This small town in Maine is the perfect place to experience a New England summer.

Ogunquit has been a summertime vacation favorite for many years. It is located on the southern coast of Maine and was once an artist colony. Local lore says that its name in Indigenous Abenaki means “beautiful seaside place” and with good reason. Maine has a beautiful downtown, three miles of sandy and rocky dunes and a thriving art community.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Trident Inn

This 17-room boutique hotel is located on a hilltop in downtown Ogunquit, making it easy to access all the city 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. The pet-friendly hotel is set away from coast but offers sweeping ocean views and a saltwater swimming pool. It also has a cocktail bar onsite and Coastal Alchemist restaurant. Crew is a short walk from Trident Inn, and guests can enjoy a complimentary daily breakfast.

Cliff House

The Cliff House, a 226-room property that opened in 1872, is located on a 70 acre property at Bald Head Cliff. It’s only three miles from the city center. Amy Welch Olson, owner and Mainer of Capshore Photography and Mainer says: “Their dramatic views and pool makes me feel like I’ve truly escaped.” 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 Waterfront

Tim Harrington reopened the recently reimagined Dunes on the Waterfront last year. Since more than 90, the 12-acre property’s 21 cottages have been welcoming guests with their screened porches or terraces overlooking the sea. The hotel does not have a restaurant. However, guests are welcome to borrow the hotel’s house bicycles, use its chauffeured carts downtown or take a stroll along a path leading directly to Ogunquit Lobster Pund, a historic 100-year-old lobster pound.

What to Do in Best Things to See

Take the Marginal Way.

Marginal Way is an essential part of any visit to Ogunquit. The 1.25-mile paved cliff path starts at Shore Road, near Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort, and ends in the seaside village Perkins Cove. The easy walk has 39 benches that are perfect for viewing the Atlantic Ocean, sailboats and rocky coves. Welch-Olson says, “Walking Marginal Way is never boring.”

Leavitt Theatre is a must-see.

The Leavitt, which was founded in 1925, is a silent movie theatre that offers live music and ticketed concerts, as well as free screenings. Welch Olson says that the Leavitt Theater celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Stopping in for live concerts, movies or cocktails is a great way to end a night.

The Ogunquit playhouse has a variety of shows.

The Ogunquit Theatre has been performing shows since 1933. Lauren Mendoza is the owner of Slack Tide Sea Salt in York. She says that Ogunquit Playhouse offers Broadway-quality performances throughout the summer. The playhouse has several performances throughout the season which runs typically from May to October.

Get out on water.

The views of Ogunquit are spectacular from the land but nothing compares to the view from the water. Sail The Gift, for example, is just one of many boat charters departing from Perkins Cove. Welch Olson said, “It’s a great way to get a good view of the coast. You can see lighthouses and seals.” We love to relax and enjoy the area.

Shop for Best Deals

Perkins Cove

Maine Originals is one of the many souvenir shops that are available in the region. They have fun, screen-printed styles with unique designs. You can pick up a Vacationland cap, lobster-embroidered sweatpants or a cozy Perkins Cove cardigan to remember 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 has original pieces by former owner Chris Davis. There are also stone vases, garden stakes made of sea glass, and many other unique items.

Best Restaurants

Backyard

Backyard is an Ogunquit coffee shop which opened in downtown Ogunquit. Welch Olson is a fan: “Our perfect day starts with Backyard Coffee. I order the iced Smooth Criminal with maple, vanilla and cinnamon. If you arrive early, their salted chocolate chips cookies will be warm out of the oven. They also have great sandwiches for the beach.

Barnacle Billy

Barnacle Billy’s serves clam chowder and rum-punch since 1961. Counter-service restaurant doesn’t look fancy but is part of the quintessential Maine Experience. There’s nothing better than cracking lobsters on the harbor, and then topping it off with homemade blueberry pie.

Brix + Brine

Brix + Brine, an outdoor seafood and raw bar restaurant located in downtown Ogunquit. This seasonal spot, now in its 8th season, offers local oysters and shareable small plates as well as sandwiches. The outdoor eatery is perfect for a quick snack after the beach, or to enjoy before watching a Playhouse show. Mendoza likes to have oysters at Brix + Brine before attending a matinee.

Footbridge Lobster

Footbridge Lobster is a no-frills walk-up window serving all the hits—fried seafood, lobster rolls, and cold beers. Jake Stevens of Maine food Instagram and travel says that: Eating Through The SeacoastYou can enjoy them at picnic tables with a view of Perkins Cove. Watch out for seagulls.

Loveshack Juicery

Loveshack Juicery is the perfect place to fuel yourself up for a beach day. They offer healthy breakfast and meal options like juices, smoothies and bowls. Welch Olson said, “After stopping for coffee at Backyard Coffee we order fresh juice and smoothie bowls from Loveshack around the corner. We then head over to Footbridge Beach where we spend a few hours.” We think that sounds like the ideal day.

When is the best time to visit?

Ogunquit’s seasonality means that the best time to visit is between June and September. Many restaurants and stores are only open during summer. In July, the temperatures are warm enough for an afternoon spent on the beach. The summer season is now in full swing. Reservations for accommodation are recommended as July and august are the most popular times to visit. Plan your trip to begin the shoulder season in September if you want a less busy and more relaxed experience. Although it’s too cold to lounge on the beach, most businesses still operate during this mild weather.

How to get there

Ogunquit lies 45 minutes to the south of Portland International Jetport, and 1.5 hours to the 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. You can rent a vehicle and drive along Route One until you reach Ogunquit. It will take a few charming hours to get there. Maine seaside townsYou can find antique shops, restaurants, and seafood shacks. From PortlandStop by and say hello Biddeford for a quick bite at Palace Diner. Take a detour if you are coming from Boston. Visit Portsmouth, Kittery or York before heading north. Amtrak Downeaster is a great way to arrive by train. Wells is only 15 minutes away from Ogunquit.

Get Around

If you arrive in town, most of the destinations are easily accessible by foot. However, a car is useful in case of bad weather or if you want to explore more. The Ogunquit Trolley is available for $5 per adult and per ride. From July to Oct., the trolley connects popular hotels, beaches, restaurants, and restaurants. Rideshare services are also available, but they’re limited in off-peak hours.