Ogunquit means “beautiful place by the sea” in the Abenaki language, and the name has never been more apt. This southern Maine resort town is home to one of the finest beaches on the entire East Coast — three miles of white sand backed by dunes — along with a thriving arts community, excellent restaurants, and a welcoming atmosphere that has made it one of Maine’s most beloved destinations.
Ogunquit Beach
Ogunquit Beach is the town’s crown jewel — a barrier beach stretching three miles between the Ogunquit River and the open Atlantic. The beach is wide, sandy, and beautifully maintained, with calm water on the river side ideal for families with young children and surf on the ocean side for swimmers and boogie boarders. Parking fills early on summer weekends so arrive early or take the trolley from town.
Marginal Way
The Marginal Way is a mile-long footpath hugging the rocky shoreline between Ogunquit village and Perkins Cove. The walk offers stunning views of the Atlantic, passing tide pools, benches, and the kind of scenery that has attracted artists to Ogunquit for over a century. Perkins Cove at the far end is a working fishing harbor with galleries, restaurants, and a drawbridge.
Arts & Culture
Ogunquit has been an artists’ colony since the early 20th century. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art sits dramatically on the rocks above the sea and holds an outstanding collection focused on Maine and American art. The Ogunquit Playhouse is one of America’s oldest and most respected summer theaters, presenting Broadway-quality productions each season.
Best Restaurants in Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit has one of the finest dining scenes in southern Maine. Arrows in nearby Ogunquit is one of the most celebrated restaurants in all of New England — a legendary farm-to-table destination in an 18th-century farmhouse with extensive kitchen gardens that has earned national recognition for decades. MC Perkins Cove offers exceptional fresh seafood right on the working harbor with stunning water views. For a classic Maine lobster experience, the restaurants along Perkins Cove serve the freshest catches straight from the local lobster boats. The village also has a wonderful selection of casual cafes, bakeries, and ice cream shops perfect for a leisurely summer evening.
Best Hotels in Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit has a wonderful selection of inns, resorts, and classic New England accommodations. Beachmere Inn is one of the finest oceanfront properties in southern Maine — perched on a rocky bluff above the Atlantic with sweeping views and steps from the Marginal Way. Meadowmere Resort is a full-service resort in the heart of the village with indoor and outdoor pools and easy walking access to the beach. Terrace by the Sea is a beloved Ogunquit inn known for its beautiful gardens and warm hospitality. The Colonial Inn offers classic New England charm steps from the Marginal Way.
Things to Do in Ogunquit, Maine
The Marginal Way coastal walk is a must — one of the most scenic mile-long walks in all of New England, connecting the village to Perkins Cove along dramatic rocky shoreline. Ogunquit Beach is consistently ranked among the best beaches in New England — three miles of white sand perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art sits dramatically on the rocks above the sea with an outstanding collection. The Ogunquit Playhouse presents Broadway-quality theater each summer season. Ogunquit River Kayaking offers guided tours of the beautiful tidal estuary behind the beach.
Ogunquit with Kids
Ogunquit is one of southern Maine’s most family-friendly destinations. Ogunquit Beach is ideal for families — the river side offers calm, shallow water perfect for young children while the ocean side has gentle surf for older kids. The drawbridge at Perkins Cove that opens to let lobster boats pass is endlessly fascinating for children. The Marginal Way walk is stroller-friendly and offers plenty of tide pool exploration opportunities along the way.
Day Trips from Ogunquit
Ogunquit’s location in southern Maine puts you within easy reach of several excellent destinations. Kennebunk and Kennebunkport are just 15 minutes north — perfect for a day of upscale dining, boutique shopping, and beautiful beaches. Portland is about 45 minutes north with world-class dining and the Old Port. York Beach and its classic lighthouse and amusement area are just 10 minutes south. Portsmouth, New Hampshire — one of New England’s most charming small cities — is just 30 minutes south.