Old Orchard Beach has always been one of those places I’ve seen signs for countless times on the drive up Route 1 in Maine. Since our friends recently moved from Portland further south to Saco, we had the excuse to stop and explore this beach resort town.
It wasn’t the ideal day; we knew this. We knew it was early in the season and it was gray and rainy. But how often do you get to wander around an empty beach and pier in a coastal Maine village? 
There were little bits of cuteness like this sign. I wish I could see what Old Orchard Beach was like back in the day!
The main drag: completely empty.
Oh my goodness, have you ever seen so many fonts all jumbled together?
An empty pizza box receptacle! Never seen one of these before.
And then there was the beach, right on the Atlantic. We’d been warned that the pier was cheesy, but seeing it on a dreary, early June day was more sad than cheesy. I’m sure it’s ten times better at the height of the season!
Empty roller coaster. Weird to only imagine the fun energy and thrilled screams of being on a ride.
Andy photographing the pier.
The other side of the pier: no signs, no color, nothing.
You’re never too far from a lighthouse in Maine!
We found the most color & cheer when we peeked through the gates of the amusement park: swings!
The completely necessary mirror reflection shot of the only two people in Old Orchard Beach (only a slight exaggeration).
And I will leave you with one of my favorite motel signs ever. If only we’d seen this at night, all lit up!
I would have loved to see the interior of this place.
Have you ever been to Old Orchard Beach? I’m so curious about what it’s like in the middle of a sunny August day and not a gray early June one!
Thanks for sharing though this seems a bit of a curious place. Your first photograph rather took my breath away- it reminded me of the movie shot from Ruby’s Pier in just having watched The Five People you meet in heaven last night. There used to be a pier -only on legs in Brigantine New Jersey- scared me to death as a child- but it since has been removed with a more lovely restoration.
You’re welcome and thanks for stopping by, Peggy! I haven’t seen that movie yet, but I did read the book a looong time ago and I remember what you mean. Piers are great settings for all different kinds of stories.
We were there about 34 years ago, Christy, when our friends lived in Portland. OOB had a honky-tonk atmosphere (leaning towards sleazy) on that summer night, lots of flashing neon signs advertising the rides and food vendors. We bought some fried dough (with powered sugar, of course), took in the sights, sounds and aromas (I’m being nice here)) and headed back to Portland.
Ha! Nice depiction. I’m not sure the atmosphere has changed much judging by what I read on Trip Advisor. I assume by aromas you don’t mean the tantalizing pizza and fresh salty sea air? 😉
An empty pizza box receptacle?? Never seen that!
When I used to travel to Maine more, I’d see the signs for Old Orchard Beach. I always wanted to go.
I’d love to see it on a hot, active, summer day. Maybe I will.
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I’m sure it’s a completely different experience! I wouldn’t even rule out a stop when we go to Maine later in the summer, just to see the contrast.
I adore Maine. We need to get back there for another visit. Those pics are amazing! The pier pics are my fav! The buildings on the pier looked like they could fall over! Thanks for sharing – you’ve inspired me to want to plan a trip!
Thanks Carolann, glad I could provide some inspiration! Yeah, they do look like they’re about to fall over, don’t they? I wouldn’t want to be there during a super windy storm.
There’s something eerie about a non-populated beach town on a gray day!!!
Absolutely, Erika! But then again, we like exploring abandoned places, so I didn’t mind 🙂
We spent our fifth anniversary there which is in early June and it was a bit vacant and creepy. Not sure I’d go back that early in the season. I’d like to go in August sometime.
So we had a similar experience! We probably wouldn’t go back in early June, either.
A bit spooky. But, I like it.
It looks like it would have been the perfect setting for a Stephen King book.
Hata
Oh yes, it would be the perfect setting! Good call.
I don’t know what happened to my other comment. I was just saying how eerie it looked, deserted like that. I like the pictures though…you captured it perfectly!
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Sometimes my comments get eaten, too :\ Thanks for trying again, though! Thanks Michelle 🙂
Great post! Love old-timey places like this, and the photos really give a good glimpse into the town!