Old Orchard Beach is a resort town located in York County, Maine, within the United States. Situated on the inner side of Saco Bay along the Atlantic Ocean, it forms part of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metropolitan area. The town occupies a total area of 22.53 square miles, comprising both land and significant water bodies. Its geographic position on the Southern Maine Coast defines its identity as a seaside destination bounded by Scarborough to the northeast and Saco on other sides.

The area has been inhabited by the Abenaki nation since before European contact. The first European visitor was British explorer Martin Pring in 1603, with historical records appearing around 1653. Official settlement began in 1657 when Thomas Rogers established a homestead he dubbed "The Garden By The Sea." The town derives its name from Rogers' abandoned apple orchard, which served as a landmark for sailors for approximately 150 years before disappearing.

The town is defined by its seven-mile beach and historic structures like the Palace Playland amusement park, dating to 1902. The wooden pier, rebuilt in 1980 after previous iterations were destroyed by storms and fire, features souvenir shops and a nightclub. Notable landmarks include The Ocean House Hotel & Motel from 1895 and the Cummings' Guest House, which operated until 1993 as a welcoming lodging for Black visitors during an era of widespread discrimination.

Old Orchard Beach attracts visitors with its vibrant tourist economy, featuring clam shacks, T-shirt shops, and carnival-style foods. Summer traditions include nightly fireworks at the pier from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The community draws international attention, hosting Lithuanian, Latvian, Turkish, Serbian, Bulgarian, and Russian students during peak season, while also welcoming French Canadians for vacations, making French a common language in the area.

The population was 8,960 at the 2020 census. The local economy relies heavily on tourism, supported by Amtrak's Downeaster train service connecting to Portland and Boston during summer months. Visitors are advised to avoid holiday weekends due to crowds, with late August or early September offering warmer water and fewer people. The town maintains twin city relations with Mimizan, France, commemorating a 1929 aircraft crossing of the Atlantic.