Biddeford & Saco

The neighboring cities of Biddeford and Saco were once industrial giants. The Saco River, which flows between the cities, powered enormous brick mills – including the largest cotton mill ever built in America. Today, those vast buildings are being restored and reimagined. Both Biddeford and Saco have been designated Main Street Communities for their work in revitalizing their historic downtowns.

Things to Do in Biddeford

Come in early summer and enjoy La Kermesse, a festival celebrating Franco-American pride and heritage. It includes carnival rides, a parade and plenty of music. Stop by in September for the annual River Jam Fest. The brick mill buildings that powered Biddeford’s economy still dominate the downtown. You can tour Biddeford Mills and visit its museum to get a glimpse of what working there was all about. Nearby Pepperell Mill has been transformed into a campus bursting with new businesses, shops, artist studios, restaurants and apartments. Come explore. For entertainment, check out the historic City Theater. Need a snack? Stop into Elements: Books Coffee Beer for things to read and drink or Sweetcream Dairy for some locally made ice cream. Ready to hit the beach? Drive to the village of Biddeford Pool, which hugs the sea. There, stop by Biddeford Pool and Fortunes Rocks beaches, considered very fine by sand fans. But first, stop by the City Clerk’s Office to snag a valuable beach-parking pass.

Things to Do in Saco

Saco is a great place for kids and families. There’s Ferry Beach State Park, which sports a wonderful ocean beach, nature trails and a rare northern stand of tupelo (black gum) trees. Little hikers will appreciate the Saco Bay Trails, a system of pathways throughout the community. Two of Maine’s most popular amusement parks – Funtown Splashtown USA, Maine’s largest amusement and water park and Aquaboggan Water Park, the state’s original water park – are both in town. And when the sun starts to dip, pile into the car for an evening at the Saco Drive-in, one of the state’s few remaining historic drive-in theaters.

Restaurants in Biddeford and Saco

The food scene here is amazing! In Biddeford, consider the Palace Diner or James Beard-award nominated Magnus on Water with an incredible outdoor dining area. In the mood for casual, fresh Maine seafood? Fish & Whistle has what you crave. Visit the Pepperell Mill to quench your thirst at Biddeford’s first brewery, Banded Brewing or Round Turn Distilling for their Bimini gin and other bar drinks! In Saco, check out Run of the Mill Public House & Brewery, Rapid Ray’s, Quiero Cafe and Pacifico. Also look through our list of regional businesses below.

Where to Stay in Biddeford and Saco

Consider hotels and motels such as the new Lincoln Hotel with Batson River Brewing & Distilling located on the lower level of the hotel, Holiday Inn Express Biddeford, the Ramada Saco / Old Orchard Beach Area, and the Saco Motel. For Saco and Biddeford camping, check out the Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA and the Silver Springs Campground and Cottages. For more suggestions, scroll down our list of regional businesses below.