A Beautiful Place by the Sea: Guide to Ogunquit, New England’s Best Kept Secret

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Advisor - Kate Kelley
Curated By

Kate Kelley

  • Arts & Culture

  • Beaches

  • Couples Travel

  • Family Travel

  • LGBTQ+ Travel

  • Maine

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Coastal

The image shows a serene beach scene with fluffy clouds in the sky and gentle waves on the shore.
Curator’s statement

I was born and raised in New England, and my family has spent summertime in the seaside town of Ogunquit, Maine for generations. It is truly one of my favorite places in the world. I’m lucky to have made many wonderful memories there. This guide is just a taste of what this superb little corner of the world has to offer.

Originally a village within the town of Wells, Ogunquit was named for the Abenaki word that translates to “a beautiful place by the sea.” This description couldn’t be more on the nose! With stunning white sand beaches, fantastic local cuisine and an abundance of beautiful resorts and hotels, Ogunquit is the epitome of the quaint New England coastal town. In spite of being a popular vacation destination, a majority of the businesses here are small and locally owned. This gives the town a very unique and almost timeless vibe—I can personally attest that there are several recommendations included in this guide that have been around since my parents were children. Come and see for yourself—they don’t call Maine “Vacationland” for nothin’!

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Where to stay in Ogunquit, Maine

Anchorage By the Sea

Anchorage By the Sea in Ogunquit, Maine, where oceanfront elegance meets coastal serenity.

Grasshopper Inn

Nestled in Ogunquit, Maine, the Grasshopper Inn whispers tales of seaside charm and timeless tranquility.

Juniper Hill Inn

Experience classic New England charm and comfort, where warm hospitality, cozy accommodations and scenic beauty create a delightful stay in Maine.

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Things to do in Ogunquit, Maine

The image captures a peaceful harbor scene with boats docked, an American flag waving, and houses nestled among greenery.

The Finestkind headed back to the dock in Perkins Cove.

Beaches

The spectacular white-sand beaches in Ogunquit are some of the best in the country — in fact, TripAdvisor named it one of the top 25 beaches in the United States in 2024. While the coastline expands several miles, there are two major places to park and catch some sun and sand — Footbridge Beach and Main Beach. Be advised, the water may be a little cooler than you’re used to depending on where you’re from, but there’s truly nothing like it on a hot summer day!

Finestkind Scenic Cruises

If you’d like to get out on the water, then come ride along the Maine coast on the Finestkind. Docking in Perkins Cove, it offers a variety of sailings including breakfast cruises, lobstering trips and cocktail cruises at sunset. Depending on which sailing you choose, you can catch views of the historic Nubble Lighthouse in York, rocky coastlines and elegant homes along the water. You can purchase tickets in advance online, or just stop by their dock and see what’s available for the day.

The shops at Perkins Cove

The shops at Perkins Cove are always worth browsing! Featuring art and handmade jewelry by local artisans, independent clothing and toy shops. You’re sure to find something you’ll want to take home with you. You can also feel good about shopping local and supporting small businesses.

Walk The Marginal Way

The Marginal Way is a truly gorgeous trail along the rocky Atlantic shores of Ogunquit. Spanning 1.25 miles from Perkins Cove to Shore Road, it will take you from the Cove back toward the bustling downtown area (or vice versa, if you choose). It’s a lovely nature walk, with plenty of benches to relax on and take in the stunning views. The refreshing sea breeze makes this a pleasant and easy hike, even in the height of summer.

A night out at Maine Street

Ogunquit is a historically LGBTQ+ friendly town and vacation destination, and many of its businesses are owned and operated by folks in the community. Maine Street is one of them, and it’s also one of the largest gay bars in New England. Maine Street takes pride in creating a safe and welcoming space for all people, and their live entertainment ranges from drag shows and theme parties to live DJs and karaoke. It’s always a fun place to dance the night away!

The Leavitt Theater

This downtown staple is a perfect example of Ogunquit’s timeless charm. Established as a cinema nearly 100 years ago, the Leavitt has stood the test of time and remains one of the town’s coolest spots. It continues to operate as a movie theater, but it has also been elevated to a restaurant and cocktail bar featuring regular live entertainment. We’re talking live music from local artists, burlesque and drag shows, tribute bands and more. As for the movies, The Leavitt has multiple free showings weekly, featuring tried-and-true favorites. This year’s lineup includes Dirty Dancing, Back to the Future and of course, the ultimate New England summer classic, Jaws.

Visit Ogunquit Playhouse

Another historic icon in the town’s history, Ogunquit Playhouse was born back in the 1930s. Today, it remains one of the country’s premier summer stock theaters. Featuring Broadway-caliber musicals, shows run 26 weeks a year, from May through October. From classics such as Cabaret, Oklahoma! and Little Shop of Horrors, to world premieres of brand new musicals, you’ll always find that Broadway sparkle at Ogunquit Playhouse. Tickets and information are easily accessible on their website.

Wonder Mountain Fun Park

Seeking out some family fun? Look no further than Wonder Mountain Fun Park! You’ll find it just over the border on Route 1 in Moody, a short drive or trolley stop from Ogunquit's town center. Featuring two adventure mini golf courses, go karts, an arcade and even a human maze, Wonder Mountain Fun Park is a great choice for the kids (and the kid in all of us!). An excellent excursion for a cool or cloudy day.

Places to eat & drink in Ogunquit, Maine

The image presents a classic lunch scene with a sandwich, chips, coleslaw, a pickle, and a beverage on a wooden table.

A perfect meal at the Lobster Shack.

The Lobster Shack

The Lobster Shack is aptly named — it’s about as no-frills as you can get. But don’t be fooled by its humble appearance — this is the place to go for the best lobster rolls and cup of chowder in town. They also have a modest selection of wine and beers on tap. Every time that I visit, I look forward to a lobster roll with potato chips and coleslaw (served in a plastic basket, of course) and a cold glass of Prosecco.

Barnacle Billy’s

Barnacle Billy’s has been an Ogunquit classic for over 60 years, and for good reason! Summer fare is their specialty — fresh Maine lobster and seafood are always on the menu, as well as your favorite cookout fare like burgers, hot dogs and barbecue chicken. Billy’s is also well-known for their famous Rum Punch (which is both delicious and not for the faint of heart!) This restaurant sits right on a dock at Perkins Cove and has two levels, so whether you’re looking for a spot by the window, or alfresco dining, Billy has your perfect seat. If you have a sweet tooth, their ice cream selection is expansive and available at a takeout window outside the restaurant. Billy’s screams summertime in all of the best ways.

Northern Union

If you’re looking for a restaurant and bar with a killer wine selection, be sure to head to Northern Union. You’ll find yourself enjoying a unique and cozy vibe, because the restaurant is located in a converted house built in 1927! They boast over 100 different wines as well as a selection of local craft beers and cocktails. Though the bar is excellent, the food is also top-notch. Serving classic American cuisine with local and seasonal ingredients, it’s the perfect spot for a drink and a bite, or a full three-course meal.

The Maine Catch

This rustic yet modern restaurant offers the greatest hits of coastal cuisine. Featuring a raw bar, and sections of the menu devoted exclusively to Maine lobster and the classic fish fry, this is the place to be for your seafood fix. The restaurant is two stories with warm wood decor and a large stone fireplace, ideal for cooler evenings. On a warmer night, be sure to reserve a seat outdoors to take in the fresh ocean air.

Rose Cove

This restaurant has some of my favorite cocktails in Ogunquit, and the service is excellent. They also have ample outdoor seating and most tables have their own individual fire pits, which are both charming and cozy on a cool Maine evening. Their menu features artisanal flatbreads and mac and cheese, as well as the traditional seafood and sandwich selection. I highly recommend the cucumber & mint martini and the lobster flatbread, if you’re feeling a little fancy.

The Front Porch

This unique spot has multiple distinctive areas so you can choose your own adventure! If you're looking for a more low-key experience, there’s the dining room for a traditional meal or the bar & lounge for drinks and snacks. If you’re looking for a more lively time, head to the piano bar for entertainment (and sing-alongs) or the outdoor tiki bar out on the back patio during the warm summer months. The Front Porch has been a highly popular spot for locals and visitors alike for over 40 years and it’s definitely worth a visit.

Crew

Located right in the center of town, Crew is one of Ogunquit’s newer establishments. The environment is classy, yet comfortable with a modern coastal vibe. The food and drinks are great, and they’re the only spot in town that serves brunch daily until 1 pm! Offering a raw bar, pizza and pasta classics and tasty small bites, the menu appeals to all kinds of palates. The big games are always on the TVs, and there’s often live music from local artists in the afternoons and evenings.

Food For Thought

You can feed your childhood nostalgia at Food for Thought with whimsical menu options like the doughnut grilled cheese and the adult Capri Sun. This covered outdoor bar and restaurant is a unique Ogunquit offering for a few reasons, not limited to their happy hour every time it rains and their famous Baby Yoda shots. They also have several gluten-free and vegetarian options on their menu. The owners of this spot also run Odd By Nature Brewing, so you’ll find a curated selection of their own local beers on tap. The vibe here is playful and casual, great for any time of day or night.

Need to know

While this guide is primarily focused on Ogunquit during the summer, many of the activities and restaurants mentioned here are open year-round.

Advisor - Kate Kelley

Travel Advisor

Kate Kelley

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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Maine. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Greetings from Asbury Park - A Local’s Guide to the Coolest Spot on the Jersey Shore.