11 Best Things to Do in Ogunquit, Maine
- Rey Eleuterio
- 3 days ago
- 15 min read
You've probably driven past the exit for Ogunquit on your way to somewhere else. Maybe you were heading north to Bar Harbor or south toward Boston, and you told yourself you'd stop "next time." Here's your sign to finally make that the plan.
Ogunquit, pronounced oh-GUN-quit, means "beautiful place by the sea" in the Abenaki language. The Indigenous people of this region named it long before it became a tourist destination, and they were right on the money. This tiny coastal town in southern Maine packs more charm into three miles of shoreline than most places manage in a whole county.
It has a working fishing cove, a world-class art museum, a legendary summer theater, and one of the most photographed walking paths on the entire East Coast. And yes, the lobster is exactly as good as you've heard.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a fall foliage trip, or a rainy-day escape, the things to do in Ogunquit, Maine will keep you busy and happy. Here's where to start.
Key Takeaways
Ogunquit is a compact, walkable coastal town in southern Maine with something for every kind of traveler. You can spend a full day just between the beach, the Marginal Way cliff walk, and Perkins Cove without ever getting in your car. The town shines in summer but holds its own in the shoulder seasons too, with art, theater, dining, and natural scenery that don't depend on warm weather. Plan at least two days so you're not rushing.
Attraction | Type | Best For | Season |
Ogunquit Beach | Beach | Families, swimmers | Summer |
Marginal Way | Cliff walk | All visitors | Year-round |
Perkins Cove | Fishing village | Shopping, dining | May-Oct |
Ogunquit Playhouse | Summer theater | Adults, older kids | May-Oct |
Ogunquit Museum of American Art | Museum | Art lovers, rainy days | May-Oct |
Finestkind Scenic Cruises | Boat tours | Families, couples | May-Oct |
Footbridge Beach | Beach, nature | Families, walkers | Summer |
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge | Nature trail | Birders, hikers | Year-round |
The Front Porch Piano Bar | Live music | Adults, date night | Seasonal |
Harbor Candy Shop | Local sweets | Everyone | Year-round |
Ogunquit Heritage Museum | Local history | History buffs | June-Oct |
Quick Picker
Best for families: Ogunquit Beach, Footbridge Beach, Finestkind Scenic Cruises, Ogunquit Trolley
Best for art and culture: Ogunquit Museum of American Art, Ogunquit Playhouse, Barn Gallery
Best for rainy days: Ogunquit Museum of American Art, Ogunquit Playhouse, Harbor Candy Shop, Front Porch Piano Bar
Best outdoor experiences: Marginal Way, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Perkins Cove walk
Best food and local flavor: Perkins Cove lobster spots, Jonathan's Restaurant, Harbor Candy Shop
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Why Ogunquit Punches Above Its Weight
Ogunquit was officially incorporated as a town as recently as 1980, which makes it one of Maine's newer municipalities. But don't let that fool you. The community has been a gathering place for artists, fishermen, and summer visitors since the 1880s, and that history is woven into everything you'll see here.
It sits right on Route 1 in York County, less than an hour from Portland and just over an hour from Boston. You can reach it easily from I-95 via Exit 7 (York/Ogunquit). Once you arrive, park the car and leave it. This town is built for walking.
The mix here is genuinely rare. You've got a serious sandy beach that rivals anything on Cape Cod, rocky cliffs with a paved walking path, a genuine working fishing cove, a summer theater that has attracted Broadway-caliber productions for decades, and an art museum that would feel at home in a much bigger city. All in a three-mile stretch.
It's also one of the most welcoming and inclusive communities on the Maine coast, with a long-standing LGBTQ+ presence that adds energy and openness to the whole town's culture.
When to Visit Ogunquit
Things to do in Ogunquit, Maine this weekend look very different depending on when you go, and that's worth knowing before you book.
Summer (June-August) is peak season. The beach is buzzing, the restaurants are full, and parking can get tight. If you're coming in July or August, arrive early on beach days and book accommodations well in advance.
Shoulder season (May, September, October) is many locals' favorite time. The crowds thin out, the prices drop, and the coastal scenery is just as beautiful. Things to do in Ogunquit, Maine in October include the Harvest Fest, classic car shows, and the High Heel Dash charity event. The foliage along the coast is a bonus.
Off-season (November through April) requires some planning. More businesses are closed or operating on reduced hours, and some attractions like the Playhouse and the Museum of American Art wrap up by late October. That said, things to do in Ogunquit, Maine in winter do exist. Marginal Way is lovely in the quiet cold, restaurants that stay open year-round are often the best ones, and the town has a loyal following that keeps it alive even in the off-season.
Things to do in Ogunquit, Maine in November include exploring the preserves, catching live music at Jonathan's, and enjoying a very uncrowded version of one of Maine's prettiest towns.
The Best Things to Do in Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit is small enough to cover in a weekend but packed enough that you'll wish you had more time. These are the stops that make the biggest impression — a mix of the classics you came for and a few you might not have thought to add to your list.
1. Walk the Marginal Way
If you only do one thing in Ogunquit, let it be this. The Marginal Way is a paved 1.25-mile cliff walk that hugs the rocky coastline between Obed's Way in town and Perkins Cove. It's free, it's open year-round, and it's genuinely one of the most beautiful short walks on the East Coast.
Don't skip this if you like: ocean views, photography, easy walks that feel like an achievement.
The path is mostly flat and paved, with 39 benches placed along the way so you can sit and just stare at the Atlantic. You'll pass sea roses, native plants, and halfway through you'll spot the little Lobster Point Lighthouse perched on the rocks. It's not a navigation lighthouse — it's more of a landmark — but it's incredibly photogenic.
On calm days the water is a deep blue-green. On stormy days it crashes against the rocks in a way that makes you feel very alive. Both versions are worth it.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Starts at Obed's Way, Ogunquit; ends at Perkins Cove
Hours: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free
Time needed: 45-90 minutes one way; most people walk to Perkins Cove and explore from there
Worth it or skip it? Absolutely worth it for every single visitor — this is the heart of Ogunquit.
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2. Spend a Day at Ogunquit Beach
This is the anchor of the whole town. Ogunquit Beach stretches for roughly 3.5 miles of soft sand along the Atlantic, and it's frequently recognized as one of the finest beaches in New England. Wide, clean, backed by dunes edged with wild roses — it's the kind of beach you picture when someone says "Maine coast."
The quick pitch: The water is cold (this is Maine, after all), the sand is soft, and the scene is lively without being chaotic.
What sets this beach apart is how accessible it is from the town center. You can cross the Beach Street Bridge from downtown on foot. The northern stretch has a quieter, more locals-only feel. The main beach area has restrooms, concessions, and lifeguards in season. Arrive early in summer if you want a parking spot without a long wait.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Beach Street, Ogunquit (short walk from downtown)
Hours: Open daily; lifeguards typically in summer months
Cost: Paid parking; free to access the beach itself
Time needed: Half a day minimum, full day if the weather cooperates
Worth it or skip it? This is why most people come to Ogunquit — don't miss it, especially in summer.
3. Explore Perkins Cove
Perkins Cove sits at the southern end of the Marginal Way, and it's worth the walk there. What started as a working fishing area has evolved into a delightful cluster of shops, galleries, and restaurants — but it hasn't lost its maritime soul.
What makes this stop different: You'll see actual lobster boats in the water alongside tourists sipping wine at waterfront tables. The mix of working cove and visitor destination feels authentic rather than manufactured.
Walk across the famous hand-operated wooden drawbridge that connects the two sides of the cove. Watch it swing open when a boat needs to pass through. Kids love it. Adults love it too, they're just less obvious about it. You'll find artisan galleries, jewelry shops selling handcrafted pieces, and casual seafood spots where a lobster roll is the obvious order.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: End of Perkins Cove Road, off Shore Road
Hours: Shops and restaurants vary; most open May-October
Cost: Free to walk around; paid parking available
Time needed: 1-3 hours depending on shopping and eating
Worth it or skip it? Yes — especially if you combine it with the Marginal Way walk. Plan to eat here.
Fun Fact:
The name Ogunquit comes from the Abenaki language and is widely understood to mean "beautiful place by the sea" — a translation the town has been living up to for well over a century.
4. Catch a Show at the Ogunquit Playhouse
The Ogunquit Playhouse has been staging productions since 1933, making it one of the longest-running summer theaters in America. This is not community theater. It's professional, polished, and consistently impressive.
Why this one stands out: Past seasons have featured full-scale productions of beloved musicals like Grease, The Sound of Music, and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. The venue itself is charming — a classic New England summer playhouse that feels completely right in this setting.
The season typically runs from late spring through October, with matinee performances that work well for kids who can handle a full show. Backstage tours are also available for those who want a peek behind the curtain, literally.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 10 Main Street (Route 1), Ogunquit
Hours: Performances run May-October; check schedule online
Cost: Ticket prices vary by production and seat; check the official website
Time needed: 2.5-3 hours for a full show
Worth it or skip it? If a production is running during your visit, get tickets. This is a genuinely special experience.
5. Visit the Ogunquit Museum of American Art
Most people don't expect to find a serious art museum in a small coastal town. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art — known locally as OMAA — will surprise you in the best way.
Don't skip this if you like: beautiful settings, quality collections, and a moment of quiet reflection.
The museum sits on acres of sculpted grounds overlooking the sea, and the outdoor space alone is worth a stroll. Inside, you'll find a collection that includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and photographs — much of it connected to the long artistic tradition in Ogunquit, which has attracted artists since the 1880s. With thousands of works in the collection and rotating exhibitions throughout the season, return visitors will always find something new.
This is also one of the best things to do in Ogunquit, Maine when it rains. The galleries are calm, thoughtful, and beautifully lit. Admission is modest and kids under 12 typically get in free.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 543 Shore Road, Ogunquit (a short uphill walk from Perkins Cove)
Hours: Open daily 10 AM-5 PM, May through October
Cost: Small admission fee for adults and seniors; children under 12 typically free
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Absolutely worth it — especially for art lovers or anyone looking for a rainy-day plan.
6. Go on a Finestkind Scenic Cruise
One of the best ways to understand Ogunquit is from the water. Finestkind Scenic Cruises operates out of Perkins Cove and offers a variety of trips including lobster haul tours, lighthouse cruises, and scenic harbor runs.
The quick pitch: You get to see the coastline from the Atlantic side, watch a real lobsterman haul traps, and spot seals lounging on the rocks if you're lucky.
The breakfast cruise is a favorite — you head out in the morning with coffee and a blueberry muffin while the captain explains the history of the shoreline and the lobstering industry. It's relaxed, educational, and gives you a very different perspective on the town you just walked through. Kids who love boats and animals will be completely captivated.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Perkins Cove, Ogunquit
Hours: Cruises operate May through October; times vary by trip type
Cost: Prices vary by cruise; check the Finestkind website for current rates
Time needed: 1.5-2.5 hours depending on the cruise
Worth it or skip it? Worth it, especially for families and anyone who wants a taste of Maine's lobstering culture firsthand.
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7. Cross the Footbridge to Footbridge Beach
The footbridge at the north end of town is one of those small, simple things that somehow feels memorable. A wooden pedestrian bridge crosses the Ogunquit River and leads you to Footbridge Beach — a slightly quieter, more local alternative to the main beach.
Why this one stands out: You can reach it on foot from town, the atmosphere is calmer, and the walk through the dunes to get there is lovely on its own.
Footbridge Beach tends to draw more locals and fewer day-trippers. The swimming is similar to the main beach — cool water, soft sand, Atlantic waves. It's a great pick if you want a beach experience without fighting for a patch of sand.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: North end of Ogunquit, accessible via Ocean Street
Hours: Open year-round; lifeguards in season
Cost: Parking available nearby; free beach access
Time needed: 2-4 hours for a beach session
Worth it or skip it? Yes — a solid choice for a calmer beach day or a pretty morning walk.
8. Explore the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Just a short drive from downtown Ogunquit, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is the kind of place you stumble into thinking you'll spend 30 minutes and end up staying two hours. The refuge stretches along 50 miles of southern Maine coastline and protects vital salt marshes, dunes, forests, and estuaries.
Don't skip this if you like: bird watching, quiet nature walks, or off-the-beaten-path experiences.
The main Carson Trail near Wells is a one-mile loop that's paved and accessible, with numbered stops that guide you through marsh and woodland habitats. It's free to enter and open year-round. The diversity of birds — especially during migration seasons in spring and fall — makes this one of the unusual things to do in Ogunquit, Maine that most visitors don't think to include but leave very glad they did.
The refuge was named for Rachel Carson, the marine biologist and author of Silent Spring, who spent much of her life researching along this very stretch of Maine coastline.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Route 9, Wells (short drive from Ogunquit center)
Hours: Open sunrise to sunset, year-round
Cost: Free
Time needed: 1-2 hours for the main trail
Worth it or skip it? Highly worth it for nature lovers and a great call for any visit in October or May when migration is active.
Fun Fact:
The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is said to protect habitat for rare species including piping plovers and New England cottontails — both of which are hard to spot anywhere else in Maine.
9. Have Dinner and Live Music at Jonathan's Restaurant
Jonathan's has been an Ogunquit institution since the mid-1970s. It's not just a restaurant — it's a concert venue, a gathering place, and a reliable answer to "where should we eat tonight?"
The quick pitch: Good food, great atmosphere, and the chance to catch live music any night of the week during the season.
The music calendar at Jonathan's is genuinely impressive for a town this size. Local acts and national touring musicians both play here, and the crowd that gathers is always a good mix of tourists and people who've been coming back for years. Pair that with a solid menu and you've got one of the fun things to do in Ogunquit, Maine that works equally well for a casual dinner or a full night out.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 92 Bourne Lane, Ogunquit
Hours: Check website for seasonal hours and concert schedule
Cost: Dinner menu prices vary; some shows have cover charges
Time needed: 2-3 hours for dinner and a show
Worth it or skip it? Yes — especially if a good show is on. Check the calendar before your trip.
10. Wander Downtown and Stop at Harbor Candy Shop
Downtown Ogunquit is a good place to let yourself get distracted. The stretch of shops, galleries, and cafes along Main Street and Shore Road is compact enough to cover on foot but full enough to eat up an afternoon.
Why this one stands out: It's a place where every shop feels intentional rather than generic. You'll find handcrafted jewelry, local art, specialty food, and the kind of souvenirs that don't make you feel embarrassed buying them.
The absolute must-stop is Harbor Candy Shop. It's been a fixture in Ogunquit for decades and sells house-made chocolates, truffles, and confections that are genuinely worth the stop. Get a few pieces for the road and a few more to eat immediately. No judgment here.
For something even more unusual, look for The Buoy Guy, a shop selling customizable hand-painted buoys in all sizes — one of the more distinctive things you'll find on any coastal Maine trip.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Main Street and Shore Road, downtown Ogunquit
Hours: Most shops open daily in summer; hours vary in shoulder season
Cost: Window shopping is free; budget varies
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Yes — a stroll through downtown is easy to work into any day in Ogunquit.
11. Visit the Ogunquit Heritage Museum
Tucked away in an 18th-century cape-style house listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Ogunquit Heritage Museum is an easy one to overlook. That's a mistake.
Don't skip this if you like: local history, small museums with big stories, and places that feel genuinely authentic.
The museum tells the story of Ogunquit from its origins as part of Wells through its rise as an artist colony and summer destination. The building itself is part of the experience — stepping inside feels like going back in time without any of the artificial re-creation that makes some historic museums feel hollow. It's small, quiet, and genuinely interesting.
This is a good pick for things to do in Ogunquit with kids who are old enough to be curious about how places came to be, or for travelers who want context for everything else they're seeing in town.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 86 Obeds Lane, Ogunquit
Hours: Open June through October; check for current hours
Cost: Small admission or donation requested
Time needed: 45-60 minutes
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for history lovers — a hidden gem that most visitors walk right past.
Fun Fact:
Ogunquit has long been considered one of the most LGBTQ+-welcoming communities in New England, with a vibrant and inclusive culture that gives the town a distinct and open-hearted energy.
Day Trips Worth Adding to Your Itinerary
Ogunquit puts you in a great position for exploring the surrounding coast. If you have extra time, things to do in Kennebunkport, Maine are just 20 minutes north — a beautiful small town with its own waterfront charm. Further up the coast, things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine and the adventures waiting in Acadia National Park make for an unforgettable longer road trip. Things to do in Portland, Maine are also a comfortable 40-minute drive north and well worth a day.
Ready to start mapping it out? Wayback Tours helps you save every stop, plan the route, and build a bucket list you'll actually use.
Practical Tips for Visiting Ogunquit
Getting there: Ogunquit sits right on Route 1. From I-95 North or South, take Exit 7 toward York/Ogunquit and follow signs to Route 1 North. The drive puts you there in about 75 minutes from Boston and around 40 minutes from Portland.
Getting around: Once you're in town, leave the car. The scenic trolley service runs multiple routes in season, connecting the main beach, Perkins Cove, and the downtown area. It's affordable, frequent, and genuinely useful. Outside of trolley season, most of the major attractions are walkable from each other.
Where to stay: Ogunquit has a wide range from luxury resorts like The Cliff House perched on the rocky coast to cozy inns and B&Bs right in the village. For a luxury resort on the East Coast experience, The Cliff House delivers spectacular ocean views alongside upscale amenities. Book accommodations early for summer stays — this town fills up quickly.
Parking: Paid parking is available at the main beach lot, at Perkins Cove, and at several village lots. Arrive early in summer if you want the closer spots. The trolley is a good alternative to moving your car between stops.
Conclusion
You don't stumble on Ogunquit by accident and leave disappointed. People come back here year after year because the place delivers — beautiful scenery, good food, genuine character, and enough variety to keep every type of traveler happy. Whether it's your first time on the Marginal Way or your tenth summer at Ogunquit Beach, the top things to do in Ogunquit, Maine hold up every single time.
The hard part is remembering it all and actually planning to go back. Save these stops, build your own coastal Maine bucket list, and keep every place you want to visit in one spot — all with Wayback Tours.
FAQs
Is Ogunquit, Maine worth visiting in the off-season?
Yes, especially in October and early November. The crowds are gone, a good number of restaurants and shops stay open, and the coastal scenery is beautiful. Just check attraction hours in advance since some places like the Playhouse and the art museum close after October.
How long does it take to walk the Marginal Way?
The Marginal Way is 1.25 miles one way, so most people take about 45 to 90 minutes to walk it at a leisurely pace, not counting time spent sitting on benches or exploring Perkins Cove at the end.
Is Ogunquit good for families with young kids?
It's a great family destination. Ogunquit Beach has soft sand and calm enough conditions for young swimmers, the trolley is a hit with kids, and the lobster boat cruises are a fun and educational experience for children of all ages.
What is the best way to get around Ogunquit without a car?
The Ogunquit Trolley runs multiple routes in season connecting the beach, the cove, and downtown. Outside of trolley season, the town is very walkable and you can reach all the major spots on foot from a central location.
Can you see lighthouses in Ogunquit?
There is a small decorative lighthouse called Lobster Point Lighthouse along the Marginal Way — it's a popular photo stop but not a functioning navigation lighthouse. For larger working lighthouses, nearby towns like York and Cape Neddick (home of Nubble Light) are just a short drive south.
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