Set on the southern coast of Maine, Ogunquit Beach is a 3.5 mile stretch of white sandy beach that is a great spot for vacations, with beautiful and soft sand and great surf. Ogunquit in the language of the Algonquin Indians, means “Beautiful Place by the Sea”, and surely is! This is a great destination for families, couples and groups, plus there is plenty to keep everyone busy. You can wander through the boutique shops that line the streets, there is plenty of walking, running and biking trails to explore, kayaking along the river and also you will find great opportunities to enjoy the nightlife and local entertainment. There are plenty of local restaurants and bars that often have live music, comedy shows and other forms of entertainment for you. Ogunquit has a lot of history as well, with plenty of museums and historic landmarks to visit, all set within a gorgeous landscape.
How to Get to Ogunquit Beach
You can get to Ogunquit from Portland International Airport which is only a 45-minute drive away, or for more flight options you can drive an hour and a half to Boston Airport.
Activities
If you want to learn a bit about the history of the area, then there are plenty of sites for you to see. The Ogunquit Heritage Museum is a great place to start your historical journey. It is located in the Dorothea Jacob Grant Common. The museum houses a variety of artefacts and exhibits that show the heritage and history of Ogunquit and the surrounding areas. You will be able to see documents, art and other historical items, as well as the original flooring, panelling and fireplaces of the house in which the museum is set. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art has over 3000 pieces of art that include paintings, sculptures, photography and other forms of media. The exhibits and collections of the museum focus on contemporary art and often educate visitors on modern art.
For more outdoor adventures then you must enjoy the joys of Marginal Way. A beautiful mile and a half trail on a paved path on a cliff. On this trail you will be able to experience the natural beauty of the views, it is also a great walk for all abilities. Walk throughout the Beach Plum Farm which is used as community gardens but visitors are allowed to explore the gardens. You will be able to walk along the path through the farm where you will see explosions of colour from vegetables and flowers. The walk only takes half an hour and is great for all abilities, and there are plenty of benches to stop at and enjoy all the joys that the gardens bring.
Ogunquit Beach is a stretch of beautiful white and soft sand that heads into the beautiful blue and calm waters. There is plenty to keep you entertained at the beach, with sand dunes that allow a variety of birds and other creatures to flourish. You can also head out on boat tours, go kayaking and fishing. The Finestkind Scenic Cruises show you the scenic beauty of the shoreline which is abundant with harbours and historic lighthouses. Your guide will talk to you about the lobstering industry that is prominent in the area, as well as pointing out the harbour seals and other points of interest along the way. Silverlining Sailing is great for all capabilities, whether you have never sailed in your life or if you are an avid sailor. You will be able to learn the ropes of sailing in one of their beautiful boats along the gorgeous coast. You will have the chance to see the cliffs of Marginal Way, the exquisite Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse and more. In Ogunquit, you can have the chance to kayak on the sea or in the Ogunquit River. You will be able to rent a kayak and get out onto the water and see the area from a new perspective, look out at the cliffs, find hidden gems or even follow one of the many routes around the area.
Perkins Cove used to be a fishing village but has now become the hub for an artist colony. You will find that Perkins Cove has remained picturesque with a beautiful manually operated drawbridge, but is also home to seaside shops and restaurants that boast ocean views. You will be able to pick up locally made jewellery and crafts before heading to one of the bistros for a famous bowl of chowder or a delicious lobster roll. All around Ogunquit you will find unique boutiques, especially up Main Street. You will find some incredible little treats and souvenirs from shops like Sea Glass Jewellery Studio, Whistling Oyster and Abacus. Don’t forget to head to the Harbour Candy Shop that sells a variety of gourmet chocolates and sweets.
Where to Stay in Ogunquit Beach
You will be able to stay in a variety of options in Ogunquit, from hotels, resorts, inns and bed and breakfasts. You will be able to stay in luxury and solitude with a lot of the quaint hotels and inns, many along the main strip and having beach access. Anchorage by the Sea is a great holiday resort that offers views of the ocean from the rooms. With superb amenities and designed for the utmost comfort, you will not be disappointed. Dunes on the Waterfront is a tranquil retreat that has panoramic ocean vistas. It has access to its private part of Ogunquit Beach which tends to be a bit quieter, making it an ideal spot for a quiet escape. Cottages at Summer Village have one and two-bedroom cottages perfect for families. Each property fully equipped, this little holiday village also has plenty of activities to keep all of the family entertained.
Weather
The best time to visit this beautiful area of Maine is during July and August for high temperatures that reach in the high 70s. These months are the perfect time for swimming and more of the outdoor activities. If you want to visit outside of the peak tourist season, May, June and September are still warm months to enjoy the many activities that are available in the area.
