Old Orchard Beach is a small town in Maine that has a big tourist draw. It’s beaches, shops, Amusement Park and Pier make it the perfect resort town for summer family vacations.

The Old Orchard Beach area showed up in the historical records back in 1653 and officially settled in 1657 and got its name from an old abandoned apple orchard in the same area. Today there are tons of little shops that run up and down the strip as well as an amusement park featuring games, rides, and some good greasy food.

The Pier at Old Orchard beach is almost 2000 feet long and is home to many more small shops, restaurants and a large ballroom and I believe is the longest steel pier to date.

We enjoy the close by RV Park/Campground called Paradise Park Resort which is within walking distance to the strip and beach, but also offers a shuttle for those who can’t wait to get exploring.

If you are not a camper there are also lots of resort style hotels and cottage rentals nearby. I think this year we may head back to Paradis with our RV since the last time we were there we were still in the tent.