Travel + Discover Ogunquit Maine: Vacation Like a Local

The entire coast of Maine is a work of art, but perhaps no other seaside community embraces the artistic vibes more than Ogunquit. The name means “Beautiful Place by the Sea” in the Indigenous Abenaki language, and perhaps no other translation in history has been so spot on. 

Even before you look at all the things to do in Ogunquit, you are captivated by the rocky ridges of a cliff walk next to an impressive three-mile stretch of soft sand. 

While some Maine coastal towns are “either/or,” like “either cliffs or beach,” Ogunquit is a “Yes, and” type of place. 

Beach? Yes, and cliffs. Food scene? Yes, epic, and nightlife. Good for families? Yes, and a proud inclusive community. Downtown area? Yes, and Perkins Cove. Large family lodging? Yes, and adults-only boutique inns. Art galleries? Yes, and a storied summer theater. 

Let’s take a closer look at the beautiful place by the sea.

Overview of Ogunquit

Ogunquit has a prime position on the Southern Maine Coast, just 15 miles north of Kittery and less than 40 miles south of Portland. Route 1 threads through the center of downtown.

Ogunquit is a young town. It was part of Wells before becoming a village and then separated in 1980. By then, it had grown into a community known for middle-class tourism, fishing, the Ogunquit dory, and an art colony established in the 1880s. 

In fact, many people who eventually fell in love with the Maine coastline likely did so because of the paintings created by artists in places like Ogunquit and Monhegan. 

Many of the places visitors love in Ogunquit were preserved or created because of the village’s earliest residents. Without them, Ogunquit Beach would be a cottage community; no bridge would cross over to the beach, and all traffic would go through Wells. This also helps explain the No Trespassing signs as soon as you get to Moody Beach just north of the Ogunquit town line.

The community members would face another big challenge in May 1982 when a fire tore through Main Street. The resilience and determination had businesses open for the summer tourist season. 

Ogunquit’s Layout

With a wingspan of just three miles long, there’s a lot packed into this coastal treasure. 

Starting at the south end is Perkins Cove. Originally known as Fish Cove, there was no natural harbor here, leaving boats subject to the rough weather. The tidal cove was dug deep to connect with the Josias River. 

The Marginal Way cliffwalk’s southern terminus follows the coastline for 1.5 miles and leads to easy downtown Ogunquit access. The center of Downtown Ogunquit is where Route 1, Beach Street, and Shore Road meet. 

The Beach Street Bridge crosses over the Ogunquit River to the three-mile stretch of Ogunquit Beach. You’ll notice a pattern with Maine and its beaches—most sandy spots are near rivers, as that’s where glacier sediment flowed when the Ice Age glacier retreated. 

About four miles inland is where the storied Ogunquit Playhouse has been located since the 1930s. 

Top Things to Do in Ogunquit

While summer is peak season for Ogunquit, it’s still a four-season destination. While some businesses and museums shutter for the summer, many hotels stay open since there’s so much to do in nearby towns. 

As we go through this list, assume something is only seasonally from May through October unless otherwise noted. 

Ogunquit Museum of American Art

The Ogunquit Museum of American Art (OMAA) opened in 1953, building on the rich history of artistic flair. Paintings and sculptures are preserved here for generations to enjoy. Walk through the gallery and enjoy the sculpture garden, or get a docent-led tour to learn more about the inspiring sights that helped put Ogunquit on the map. (mid-April through mid-November)

Ogunquit Playhouse

Just about every Maine town has a theater, but the Ogunquit Playhouse is a legend that helped produce Hollywood icons. It started as a small summer theater by Broadway producer Walter Hartwig and his wife Maude in 1933. As the years went on, stars like Betty White, Lloyd Bridges, and Gene Wilder performed for summer crowds. 

Shows run from May through October, with the seasonal schedule released well in advance. If you’re summering in Ogunquit with kids, look for the summer camps offered to aspiring actors. 

Marginal Way

While many sections of Maine’s rocky coastline are too dangerous to walk, the Marginal Way offers a paved path along a stunning shoreline. The pathway is dotted with flowers, shrubs, and benches, offering a chance to meander through a mile-and-a-half of pristine Maine beauty. 

It also offers one of the two ways to get from the shops and restaurants of Perkins Cove to the heart of downtown Ogunquit. No bikes are allowed on the five-foot wide walkway. Dogs are permitted from October 1 until April 1.  

The walkway is open year-round, but the path isn’t maintained in the winter. 

Ogunquit Beach

Thanks to the foresight of the village founders, Ogunquit Beach is technically a public park spanning from the main beach to Footbridge Beach. You won’t find a boardwalk and shops along the shore, just pure Maine beach beauty. 

Parking is available, but it fills up quickly. Look for vendors like Ogunquit Beach ‘n’ Sport for beach supplies and a ride. Dogs are allowed on the beach between mid-September and May.

DID YOU KNOW? Bette Davis was the first female lifeguard in Ogunquit around the mid-1920s and also appeared at the playhouse as her star was rising.

Downtown Ogunquit

Wander around the cluster of boutiques, souvenir stores, candy shops, and galleries. Downtown caters to the typical tourist crowd, with plenty of people walking and photo ops. One of the newest shops is The Buoy Guy, with customizable hand-painted buoys of all sizes. After dark, this is where the crowds gather for live music, dancing, and dinner.

Perkins Cove

Perkins Cove focuses on artisanal goods and fine art galleries. You’ll see more specialty stores selling handmade jewelry, artwork, and higher-end crafts. Walk the famous double-leaf wooden footbridge connecting two sides of the cove. 

Public Lands

One of Maine’s most underrated attractions is the number of preserves and land trusts open to the public. Ogunquit has three. 

• Beach Plum Farm Preserve – A half-mile trail through a saltwater farm leading to the coast.
• Old Boston Preserve – A double loop trail winds for 1.3 miles through woods and past the Boston family homestead’s ruins, with water features along the way. 
• Payeur Preserve, Kirkpatrick Woods, and Ogunquit Town Forest – Three-in-one hiking location with several trail options through a forested wetland.

Ogunquit Restaurants

From beach days to late nights, you can work up a big appetite in Ogunquit. Luckily, the food scene here is as lively as the crowds. 

That Place in Ogunquit

That Place in Ogunquit might be the best name for this Ogunquit restaurant because it unapologetically doesn’t fit into one category.

The kaleidoscope of cuisine ranges from seared tuna to buttermilk fried chicken to green curry Thai noodles. You can also stick with Maine classics if that’s your preference.

Eat at the bar, at a table, or outside on the deck.

Pepper’s Landing

Casual coastal fare lands at Pepper’s Landing, a place named for a Maine-made man who left an impression on the hearts of many. His grandkids now run the restaurant.

Get a lobster roll made six different ways, or order one in the rough and crack it open yourself. Clams, scallops, shrimp, and haddock also grace the menu. 

Angelina’s Ristorante

An authentic taste of Italy comes to Ogunquit at Angelina’s Ristorante. The expansive menu satisfies even the pickiest eater. Risottos, Tuscan grille specials, and a hearty list of appetizers mix veal, chicken, pork, and seafood in all the right ways.

If you think the food menu is long, wait until you see the wine list. It’s perfect for a romantic night out. 

Beachfire Bar & Grille

Chances are you’ll see the firepit before the sign for Beachfire Bar & Grille. The fire inside smokes up some of the best seafood and barbecue in town. You still have a choice of a lazy lobster, but if you need a break from Maine’s favorite meal, you won’t be disappointed with the meats on the menu.

The menu adapts seasonally, but you can always read the latest online. 

The Beach Basket

A day at the beach will work up an appetite, but the team at The Beach Basket has you covered with traditional picnic foods made with unique, healthy elements.

Dine inside or grab a picnic table outside, but the food is always ready to go if you want to take it with you to the beach or home after a day in the sun.

Sandwiches, salads, and wraps, with the signature lemonade, make for nice palate-cleansing options. 

Cornerstone Ogunquit

Creative artisanal pizzas and cold brews have a home at Cornerstone Oguinquit, arguably one of the best locations in town.

Centered at the corner of Beach Street and Route 1, this four-season stop serves creative from-scratch specialties with names like cherry pepper, sweet chicken fig, dill pickle, and loaded potato.

Drinks range from beer tapped, bottled, or canned to wines, cocktails, and sangria.

Ogunquit Places to Stay

Bed and breakfasts are found throughout Ogunquit, with several seaside resorts and hidden hotels tucked back behind the trees.

It’s important to note that some hotels and inns in Ogunquit cater only to adults. Ask when you’re booking if that matters for your visit. 

Norseman Resort

As the only resort on the beach, Norseman Resort offers rooms, suites, and apartments with stellar views. Rent by the day or by the week and enjoy amenities at sister properties like Aspinquid and Seacastles.

When you want toes in the sand as much as possible, Norseman Resort is the place to be. 

Inn at Perkins Cove

Right along the walkway that connects downtown to Perkins Cove, the Inn at Perkins Cove offers rooms, suites, and studios with “feels like home” energy.

Free daily breakfast, a backyard fire pit, and optional beach gear top the list of great amenities. Plus, Perkins Cove Kitchen on-site means your next meal is just a few steps away. 

Rockmere Bed & Breakfast

With a commanding presence in a tree-lined neighborhood overlooking the ocean, Rockmere Bed & Breakfast brings back a bygone era. The house, built in 1899, holds eight rooms and turn-of-the-20th-century energy.

You’re also just steps away from the center of Marginal Way. Choose Rockmere for a quiet escape from the energy of Ogunquit’s town center.

Footbridge Beach Motel

Forget trying to find a parking spot or a room at the beach when you stay at Footbridge Beach Motel. Room and beach house options fit anywhere from two to 10 people. This is also a child-friendly location, which can’t be said for every Ogunquit hotel.

Whether you want to walk two minutes to the beach or take the trolley into town, it’s easily accessible here. The property also offers a summer pool and sundeck, with boxed lunches available to order at the nearby Greenery Cafe.

Anchorage by the Sea

Situated at the northern end of the Marginal Way, Anchorage by the Sea boats an expansive footprint with a grass yard overlooking the ocean. Rooms, cottages, and suites are available overlooking the water or facing the village, all emanating the classic coastal white palette.

Surf Point 360, the on-site restaurant, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plus, there’s a bar with food poolside and another bar with a deck right above the coast.

Twenty Shore

Be in the center of downtown Ogunquit at Twenty Shore. No big resorts here, just five spacious suites dripping in sophisticated coastal beach colors. Cook meals in your suite kitchen while enjoying the deck view of downtown.

While not your standard hotel, you’ll get keyless entry, free parking, and white noise machines if the party outside goes late into the night.   

Plan a Trip to Ogunquit Today

As Oguinquit grows in popularity, this in-demand town is stealing the show in all four seasons. That’s partially thanks to annual events like Ogunquit Pride, the BonAire! Celebration in mid-June, fall’s Ogunquitfest, and the annual Christmas by the Sea celebration. 

With a diverse and inclusive environment mixed with family-friendly activities and nightlife options, Oguinquit’s flexibility means there’s something for every type of Maine visitor.