Ogunquit is one of the most consistently popular destinations on the southern Maine coast — a small town of about 1,000 year-round residents that swells to tens of thousands in summer, built around three things it does exceptionally well: a magnificent beach, a scenic coastal walking path, and a restaurant and arts scene that punches well above its size.
The name Ogunquit comes from the Abenaki language and means “beautiful place by the sea” — an accurate description that has drawn visitors since the late 19th century when artists discovered the dramatic coastal scenery and established one of the oldest art colonies in the United States.
Walk the Marginal Way
The Marginal Way is Ogunquit’s signature attraction — a mile-long paved footpath that hugs the rocky headland between Ogunquit village and Perkins Cove, offering continuous views of the open Atlantic from atop dramatic sea cliffs. It’s one of the finest coastal walks in New England, and it’s free. Walk it in the early morning before the crowds arrive, or in the evening when the light is golden and most day-trippers have gone.
Spend a Day at Ogunquit Beach
Ogunquit Beach is consistently ranked among the finest beaches in New England — a 3.5-mile stretch of fine white sand facing the open Atlantic, with the Ogunquit River providing a protected tidal lagoon on the landward side. The combination of ocean surf on one side and calm river swimming on the other makes it unusually versatile for families. Water temperatures peak in August at around 65°F. The Ogunquit Trolley operates a shuttle from remote parking areas to the beach throughout summer — use it.
Explore Perkins Cove
Perkins Cove is the most photographed spot in Ogunquit — a tiny working harbor connected to the village by the Marginal Way, with a pedestrian-operated drawbridge, lobster boats at the dock, and restaurants, galleries, and shops in converted boathouses along the wharf. A lobster roll on a dock overlooking the harbor is an Ogunquit ritual worth participating in. Go early for lunch to beat the midday crowds.
See a Show at the Ogunquit Playhouse
The Ogunquit Playhouse is one of the finest summer stock theaters in the United States — a historic theater producing Broadway-caliber shows since 1933. The Playhouse attracts top-tier talent for its summer season of musicals and plays. Book tickets well in advance for popular productions; the Playhouse sells out regularly throughout the summer season.
Visit the Ogunquit Museum of American Art
The Ogunquit Museum of American Art is one of the finest small museums in New England — a beautifully designed building on a rocky promontory above the sea, housing a permanent collection of American art with particular strength in work associated with the Ogunquit art colony of the early 20th century. The sculpture garden and viewing terraces overlook the rocky coast. Open May through October.
Kayak and Paddleboard
The Ogunquit River and the tidal estuary behind Ogunquit Beach provide calm, protected water for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Several outfitters on the river offer rentals by the hour with no experience required. The river paddle passes through protected marshland excellent for wildlife watching — great blue herons, ospreys, and shorebirds are regular sights. Time your rental around a rising or high tide for best results.
Eat Well
Ogunquit has one of the strongest restaurant scenes of any small town in Maine. Lobster and seafood: Barnacle Billy’s is an Ogunquit institution — a casual outdoor restaurant on the Perkins Cove dock where you can eat a whole lobster while watching the harbor traffic. Fine dining: 98 Provence and Arrows have attracted regional recognition for years — book well in advance. Casual: Bread and Roses Bakery in the village is an Ogunquit morning institution.
Browse the Art Galleries
Ogunquit’s art colony heritage means the town has an unusually high concentration of quality galleries. The tradition stretches back to Charles Woodbury, who established his summer art school in Ogunquit in 1898. Today galleries cluster in the village on Shore Road and in Perkins Cove, showing a mix of contemporary Maine art and traditional coastal landscape work.
Getting to Ogunquit
Ogunquit is approximately 70 miles north of Boston via I-95 and 25 miles south of Portland via Route 1. Parking is the main logistical challenge in summer — use the Ogunquit Trolley shuttle service from remote parking areas.
Where to Stay
The Cliff House Maine on the headland above the Marginal Way is the area’s most dramatic property. Several smaller inns and B&Bs in the village offer more intimate alternatives. Browse our Ogunquit lodging guide for the full list.
Plan Your Trip
Ready to visit Ogunquit? Browse Ogunquit lodging and start planning. For more southern Maine, see our guides to Kennebunkport, York, and Wells. Planning a broader coastal Maine trip? Read our Camden vs Bar Harbor comparison for more on Maine’s coastal destinations further north.
MaineGuide.com has been helping visitors plan their Maine trips since 1995.
📌 Also considering Kennebunkport? Read our Kennebunkport vs Ogunquit comparison to see how the two towns stack up.
📌 Also visiting Kennebunkport? Read our complete guide to Things to Do in Kennebunkport Maine — just 15 miles up the coast from Ogunquit.
📌 Starting in Portland before heading to Ogunquit? Read our complete guide to Things to Do in Portland Maine — just 25 miles north.