Ogunquit, Maine
Art colony and beach town with the famous Marginal Way cliff walk, charming Perkins Cove, and three miles of sandy shoreline on the southern Maine coast.
Ogunquit packs a remarkable amount of character into a small coastal village. The Marginal Way is one of the finest cliff walks in New England, Perkins Cove is a working harbor turned art gallery district, and Ogunquit Beach consistently ranks among the best beaches on the East Coast. The town has been drawing artists since Charles Woodbury founded his art school here in 1898, and that creative spirit still shapes everything from the galleries to the Ogunquit Playhouse.
Walk the Marginal Way early. By mid-morning in summer, this 1.25-mile cliff walk from Shore Road to Perkins Cove is shoulder-to-shoulder. At 7 AM, you will have the crashing surf and ocean views almost to yourself. The 39 benches along the path make it easy to stop and take in the scenery.
Take the trolley, not your car. Parking in Ogunquit is expensive, limited, and stressful in July and August. The Ogunquit Trolley runs from Perkins Cove through downtown to the beach for $2 all day. It is one of the best deals in southern Maine.
Explore both sides of the beach. Most visitors plant themselves on the ocean side of Ogunquit Beach, but the tidal river side is calmer, warmer, and better for young kids. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available right on the river.
See a show at the Playhouse. The Ogunquit Playhouse has been producing Broadway-caliber theater since 1933. The quality of the performances consistently surprises first-time visitors. Book tickets in advance for summer shows.
Eat at Barnacle Billy’s at least once. The Perkins Cove lobster pound has been here since 1961, and for good reason. Grab a lobster, sit on the deck overlooking the harbor, and watch the boats come and go. The full-service side has the same view with a more refined menu.
Most visitors only walk the Marginal Way in summer, but it is open year-round and arguably most dramatic in winter and early spring. Storm waves crash against the rocks below, the path is uncrowded, and the light over the ocean is extraordinary. Dress warmly and watch for icy patches.
The best sunset in Ogunquit is not from the beach. Walk to the footbridge over the Ogunquit River near Beach Street around 7:30 PM in July. The sun drops behind the dunes and lights up the tidal marsh in gold. Locals gather here while tourists crowd the beach.
The Art Colony Legacy
Ogunquit’s identity as an art colony dates to 1898, when painter Charles Woodbury opened a summer art school here. The quality of light along this stretch of coast attracted a steady stream of artists throughout the early 1900s, and by the 1920s, Ogunquit was one of the most important art colonies in America. That heritage lives on in the galleries scattered through Perkins Cove and downtown, and in the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, which sits on a cliff overlooking Narrow Cove with a sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions of 20th and 21st century American art.
The Ogunquit Playhouse opened in 1933 and remains one of the premier summer theaters in the country. It consistently books actors and productions on par with Broadway, and the intimate setting makes for a memorable evening.
Ogunquit vs Kennebunkport: what's the difference?
Ogunquit is more of a beach town with an art colony vibe, a walkable cliff path, and a lively summer nightlife scene. Kennebunkport is quieter, more residential, and centered around a harbor and historic inns. Both have excellent dining. Ogunquit draws a younger and more diverse crowd; Kennebunkport trends more traditional New England. They are only 15 miles apart.
Can you swim at Ogunquit Beach?
Yes. Ogunquit Beach has both ocean-side swimming with surf and a calmer tidal river side that is warmer and better for young children. Lifeguards are on duty in summer at the main beach. Water temperatures reach the low to mid 60s by August.
Where should I park in Ogunquit?
The main beach parking lots on Beach Street charge $30 per day in summer and fill early. Perkins Cove has a small lot. The best strategy is to park at one of the satellite lots along Route 1 and take the Ogunquit Trolley ($2 all-day pass) to the beach, Perkins Cove, or downtown.
Is Ogunquit walkable?
Very walkable. The Marginal Way connects downtown to Perkins Cove on foot. The trolley fills in the gaps. You can easily spend a full day without moving your car.
Spring
April-May. Marginal Way wildflowers, restaurants reopening, uncrowded beaches. Too cold for swimming.
Summer
June-August. Peak beach season, Playhouse shows, packed Perkins Cove. Book lodging months ahead.
Fall
September-October. Warm ocean water, smaller crowds, OgunquitFest, beautiful coastal light.
Winter
November-March. Most businesses closed. Marginal Way still open and dramatic in storms. Christmas by the Sea in December.
Things to Do
Marginal Way
A 1.25-mile paved cliff walk from Shore Road to Perkins Cove with 39 benches, crashing surf views, and wildflowers in spring and summer.
Ogunquit Beach
Three-mile barrier beach with fine white sand, gentle surf on the ocean side, and calm water on the tidal river side. One of the best beaches in New England.
Perkins Cove
Working harbor turned gallery and restaurant district with a pedestrian drawbridge, lobster boat tours, and deep-sea fishing charters.
Sea Kayaking
Guided kayak tours explore the rocky coast, tidal pools, and offshore ledges from Perkins Cove with outfitters like World Within Sea Kayaking.
Whale Watching
Finestkinds scenic cruises depart from Perkins Cove for lobster boat tours, cocktail cruises, and trips along the coast.
Ogunquit River Paddling
Calm tidal river behind the beach is ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, with rentals available at Ogunquit Beach.
Where to Eat & Drink
MC Perkins Cove
Fine DiningMark Clark's acclaimed restaurant in Perkins Cove serving refined New England cuisine with harbor views. One of southern Maine's best tables.
Barnacle Billy's
SeafoodPerkins Cove institution since 1961. Two sides: the casual lobster pound and the full-service dining room. Both overlook the harbor.
Amore Breakfast
BreakfastBeloved morning spot on Shore Road with creative breakfast dishes and strong coffee. Expect a line on summer weekends.
The Front Porch
American / Piano BarCasual dining with a popular piano bar on the porch. Good cocktails, seafood, and people-watching on Shore Road.
Bread and Roses Bakery
Bakery / CafeArtisan bakery on Main Street known for fresh bread, pastries, and sandwiches. A local favorite for over 30 years.
Northern Union
ContemporaryFarm-to-table seasonal menu in a stylish downtown space. Craft cocktails and a thoughtful wine list.
Where to Stay
B&Bs & Inns
(1)Terrace by the Sea
B&BCharming Victorian bed-and-breakfast on the Marginal Way with period details and ocean-view rooms.
Campgrounds
(1)Pinederosa Camping Area
CampgroundWooded campground on Route 1 with tent and RV sites, pool, and shuttle access to the beach and Perkins Cove.
Shopping & Services
Ogunquit Art Association Gallery
Art GalleryArtist-run gallery showcasing local and regional work since 1928. Rotating exhibits and classes in the Barn Gallery on Bourne Lane.
Perkins Cove Galleries
Art GalleriesCluster of galleries in Perkins Cove featuring marine art, photography, jewelry, and fine craft from Maine artists.
Abacus Gallery
Fine CraftCurated American fine craft and artisan jewelry in a bright Perkins Cove shop.
Events & Festivals
Ogunquit Playhouse Season
America's Foremost Summer Theater, producing Broadway-caliber musicals and plays since 1933 in a beautifully restored venue on Route 1.
Capriccio Festival of Kites
Colorful kite festival on Ogunquit Beach with professional kite flyers, demonstrations, and family activities.
OgunquitFest
Fall celebration with a bonfire on the beach, hay rides, craft fair, scarecrow contest, and harvest dinner.
Christmas by the Sea
Holiday celebration with tree lighting, caroling, horse-drawn carriage rides, and Santa arriving at Perkins Cove by lobster boat.
When to Visit Ogunquit
Spring
Apr - May
35-60F
Wildflowers bloom along the Marginal Way. Restaurants and shops begin opening for the season. Few crowds.
Summer
Jun - Aug
58-80F
Peak season. Beach weather, packed restaurants, Ogunquit Playhouse in full swing, and the trolley running all day.
Fall
Sep - Nov
40-70F
Warm ocean water lingers into September. OgunquitFest in October. Smaller crowds and excellent dining.
Winter
Dec - Feb
18-35F
Most businesses close. The Marginal Way is still walkable and beautiful in snow. Christmas by the Sea livens up December.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before visiting Ogunquit. Can't find your answer? Contact us.