Stay in Old Orchard Beach for exploring Portland?

Question

Hello! We are visiting Maine for a week in June with our 22 year old daughter and meeting family there. We plan 3 nights near Acadia somewhere, and 4 nights in the Portland area (probably Airbnb for space). We were going to stay in Portland, but love the idea of a nearby beach stay close to Portland. Would Old Orchard Beach, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborouth, or another beach town be a good place to stay near to Portland?

Thank you!

Answer

It sounds like you have a great trip ahead! Staying near Portland while enjoying the beach is definitely a fantastic idea, especially if you're looking for a mix of both the coast and easy access to the city. Old Orchard Beach, Cape Elizabeth, and Scarborough are all great options, each offering its own unique vibe and proximity to Portland. Here's a breakdown of each option to help you decide which beach town might be the best fit for your trip:

Old Orchard Beach: Old Orchard Beach is a classic Maine beach town, known for its long sandy beach and lively atmosphere. It’s a popular spot in the summer, with a fun boardwalk, an amusement park (Palace Playland), and lots of restaurants and shops. While it can get crowded during peak summer months, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a more traditional beach experience with plenty of activity and entertainment. It's also just a short drive (about 20-30 minutes) to Portland, making it an ideal option if you want to be close to the city without staying in the heart of it.

Pros: Fun, lively atmosphere with beach access, boardwalk, and nearby activities. Family-friendly with plenty of things to do, especially for a 22-year-old.
Cons: Can be crowded in June, especially on weekends. Not as quiet or peaceful as some of the more relaxed beach towns.

Cape Elizabeth: Cape Elizabeth is a quieter, more upscale area located just south of Portland. It’s home to some of Maine’s most iconic spots, like the beautiful Crescent Beach State Park and the famous Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park. The area has a more laid-back, scenic feel, perfect for those who prefer a peaceful beach getaway but still want to be close to the city. It’s a great place for walking, hiking, and enjoying the coastline. While it’s only a short drive into Portland (about 15 minutes), it offers a more tranquil atmosphere compared to Old Orchard Beach.

Pros: Quiet, picturesque, and close to some of Maine's most beautiful coastal views. Ideal for a more relaxed stay, with easy access to Portland.
Cons: Fewer shops, restaurants, and nightlife compared to Old Orchard Beach. If you’re looking for more beachside entertainment, Cape Elizabeth is a bit more subdued.

Scarborough: Scarborough is another great option, located just south of Portland. It offers a mix of quiet residential areas and beautiful beaches, such as the long and sandy Scarborough Beach State Park. It’s a good balance between a peaceful beach experience and proximity to the city. Scarborough has more space and nature, with less of the touristy vibe found at Old Orchard Beach. It's a great place for nature lovers who want a relaxing stay, but still want to explore the nearby attractions in Portland.

Pros: Quiet, spacious beaches with less crowded spaces. Close enough to Portland (about 15-20 minutes) for easy access to city attractions, yet far enough to provide a relaxing atmosphere.
Cons: Fewer shops and restaurants compared to more commercialized beach towns. If you’re looking for more lively beach scenes, Scarborough may feel too quiet at times.

Other Nearby Beach Towns: If you're considering other beach towns besides these three, you might want to look into:

Falmouth: Located a bit north of Portland, Falmouth offers quiet beaches and a peaceful environment, but is still just a short drive to the city. It’s great if you want to be near Portland without the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds.
Prouts Neck: This small, upscale neighborhood near Scarborough offers scenic views and a peaceful vibe, though it is more residential and less tourist-focused. It’s ideal if you want a quiet, luxurious retreat.

Conclusion:
- If you’re looking for a lively, classic beach town vibe with entertainment, Old Orchard Beach is your best bet.
- For a quieter, more scenic beach experience close to Portland, Cape Elizabeth is a fantastic choice.
- If you want something in between—quiet but with easy access to city amenities—Scarborough offers a good mix of both worlds.

Ultimately, each of these areas offers something unique, so it depends on what kind of vibe you’re after. You can’t go wrong with any of them, as they’re all beautiful spots to stay while enjoying Portland!

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