If you find the beach itself to be too crowded or dirty the town has done a great job with trash pickup from where it was five years ago, but still has a way to go, try hunting for less-used beaches in Rye, NH or the Wells/Ogunquit area.
The northern part of the beach, also known as Pine Point and technically in Scarborough, is more peaceful and usually less crowded. Coming from Route 9, when you get to the intersection with the Clam Bake restaurant, turn right onto East Grand Avenue. Try to park in a spot on the right hand side of the street, and almost all streets on the left hand side of the road are public access to the beach.
There's also Ocean Park, located south of Old Orchard Beach. It's a gorgeous, tiny little seaside town with an amazing ice cream parlor called The Soda Fountain! Don't miss Illumination Night in August either.
