And Just Like That, Parking is Free in Old Orchard Beach, Maine

It almost feels like someone hits a light switch every year and all the people disappear.

If you visited Old Orchard Beach this summer, you know the venerable hotspot was once again packed with people. Crowds sprawled out across the beach while even more people enjoyed the entertainment, food and rides that OOB offers.

Because of everything Old Orchard Beach packs in to a small square area, people were also willing to pay absurd amounts of money just to visit. Once again in 2024, some private parking lots in and around OOB were charging ridiculous amounts of money for the privilege to park.

So if that scared away from one of Maine's most popular summer destinations, have no fear any longer. Shared on Facebook by the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce, much of the parking in the small beach town is now free. And it will remain free until next Spring.

According to Saco Bay News, the Old Orchard Beach town council made a change last year when it came to metered spots in town. Previously, the metered season lingered into early-October. That lengthy meter season frustrated many business owners, who know most of their late-season business comes from Maine people.

So for 2024, the meter season in Old Orchard Beach ended right after Labor Day. All metered spots in the town are free to park in until next Spring. Private lots remain at the discretion of the owner.

With a potential heat wave approaching for mid-September, perhaps Maine natives can enjoy some OOB time without the pricey parking.