Ogunquit

A Beautiful Place by the Sea

Ogunquit—meaning “beautiful place by the sea” in the Abenaki language—is one of Maine’s most beloved coastal villages. Settled in the early 1600s as part of Wells, it began as a humble fishing and shipbuilding community. In the late 19th century, Ogunquit blossomed into an artist’s haven with the formation of the Ogunquit Art Colony in 1888, thanks to the area's natural beauty and coastal light.

By the early 20th century, the Marginal Way, a scenic oceanfront path, and the construction of a bridge to the beach transformed Ogunquit into a flourishing seaside resort. Today, Ogunquit maintains its charm as a pedestrian-friendly village brimming with galleries, shops, and classic New England character. It officially became an independent town in 1980.

In-Town Highlights

  • Marginal Way Coastal Walk – A stunning 1.25-mile paved path that hugs the rugged cliffs of the Atlantic, connecting Ogunquit Beach to Perkins Cove. Benches along the route offer perfect spots to pause and take in panoramic ocean views.
  • Perkins Cove – A working harbor turned artsy shopping district filled with galleries, boutiques, and waterfront restaurants. Visitors love the footbridge and lobster boat cruises.
  • Ogunquit Beach
    • Main Beach – Central and bustling with easy access from downtown.
    • Foot Bridge Beach – Quieter, accessed via a charming pedestrian footbridge.
    • North Beach – More secluded and perfect for long walks.
  • Arts & Culture
    • Ogunquit Museum of American Art – A cliffside museum with over 3,000 works of American modernist art.
    • Ogunquit Playhouse – A renowned summer theater presenting Broadway-quality productions since 1937.
    • Ogunquit Heritage Museum – Located in the 1780 Captain James Winn House, preserving local history.
    • Ogunquit Memorial Library – A charming Romanesque stone library built in 1897.

Local Nature Trails & Walks

  • Marginal Way – Great for morning walks or sunset views.
  • Beach Plum Farm – A gentle loop trail with birdwatching opportunities.
  • Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge (Ogunquit Division) – Wooded trails through salt marsh habitat.

Notable Attractions Within 45 Minutes

  • Mount Agamenticus (15 minutes) – Multi-use conservation area with trails and summit views.
  • Wells Reserve at Laudholm (20 minutes) – Boardwalks, estuaries, and historic farmland to explore.
  • Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (20 minutes) – A peaceful nature walk through estuarine ecosystems.
  • Nubble Lighthouse (25 minutes) – A picturesque lighthouse on a rocky island near York.
  • Fort Foster Park – Kittery Point (30 minutes) – Walking trails, sandy beaches, and historic ruins with harbor views.
  • Fort McClary State Historic Site – Kittery Point (30 minutes) – 19th-century military fort with public access and scenic river views.
  • Portsmouth, NH (45 minutes) – Historic downtown, harborfront, museums, shops, and dining.

Things to Do on a Rainy Day

  • Ogunquit Playhouse – Catch a Broadway-style performance in a cozy historic theater.
  • Ogunquit Museum of American Art – Indoor galleries and ocean-facing windows.
  • Downtown Shops and Galleries – Browse local boutiques, artisan studios, and bookstores.
  • Indoor Dining & Cafés – Enjoy local seafood or pastries by the fire.
  • Nearby Museums
    • Seashore Trolley Museum (Kennebunkport)
    • Brick Store Museum (Kennebunk)
    • Strawbery Banke Museum (Portsmouth, NH)