Still searching for the perfect present? This year, skip the stuff and give a memory instead. Experience gift ideas are some of the most popular searches of the holiday season. Why? People want time together, not more clutter. We rounded up 10 of the best experience gift ideas in and around Old Orchard Beach, Maine. They range from cooking classes to whale watching. And the very best of these experience gift ideas comes first: a relaxing weekend getaway by the sea.
Why Experience Gifts Beat Presents
A present is opened once. An experience is enjoyed again and again. First comes the excitement of planning. Next comes the trip itself. Then come the stories and photos that last for years. Experiences also show real thought, because you chose something just for them.
1. A Relaxing Weekend Getaway by the Sea
This is the gift that makes every other gift on this list possible. A weekend getaway at Odessa by the Sea gives your loved ones what they want most: rest. No alarms, no errands, just salt air and the sound of waves.
Odessa by the Sea offers vacation rentals in Old Orchard Beach for every kind of loved one.
For Couples
Our 1 and 2 bedroom cottages sit just steps from the sand. They are perfect for an anniversary, a birthday, or a quiet escape for two.
For Families
The 2 to 4 bedroom condos give everyone room to spread out. The Union Ave Beach House offers 3 bedrooms near the beach. The Morrison Ave House flexes from 2 to 5 bedrooms.
For the Whole Crew
Gathering the whole family? The 5 bedroom Victorian House and the 6 bedroom Odena Beach House bring everyone together under one roof.
Why a Rental Beats a Hotel
A vacation rental feels like home. There is space to relax, gather, and slow down. Couples can sleep in. Families can share breakfast around one big table. Best of all, it is the perfect home base for every experience below.
How to Gift It
Pick the dates, or offer a few and let them choose. Print a photo of the property and tuck it into a holiday card. Then pair it with one of the ideas below for a gift they will never forget.
2. A Hands-On Cooking Class
Foodies will love a night in the kitchen with a pro. Portland, a short drive from Old Orchard Beach, has one of the best food scenes in New England. Bravo Maine! in Portland’s Deering neighborhood offers hands-on cooking and baking classes with an international flair. Classes are BYOB, so they can bring a favorite bottle of wine. They will bring home new skills and a recipe to share at the next family dinner.
3. Whale Watching on the Gulf of Maine
Give them a front row seat to humpback, finback, and minke whales. First Chance Whale Watch sails out of Kennebunkport, an easy drive from Old Orchard Beach. Odyssey Whale Watch in Portland is another great option. Whale watching season runs from about May through October. Pair the tickets with a summer stay for the ultimate bucket list gift.
4. A Lobster Boat Tour
Want something truly Maine? Lucky Catch Cruises in Portland lets guests haul real traps aboard a working lobster boat. Guests can even buy their catch and have it cooked across the pier at Portland Lobster Company. Tours run in the warmer months, so this one pairs best with a summer getaway.
5. A Guided Food Tour
Maine Day Ventures, formerly Maine Foodie Tours, leads tasting tours through Portland and other coastal towns. Guests sample local bites, sweets, and drinks with a guide who knows every story. The company sells gift cards, which makes this an easy add-on to any getaway.
6. A Brewery Tour on the Maine Brew Bus
Know a craft beer fan? The Maine Brew Bus runs guided tours of local breweries and distilleries on bright green buses. Tastings and transportation are included. That means no one has to be the designated driver.
7. A Sail to Wood Island Lighthouse
Saco Bay is dotted with islands and home to the historic Wood Island Lighthouse. Broad Reach Adventures offers relaxing sails out of Saco on 40 foot sailboats, and no experience is needed. Guests glide past the lighthouse and along Old Orchard Beach. It is a peaceful, scenic gift for anyone who loves the water.
8. A Kayak or Paddleboard Adventure
For active loved ones, gift a guided paddle on Casco Bay. Portland Paddle offers sea kayak and paddleboard tours, lessons, and rentals for all skill levels. Paddling is a great way to spot seals, seabirds, lighthouses, and historic forts.
9. A Scenic Ride on the Amtrak Downeaster
Make the journey part of the gift. In season, the Amtrak Downeaster stops just a short walk from the sand. Loved ones in Boston and beyond can ride the rails right to the beach. No traffic, no parking, just coastal views and an easy ride. The Old Orchard Beach stop runs from mid-May to mid-October.
10. Dinner and a Local Event
Sometimes the simplest gifts are the best. Treat them to a seafood dinner using the Old Orchard Beach Food Guide. Then check the Old Orchard Beach Events Calendar for concerts, festivals, and fireworks during their stay. In summer, the Pier and Palace Playland add even more fun.
Book Their Getaway Today
Every experience on this list is better with a cozy place to come home to. This holiday season, give the gift of rest, adventure, and time together. Book your loved ones a relaxing weekend getaway at Odessa by the Sea today. Book Your Stay and start planning the best gift they will ever open.