Ogunquit Beach is a long, wide stretch of white sand between the Atlantic and the Ogunquit River, and it is one of the best-known beaches in Maine. It is also easy to get wrong: there are three different entrances, each with its own parking lot, and the dog rules change with the season. This guide covers what you need before you go.
Bringing a dog? See our guide to dog-friendly beaches in Maine for the rules beach by beach.
Quick Answers
- Is there a fee? The beach itself is open to the public. You pay to park in the town lots, by the hour or a daily flat fee.
- Are dogs allowed? Only from September 9 to March 31. From April 1 to September 8 they are not allowed on the beach.
- Beach hours? Closed to the public from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. May through October.
- Smoking? Not allowed on Ogunquit beaches.
- Dunes: Stay out of the dunes and any marked restricted areas. Fines start at $200.
- Horses and ponies: Not allowed on the beach or in the estuary at any time of year.
- Changing clothes: Use the bathhouses. Children under 10 are exempt.
- Games: Ball and Frisbee games are fine unless they get in the way of others. Lifeguards can point you to a good spot.
- Boats: Headway speed only within 200 feet of shore.
The Three Entrances
All three lots are run by the Town of Ogunquit. Pick the one that matches the day you want.
Main Beach
At the end of Beach Street, a short walk from the village. This is the busiest entrance, with the most facilities and the biggest crowds on summer weekends. Arrive early, because the lot fills.
Footbridge Beach
At the end of Ocean Street, reached by a footbridge over the Ogunquit River. It is usually a little quieter than Main Beach and is a good choice when the main lot is full.
North Beach (Moody Beach end)
Follow Bourne Road east, then turn south; the road dead-ends at the lot. It is the most out-of-the-way entrance and the one most people skip, which is the reason to use it.
Parking
Each beach lot charges an hourly rate and a daily flat fee, and you can pay with the Passport or ParkMobile apps. Rates are set by the town and change, so check the Town of Ogunquit’s parking page for the current numbers before you go. If you are staying in the village, the seasonal Ogunquit Trolley can save you the lot altogether. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the beach itself, only in the lots.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on the Ogunquit Beach area from September 9 through March 31. From April 1 through September 8 they are barred from the beach from Main Beach to the Moody Beach town line. Dogs are never allowed in the Ogunquit River estuary. If you want a dog-friendly beach in summer, try one of the options on our Maine beaches guide.
Rules Worth Knowing
Tides and Water
Check the tide chart before you pick a time. At high tide the beach narrows a great deal, especially near the river, and on busy days there is little room to spread out. Low tide leaves a wide, firm stretch of sand that is easy to walk. The water is cold even in August, so most people wade rather than swim for long.
Make a Day of It
The village is a short walk from Main Beach, with restaurants, shops and the Marginal Way shoreline path. See our things to do in Ogunquit and the Ogunquit destination guide. Traveling with children? Read Ogunquit with kids. Still choosing a town? Compare Wells versus Ogunquit and Ogunquit versus Old Orchard Beach, or see the best beaches in Maine.
Ogunquit Beach FAQ
Is Ogunquit Beach free?
Walking onto the beach is free. Parking in the town lots is paid.
Can you bring a dog to Ogunquit Beach?
Yes, from September 9 to March 31. Not from April 1 to September 8.
What is the best entrance?
Main Beach for the village and facilities, Footbridge Beach for slightly fewer people, and North Beach for the quietest sand.