Old Orchard Beach Map

Description: This map shows streets, roads, beaches, campgrounds, lakes, rivers, buildings, parking lots, railways, railway stations, and parks in Old Orchard Beach.

Description: This map shows streets, trails, pier, Palace Playland, houses, buildings, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, monuments, parking lots, shops, churches, restrooms, points of interest, and parks in Downtown Old Orchard Beach.

Description: This map shows where Old Orchard Beach is located on the Maine Map.

Old Orchard Beach is a town in York County, Maine, United States. It is situated on the coast of the Gulf of Maine, southwest of Portland. The town is best known as a summer resort destination and takes its name from an old apple orchard that once stood near the shore and served as a landmark for early sailors.

The town was first settled in 1657 by Thomas Rogers, who established a farm and planted the orchard that later gave the area its name. During the colonial period the settlement was repeatedly disrupted by conflicts between English colonists and Native Americans. Old Orchard Beach was incorporated as a separate town in 1883, having previously been part of the neighboring town of Saco.

The area's development as a resort accelerated in the 19th century with the arrival of the railroad, which brought large numbers of visitors from Boston, Montreal, and other cities. Grand hotels and boarding houses were built to accommodate tourists drawn by the long sandy beach.

A defining feature of the town is its pier, first constructed in 1898. The original structure extended far into the ocean but has been damaged or destroyed several times by storms and fire over the decades, and it has been rebuilt in shorter form. The beach itself stretches for roughly seven miles along the Atlantic coast and is known for its firm, fine sand and gentle slope.

Adjacent to the pier is Palace Playland, an amusement park that includes a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and various rides and arcades. The seasonal economy centers heavily on tourism, with the population increasing substantially during the summer months. The town has historically been a popular destination for French-Canadian visitors, and French is commonly heard during the peak season.

According to the United States Census, the year-round population of Old Orchard Beach is several thousand residents. The town is served by Amtrak's Downeaster passenger rail service, which operates a seasonal stop connecting it to Portland, Boston, and Brunswick.

Main sights in Old Orchard Beach

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