Cumberland Street, Westbrook. 854-9463

ENTERTAINMENT

Live Bands and Karaoke:

Pier Patio Pub, Village Inn Restaurant & Brew Pub, PICS Pizza and Surf 6.

Fireworks Display by the Pier – Every Thursday at 9:30pm from late June thru Labor Day.

Weekly Concerts in Town Square – Free Shows by the Pier every Monday and Tuesday night at 7pm in season.

Salvation Army Pavilion Amphitheater – Outdoor amphitheater featuring live entertainment throughout the summer for the entire family. Church Street, P.O. Box 285, Old Orchard Beach, 934-2024

Comedy Connection –America’s top professional stand-up comedians. 6 Custom House Wharf, In the Old Port. Portland, 774-5554

Southworth Planetarium - Shows for children and adults including laser concerts. Off I-295 Forest Ave. North to 96 Falmouth St., University of Southern Maine’s Science Building. Portland, 780-4249

Portland Symphony Orchestra - Concerts year round. Special events. 30 Myrtle St., Portland. 773-8191

Portland Concert Association - Dance, opera, musical theater, jazz, & more. 1-800-639-2707

Portland Opera Repertory Theatre – Grand Opera in Portland’s magnificent Merrill Auditorium. 767-0773

Cumberland County Civic Center – Music Concerts, Sporting Events Etc.

KIDS ENTERTAINMENT

Children’s Theater of Maine - Live theater for adults and children. 25A Forest Ave., Portland. 874-0371

Portland Public Library - Story telling and entertainment for children. 5 Monument Sq., Portland. 871-1707

MOVIE THEATRES

Cinemagic – Twelve-screen, stadium seating, digital stereo theater and arcade. Route 1, Saco, 282-6234

Cines 8 - 5 Points Shopping Center, Rt. 111, Biddeford. 282-5995.

Maine Mall Cinema - Maine Mall Rd., S. Portland. 774-1022.

The Temple – A truly unique experience in this octangular building built in 1881. Temple Ave., Ocean Park 934-5034

SUMMER THEATRE & THEATRE

City Theater - Theatrical productions. 205 Main Street, Biddeford. 282-0849.

Arundel Barn Playhouse – Summer Theatre, Just off Route 1, Arundel, Tuesday – Saturdays in Season, 985-5552 Take Route 1 South thru Saco and Biddeford and into Arundel. Go left at the light (just prior to Blue Moon Diner) - Playhouse will be 200 yards on your left.

Ogunquit Playhouse – Stock Summer Theatre, Rt 1 Ogunquit, 646-5511. Take Route 1 South thru Saco, Biddeford, Arundel, Kennebunk, Wells and Ogunquit. Playhouse is on left in Ogunquit just prior to York Town Line.

Saco River Grange – Salmon Falls Road, Bar Mills. Just off Rt 117. 929-6472

ARTS, MUSEUMS & HISTORICAL SOCIETIES

Old Orchard Beach Historical Society - Features historical memorabilia on the Old Orchard Beach area since the 17th Century. Top of Old Orchard Street, Old Orchard Beach. 934-9319.

Saco Museum - Paintings, decorative art, tools, period furniture, etc. from 18th century to present. 371 Main St., Saco. 282-3031.

Maine Maritime Museum - Historic shipyard site and maritime history building on Kennebec River. 243 Washington St., Bath. 443-1316.

Willowbrook at Newfield - Restored 19th Century Village with 36 buildings and 11,000 artifacts including 1894 carousel. Off Rt. 11 on Main St., Newfield. 793-2784.

PORTLAND:

Portland Museum of Art – Maine’s largest and oldest art museum. Designed by world renowned I.M. Pei. Features fine and decorative art from the 18^th century to present. 7 Congress St, Portland, 773-2787.

Portland Observatory – Not a lighthouse, it is the last maritime signal tower in the US. Built in 1807 as a communication tower for the harbor. Guided tours and exhibits. 774-5561

Children’s Museum of Maine - Exhibits. Toddler Park, Cave & Farm, Interactive Science Exhibits, Space Shuttle, Camera-Obscura-Theater. Fun for all ages. 142 Free Street, Portland. 828-1234.

Victoria Mansion - One of America's most significant Victorian homes. All interiors are original and quite spectacular. 109 Danforth St., Portland. 772-4841.

Wadsworth-Longfellow House - Boyhood home of the famed 19th Century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Seasonal. 485 Congress St., Portland. 774-1822.

The Arts District – Portland’s cultural community along Congress Street – Portland, 772-6828

KENNEBUNKS (Museums, Historical Societies):

Brick Store Museum - Ship Models, Historic Displays, Rare Antiques, Paintings, Decorative Arts. 117 Main St, Kennebunk, 985-4802. Route One South. On left in downtown Kennebunk.

Walking Tours of the Kennebunkport - 1 hour Historic walking tours from the Nott House, 967-2513 or 2751

Kennebunkport Historical Society - 135 North St, Kennebunkport, 967-2751

Guided Tours of the Kennebunks. Intown Trolley - in season

Nott House - Greek Revival House – Open Mid June to Mid-October, Dock Square, Kennebunkport, 967-2513 or 967-2751

Seashore Trolley Museum – Largest collection of trolley cars in the world. Countryside rides on historic rides. Log Cabin Road - Kennebunkport, 967-2800

FITNESS CENTERS

Saco Sport & Fitness - 329 North Street, Saco, 284-5953

Body Works Health and Fitness Center - 644 Main St, Saco, 284-9924

Biddeford YMCA Northern York County - Alfred Road (Rt 111), Biddeford, 283-0100

Maine Rock Gym Indoor Climbing Gym – No experience needed. 127 Marginal Way, Portland, 780-6370

SPORTING EVENTS

Beech Ridge Motor Speedway - Auto racing every Saturday night. Holmes Road, Scarborough. 883-5227.

Portland Pirates Hockey - AHL affiliate of NHL Washington Capitals. Play in Cumberland County Civic Center. Regular Season: October to early April. 775-3458.

Portland Sea Dogs Baseball - AA Farm Team for the Boston Red Sox. Home games held at Hadlock Field, Portland, from late April through early September. 879-9500.

Scarborough Downs - Seasonal harness racing, Rt. 1, Scarborough. 883-4331.

DRIVING RANGES - GOLF

Cascade Golf Range - Your swing on videotape to improve your game. US Route 1, Saco, 282-3524. Get on Portland Ave., which turns into Cascade Ave. Go right on Route 1 North and look for signs a few hundred yards on right.

Dunegrass Country Club Driving Range -Full practice hole, lessons available, Wild Dunes Way (off Ross Rd.) Old Orchard Beach. 800-521-1029 or 934-4513. (see directions under Golf Courses)

Westerly Winds Golf Course and Sports Park - Driving range. Plus mini-golf, swimming pool, batting cages, tennis, basketball, shuffleboard. 853 Cumberland Street, Westbrook. 854-9463

MICRO BREWERIES

D.L Geary Brewing Co Inc. - 38 Evergreen Drive, Portland, 878-2337

Kennebunkport Brewery Tours - Shipyard Ale, Federal Jacks Brew Pub - Lower Village - Kennebunk, 967-4322

Shipyard Brewing Co. - 86 Newbury St, Portland, 761-0807

Stone Coast Brewing Co. - 74 York St, Gorhams Corner, Portland, 733-BEER

Whale Tail Brewing Co. - 213 Saco Ave., Old Orchard Beach, 934-7370

GOLF

Over ten 18-hole golf courses within 30 minutes.

GOLF COURSES…

Biddeford & Saco Country Club - 18 holes, 6,300 yd. Par 70, 101 Old Orchard Road, Saco, 282-5883. Saco Ave toward Interstate (Exit 5). At 5 corners, just past the Village Inn, go left on Old Orchard Road. Course is ½ mile on your left.

Dunegrass Golf Club - 18 holes, 6,508 yd., par 71, 200 Wild Dunes Way (off Ross Rd.) Old Orchard Beach. 934-4513. Get on Portland Ave. Go 2 miles and look for sign in left. Follow signs to clubhouse.

Old Orchard Beach Country Club - 9 holes, 3,000 yd., par 35, Wild Dunes Way (off Ross Rd.) Old Orchard Beach. 934-4513, 800-521-1029. Get on to Portland Ave. Go 2 miles and look for sign in left. Follow signs to clubhouse.

Westerly Winds Golf Course and Sports Park – 9-hole Championship and separate 9-hole par 3 course. Driving range. Plus mini-golf, swimming pool, batting cages, tennis, basketball, shuffleboard. 853 Cumberland Street, Westbrook. 854-9463

Willowdale Golf Club - 18 Holes, 5,980 yd., Par 70, off Rt. 1, Scarborough. 883-9351. Get on Route 1 North. A couple miles after crossing Scarborough Marsh look for signs on right side of road. Follow signs to clubhouse.

None-Such River – 304 Gorham Road, Scarborough 883-0007, 18 Hole Course.

Sable Oaks South – 505 Country Club Road, So. Portland 775-6257, 18 Hole Course, across Interstate from Maine Mall.

Riverside - Portland 797-3524, 18 Hole Course.

Val Halla Golf Course – 1 Val Halla Road, Cumberland Center, 829-2226, 18 Hole Course.

Cape Arundel Golf Course - Kennebunkport, 967-3494, 18 Hole Course.

Dutch Elm Golf Course - Brimstone Road, Arundel, 282-9850, 18 Hole Course.

Webhannet Golf Club - Kennebunk, 967-3951, 18 Hole Course.

Pleasant Hill Golf Course - Country Club Road, Sanford, 324-5462, 18 Hole Course.

Cape Neddick - Shore Road, Cape Neddick, 361-2011, 18 Hole Course.

The Ledges - Ledges Drive, York, 351-2727, 18 Hole Course.

Point Sebago Golf Course – #1 Rated Course in Southern Maine - Golf Digest. Route 302, Casco, 655-2747, 18 Hole Course.

AREA CHURCHES

St. Luke's Catholic Chapel - Saco Ave., Old Orchard Beach. 934-2322.

St. Margaret's Catholic Chapel - Saco Ave and Old Orchard Street, Old Orchard Beach 934-2322.

The Temple - Temple Ave., Ocean Park. 934-5034. United Methodist - Washington & Fountain Aves., Old Orchard Beach. 934-5553.

Salvation Army Citadel - Church St., Old Orchard Beach. 934-4381.

Blue Point Congregational Church - Pine Point Road, Scarborough. 883-6540.

Congregation Beth Israel - East Grand Ave., Old Orchard Beach. 934-2973.

St. Jude Catholic Chapel - Pine Point Road, Scarborough. 883-0334.

HOSPITALS

Southern Maine Medical Center – Route 5 to I-95 South to Exit 32. Go thru toll plaza and take left at light. Hospital is ¼ mile on right.

Maine Medical Center – Get on Portland Ave., which turns into Cascade Ave. Go right on Route 1 North to I-295N. Take Exit 5 (Congress St./East Ramp). At third traffic light, take right onto Bramhall Street. Bear right at fork. Hospital is on right.

Mercy Hospital – Get on Portland Ave., which turns into Cascade Ave. Go right on Route 1 North to I-295N. Take Exit 4 (Port/Waterfront). Bear left onto Danforth Street. Take left on Winter Street. Hospital is on right.
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