old orchard beach
 

Thinking of spending the last night of our family trip in OOB. After Camden & Acadia thought the teens would enjoy the rides. Is it fun like Ocean City NJ or dirty and rundown? Thanks. Other option is another night in Portland (we're staying 1 night on way up)Thanks!

I've never been to Ocean City, so I can't compare, but I have been to the OOB area many times. I wouldn't say it's dirty or run down, but I'd characterize it as "honky-tonk." The rides are extremely expense, but there's good mini-golf in the area. The streets are lined with take-out food places and t-shirt shops and there are a few arcades.

When you're in the Old Port area of Portland, be sure to look for Beal's ice cream. There's another one on Rte 9 in Scarborough, which is next to OOB.

Might be hard to get just one night in OOB in summer, many places have 2 and 3 night minimums. It is an easy drive from Portland however, about 25 min and is worth the trip just for the french fries.

OOB might be a disapointment compared to Ocean City. Yes there are rides, and yes it does have a wide sandy beach, but there is no actual boardwalk, if I remember correctly it's just pavement. It does attract an odd mix of French Canadians, and tatooed biker types. There are lots of nice places on the Maine coast, I wouldn't consider OOB as one of my favorites. If you want nice beaches and lots to do at night (but no rides) consider Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, or York Beach. Also, there are some large water parks on Rte 1 in Saco.

What about the water park near Portsmouth NH? It's on Route 1. Canobie Lake Park in Salem NH is a very nice amusement park but not on the coast. It's convenient to Rt 93 and near the Massachusetts border.