When is the best time to visit Ogunquit, Maine?
The best time to visit Ogunquit is in late spring, summer, or early fall when you can fully enjoy the beaches and are most likely to have good weather. Many businesses close down from November to March, so visiting during the peak tourist season will ensure everything you want to see is open.
I visited Ogunquit in June and that time of year was perfect. The weather was nice and warm, we had sunshine the whole time, and it wasn’t overly crowded.
However, note that June is also the rainiest month in Maine (averaging 11.9 rainy days), so sunshine is not guaranteed. May, July, and August have slightly lower chances of precipitation.
About Ogunquit
Ogunquit is a coastal town in the southernmost part of Maine, about an hour south of Portland and an hour and a half north of Boston. It’s a beautiful small town known for its beaches and arts scene.
I had never heard of Ogunquit before moving to New England, but my husband surprised me with a weekend trip here for my birthday one year and it quickly became one of my favorite places in Maine, if not all of New England.
Keep reading for a list of some of the best things to do during a visit to Ogunquit!
17 fun things to do in Ogunquit
Ogunquit is a nice place to visit for a day trip, but to see all the town has to offer, you could easily stay for two to three days, too. Here are 17 of the best things to do in Ogunquit:
1. Have fun in the sun at Ogunquit Beach
One of the biggest draws of Ogunquit is its stunning beaches. Ogunquit Beach stretches for three miles from Main Beach near the center of town to Footbridge Beach. It has been rated on TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice/Best of the Best list of top 25 beaches in the U.S. for three years in a row.
People love this beach for its soft, white sand and accessibility. There is also a shallow, riverside beach that turns into a “lazy river” of sorts during low tide, and is a great place for young kids to play as well.
Where to park
There is a large, metered lot near the beach that costs $30 during weekdays and $35 during the weekend for the entire day ($5 and $6 per hour, respectively). Payment is by credit card or mobile app only.
2. Relax at Footbridge Beach
Footbridge Beach is adjacent to Ogunquit Beach and, as the name suggests, is accessible by crossing a small footbridge. The beach is also long and spacious with lots of small pools to wade in and search for sea life (a favorite for kids especially!).
Visitors have commented that this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Maine and not quite as crowded as neighboring beaches.
Where to park
There is a metered lot that costs $25 per day on weekdays and $30 on the weekend ($4 and $5 per hour, respectively). Payment is by credit card or mobile app only.
3. Experience Ogunquit’s cliff walk: Marginal Way
Marginal Way is probably my favorite part of Ogunquit. This 1.25-mile trail starts at Shore Road in downtown Ogunquit and ends at the picturesque Perkins Cove (more on this place in #4!).
The skinny pathway curves along the rocky cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, giving you the most stunning seaside panoramas. If you’ve ever been to the beloved Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island, the Marginal Way trail gives it a serious run for its money.
Where to park
You can either park at the south end of Marginal Way in the Perkins Cove parking lot or in the Obed’s parking lot at the north end of Marginal Way, which is accessed from Cottage Street off Shore Road.
Both lots are “pay and display” metered lots that accept credit card only (except AMEX). The rate is $4 per hour or $25 for the day (Obed’s lot only; 3-hour limit for Perkins Cove).
4. Explore the cute shops at Perkins Cove
Perkins Cove is a tiny cluster of small shops and restaurants perched on the edge of the Ogunquit Harbor and overlooking the ocean. This area used to be a small fishing community and artists’ colony, which you can still tell by looking at the eclectic decor and wind-weathered, shingled buildings.
Be sure to stop by the Corner Cafe for some Maine blueberry ice cream and sit by the water as you enjoy every last bite.
If you like antiques, you should also stop by Uniques and Antiques, which has a nice selection of estate jewelry, Christmas ornaments, and other seasonal treasures. (Note they are closed during the winter season.)
Where to park
There is a parking lot at Perkins Cove with around 40 metered spaces ($4 per hour for a maximum of three hours) and 30 free, two-hour spaces. Parking in the lot is free during the off season.
5. Stroll along Main Street
Like with most New England towns, it’s always worth exploring all the shops and cafes along Main Street. Ogunquit’s Main Street is filled with treasures and makes for the perfect place to spend a few hours when you’re not relaxing on the beach.
A few of the best places to check out along Main Street include:
- On the Main: This popular shop is a go-to spot for tourists to find unique Maine gifts—not your average souvenir store! (Open Friday-Sunday only)
- Celtic on Main: This fun little store is filled with all things Irish and Celtic—a nice place to browse through if you’re looking for something a little different. (Open Saturday and Sunday only)
- Harbor Candy Shop: This beloved candy and chocolate shop is a great place to stop for a sweet treat.
- The Sassy Olive: Visitors rave over this olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting room, especially because of the knowledgeable and friendly staff. (Open Friday-Sunday only)
- H&M Crumpets: This small shop is cute on the outside and filled with lovely soaps and other personal care items on the inside.
Where to park
There is some street parking along Main Street, as well as two metered parking lots within walking distance: Cottage Street/Obed’s Lot and Lower Lot. Parking costs $4 per hour or $25 for the day.
6. See a show at Ogunquit Playhouse
For some good, old-fashioned fun, see a musical at the historic Ogunquit Playhouse, which has been in operation since 1933. Each season runs from May through October, featuring a number of well-known shows.
The musical line-up for the 2023 season includes Singin’ in the Rain, On Your Feet, and Tootsie.
One reviewer said it feels “like a piece of Broadway in Maine!”
Where to park
There is a free parking lot by the Ogunquit Playhouse that opens one hour before showtime. Note that they line cars up bumper to bumper to fit everyone in, so you will not be able to exit until the end of the show. If your hotel isn’t far from the Playhouse, you’d be better off walking.
7. Admire the exhibits at Ogunquit Museum of American Art
The location of the Ogunquit Museum of American Art is as great a selling point as the artistic masterpieces inside. Surrounding the museum are three acres of sculpture gardens with stunning views of the ocean.
Inside the museum is a collection of art from the late 1800s and beyond. There are rotating exhibits on display each season and more than 3,000 items in the permanent collection. The museum is a short walk from Perkins Cove and is a must-see place for art enthusiasts.
Note the museum is open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. from May 1-October 31. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and free for kids 12 and under.
Where to park
There is a parking lot in front of the museum. The museum is also only about a 10-minute walk from Perkins Cove, if you park your car there (but that lot isn’t free).
8. Learn history at the Ogunquit Heritage Museum
The small Ogunquit Heritage Museum is located inside the historic Captain James Winn house, a red Cape-style home built in 1780. The museum centers around the lives of fishermen and lobstermen in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors have given the museum high ratings for its authenticity and the richness of its artifacts.
To get a better understanding of life for early European settlers in Maine, stop by this free museum, which is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1-5 p.m., June-October.
Note: Contrary to what some descriptions suggest, this museum does not include any artifacts of Native American heritage.
Where to park
The museum is only a six-minute walk from the Obed’s parking lot in Ogunquit, which charges $4 per hour or $25 for the day.
9. Enjoy good food and entertainment at Leavitt Theatre
In the spring, summer, or fall, visit the historic Leavitt Theatre, a restaurant and bar that started as a theatre in the 1920s. You can enjoy either indoor or outdoor seating and choose from an extensive food and drink menu. The “Smash Burger” has rave reviews.
The auditorium of the Leavitt Theatre is used for many different kinds of events, including silent films, dueling piano shows, and other live music and performances. Visit their website to see their list of upcoming events.
Where to park
There are upper and lower parking lots across the street from the Leavitt Theatre, and parking is free in both lots after 8 p.m.
10. See Ogunquit from the sea: Go on a sailing cruise
Experience Ogunquit from the ocean’s vantage point by booking a sailing cruise. One of the most reputable touring companies is Silverlining Sailing Cruises. Hop aboard the traditional sailboat that holds a maximum of six guests, giving you a less crowded and more personal experience.
You’ll get to see Ogunquit Beach as well as the cliffs of Marginal Way and even the Kennebunks from a distance, and there’s a chance you’ll see different kinds of marine life as well, from seals to humpback whales.
Where to park
The sailing cruise departs from Perkins Cove, so you can park in the Perkins Cove lot (details under #4 above).
11. Navigate the waters yourself on a sea kayak
For a more adventurous water activity, rent a kayak from World Within Sea Kayaking, located at the Ogunquit River Inn.
The tour starts in the marshes behind the hotel, where you can navigate through narrow pathways with tall grasses on either side. If you paddle far enough, you’ll eventually end up at Footbridge Beach and other coastal scenes in Ogunquit.
Where to park
Park at Ogunquit River Inn, which has a free parking lot for hotel and kayaking guests.
12. View the stunning Nubble Lighthouse
The Cape Neddick Lightstation, more fondly called Nubble Lighthouse, is perched on top of the Cape Neddick rock island in York, Maine, only a few miles outside of Ogunquit. It’s said to be one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine and is definitely worth a visit during your trip to Ogunquit.
There is a small gift shop and public restrooms near the lighthouse that are open from May to October.
Where to park
You can park in the lot near the lighthouse year-round. However, note that the parking lot fits a maximum of 60 vehicles and may quickly fill up in the warmer months—probably best to come early in the morning or later in the evening!
13. Browse through local art galleries
Ogunquit has a long history as an artists’ colony, and there are several galleries worth checking out to see local artists’ work on display:
- Abacus Gallery: This popular gallery is on Main Street and features a variety of art and jewelry pieces.
- Sea Bell Gallery: This cute little place is located off Shore Road and is filled with various artwork and other gifts.
- Barn Gallery: The Barn Gallery is home to the Ogunquit Artists’ Association that has been around since 1928. Stop by the red barn to see their current exhibits and featured art programs.
14. Visit the historic Ogunquit Memorial Library
The beautiful Ogunquit Memorial Library was built in 1897 and opened to the public in 1898, when Shore Road was nothing but a dirt road with only a few buildings. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
You’ll feel transported to the past when you step inside the library and see the large grandfather clock in the middle of the room, which was built in 1941 from a piano case. Near the clock is a miniature replica of the library that was made by a local resident in the 1930s.
Where to park
There is parking in front of the library, but the library is also within easy walking distance from the Obed’s/Cottage Street and Perkins Cove lots.
15. Take a leisurely walk at Beach Plum Farm
Stop by Beach Plum Farm, the last remaining saltwater farm in Ogunquit, and the only place you can still see the ocean and the dunes from Route 1.
There is an easy, 0.5-mile loop trail on site that takes you around the fields and community gardens, and it’s supposedly a great place for bird watchers.
Where to park
There is parking at the Great Works Regional Land Trust not far from the farm.
16. Bask in nature on the Kimball Farm North Trails
For another beautiful walk in nature, explore the Kimball Farm North trails about 20 minutes south of Ogunquit. You’ll get to see glacial erratics, wetlands, vernal pools, and more.
Kimball Farm is part of a network of trails under the Great Works Regional Land Trust—together the trails are about 3 miles in length.
Where to park
Here are the GPS coordinates for free parking near the trail: Lat: 43.258, Long: -70.65.
17. Take a ride on the Ogunquit Trolley
If you’d rather park your car for the day and get around Ogunquit a different way, consider a ride on the Ogunquit Trolley! There are eight different trolleys in operation during the tourist season that take visitors to popular stops around Ogunquit all day long.
For the latest list of trolley stops, check out the Ogunquit Trolley Company website. You can also rent an entire trolley if you’re planning a special event.
It costs $5 per ride for adults and $3 for children under age 10.
Where to stay
Here are my top two recommendations on places to stay in Ogunquit.
Ogunquit River Inn: Peaceful river views
I stayed at the Ogunquit River Inn and thoroughly enjoyed it. The hotel is less than a mile from Footbridge Beach and less than two miles from downtown Ogunquit. If you’d rather leave your car at the hotel, the Ogunquit Trolley stops right in front of the hotel from July 1 to October 10 every 20-30 minutes.
This isn’t a luxury hotel, but I found the room to be spacious and up to date, and the bed was comfortable. If you’re looking for a nice midrange hotel, this is a great choice!
I recommend booking a room with a water view so you can see the Ogunquit River from your room.
Note that if you have trouble with stairs or walking down a steep pathway, you’ll want to reserve a room on the third floor, which is technically the ground floor on the front side of the hotel.
The hotel slopes down from the back, so first and second-floor rooms are “below” ground level and you have to walk down and around the back of the hotel to access them.
If you’re interested in kayaking, the World Within Sea Kayaking launch point mentioned in #11 above is at the back of the hotel. The hotel also has an expansive back lawn with lounge chairs where you can relax after a long day of exploring.
🛏 Book your stay at Ogunquit River Inn
The Trellis House: Cozy bed & breakfast
If you’re looking for a more unique lodging experience in Ogunquit, consider a stay at The Trellis House, a cozy bed and breakfast that is just steps away from Marginal Way and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Trellis House has a nearly perfect rating on Booking.com, with guests raving about the character and cleanliness of the place, as well as the scrumptious breakfast.
🛏 Book your stay at The Trellis House
Where to eat
There are plenty of amazing places to eat in Ogunquit, but here are a few top-rated options:
Ogunquit Beach Lobster House
We loved everything about this restaurant. It’s located right on the water and just steps away from Ogunquit Beach. We tried their lobster roll and fried oysters and both were delicious.
They were also really friendly with our toddler, not batting an eyelash when she repeatedly threw things on the floor. 🙂
Note: This restaurant is only open during high season, from May to October.
Front Porch Piano Bar & Restaurant
If you want more than just a meal but a full entertainment experience, reserve a table at this popular restaurant. Their sing-along piano bar features live musicians every week. Check out their website for the latest schedule.
That Place in Ogunquit
For a more upscale dining experience, this restaurant serves mouthwatering menu options, such as “Creamy Pesto & Shrimp Pasta,” “Pan Seared Caramelized Salmon,” and “Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Scallops.”
How to get to Ogunquit
- From Boston: Ogunquit is a little over an hour away and is a straight shot north on I-95. See the route here.
- From New York City: Ogunquit is a little less than 5 hours northeast of NYC. See the route here.
- From Providence, Rhode Island: Ogunquit is a little over 2 hours away and also a straight shot north on I-95. See the route here.
- From New Haven, Connecticut: Ogunquit is about 3 hours northeast of New Haven. See the route here.
- From Portland, Maine: Ogunquit is only about 45 minutes south of Portland. See the route here.
- From Montreal, Canada: Ogunquit is 5 hours southeast of Montreal. See the route here.
Day trips within close distance to Ogunquit
Portland, Maine
Portland is about an hour north of Ogunquit and is another beautiful place to include in your Maine itinerary. It’s the most populous city in Maine and known for its diverse food options and artsy vibes. There are also plenty of parks and historic sites worth checking out.
For ideas of things to do in Portland, check out 37 Unique Things to Do in Portland, Maine.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport is the next town over from Ogunquit (about 20 minutes away) and is historically a shipbuilding and fishing village. It’s worth visiting this quaint seaside town for some of the most stunning coastal views.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is just over the border in New Hampshire—about 20 minutes away—and is another picturesque coastal town.
Two restaurants I love in Portsmouth are the Flatbread Pizza Co. and The Friendly Toast. My favorite hotel is also in nearby New Castle: Wentworth by the Sea.
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Gloucester is one of the most popular beach towns in Massachusetts, best known for beaches such as Good Harbor Beach. Be sure to also check out Turner’s seafood for their fresh fish and chips.
For more ideas of things to do in Gloucester, see 13 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Gloucester, MA. (While this post is catered toward families with kids, most of the activities would be fun for adults, too!)
FAQs
Here are answers to other questions about Ogunquit:
Is Ogunquit worth visiting?
Yes! Ogunquit is absolutely worth visiting. It’s a beautiful coastal New England town with lots of fun things to offer: white-sand beaches, historic sights and museums, and a variety of unique restaurants and cafes.
If you’re planning to a trip to Maine or New England as a whole, it’s worth adding Ogunquit to your itinerary.
What is Ogunquit known for?
Ogunquit is probably best known for its beaches and the Marginal Way cliff walk, as well as the Ogunquit Playhouse and Leavitt Theatre for their live performances.
Why is Ogunquit so popular?
Aside from the fact that Ogunquit is beautiful, it’s also in a really convenient location relative to other places in New England.
Because it’s one of the southernmost towns in Maine, it’s easily accessible as a day or weekend trip from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and even New York and parts of Canada.
That’s likely why so many people flock to Ogunquit during the warmer months for a quick beach getaway. (It probably helps that Ogunquit Beach has made it on the TripAdvisor Top 25 Beaches in the U.S. list for the last few years!)
Is Ogunquit crowded?
I’m sure this varies depending on the month and day, but generally, you can expect larger crowds during high season from May to September, especially in the warm months of June, July, and August.
Weekends will naturally be more crowded than weekdays, so if you have flexibility in timing your visit, you might want to avoid coming on Saturday or Sunday during high season (unless you enjoy crowds :)).
Is it better to stay in Ogunquit or Kennebunkport?
Ogunquit gets more crowded than Kennebunkport, but it also has more restaurants and things to do. Kennebunkport is also beautiful but a bit more rural.
If you’re hoping to maximize time on the beach and enjoy the nightlife later, Ogunquit might have a better overall vibe for you. But either way, Kennebunkport is only a 20-minute drive from Ogunquit.
Another consideration is if you plan to take day trips to other places during your visit. If you want to head farther south to Portsmouth or Boston, Kennebunkport will be a bit closer to both places.
Conversely, if you want to explore more of Maine, Ogunquit is farther north and a little closer to places like Portland or Bristol.
How far is Ogunquit from Bar Harbor?
Bar Harbor is 211 miles (roughly 3.5 hours) northeast of Ogunquit. See the route here.
If you’re planning a trip to Bar Harbor, make sure to also visit the stunning Acadia National Park, known as the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast.
How do you get around Ogunquit?
There are several public parking lots in Ogunquit if you want to drive your car and pay for parking. However, note that parking spots can sometimes be tricky to find during the busy summer months.
The Ogunquit Trolley runs all day during high season and has stops all around town, including several hotels. The trolley is a great option if you want to avoid the hassle of parking.
Once you’re in downtown Ogunquit, you’ll find it’s fairly walkable and easy to get from one attraction to another.
Can you swim at Ogunquit Beach?
Yes! People love going to Ogunquit Beach to swim. There are lifeguards on duty from mid-June to early September. Note that the beach is also wheelchair-accessible.
As is the case for most Maine beaches, the water doesn’t get quite as warm as it does farther down the Atlantic coast, but this doesn’t seem to stop people from getting in. 🙂
Where can you park in Ogunquit?
There are large parking lots near Ogunquit Beach, Footbridge Beach, and North Beach, ranging from $25-$35 per day ($4-$6 per hour).
There are also a few town lots within easy walking distance of downtown Ogunquit, Marginal Way, Perkins Cove, and other attractions. The lots can be found at Perkins Cove, on Cottage Street (Obed’s Lot), and on River Road (Lower Lot).
Street parking is also available in some places; just note the time limits posted.
For your convenience, I have included the best parking options for each of the places in my “17 Fun Things to Do in Ogunquit” list above.
What can you do in Ogunquit at night?
Ogunquit is known for its lively night scene. Whether you’re looking to eat at a nice restaurant, listen to live music, or see a show, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Front Porch Piano Bar & Restaurant, Leavitt Theatre, and Ogunquit Playhouse are all popular nighttime locations in Ogunquit.
How long is the cliff walk in Ogunquit?
The cliff walk in Ogunquit, known as Marginal Way, is 1.25 miles in length. It starts at Shore Road in downtown Ogunquit and ends at Perkins Cove.
⬆️ Scroll up to #3 in my list of fun things to do in Ogunquit for more information about Marginal Way!
What is considered “off season” for Ogunquit?
As you probably noticed for several of the activities listed above, many places in Ogunquit shut down for the fall, winter, and early spring. The off season is generally from mid-October to mid-April.
You’ll see some variation in opening times by business, but to guarantee you’ll be able to see most things on your list while you’re in Ogunquit, it’s best to plan a visit between May and October.
Note that the busiest months in Ogunquit are June, July, and August. This is when finding parking will be the most tricky, and waiting in lines for restaurants is more common.
What is the rainiest month in Maine?
The rainiest month in Maine is June, with an average of 11.9 days of rain. I visited Ogunquit in June and it was beautifully sunny the whole time, but I also visited Acadia National Park in June and it rained almost the entire time. So it can be a gamble. 🙂
Wrap-up: Best time to visit Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year, but to enjoy all the attractions that the town is known for, I highly recommend planning your trip sometime from May to September.
Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, browse through boutiques and galleries, explore the iconic New England architecture, or eat your weight in seafood, Ogunquit is sure to steal your heart and have you planning a return trip.
