Old Orchard Street is easily accessible by car, with several paid parking lots available along the street and nearby. If coming from Portland, the Saco Transportation Center is a short drive away, and local taxis or ride-shares can take you directly to the street.

While direct public transit to Old Orchard Street itself can be limited, you can reach the general Old Orchard Beach area via bus routes from nearby cities. From the Saco Transportation Center, you might need a short taxi or ride-share to reach the street.

Parking lots are plentiful but fill up quickly, especially during summer weekends. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended. Some lots are directly on or adjacent to Old Orchard Street.

Yes, Old Orchard Street is the main thoroughfare leading directly to the beach and the pier. You can easily walk from the sandy shores right onto the street to explore the shops and attractions.

While not explicitly advertised as 'park and ride,' many visitors opt to park in designated lots and then walk or use local trolleys (seasonal) to navigate the area, effectively treating them as park-and-walk options.

No, walking along Old Orchard Street itself is free and open to the public. Tickets are only required for specific attractions like Palace Playland rides or arcade games.

Old Orchard Street is generally accessible year-round, but the shops and attractions have seasonal hours, typically opening from late spring through early fall. Most businesses operate daily during the summer months.

Walking onto the Old Orchard Beach Pier is generally free. However, individual attractions and rides on the pier will have their own separate admission or per-use fees.

Information on purchasing tickets for Palace Playland online may vary. It's best to check their official website or inquire directly for the most up-to-date ticketing options and pricing.

Most shops and eateries on Old Orchard Street accept cash and major credit cards. Some smaller vendors or arcade games might be cash-only, so it's wise to have some cash on hand.

You'll find a classic beach town mix of souvenir shops selling t-shirts and trinkets, candy stores, ice cream parlors, and some unique boutiques like Kelp Goods.

Expect typical beach fare: pizza, seafood shacks, hot dogs, ice cream, and candy shops. It's a great place to indulge in classic summer treats.

Absolutely! Palace Playland offers rides and games, and the pier has arcades. Many shops also cater to children with toys and candy.

The street itself is paved and generally flat, making it accessible. However, some shops or attractions might have limited accessibility, so it's good to check individually if needed.

It's a lively, bustling, and fun-filled atmosphere, especially during the summer. Expect crowds, music, and the general excitement of a classic beach boardwalk.

The pier offers fantastic ocean views and people-watching opportunities. The colorful storefronts, street performers, and the beach itself are also great subjects.

Early mornings offer beautiful sunrise light and fewer crowds, perfect for capturing the pier and beach. Evenings provide a vibrant, neon-lit atmosphere.

Look for street magicians performing, the vibrant signs of the shops, and the classic amusement park rides. The Red Door Market also offers unique finds for photos. +1

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both street scenes and wider vistas. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the pier and beach. Don't forget a polarizing filter for beach shots! :camerawithflash:

Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up shots of performers, especially if you plan to share them widely. A small tip is also appreciated.