OLD ORCHARD BEACH — With the seven-mile stretch of sand and nearby amusements, shops, restaurants and pier, it’s easy to see why Old Orchard Beach is a popular destination.

A recent listing in the Family Vacation Critic website, subsidiary of TripAdvisor, has confirmed what many visitors to the beach already believe.

The website has listed Old Orchard Beach as one of the 10 best family beaches to visit in 2018.

The travel website notes the close proximity of the beach to amusement park Palace Playland and other nearby “diversions” including miniature golf and food stands.

“The beach itself is wonderful for families, with restrooms, showers, and lifeguards, and you can find budget-friendly accommodations nearby. Bonus: Old Orchard Beach is located near other family-friendly beaches, including Short Sands and Long Sands in York, and Ogunquit Beach in Ogunquit. Make it a multi-beach vacation,” states the website.

Old Orchard Beach Executive Director Kim Verreault noted that the list contained some “heavy hitters” including Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Florida, which has been repeatedly ranked as a top beach in the United States by travel reviewers such as Trip Advisor and Dr. Beach.

“I’ve been to many beaches and have always believed that Old Orchard is among the best,” she said.

Assistant Town Manager Louise Reid said she wasn’t “at all surprised” that Old Orchard Beach received this distinction.

 “Those of us who live in Old Orchard and see it every day are amazed at its beauty and recognize we are the community we are because of our beach,” she said.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.