Footbridge Beach

The Quieter Side of Ogunquit

Footbridge Beach is the northern end of the same three-mile sandy stretch that includes the main Ogunquit Beach, but it feels like a different place. The access is through a separate parking lot on Ocean Street, and you reach the sand by crossing a wooden pedestrian footbridge over the Ogunquit River. That bridge acts as a natural crowd filter. Families who know about it park here and avoid the main beach scene. Visitors who do not know about it never find it.

The beach itself is the same fine-grained sand, the same wide tidal flat, and the same Atlantic surf as the main beach. But the density of towels and umbrellas drops noticeably as you walk north from the river. On summer days when the main beach is packed shoulder-to-shoulder, Footbridge Beach has room to spread out.

Ogunquit Beach is a barrier beach, a narrow strip of sand separating the ocean from the Ogunquit River. This geography gives Footbridge Beach an unusual advantage: the ocean side has waves and surf, while the river side is calm, shallow, and noticeably warmer. Families with small children gravitate to the river side, where kids can wade and splash in ankle-deep water without any wave energy.

Crossing the Footbridge

The pedestrian footbridge is a simple wooden span over the Ogunquit River, connecting the parking area to the beach. The walk from the lot to the sand takes about five minutes. The bridge itself is flat and manageable with beach chairs and coolers, though it is not ADA accessible.

The river below the bridge is tidal. At high tide, it flows deep and blue. At low tide, the river narrows and the sandbars emerge, and you can see the river bottom clearly. The bridge provides a good vantage point for watching the tidal exchange and the occasional kayaker paddling upstream.

The Beach

Once across the bridge, you are on a wide sandy beach that stretches south toward the main Ogunquit Beach and north toward the Wells town line. The sand is fine and the slope is gradual, creating a broad wading area at low tide.

The ocean side has typical Atlantic surf, moderate waves suitable for wading and body surfing on most days. Water temperature reaches the low 60s by August, which is warm for Maine. The beach faces east, catching the morning sun, and the afternoon brings a cooler ocean breeze.

Lifeguards patrol the beach during summer months. Restrooms are available near the parking area.

Parking

Parking is the main logistical challenge at Footbridge Beach, as it is throughout Ogunquit. The Footbridge Beach lot is on Ocean Street and charges $8 per hour or $45 for a full day. Payment is via kiosk (credit card) or the Passport Parking and ParkMobile apps. No cash required.

The lot tends to fill later than the main Ogunquit Beach lot, making it a better option for visitors who do not arrive at dawn. On summer weekends, it can still fill by late morning.

Dogs and Beach Rules

Dogs are not allowed on Footbridge Beach from April 1 through September 8. After September 9, dogs are welcome on the beach.

No alcohol, no glass containers, no fires. Leave no trace.

When to Go

Getting There

From Portland, take I-95 South to Exit 7 (York/Ogunquit), then Route 1 North into Ogunquit. Turn right onto Ocean Street and follow it to the Footbridge Beach parking lot at the end. The drive from Portland is about 45 minutes. From Boston, it is about 75 minutes via I-95 North.

The Ogunquit Shoreline Explorer trolley runs through town in summer and can get you to Footbridge Beach if you are parking elsewhere. It connects the beach, Perkins Cove, and the downtown area.

Ogunquit has a full range of restaurants, shops, and galleries within walking distance. Footbridge Beach is quieter than the main beach, but you are still only a short walk from the village.

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