This Small Town in Maine Has One of the Best Beaches in the Country and a Nearly 100-year-old Lobster Restaurant — How to Visit

Maine is chock-full of quaint coastal towns, giving travelers plenty of appealing vacation prospects. Even with so many delightful options, it’s hard to compete with Ogunquit. Situated on the state’s southern coast, it’s a charming resort destination with a vibrant arts scene, great restaurants (Maine-style lobster roll, anyone?), and one of the best beaches in the country.

Hydrangeas bloom outside New England-style cottages and Adirondack chairs sit on freshly mowed lawns. The quaint downtown has many independent shops and some terrific places to eat. Everything feels casual and easygoing. Relaxed but far from sleepy, it boasts a few lively bars.

Tourism peaks in July and August. Expect pleasant weather that’s marked by warm, sunny days and nights that often call for a light sweater. Even in the busy height of summer, Ogunquit isn’t overrun with out-of-towners. You can still find space to stake an umbrella on the sand and an open table for dinner without needing to book ahead.

Beyond the beautiful scenery, culture, and fresh seafood, the people make Ogunquit special. “Locals are warm and friendly and a true testament to Maine hospitality,” says Katie Keene, general manager of The Dunes on the Waterfront.

Whether you’re keen to pack in one last summer trip or want to experience autumnal splendor, use this guide to plan the perfect getaway to Ogunquit.

Best Hotels & Resorts

The Dunes on the Waterfront

The Dunes on the Waterfront recently underwent a complete refurbishment, turning the beloved but tired old lodging into the most stylish stay in town. Flower-framed cottages are appointed with pretty upholstery, scores of antiques, and screened porches. A heated outdoor pool, rowboats, lawn games, beach cruisers, and a fire pit for nightly s’mores add to the blissfully nostalgic atmosphere.

The Beachmere Inn

The Beachmere Inn earns accolades for its excellent location that provides direct access to Marginal Way. Rooms and suites are tucked inside five different buildings, including a Victorian beauty dating back to 1897. Mornings start with lobster Benedict for breakfast. Afternoons unfold while sitting in the Adirondack chairs dotting the ocean-view lawns and terraces.

The Blue Shutters Inn and Studios

The Blue Shutters Inn and Studios is a top-rated adults-only property with two distinctive accommodation options: cozy rooms with fireplaces and efficiency-style apartments. The staff is friendly and helpful. Guests also give the gourmet breakfast and happy hour with drinks and bites high marks.

The Admiral’s Inn

With two outdoor pools, a hot tub, and a patio bar with a fire pit, The Admiral’s Inn goes all in on summer vacation vibes. The resort-style hotel has reasonable rates and a variety of room types, so it’s great for families, couples, or groups of friends. It’s also centrally located, within walking distance of town.

The Colonial Inn

Visitors have hunkered down at The Colonial Inn for more than a century. The current iteration of the storied respite offers refreshed rooms and plenty of modern amenities — among them a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, a fire pit, lawn games, and a wraparound porch — but it still retains a sense of history and the type of ease you don’t often find these days.

Best Things to Do

Marginal Way

A must-do in any season (as long as the weather cooperates), Marginal Way is a 1.5-mile coastal walking path that connects the main village of Ogunquit to Perkins Cove. Expansive ocean views, rugged cliffs, shallow beaches, and a lighthouse are the highlights.

Ogunquit Beach

Frequently ranked among the best beaches in the country, Ogunquit Beach looks like a postcard with white sand, grassy dunes, and Atlantic Ocean waves. It’s dotted with umbrellas in the summer and virtually empty in the off-season. Keene recommends rising early and watching the sunrise over the water.

Ogunquit Playhouse

“Seeing a show at the Ogunquit Playhouse is a must-do on a summer trip to Ogunquit,” says Keene. “The renowned theater puts on Broadway-style performances during peak season, which makes for a fun evening.”

Perkins Cove

Carve out some time to walk around Perkins Cove, an idyllic waterfront area known for its artisan boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and classic New England architecture. Don’t forget to stop for a photo op in front of the historic wooden drawbridge.

Ogunquit Museum of American Art

The Ogunquit Museum of American Art boasts an impressive collection of contemporary works spread across its galleries and sculpture garden. It also hosts a series of Tuesday Talks and morning yoga classes in the summer.

Best Restaurants

Ogunquit Lobster Pound

The Ogunquit Lobster Pound has been an institution for nearly 100 years. Picking out a live Maine lobster from the tank is a long-standing tradition. No surprise, it’s the most popular menu item. Be sure to save room for dessert — Keene loves the deep-dish Maine blueberry pie.

The Front Porch

“Located in downtown Ogunquit, The Front Porch is a lively restaurant and bar that brings people in for comfort food and live music,” says Keene. “Upstairs, the popular piano bar is the place to go for a few drinks and a singalong.”

Barnacle Billy’s

A seasonal mainstay for more than 60 years, Barnacle Billy’s serves local seafood (the lobster roll and homemade clam chowder are fan favorites) and a signature rum punch that goes down easy. Outdoor seating and boat-studded harbor views make it the quintessential Perkins Cove lunch spot.

Big Daddy’s

There’s nothing quite like a scoop of classic vanilla or something zippy like Key lime on a warm summer day. Locally owned Big Daddy’s makes all of its ice cream in-house using the original recipe dating back to 1976. It’s nostalgia in a cup or cone.

Coastal Alchemist Corks & Cocktails

More than just a place that pours wine, beer, and spirits, Coastal Alchemist Corks & Cocktails has a unique seasonal menu, an upscale beach atmosphere, and a lovely covered patio to enjoy the fresh air. It’s also a short walk from the Ogunquit Playhouse.

Best Time to Visit

While Ogunquit buzzes all summer with nice weather and festive events like Ogunquit Pride and BonAire!, tourism peaks in July and August. Outside of the high season, the fall is particularly lovely.

How to Get There

Travelers coming from around New England will find it easiest to drive. Rather fly than road trip? Ogunquit is about two hours from Boston Logan International Airport and 50 minutes from Portland International Jetport. While Uber and Lyft are viable options from Portland, it’s recommended to rent a car from Boston. You can also take the train. The Amtrak Downeaster stops in Wells, which is approximately 20 minutes from Ogunquit.

How to Get Around

“Ogunquit is very walkable, so you don’t need a car to explore,” notes Keene. “Many visitors enjoy cruising around town on a bike. Golf cart shuttles are available. There’s also a trolley that runs seasonally.”