Ogunquit City
Coastal resort town in southern Maine
Maine’s rocky shore funnels visitors along the Marginal Way cliff path to Perkins Cove’s lobster shacks; galleries, salt-air inns and a broad sandy beach make it both coastal art town and summer escape.
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#
Ogunquit Bucket List#
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.
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.
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.
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.
December - February
-8 - 3°C (18 - 37°F)
Cold, often snowy with many seasonal businesses closed; great for storm-watching and empty beaches if you like solitude, but dress very warmly.
March - May
1 - 15°C (34 - 59°F)
Variable and cool early on; by late spring seafood spots reopen and wildflowers appear - bring layers for chilly coastal breezes.
June - August
15 - 25°C (59 - 77°F)
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.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -10°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (121 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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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#
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.
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.
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#
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
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.
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.
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.
