Ogunquit Beach Maine
Ogunquit Beach, Maine: A picturesque coastal gem with soft white sands, stunning ocean views, and the charming village of Perkins Cove.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful beach
Ogunquit Beach Maine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful beach
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ogunquit Beach, Maine: A picturesque coastal gem with soft white sands, stunning ocean views, and the charming village of Perkins Cove.
"This beach has always been a favorite of mine! It has never been overwhelmingly crowded any time I have been there."
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be pricey ($15-$35/day). Arrive early or consider walking from your hotel if staying nearby. :parking:
🚶♀️ Stroll the Marginal Way
This scenic paved path offers incredible ocean views and connects Ogunquit Beach to Perkins Cove. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ogunquit Beach
Ogunquit
Expansive white sand beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying breathtaking sunset views.
Marginal Way
Coastal path from Ogunquit Beach to Perkins Cove
A stunning paved coastal walk offering panoramic ocean vistas and access to charming Perkins Cove.
Perkins Cove
Southern end of Marginal Way
A picturesque fishing village with unique shops, art galleries, and delicious lobster roll spots.
Footbridge Beach
Northern end of Ogunquit Beach
A beautiful stretch of sand, accessible via a charming footbridge, ideal for a more relaxed beach day.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Ogunquit Beach
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be pricey ($15-$35/day). Arrive early or consider walking from your hotel if staying nearby.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Marginal Way
This scenic paved path offers incredible ocean views and connects Ogunquit Beach to Perkins Cove. :walking:
🦞 Savor Lobster Rolls
Don't leave without trying a classic Maine lobster roll! Perkins Cove has several highly-rated spots.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Options
Dogs are allowed on Ogunquit Beach during the off-season. Some hotels, like Dunes on the Waterfront, are pet-friendly year-round. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be pricey ($15-$35/day). Arrive early or consider walking from your hotel if staying nearby.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Marginal Way
This scenic paved path offers incredible ocean views and connects Ogunquit Beach to Perkins Cove. :walking:
🦞 Savor Lobster Rolls
Don't leave without trying a classic Maine lobster roll! Perkins Cove has several highly-rated spots.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Options
Dogs are allowed on Ogunquit Beach during the off-season. Some hotels, like Dunes on the Waterfront, are pet-friendly year-round. :dog:
🌊 Water Safety
Be aware of posted signs and lifeguard instructions, as water rescues do occur. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ogunquit Beach is widely praised for its stunning white sand, clean waters, and beautiful coastal scenery, offering a refreshing escape. Visitors appreciate the variety of beach experiences, from the main beach to the calmer river side, and the charming nearby town of Perkins Cove. While parking can be expensive and the ocean water is cold, the overall experience is consistently rated as a favorite for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
"This beach was so beautiful. The whitecaps were perfectly patterned against the backdrop of the coastline and were so refreshing to play around in. This beach was one of the cleanest I've ever seen, and the water was pristine. It was busy but not overwhelming."
Scott Coon
"The beach is nice. The parking is 15$. There’s a beach side and a kind of pond that’s a bit warmer with no waves, also big rocks on the right of the beach, and nice waves, but the water is cold. Overall nice variety and view, with bathrooms and lifeguards."
kali P
"Wonderful time with my family. I love the cold, clear Atlantic. We missed Maine almost right away. One of the most beautiful stares I've ever seen."
J H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ogunquit Beach is about a 1.5-hour drive north of Boston. You can also take a bus or train to nearby towns and then a taxi or local shuttle.
Ogunquit has a seasonal trolley service that connects the main beach areas, Perkins Cove, and downtown shops, making it easy to get around without a car.
You can walk the Marginal Way from Ogunquit Beach to Perkins Cove, or take the seasonal trolley. Parking in Perkins Cove can be limited and costly.
Yes, there are many hotels in Ogunquit, including beachfront hotels and those within walking distance of the beach. Popular options include Meadowmere Resort and Norseman Resort. +1
Yes, you can drive to Ogunquit Beach, but parking is available in designated lots and can fill up quickly during peak season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ogunquit Beach itself is free to access. However, parking in the beach lots typically incurs an hourly or daily fee.
Ogunquit Beach is open year-round, but lifeguards are typically on duty during the summer months.
No tickets are required for Ogunquit Beach. However, if you plan to see a show at the Ogunquit Playhouse, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Parking fees can range from $6 per hour to $35 per day, with rates potentially lower during the off-season.
During peak season, there might be restrictions on certain activities or times for dogs. Always check local signage for the most current rules.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, picnic, build sandcastles, and enjoy the sunset. The nearby Marginal Way offers scenic walking, and Perkins Cove is great for exploring shops.
Yes, it's a favorite for families! The beach offers a river side that's warmer and calmer for younger children, plus plenty of sand for playing.
Restrooms and lifeguards are available during the summer season. There are no boardwalks or restaurants directly on the beach itself.
Absolutely! The Marginal Way is a beautiful paved path that connects the two, offering stunning ocean views along the way.
The Atlantic Ocean water is typically cold and crisp, even in the summer. The river side can be a bit warmer.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Perkins Cove is a prime spot for lobster rolls. Footbridge Lobster and Lobster Lark Coffee are frequently recommended.
Yes, there are many dining options in the town of Ogunquit and in Perkins Cove, ranging from casual seafood shacks to more upscale restaurants.
Picnicking is a popular activity at Ogunquit Beach. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
CREW Ogunquit and The Cove Cafe in Perkins Cove are popular choices for breakfast and coffee.
While many restaurants have outdoor seating, check their specific pet policies. Some hotels with dining, like Dunes on the Waterfront, are dog-friendly.
📸 📸 Photography
The Marginal Way offers dramatic coastal scenery, Perkins Cove with its boats and drawbridge is picturesque, and the beach itself provides beautiful sunset shots.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides the most beautiful light for beach and coastal photography.
Yes, the hand-operated drawbridge in Perkins Cove is a classic photo opportunity.
The entire Marginal Way is a series of viewpoints. Look for benches along the path for great vantage points.
Ogunquit is ideal for landscape, seascape, and lifestyle photography, capturing the charm of the beach town and its natural beauty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't forget to explore Perkins Cove with its charming shops and the iconic drawbridge – kids often find it fascinating. The Marginal Way is also a manageable walk for families, offering beautiful views without being too strenuous. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as amenities directly on the beach are limited.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack picnics and snacks to save on dining costs, as there are many great spots on the beach for this. Take advantage of the free activities like walking the Marginal Way and exploring Perkins Cove. While parking fees can add up, look for hotels that offer complimentary parking or are within walking distance of the beach to save on daily parking costs.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Getaways
If you're traveling with your dog during the summer, check out hotels like Dunes on the Waterfront, which offers pet-friendly amenities and even dog-friendly boat rides. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Iconic Marginal Way
Along the Marginal Way, you'll encounter rugged cliffs, sandy coves, and vibrant wildflowers. It's a fantastic place for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The path is generally well-maintained and suitable for most visitors, including families with strollers.
Be prepared for the possibility of crowds, especially during peak summer weekends. However, even with other visitors, the sheer beauty of the coastline often makes it feel serene. The walk culminates in Perkins Cove, a delightful reward with its unique shops and eateries.
Perkins Cove: A Charming Fishing Village
Visitors can explore a variety of unique boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops, making it a great spot for a leisurely browse. When hunger strikes, Perkins Cove offers some of the best lobster rolls in the area, with establishments like Footbridge Lobster being a local favorite.
The atmosphere in Perkins Cove is relaxed and inviting. Watching the lobstermen at work or simply enjoying the salty air and scenic views provides a true taste of coastal Maine life. It’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon soaking in the local culture.
Ogunquit Beach: Sand, Sun, and Serenity
One of the unique features of Ogunquit Beach is its proximity to a warmer, calmer river side, which is ideal for younger children or those who prefer less intense waves. The main beach area offers classic ocean waves, perfect for playing in the surf.
While the beach itself is free of boardwalks and direct concessions, the town of Ogunquit and Perkins Cove are just a short walk away, offering plenty of dining and shopping options. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Footbridge Beach, at the northern end, provides a slightly quieter alternative.
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