Location: Saco
Top Things to do in Saco
Countries
10 Things to Do in Saco That You Shouldn't Miss
Saco /ˈsɑːkoʊ/ is a city in York County, Maine, United States. The population was 18,482 at the 2010 census. It is home to Ferry Beach State Park, Funtown Splashtown USA, Thornton Academy, as well as General Dynamics Armament Systems (also known by its former name, Saco Defense), a subsidiary of the defense contractor General Dynamics. Saco sees much tourism during summer months, due to its amusement parks, Ferry Beach State Park, and proximity to Old Orchard Beach.
Restaurants in Saco
1. Funtown Splashtown USA
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
As Northern New England’s largest water and amusement park, Funtown Splashtown USA attracts families from around the region.
Reviewed By Bill M
Start at Splashtown because the lines are obscene by noon. An hour wait for a slide is ridiculous. They were fun, but not worth the lines.
Funtown is an average small amusement park. Most rides are or the shake n bake variety
Overall, had fun but not rushing back.
2. Pirate's Cove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By saradeer - North Carolina
We have been to the Pirate's Cove Miniature Golf in Bar Harbor several times and have always had a wonderful experience. Well, the one in OOB lived up to the high standards. Go first thing in the morning when they open, temperatures are cooler and not crowded. The staff was very friendly and very efficient. Would we return, absolutely!
3. Cliff Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By NHjo - Rye, New Hampshire
This is a walk that not many tourists even know about (it's not as famous as the one in Ogunquit up the road). However, it's less crowded, more peaceful, and has beautiful views of the harbor, a small beach, gorgeous homes and summer 'cottages', and glimpses of the ocean. Great little path to walk off a delicious meal at the nearby York Harbor Inn restaurant.
4. Ferry Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Located between Old Orchard Beach and Saco, this 117-acre park offers white sand beaches with swimming, picnicking, trail hiking and guided nature programs.
Reviewed By lhamill - Otis, Massachusetts
We had stopped at Old Orchard Beach area on our recent...it was mobbed and after walking around and checking out the Playland our little group decided that we really wanted a quieter spot. We stopped at Subway in OOB and looked around for another beach and discovered Ferry Beach State Park. Yes, we had to pay to get in. But this is a State Park, this is some of the way they fund the park. We were the only people in the picnic area, which was shady and comfortable. After lunch we made our way to the beach area. We were so not disappointed. Found a nice spot to sit and enjoy the view. Spent several hours here. The ocean was beautiful. We will be back on our next summer vacation.
5. Old Orchard Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Louetta - Georgetown, Massachusetts
If you're passing by on US Rte. 95 in Maine, Old Orchard is worth a few hours as a side trip but I would not make it a destination. Most of the motels are older tho clean enough and most have a pool, even those which are across the street from the beach. Restaurants are nothing special. There are lots of snack facilities right at the beach where fried foods abound. Expect to pay about $15 to park your car near the beach for a few hours. There is going to be some walking so if mobility is an issue it might be a problem. The beach itself is large by Eastern US standards, nice and sandy with a boardwalk in the central location. Swimming can be fun but there is a bit of an undertow and the water is a tad chilly as it is central Maine. If it were me I'd head for Boothbay or up to Bar Harbor and make it an overnight.
6. Banded Horn Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Mo R
This place rocks...literally.
Came for a tasting. Upon arriving the first impression was "cool" making use of an old brick factory building.
Upon entering the first thing I noticed were the groovy Peaveys hanging from the ceiling then I saw the albums and turn table and requested Zeppelin which was promptly played.
Having never been to a brewery before I was in awe. I had the opportunity to watch the process while tasting four samples. My favorite was the pepperell.
My friends enjoyed the Russian imperial stout.
I was impressed with "green" ! Reusing so much that others would discard for being out dated & out of fashion but this was I found so cool. Getting back to home grown brews and home grown business it's the American Dream displayed right before your eyes. Excellent beer...a must if your in this neck of the woods!
7. Seashore Trolley Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
World's largest electric railway museum with a world-class collection of transit vehicles. Visitors experience a powerful connection to transit history - ride antique rail cars on our private railroad; enjoy exhibits, museum store, picnic tables and hiking trails. Appealing to all age groups. We offer a variety of special events throughout the season for adults, kids, families, transit fans!
Reviewed By Rhonda T - Mason City, Iowa
Beautifully restored trolleys from all over the United States. Take time to ride a trolley and learn how they served the area until buses provided transportation. I was head of a group that toured the Trolley museum. Many positive comments were heard.Thank you for your review-so glad that your group enjoyed their visit.
8. Palace Playland
Overall Ratings
4 based on 476 reviews
The only beach front amusement park in New England. Lots of fun rides and food for the whole family.
Reviewed By JDTravelCanada - Canada
Lots of carnival style rides, a few newer rides and cheesy carnival games. We all loved every bit of our visit here. The bracelet is the best value for the rides if you plan on staying for any length of time.
Also had fun playing the arcade games. Try not think about how much money you spend to win tickets so you can get a toy from the prize desk.
9. Mulligans - Biddeford
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By Scramjet314 - North Andover, Massachusetts
Everything on the menu is priced at $5.99 or less ... including their steak dinner. When we first tried Mulligans I assumed the meals would reflect the low prices but I was surprised that all the meals are really good sized and delicious. Now I'm not saying it is gourmet ... of course not at $5.99 or less, but everything we have tried has been really good. After 4PM you have the option of getting a baked potato .. and it is really big and one of the best baked potatoes you will get. In addition to the steak, we have tried the stuffed haddock, grilled chicken, chili and Caesar salad ... never disappointed. The pasta with marinara sauce is also a good side ... I like the sauce enough to ask them to put it on the grilled chicken (awesome!). BTW, even the drinks are reasonably priced (beers from $3 to $4). Good desserts also ... especially like the strawberry shortcake.
Very good food, great "old mill" atmosphere and prices that are VERY kind to your wallet. Don't even think about not trying it!!
10. Old Orchard Beach Pier
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 692 reviews
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
Old Orchard Beach has been a tourist destination since 1829. Located on the inner side of Sacco Bay on the Atlantic Ocean on the Maine coastline, Old Orchard Beach (population: 8,624) is part of the Portland/South Portland/Biddleford metropolitan area. A popular summer beach destination, it contains many tourist-oriented businesses, including clam shacks, T-short shops and souvenir shops. The seven-mile-long beach is lined with many beachfront properties, condominiums, motels and bed-and-breakfasts. First settled in 1657, the town's first Public House opened in 1829. Over the years, Old Orchard has developed into a major resort. At one time, airplanes took off from the beach. The oldest hotel, The Ocean House Hotel & Motel, built in 1895 and located at 71 West Grand Avenue, is still standing and retains its original parlors. The seaside amusement park Palace Playland, which dates to 1902, is located in Old Orchard Beach. It was home to the first carousel in the United States. The current version of Palace Playland boasts a newly built Ferris wheel, a 24,000-square-foot arcade and 25 rides for adults and children. But the centerpiece is the Old Orchard Beach Pier, which at 1,825 feet was the longest steel pier in the world when construction was completed in 1898. It once hosted such acts as Frank Sinatra, Guy Lombardo, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Xavier Cugat. After storms, fires and blizzards destroyed parts of the pier, it was rebuilt in 1980 with the length reduced to 500 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. Today, the wooden walkway is lined with souvenir shops, carnival-style foods and a nightclub. Although the pier isn't the go-to destination it once was, Old Orchard Beach remains a popular summer vacation venue for tourists, particularly French Canadiens from Montreal and the province of Quebec. Or for Chicagoans on their way from Boston to Bar Harbor.
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