This Tiny Town in Maine Offers a Quintessential New England Summer

Tucked on the coast of Southern Maine, the former artist colony of Ogunquit is a long-time favorite for summer vacations. According to local lore, its name means “beautiful place by the sea” in the Indigenous Abenaki language, and for good reason. With over three miles of rocky shoreline and sandy dunes, a picturesque downtown, and a thriving arts community, it’s hard to imagine a place that’s more quintessentially Maine.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Trident Inn

Perched atop a hill in the heart of downtown, this 17-room boutique property offers easy access to all that Ogunquit has to offer. The town’s oldest inn was recently renovated, opening for the 2025 season in May with interiors designed by neighborhood-favorite Goods Ogunquit. Although set away from the coast, the pet-friendly property still boasts sweeping ocean views, a saltwater pool, and onsite cocktail bar and restaurant Coastal Alchemist. Guests can also enjoy a daily complimentary breakfast at Crew, just steps from the Trident Inn.

Cliff House

Long hailed as one of the state’s most luxurious properties, the 226-room Cliff House originally opened in 1872 and sits on a 70-acre property on Bald Head Cliff, just a three-mile jaunt from downtown. “Their dramatic sea views and pool make me feel like I have truly escaped,” says Amy Welch-Olson, owner of Capshore Photography and Mainer. With a top-notch spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and fire pits that are perfect for late-night s’mores, Cliff House blends the charm of coastal Maine with luxe accommodations—a combination that’s ideal for families and couples alike.

Dunes on the Waterfront

The recently reimagined Dunes on the Waterfront reopened under the ownership of Tim Harrington last year. The 12-acre property has been hosting guests in its 21 cottages for more than 90 years, with screened porches and terraces that look out to the sea. While there’s no restaurant on-site, guests can borrow a house bicycle, take the hotel’s chauffeured golf cart downtown, or just take a quick stroll via a direct path to the historic, 100-year-old Ogunquit Lobster Pound.

Best Things to Do

Walk the Marginal Way.

It’s hard to imagine visiting Ogunquit and not taking a stroll along Marginal Way. The paved cliff walk is an easy 1.25-mile stroll, starting at Shore Road near the Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort and ending at the seaside village of Perkins Cove. The walk is easy and dotted with 39 benches, perfect for taking in the sights of the Atlantic, passing sailboats, and rocky coves. “Walking Marginal Way never gets old,” says Welch-Olson.

Stop by Leavitt Theatre.

Established in 1925 as a silent film theatre, the Leavitt offers free screenings of classic and cult-favorite movies, live music, and ticketed concerts in the heart of downtown Ogunquit. Welch-Olson says, “The Leavitt Theater is celebrating 100 years this year, so stopping in for live music, movies, or just cocktails is a fun way to end the night.”

Catch a show at the Ogunquit Playhouse.

The Ogunquit Playhouse has been putting on shows since 1933. “Ogunquit Playhouse has Broadway-caliber performances all summer,” says Lauren Mendoza, owner of Slack Tide Sea Salt and York local. The playhouse runs several shows throughout the season, which typically runs from May through October.

Get out on the water.

While it’s wonderful to see Ogunquit from land, nothing beats the views from the sea. You can choose between several boat charters that leave from Perkins Cove, like Sail The Gift. According to Welch-Olson, “It’s an affordable way to see the coast, lighthouses, seals, and more. It’s one of our favorite ways to kick back and enjoy the area.”

Best Shopping

Perkins Cove

There’s no shortage of souvenir shops in the area, but locally run Maine Originals stands out with their fun screenprinted styles and unique designs. Pick up an embroidered Vacationland hat, some lobster-embroidered sweatpants, or a cozy Perkins Cove sweater that will be the perfect reminder of your trip. Stop by Kiki’s and browse their eclectic selection of accessories, kid’s clothing, home goods, and women’s wear—including the perfect Alpaca sweaters adorned with lobsters. Perkins Cove Pottery Shop is stocked with original work from former store owner Chris Davis, stone vases, sea glass garden stakes, and more one-of-a-kind pieces.

Best Restaurants

Backyard

Backyard is a seasonal coffee shop that opened its doors in downtown Ogunquit in 2012. Welch-Olson raves about it: “Our perfect morning starts at Backyard Coffee. They use Bard Coffee from Portland, and I always order an iced Smooth Criminal, a latte with maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon. Their salted chocolate chip cookies are warm from the oven if you arrive early enough, and they have great sandwich options for the beach.”

Barnacle Billy’s

Barnacle Billy’s is a classic seasonal spot tucked on the shore of Perkins Cove, and it’s been serving up the essentials since 1961: clam chowder, steamers, boiled lobsters, and rum punch. The counter-service restaurant isn’t anything fancy, but it’s part of the quintessential Maine experience. Nothing beats cracking lobsters by the harbor and topping it all off with a slab of homemade blueberry pie.

Brix + Brine

Brix + Brine is an outdoor raw bar and seafood restaurant nestled in the heart of downtown Ogunquit. The seasonal spot is entering its eighth season, featuring a menu of local oysters, shareable small plates, and sandwiches. The alfresco eatery is the perfect place for a post-beach snack or before a show at the nearby Playhouse. “I like to go to Brix + Brine for oysters before a matinee,” says Mendoza.

Footbridge Lobster

Footbridge Lobster is a no-frills walk-up window serving all the hits—fried seafood, lobster rolls, and cold beers. According to Jake Stevens, creator of Maine food and travel Instagram, Eating Through The Seacoast, they’re “best enjoyed at the picnic tables overlooking picturesque Perkins Cove. Just watch out for the seagulls!”

Loveshack Juicery

The perfect place to fuel up for a day on the beach, Loveshack Juicery serves up healthy breakfast and lunch options, like smoothies, juices, and bowls. Per Welch-Olson, “After stopping at Backyard Coffee, we order smoothie bowls and fresh juice from Loveshack just around the corner and then head to Footbridge Beach for a few hours.” That sounds like the perfect day to us.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ogunquit is from June to September because of the destination’s seasonality. While some stores and restaurants are open year-round, many are only open through peak summer months. Come July, temperatures start to warm up enough to enjoy an afternoon on the beach, and the season is in full swing. You’ll want to make reservations for lodging early, as July and August are among the busiest times to visit. If you’re looking for a more relaxed (and less crowded) visit, plan your trip for the beginning of shoulder season, which kicks off in September. While it may be too chilly for lounging shoreside, the weather is still mild, and most seasonal businesses are still operating.

How to Get There

Ogunquit is a 45-minute drive south of the Portland International Jetport and a 1.5-hour drive north of Boston Logan International Airport. While both airports have their advantages—Portland’s is small and easy but Boston’s offers more flight options—they’re both solid options for travelers. It’s best to rent a car and travel along Route One to arrive in Ogunquit, which will take you past other charming Maine seaside towns, seafood shacks, and antique shops. Coming from Portland, be sure to stop in Biddeford for a quick bite at Palace Diner. If you’re approaching from Boston, take a detour into Portsmouth, Kittery, and York before continuing north. If you’d rather arrive by train, you can take the Amtrak Downeaster into Wells, a 15-minute drive from Ogunquit.

How to Get Around

Once you’ve arrived, many of the town’s destinations are within walking distance, but a car can be helpful in case of inclement weather or to do some additional exploring. If you’re looking to use public transportation, you can hop on the Ogunquit Trolley for $5 per adult, per ride. The trolley travels between popular hotels, restaurants, and beaches and runs from July through October. Otherwise, rideshare services are available, though limited during off-peak days and times.