Its beachside amusement park, boardwalk, and iconic 500-foot-long pier have made Old Orchard Beach Maine’s summertime playground for more than a century. But the town affectionately dubbed “OOB” is also a vibrant, year-round community known for its natural beauty and civic pride.

“Locals taking the time to chat is why many of us chose Old Orchard Beach as our home,” says Pat Brown, who moved to the town with her husband, James, and sister, Rosie, in 1998. A devoted volunteer, Brown is also a parent and grandparent who enjoys sharing OOB with her family. “Within minutes of their arrival, we hit the beach for a walk to check out Googins Rocks, then on to the quaint neighborhood of Ocean Park,” says Brown. Turning back toward home, they stop by Veterans Memorial Park so the kids can play before heading up Old Orchard Street. “We might stop along the way to get a slice at Rocco’s, or some Pier Fries, and we always go to Dickinson’s Candy to visit with ‘The Candy Man,’ Mike Dickinson.”

For Brown’s two grown sons, bike rides along the Eastern Trail, walks on the beach, or fishing off the shore in the evening are some of their favorite things to do in OOB. “We all enjoy the entertainment at places like the Brunswick, with outrageously good live music daily on their huge beachside patio,” Brown says. “From quick snacks and takeout, to family friendly, affordable restaurants and five-star experiences, it’s all here.”