Maine Beach Named One of the Best Family Beaches on the East Coast

Maine is for Family

For those who have never been here, Maine is filled with incredible beaches that are some of the most beautiful in the entire world.  Many have a lot of character with all the rock formations, but others are very sandy for miles and miles.  Old Orchard Beach, a destination for many Canadians, is one of the sandy ones.  According to fodors.com, Old Orchard Beach is one of the best family beaches on the East Coast.  I'll tell you what they say about it, then I'll give you the "local" perspective.

Palace Playland Will Keep the Kids Occupied

If the kids gets bored with the beach, there is always Palace Playland, with rides and games for all.  There are tons of arcade games, so it gets pretty loud in there.  Your kids will be in heaven, especially the gamers who you had to convince to leave their rooms (It's Me.  Hi.  I'm the one, it's me).

The article says to go to Becky's Diner for breakfast or lunch.  This is where we differ.  If you go to Old Orchard Beach, eat your meals in OOB if you want the full experience.  There is a restaurant called The Brunswick, (a.k.a the 'Swick') that is right on the beach.  I mean, it's on the sand.  You can literally take a dip into the ocean and walk in the restaurant to hang out at their outside bar.  It's my favorite place in OOB, by far.

Old Orchard Beach is Very Different From Portland, Maine

Anyone from Maine will tell you that it is a different experience going to Old Orchard Beach than it is going to Portland.  OOB is old school, while Portland is not.  Lots of people from Canada make the trip every summer and it's been that way for as long as I can remember.  Canadians don't go into Portland.  I would not describe Portland as old school, even though it has some really old buildings.  It has grown exponentially over the last few years.  Old Orchard still has that "same as it ever was" feel to it.

I also would stay at a hotel in Old Orchard, like the Sandpiper.  Portland is close enough, yes, but that's a totally different vibe.

Let me know where your favorite beach is in Maine.  Did they get this right?