Ogunquit, Maine is one of those rare places that seems almost too good to be true. A stunning three-mile beach, a charming walkable village, world-class restaurants, a thriving arts scene, and one of the most beloved seaside walking paths in New England — all packed into a small town on the southern Maine coast. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a full week, Ogunquit has a way of getting under your skin and bringing you back year after year.
🗺️ Getting to Ogunquit
Ogunquit sits about 70 miles north of Boston and 30 miles south of Portland, making it easily accessible from both cities. The drive from Boston takes roughly 90 minutes without traffic, though summer weekends can add considerable time. Amtrak’s Downeaster train runs from Boston’s North Station to Wells, just two miles south of Ogunquit — a great option if you want to avoid the highway entirely. From Wells, a short taxi or rideshare ride gets you right into town.
Once you’re in Ogunquit, leave the car parked. The Trolley system runs throughout the summer season connecting the beach, Perkins Cove, and the village. It’s inexpensive, convenient, and a lot more relaxing than fighting for parking on a hot July afternoon.
🏖️ Ogunquit Beach: One of New England’s Best
Ogunquit Beach is consistently ranked among the top beaches on the entire East Coast, and it earns that reputation. The beach stretches three miles along a barrier sandbar, with the calm Ogunquit River on one side and the open Atlantic on the other. The sand is wide, white, and soft — genuinely impressive by any standard. The water is cold, as it is everywhere in Maine, but that rarely stops anyone in July or August.
There are three access points to the beach: the Main Beach at the end of Beach Street, North Beach, and Footbridge Beach. The Footbridge access, which crosses a wooden footbridge over the river, is a favorite for its slightly more removed feel and easy access from the northern part of town. Parking fills up fast on summer weekends, so arriving early or taking the trolley is strongly advised.
The Marginal Way
The Marginal Way is a one-mile paved footpath that hugs the rocky coastline between the village and Perkins Cove. It is, without question, one of the most beautiful short walks in New England. The path winds past dramatic ocean views, wildflowers, benches with sweeping panoramas, and some of the most photogenic coastline in Maine. It’s free, open year-round, and equally stunning in every season. Walk it at sunrise for a truly memorable experience.
At the southern end of the Marginal Way sits Perkins Cove, a postcard-perfect working harbor packed with lobster boats, art galleries, gift shops, and seafood restaurants. It’s touristy — there’s no question about that — but it’s also genuinely charming. The drawbridge over the cove entrance is pedestrian-operated, meaning you can actually pull the rope to open it when boats need to pass. Kids love it.
The seafood in Perkins Cove is excellent. Lobster rolls, clam chowder, steamed clams — you’ll find all of them at multiple spots. Barnacle Billy’s has been a fixture here for decades and remains one of the most reliably good options for a classic Maine seafood meal with a harbor view.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Ogunquit
Ogunquit’s restaurant scene punches well above its weight for a small town. In addition to the Perkins Cove options, the village along Main Street has some excellent choices. For a classic Maine breakfast, the Egg and I is a local institution. For dinner, Arrows — set on a farm just outside the village center — has been one of Maine’s most acclaimed restaurants for decades, with locally sourced food that changes with the season.
For a more casual meal, the Lobster Shack and other seafood spots along Shore Road deliver fresh, straightforward Maine seafood without fuss. In a town this size, even the casual spots tend to be good — there’s too much competition for mediocrity to survive.
Ogunquit has been an artists’ colony since the late 19th century, and that heritage is still very much alive. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art sits on a breathtaking oceanfront property and houses a serious collection of American art, with a focus on artists who worked in the region. The building itself — and the sculpture garden overlooking the water — is worth the visit even if you’re not a devoted museum-goer. The museum is open seasonally from May through October.
🏨 Where to Stay in Ogunquit
Ogunquit has accommodation for every budget, from classic motor lodges to boutique inns along the shore. Because it’s a popular summer destination, booking early — especially for July and August — is essential.
Meadowmere Resort is the town’s largest full-service resort, with pools, a spa, and rooms close to the beach. The Norseman Resort sits right at the entrance to Ogunquit Beach and is hard to beat for location. For a more intimate stay, the Riverside Motel overlooks the Ogunquit River and is a short walk to Perkins Cove. Budget-minded visitors will find a solid selection of well-kept motor inns along Route 1 just north of the village center.
If you’re coming in the shoulder season (May or October), rates drop significantly and the town is far more relaxed — a great tradeoff for many travelers.
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📅 When to Visit
July and August are peak season — the beach is packed, the restaurants are full, and the Marginal Way is crowded. But Ogunquit in June or September is a revelation. The weather is still pleasant, the beach is beautiful, and the town has a more relaxed, local feel. September in particular is one of Maine’s finest months: warm enough to swim, cool enough to be comfortable, and uncrowded. Many visitors consider it the best time of year to be on the Maine coast.
Plan Your Visit
Ogunquit is a town that rewards slow travel. Stay at least two nights if you can — one day to walk the Marginal Way, explore Perkins Cove, and settle in, and another full day at the beach. If you’re staying a week, you’ll wonder why you ever left. It’s that kind of place.
Heading Further Up the Maine Coast?
Ogunquit is a perfect southern Maine base, but if you have more time, the coast north of Portland rewards every extra mile. Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are about 3.5 hours north and represent the pinnacle of the Maine coastal experience — dramatic scenery, world-class hiking, and exceptional seafood. Many visitors do a Maine coast road trip that starts in Ogunquit or Wells Beach and ends in Bar Harbor.
Before you head out, check our guide on what to pack for a New England beach trip — layers are essential on the Maine coast, especially north of Portland.