Ogunquit
Ogunquit at a Glance
Costs: Expensive in summer-$150-240/day - expect $150-240 per day in high season; cheaper off-season.
Safety: Very safe, busy in peak season - very safe, though crowded streets require typical urban caution in summer.
Best Time: May-October (beach and theatre season) - late spring through early fall for beaches, theatre, and festivals.
Why Visit Ogunquit?
This Maine coastal town draws visitors for classic New England beaches, clifftop walks and a lively arts scene. The Marginal Way cliff path and Perkins Cove fishing port concentrate coastal scenery and galleries, while the historic Ogunquit Playhouse and nearby lobster shacks provide theatre and culinary reasons to linger. Its long beach and compact center make it easy to combine art, seafood and coastal walks in a single short trip.
Best Things to Do in Ogunquit
Park
USS Albacore (AGSS-569)
Experimental US Navy submarine preserved as museum ship
Park
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Coastal wildlife refuge protecting saltmarsh and migratory birds
Park
Fort Stark
Historic coastal artillery fort with ocean views
Park
Odiorne Point State Park
Coastal New Hampshire state park with science center
Museum
Ogunquit Museum of American Art
Coastal museum focusing on American modern art
Museum
Brick Store Museum
Local history museum housed in historic brick building
Museum
New Hampshire Farm Museum
Open-air museum demonstrating traditional New England farming
Museum
Old York Gaol
18th-century jail museum in York, Maine
Ogunquit Bucket List
Don't Miss
Marginal Way - Cliffside coastal walking path linking Perkins Cove and Ogunquit Beach, great ocean views.
Perkins Cove - Historic fishing harbor with shops, lobster shacks, and popular scenic boat tours.
Ogunquit Playhouse - Renowned summer theater presenting musicals and plays since 1933, beloved regional institution.
Ogunquit Museum of American Art - Coastal museum featuring American paintings, sculpture, and an oceanfront sculpture garden.
Hidden Gems
Footbridge Beach - Small sandy cove reached by a historic stone footbridge, quieter swimming spot.
Barnacle Billy’s (Perkins Cove) - Casual seafood spot in Perkins Cove serving fried clams and local lobster dishes.
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (Wells Unit) - Quiet marsh trails and birdwatching a short drive south in Wells, Maine.
Day Trips
Kennebunkport - Kennebunkport village with waterfront boutiques, Dock Square restaurants, and scenic coastal drives.
Portland, Maine - Portland’s Old Port waterfront, historic lighthouses, acclaimed restaurants, and brewery tours.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Ogunquit
Ogunquit is best June-September for warm beaches, whale watching and lively dining. Winters are cold and quiet; spring can still be chilly with variable sea conditions.
Winter
Cold, often snowy with many seasonal businesses closed; great for storm-watching and empty beaches if you like solitude, but dress very warmly.
Spring
Variable and cool early on; by late spring seafood spots reopen and wildflowers appear - bring layers for chilly coastal breezes.
Summer
Warm, sunny beach days with bustling Main Street and boat tours; expect crowds and book accommodations early for July weekends, but nights stay cool.
Ogunquit's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1124 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -10° - 1° | -11° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 5.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| February | Poor | -9° - 2° | -9° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 5.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.3h |
| March | Poor | -4° - 7° | -3° | 95 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 5.1 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 1° - 12° | 4° | 104 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.8 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.3h |
| May | Good | 7° - 19° | 13° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 4.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.5h |
| June | Very Good | 12° - 24° | 18° | 85 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 4.0 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.2h |
| July | Excellent | 15° - 27° | 21° | 81 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.9h |
| August | Excellent | 14° - 26° | 20° | 82 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.6 m/s | 1.5 high | 13.8h |
| September | Very Good | 10° - 21° | 15° | 86 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.4h |
| October | Good | 4° - 15° | 7° | 104 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.4 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Acceptable | 0° - 9° | 1° | 121 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| December | Poor | -6° - 3° | -7° | 103 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 5.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
How to Get to Ogunquit
Ogunquit is a small coastal town in southern Maine best reached by car from Portland (PWM) or by coach from Boston. Seasonal bus and shuttle services increase in summer; otherwise renting a car or taking a taxi from the nearest hubs is the simplest option.
Portland International Jetport (PWM): The closest major airport to Ogunquit (about 40-50 minutes by car). From PWM you can rent a car or take a taxi; taxi fares to Ogunquit are commonly USD 70-120 depending on traffic. Seasonal shuttle services and private transfers are also available.
Logan International Airport (BOS), Boston: A larger international gateway with more flight options. From Boston the drive to Ogunquit is about 1.5-2 hours (depending on traffic). Intercity buses and private shuttles run between Boston and southern Maine; typical coach fares are around USD 20-40 one-way.
Train: Amtrak’s Downeaster runs between Boston and Portland and on some schedules to Freeport and Brunswick; the nearest Downeaster stop to Ogunquit is Wells (seasonal or limited) - many travelers take the Downeaster to Portland and continue by bus or connection.
Bus: C&J Bus and Concord Coach Lines provide scheduled coach services from Boston to southern Maine towns; from Wells or Kennebunk there are local taxis or short bus connections to Ogunquit. York County’s regional buses and seasonal shuttle services operate in peak season; local taxi shuttles from Wells or Kennebunk are common for the final leg.
How to Get Around Ogunquit
For most visitors, driving or an interstate coach from Boston/Portland plus a short taxi are the most practical ways into Ogunquit. In summer, seasonal shuttles and local buses add more public transport options.
- Rental car (USD 40-100/day (rental)) - A rental car is the easiest way to reach Ogunquit and to explore the southern Maine coast. Roads are straightforward and parking is available though limited in peak summer weekends.
- Intercity coach (C&J, Concord) (USD 20-40) - C&J and Concord Coach run services between Boston and southern Maine towns; combining these coaches with a short taxi or local bus is a common way to reach Ogunquit from Boston or Portland. Book in advance in high season.
- Amtrak Downeaster + taxi (USD 10-40 (connection)) - Take the Downeaster to the nearest stop (Portland or, seasonally, Wells) and use a taxi or local shuttle for the final mile to Ogunquit. This can be a comfortable, lower-stress alternative to driving.
- Taxi / Private shuttle (USD 70-200 (depending on origin)) - Taxis and private shuttles from Portland or Boston airports provide door-to-door service and are convenient for groups or late arrivals. Expect higher fares than public transport, especially from Boston.
- Biking / Cycling (USD 10-30/day (rental)) - Ogunquit is bike-friendly with scenic coastal routes; bike rentals are available locally for short sightseeing rides. Use caution on busier stretches and share the road with cars.
- Walking - The town is compact with a famous Marginal Way coastal walk; most restaurants, beaches and galleries are within easy walking distance of the centre.
Where to Stay in Ogunquit
Budget
Ogunquit Village - $80-180/night (seasonal)
Ogunquit has many budget-friendly inns and motels within walking distance of the beach and Marginal Way. Great for beach access on a budget.
Meadowmere Resort - Simple rooms, near footpaths and beach.
Beachmere Inn - Classic coastal inn, affordable shoulder-season rates.
Mid-Range
Ogunquit Village - $150-300/night (summer peak)
Mid-range options dominate Ogunquit - boutique inns and comfortable hotels close to the beach, restaurants, and the Marginal Way walking path.
Anchorage by the Sea - Comfortable rooms, ocean views available.
The Captain’s Collection (various inns) - Collection of well-run boutique inns.
Luxury
Ogunquit Village / Beachfront - $300+/night (peak)
Luxury rooms and premium suites are available, mainly as upgraded rooms at well-located inns and small seaside hotels during peak season.
Anchorage Collection upscale rooms (book via site) - Higher-end oceanfront suites available.
Captain’s Collection (premium rooms) - Top rooms with full service amenities.
Where to Eat in Ogunquit
Seafood & Lobster
Ogunquit centers on seafood and harbor dining - fresh lobster, clams and casual coastal restaurants within walking distance of the beach and Perkins Cove.
- MC Perkins Cove - Waterside dining and classic lobster dishes
- Barnacle Billy’s - Casual seafood shack, fried seafood favorites
- That Place - Laid-back bistro with seafood and pub fare
Bakeries & Casual Cafés
Small cafés and bakeries supply breakfast and picnic fare for beach days - expect lobster rolls, fresh pastries and coastal views.
- Local cafés and bakeries - Morning pastries, coffee and light lunches
- Perkins Cove market stalls - Small stands, seafood to-go and snacks
- Harbor-side cafés - Coffee, sandwiches and waterfront views
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Ogunquit’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Ogunquit
Ogunquit’s nightlife leans toward theatre, live music and relaxed bars rather than a late club scene. Summer brings theatre productions, outdoor concerts and busy restaurants, while the shoulder season is quieter. Perkins Cove and the town centre have evening dining and bars where people gather after shows; the vibe is friendly and more laid‑back than rowdy.
Shopping in Ogunquit
Ogunquit offers a strong selection of boutiques, art galleries and specialty shops along Shore Road and in Perkins Cove-perfect for unique gifts, local art and coastal homeware. There are also a few antiques and beach stores. For groceries and larger retail needs head to nearby Wells or York; in town most shopping is boutique‑style and geared to visitors and seasonal crowds.