Maine in the summer is unbeatable! There’s something about getting through a long winter that makes warm days here extra-special. We’re even luckier given that there are so many fun things to do this time of year. Lakes are great and many of us grew up going up to camp. But visiting the beach has been a favorite of ours this year. If long days that turn into nights on the Maine coast are what you love you’ll want to make sure to carve out some time for this local spot. If you’ve spent time in the summer near the southern part of the state there’s a good chance you know this place like the back of your hand. If you needed an extra push to visit again, consider this it!
Palace Playland in Old Orchard Beach (or, more affectionally known as simply “OOB”) has been sitting in the same location since 1902. That’s almost 125 years of bringing fun to both Mainers and those from away.
Palace Playland Amusement Park / Facebook
Today, it’s New England’s only beachfront amusement park. We’d visit no matter where it was, but sitting right on the beach makes it easy to enjoy the waves during the day and the fun rides well into the night.
Palace Playland Amusement Park / Facebook
Palace Playland offers kiddie rides, family rides and thrill rides, which means no matter what type of fun you’re looking for you’ll find it in OOB.
Palace Playland Amusement Park / Facebook
One of the most notable features of the park is the Electra Wheel. From a distance, it might look like a regular Ferris wheel, but take a ride and you’ll see that it actually rotates giving riders the chance to see the beach, the park and the entire surrounding area.
Palace Playland Amusement Park / Facebook
Things get even more fun at night when LED lights make it come alive.
mike_miley / Flickr
But that’s not the only fun part of visiting at night. Each ride is lit up making the park feel like a special occasion each and every night.
Belinda Chiu / Google
Throughout the summer, rides open in the late afternoon, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the beach and the pier. Be sure to grab some Pier Fries while you’re here! But, if you’re looking for a way to enjoy OOB without sitting on the beach you’ll want to head straight for the arcade at Palace Playland.
brandon bilodeau / Google
The arcade opens in either the morning or mid-day depending on the day of the week and there are tons of games to keep yourself busy. This is also a great option if you visit the beach and get some surprise rain.
Palace Playland Amusement Park / Facebook
Maine’s best amusement park combines both history and fun, making it a must-visit.
milst1 / Flickr
And OOB is beautiful if know just where to look.
Diana Onacki / Google
The Palace Playland arcade and rides operate on various schedules between April and August. From June through August you can expect rides to open every day at 4 p.m. The arcade opens at 10 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends beginning mid-June through August. Check out the actual calendar here. And you can learn more about the park on their website. Keep up to date on weather changes and fun events by following them on Facebook. You can reach the park on 207-934-2001.
Palace Playland Amusement Park / Facebook
mike_miley / Flickr
Belinda Chiu / Google
brandon bilodeau / Google
milst1 / Flickr
Diana Onacki / Google
To see more of the coast we’ve got a great trip for you! The hidden beaches road trip will show you Maine like never before!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Palace Playland, 1 Old Orchard St, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064, USA
