Old Orchard Beach Parking Made Easy: Your Complete Guide

Old Orchard Beach is a charming seaside town located in southern Maine, known for its beautiful beach, vibrant boardwalk, and family-friendly atmosphere. However, as with any popular tourist destination, finding parking can be a bit of a challenge, especially during peak season.

The town’s main parking lot, located right next to the beach, can fill up quickly on busy days, leaving visitors scrambling to find alternative parking options.

Fortunately, there are several other parking options available in and around Old Orchard Beach. For example, there are several privately owned parking lots located within walking distance of the beach, as well as on-street parking in some areas. Additionally, some local businesses offer free or discounted parking to their customers, so it’s always worth asking if you’re planning to visit a specific shop or restaurant.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the various parking options in Old Orchard Beach and some tips and tricks for finding the best spot for your needs. Whether you’re planning a day trip to the beach or a longer stay in the area, we hope this guide will help make your parking experience in Old Orchard Beach as stress-free as possible.

Where To Park At Old Orchard Beach?

Old Orchard Beach Parking

Here is a list of the most common parking options available at Old Orchard Beach

1. On-street parking

There are metered, on-street parking spaces available throughout the town. Fixed rates for on-street parking may vary depending on the time of year and the location.

2. Municipal parking lots

Several municipal parking lots in Old Orchard Beach offer hourly, daily, and weekly rates. These lots are located throughout the town, with some being closer to the beach than others.

3. Private parking lots

There are also private parking lots available in Old Orchard Beach. These lots are typically located close to the beach and offer hourly, daily, and weekly rates.

4. Hotel and resort parking

Many hotels and resorts in Old Orchard Beach offer their guests complimentary parking during their stay. As it may vary depending on the hotel, check with the hotel to confirm their parking policies.

Is The Parking Free At Old Orchard Beach?

Free parking in Old Orchard Beach is not always accessible. Several paid parking options include metered on-street, municipal, and private parking. 

The rates for parking in Old Orchard Beach vary depending on the time of year and the location. However, some hotels and resorts in the region offer free parking for their guests during their stay. 

Let us look at the parking fees of some of the parking lots.

Parking LotHourly FeesDaily Fees
Palace Playland Parking Lot$4-$5 per hour    $25-$30
Pier Parking Lot  $5 per hour        $30
Town Hall Parking Lot  $4 per hour        $25
Ocean Park Beach Parking Lot$5 per hour        $10
Milliken St. Parking Lot  $4 per hour        $20

Out of all these, I would recommend you to park at Palace Playland parking lot. That’s where I parked my car when visiting the beach, and the whole experience was very smooth. I have embedded a Google Maps widget below, which you can use to find the exact location of the parking lot.

Is There Overnight Parking At Old Orchard Beach?

Yes, overnight parking is allowed at Old Orchard Beach. However, parking regulations and fees may vary depending on the time of year and location within the beach area. 

Several parking lots in Old Orchard Beach offer overnight parking. Here are some of the options.

Parking Lots        Location     Overnight Charge 
OOB Parking Lotlocated just a block from the beach$25 per night
Palace Playland Parking Lotlocated right next to Palace Playland amusement park$30 per night
Union Station Parking Lotlocated on Union Avenue$20 per night
Pine Point Parking Lotlocated a little further from the main Old Orchard Beach$15 per night

Safety Tips for Parking in Old Orchard Beach

old orchard beach parking

Old Orchard Beach is quite famous and offers safety, yet you should never let your guard down.

You must be cautious of your surroundings and beware of theft. Never be too gullible, and do maintain specific measures to ensure safety.

Firstly, always lock your car doors and make sure your windows are rolled up when you leave your vehicle. This can deter potential thieves from attempting to break in.

Avoid leaving valuable items in your car, especially in plain sight. If you must leave items in your car, try to hide them in the trunk or under a seat.

Whenever possible, park in well-lit areas that are visible to others. This can help deter criminal activity and make spotting suspicious behavior easier.

Only leave keys in your car or a spare key anywhere near your vehicle. Thieves can easily break in and steal your car if they can access the keys.

Follow all posted parking regulations, including time limits, parking fees, and designated areas. Failure to do so can result in fines or towing.

Pros and Cons of Old Orchard Beach Parking Lots

There are certain advantages as well as disadvantages that you should be aware of before parking in Old Orchard Beach.

Pros

  1. Convenience – Old Orchard Beach parking lots are conveniently close to the beach and attractions. You don’t have to worry about finding street parking or walking a long distance to the beach.
  2. Security – Parking lots in Old Orchard Beach are typically well-lit and monitored, which can provide a greater sense of security for visitors. 
  3. Peace of mind – Parking in a paid lot eliminates worries about parking tickets or vehicle security, allowing you to enjoy the beach.
  4. Options – Old Orchard Beach has several parking lots with different rates and amenities. This allows you to find a lot that meets your needs and budget.

Cons

  1. Cost – Old Orchard Beach parking fees can be costly, especially during peak season. Overnight fees range from $15 to $30 and can accumulate if parked for multiple days.

Final Remarks

In this article, I have mentioned all the key features of Old Orchard Beach parking lots that will help you plan your trip better.

Let’s have a quick recap.

If you’re planning a trip to Old Orchard Beach and looking for a convenient parking option, the Palace Playland Parking Lot can be a great choice. Located right next to the beach and the famous Palace Playland amusement park, this privately owned lot offers competitive rates and flexible hours.