Three Miles of Sand in Southern Maine
Ogunquit Beach is a three-mile stretch of sand in York County, about 45 minutes south of Portland and just north of the New Hampshire border. It is a barrier beach, a narrow strip of sand separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Ogunquit River, and it is one of the longest and most accessible sandy beaches on the Maine coast.
The name Ogunquit comes from the Abenaki word meaning “beautiful place by the sea,” and for once the tourist brochure translation holds up. The beach is genuinely striking: a long sweep of fine sand, ocean on one side, the tidal river on the other, with the rocky cliffs of the Marginal Way visible to the south.
The town of Ogunquit has built itself around this beach. It is walkable, full of restaurants and galleries, and has the energy of a real New England beach town without being a boardwalk carnival. There is no amusement park, no chain restaurants on the waterfront. Instead, there are lobster shacks, independent shops, and a performing arts scene that draws visitors year-round.
The Beach
The main beach stretches north from the Ogunquit River mouth. Footbridge Beach, at the north end, is accessed by a pedestrian bridge over the river and tends to be less crowded than the main beach. The river side of the barrier beach is calm, shallow, and much warmer than the ocean, making it popular with families who have young children.
The ocean side has typical Atlantic surf. Waves are generally moderate, suitable for wading and body surfing on most days. The water temperature reaches the low 60s by August, which is warm by Maine standards. The sand is fine-grained and the beach slopes gradually, giving a wide wading area at low tide.
The Ogunquit River side of the barrier beach is the secret for families with small kids. The water is shallow, warm, and calm. Let the kids play in the river side while the adults take turns going to the ocean side for waves.
Lifeguards are on duty at the main beach during summer months. Restrooms are available near the main beach access.
Parking
Parking in Ogunquit is the main logistical challenge. The town charges $8 per hour or roughly $45 for a full day at municipal lots. Rates vary by lot and time of year. Several lots are within walking distance of the beach:
| Lot | Location | Walk to Beach | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Beach Lot | Beach Street | 2 minutes | Fills first on summer mornings |
| Footbridge Beach Lot | Ocean Street | 5 minutes | Less crowded, access to north end |
| Perkins Cove Lot | South end of Marginal Way | 20 minutes (via Marginal Way) | About 25 free 2-hour spaces; paid spots also available |
| Obed's Lot | Cottage Street off Shore Road | 10 minutes | Alternative for Marginal Way north end |
On summer weekends, the main lot fills by mid-morning. The Footbridge Beach lot is a good alternative. Some visitors park in Perkins Cove and walk the Marginal Way to the beach, combining two attractions in one trip.
The Marginal Way
The Marginal Way is a 1.25-mile paved cliff walk running from Perkins Cove to the edge of Ogunquit Beach. It follows the rocky shoreline 30 to 60 feet above the ocean, with benches, viewpoints, and wildflowers along the way.
The path is flat and paved, accessible to most walkers. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes each way at a strolling pace. The views are excellent in every season, but fall and winter bring dramatic surf crashing against the rocks below.
Walk the Marginal Way in the early morning, before 8 AM in summer. You will have the path nearly to yourself, the light is soft on the rocks, and the tourist crowds have not arrived yet. Start from Perkins Cove and finish at the beach for a morning swim.
Perkins Cove
Perkins Cove, at the southern end of the Marginal Way, is a small working harbor with a handful of restaurants, art galleries, and shops. The manual-draw footbridge over the cove entrance is a local landmark. Several lobster boat tour operators run from the cove in summer.
Perkins Cove has a different feel from the main beach: quieter, rockier, more artsy. It is worth visiting as a complement to the beach, especially for lunch. Barnacle Billy’s is the classic lobster spot.
Dogs and Beach Rules
Dogs are not allowed on Ogunquit Beach from April 1 through September 8. From September 9 through March 31, dogs are welcome on the beach.
Dogs are not allowed on the Marginal Way from April 1 through September 30. From October 1 through March 31, leashed dogs are permitted.
Dogs are never allowed in the Ogunquit River estuary.
When to Go
Spring
Cool and breezy. Marginal Way wildflowers bloom. Beach is quiet. Most restaurants reopen in May.
Summer
Warmest water (low 60s by August). Full town services. Parking is the main challenge. Arrive early.
Fall
Fewer crowds, warm water through September. Dogs allowed after September 9. Ogunquit Playhouse fall season.
Winter
Dramatic ocean views. Marginal Way open but exposed. Many restaurants closed. Dogs allowed.
Getting There
From Portland, take I-95 South to Exit 7 (York/Ogunquit), then Route 1 North into Ogunquit. The drive is about 45 minutes. From Boston, it is about 75 minutes via I-95 North.
The Shoreline Explorer trolley runs through Ogunquit in summer, connecting the beach, Perkins Cove, and the downtown area. It is a good option for avoiding the parking problem.
Ogunquit Beach Day Packing
- Parking money (cash or card, $8/hour or $45/day)
- Sunscreen
- Towels
- Water and snacks
- Walking shoes (for Marginal Way)
- Layers (ocean breeze even on hot days)
- Cash for lobster lunch at Perkins Cove
- Camera (Marginal Way cliff views)
FAQ
How long is Ogunquit Beach?
The beach stretches about three miles. The main beach and Footbridge Beach together cover the full length. You can walk the entire stretch at low tide.
How much does parking cost at Ogunquit Beach?
Municipal parking is roughly $8 per hour or $45 for a full day, depending on the lot and time of year. Perkins Cove has about 25 free two-hour spaces. The main beach lot fills earliest on summer weekends.
Are dogs allowed at Ogunquit Beach?
Dogs are banned from April 1 through September 8. After September 9, dogs are welcome on the beach. Dogs are banned from the Marginal Way from April 1 through September 30.
How cold is the water at Ogunquit Beach?
Water temperature reaches the low 60s by August, which is warm by Maine standards. June is in the mid-50s. The river side of the barrier beach is warmer than the ocean side.
What is the Marginal Way?
A 1.25-mile paved cliff walk from Perkins Cove to the edge of Ogunquit Beach. It follows the rocky coastline with ocean views, benches, and wildflowers. Free, open year-round, and accessible to most walkers.