The Cove with the Drawbridge
Perkins Cove is a tiny notch in the rocky coast of Ogunquit, barely large enough to shelter the handful of lobster boats and fishing vessels that call it home. It would be just another small Maine cove except for three things: a pedestrian drawbridge that you operate yourself by pushing a button, lobster restaurants built right over the water, and the fact that it sits at one end of the Marginal Way, arguably the most famous coastal walk in New England.
The cove has been an artists’ colony since the early 1900s, when painters discovered the light and the scenery. Some of the old fish shacks were converted to studios, and galleries eventually followed. Today, the narrow lanes around the cove mix galleries, restaurants, and shops with the working gear of the lobster fleet, wire traps stacked on the docks, buoys drying on the pavement, and the sharp smell of bait hanging in the air.
It is touristy, especially in July and August. There is no getting around that. But the setting is genuine, the lobster is excellent, and the drawbridge is simply delightful. Even locals who have seen it a thousand times pause to watch a boat pass through.
The Drawbridge
The pedestrian footbridge across the cove is the only manually operated drawbridge in the United States. When a boat needs to pass through, the bridge tender opens the bridge, or a pedestrian pushes a button to alert the tender. The bridge pivots to one side, the boat motors through, and the bridge swings back. The whole operation takes about a minute and draws a crowd every time.
The bridge connects the two sides of the cove and provides the best vantage point for photographing the lobster boats, the rocks, and the ocean beyond. Standing on the bridge at eye level with the water, surrounded by boats and the sounds of a working harbor, is one of those simple pleasures that stays with you.
Perkins Cove is the southern terminus of the Marginal Way, a paved 1.25-mile cliff walk along the coast to Ogunquit Beach. Walk it in the early morning before the crowds arrive. The views are spectacular, crashing surf, rocky shoreline, and the open Atlantic. Most people walk from town to the cove, so going the opposite direction means fewer people ahead of you.
Eating at the Cove
The restaurants at Perkins Cove range from takeout lobster shacks to sit-down seafood restaurants with ocean views. Several are built on pilings over the water, and eating lobster while watching the boats come and go below your table is a quintessential Maine experience.
Barnacle Billy’s has been serving lobster at the cove since 1961 and is the most well-known name. MC Perkins Cove offers a more upscale experience. For the most casual option, grab a lobster roll from one of the takeout windows and eat it on the rocks.
The restaurants at Perkins Cove are packed from 11:30am to 2pm in summer. For the best experience without the wait, come for an early lunch (11am) or a late lunch (2:30pm). Or skip the restaurants entirely, pick up a lobster roll from one of the takeout windows and eat it sitting on the rocks at the cove’s edge. Same lobster, no wait, better view.
Art and Galleries
The Ogunquit art colony dates to the early 1900s when artists including Charles Woodbury established summer studios near the cove. The artistic tradition continues, and several galleries around Perkins Cove show both established and emerging artists. The work tends toward marine painting, landscape, and coastal photography, which makes sense given the surroundings.
The Ogunquit Museum of American Art sits on a cliff between Perkins Cove and Narrow Cove, reachable by a short walk from the cove. The museum’s permanent collection includes works by Edward Hopper, Marsden Hartley, and other American masters, and the building itself, cantilevered over the ocean, is a work of art.
When to Go
Summer
Peak season. All restaurants and shops open. The drawbridge is in constant use. Parking is difficult and expensive. Come early or walk from town via Marginal Way.
Fall
Fewer crowds, warm days, and brilliant light. Most businesses remain open through October. The best time to visit without the summer stress.
Winter
Most businesses closed. The cove is quiet and atmospheric. A few lobster boats still work. The drawbridge operates year-round.
Spring
Businesses begin reopening. The cove wakes up gradually. Good weather for Marginal Way walking without summer crowds.
Getting There
Perkins Cove is about 1 mile south of downtown Ogunquit via Shore Road. In summer, the Ogunquit Trolley runs between downtown, the beach, and Perkins Cove frequently (nominal fare). Walking from downtown takes about 20 minutes. Driving and parking at the cove is possible but challenging in summer, the lots fill early and rates are steep.
Parking at Perkins Cove in July and August is extremely limited and expensive. The small lots fill by 10am on weekends. Take the Ogunquit Trolley, walk from downtown via Shore Road, or walk the Marginal Way from Ogunquit Beach. Arriving before 9am is another option.
FAQ
What is the drawbridge at Perkins Cove?
It is a manually operated pedestrian footbridge that pivots to allow boats to pass through the narrow cove entrance. It is the only one of its kind in the United States. You can watch it open for boats throughout the day during summer.
Is Perkins Cove free to visit?
Yes. The cove, drawbridge, and waterfront are free and public. Parking costs $10-25 per day in summer lots. The trolley from downtown is a few dollars.
Can you walk from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach?
Yes. The Marginal Way is a paved 1.25-mile cliff walk connecting Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach. It is one of the most scenic coastal walks in New England.
Are dogs allowed at Perkins Cove?
Dogs on leash are welcome on the cove walkways and in the outdoor areas. Some restaurants allow dogs at outdoor tables. Dogs are allowed on the Marginal Way as well.
What are the best restaurants at Perkins Cove?
Barnacle Billy's is the classic lobster spot. MC Perkins Cove offers upscale dining. Several takeout windows serve lobster rolls and fried clams. Most restaurants are seasonal, open May through October.
