17 Enjoyable Issues To Do In Ogunquit, Maine

Have you ever heard of Ogunquit, Maine? This seaside getaway is likely one of the nicest cities to go to in southern Maine. Simply previous the New Hampshire border is a colourful, artsy city set on a fabulous stretch of seashore.

Ogunquit (pronounced oh-GUN-quit) is the Abenaki phrase for “stunning place by the ocean.” And when you get right here, you’ll see how true that’s!

Ogunquit is the uncommon vacation spot that really has one thing for everybody. It’s a preferred household getaway and good for youths of all ages. It’s an evergreen LGBTQ journey hotspot that just about looks like a mini Provincetown. It’s a middle for the humanities with wonderful museums, galleries, and an exquisite native theater.

Ogunquit is magnificently photogenic, particularly Perkins Cove, and there are many methods to be energetic open air. And if all you need is to lie on the seashore? It’s nice for that, too!

I’ve been to Ogunquit many occasions through the years, having grown up about 90 minutes away. It’s about time I share this place with all of you.

The Finest Issues To Do in Ogunquit, Maine

Stroll the Marginal Method

There’s no higher place to acquaint your self with the attractive seaside surroundings of Ogunquit, Maine, than alongside the Marginal Method. This strolling path stretches throughout a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and gives gorgeous views all through its complete size.

The clifftop path is paved, which helps be sure that that is an accessible stroll, quite than a strenuous hike. It’s not a very lengthy journey, measuring only one.25 miles, which makes it a doable exercise for most individuals. There are even 39 benches to relaxation at alongside the Marginal Method, positioned at key factors on entrance of a number of the greatest views.

When the climate is good, the Marginal Method provides a really idyllic seashore stroll, full with its personal little lighthouse. You’ll typically discover sailboats adorning the ocean on one facet, with the opposite facet dotted with inns and resorts. It’s an ideal introduction to the allure of Ogunquit village and is a particular should for guests to this New England city.

Stretch Out on Ogunquit Seaside

It wouldn’t be an Ogunquit journey with no seashore day! You possibly can benefit from the crashing of the waves and the sleek sands the world is thought for while you plunk your chair down at Ogunquit Seaside. Simply take Seaside Road from the middle of city and go straight till you hit the sand and surf.

Ogunquit Seaside is lengthy and expansive with delicate sand, and steadily finds a spot on “greatest seashores within the US” lists. It’s an amazing place to simply lay out and catch some rays, construct a sandcastle, or wade within the surf. You’ll discover the occasional surfer, too.

If you wish to keep away from the crowds of the principle seashore, Footbridge Seaside is a good different. It’s simply as beautiful as Ogunquit, with the identical waves and white sands, however is way quieter.

Canines are permitted at Ogunquit and Footbridge Seaside from Labor Day till the tip of March yearly. Each stunning seashores supply public restrooms, and Ogunquit has leases for umbrellas and different tools that can assist you loosen up within the sunshine.

Stroll By way of Downtown Ogunquit

The image-perfect downtown space is likely one of the greatest components of Ogunquit, Maine. Seize an ice cream and take a look at the superb outlets and galleries. There are additionally many scrumptious eating places, bars, and cafes. For those who’re a foodie, excited by antiquing, or simply seeking to take a stroll, that is the place for you.

There are tons of nice outlets that you just gained’t wish to miss. A few of these are area of interest spots for specialty gadgets, such because the Tea Space. Right here yow will discover quite a lot of loose-leaf teas, in addition to tea equipment, for the right brew. There’s additionally Mainely Quilts, which sells quilts which are each new and vintage, together with quilting provides. For those who’re out there for ceramic items, the Pottery Shop is a good cease as nicely.

For those who’re out there for a souvenir or present, make sure you take a look at Spoiled Rotten. They’ve an eclectic choice of candles, jewellery, house items, and extra, so yow will discover nearly any type of memento.

Alternatively, if you would like one thing actually distinctive or with historical past, Blacksmiths Mall Antiques may also help. The shop options greater than 70 sellers, and it is likely one of the hottest locations for antiquing in the complete state of Maine.

See a Present on the Ogunquit Playhouse

Calling all Broadway followers and theater geeks! The Ogunquit Playhouse, set in a barn, was established in 1933 and has continued to placed on superb performs and musicals for nearly 100 years. It has even featured exhibits with nationally-acclaimed performers, corresponding to Bette Davis and Sally Struthers.

Ogunquit Playhouse is thought across the nation for its manufacturing high quality and superb performances. As one of many solely remaining unique off-Broadway summer season theaters, it at present is called America’s foremost summer season theater, and providing a glimpse into the historical past of Maine and the theater usually.

(Additionally, enjoyable truth: my aunt and uncle as soon as noticed George and Barbara Bush at a present right here.)

For those who’re visiting Ogunquit anytime between the tip of spring and the center of fall, you must make sure you catch a present. Previous seasons have featured productions corresponding to The Sound of Music, and Grease, and Stunning: the Carole King Musical, however there are additionally matinee performances like Elf: The Musical which are simply as enjoyable for youths.

Sing Your Coronary heart Out at The Entrance Porch Piano Bar

The Front Porch Piano Bar has been an Ogunquit staple for greater than 35 years. This institution provides an unimaginable leisure expertise that’s excellent for a date night time or celebration. It’s situated proper downtown and options performances each night time of the week, with two totally different musicians enjoying on weekends.

Among the best issues concerning the Piano Bar is that it provides an entire expertise for an evening out. There’s superb reside music, but it surely’s greater than only a venue. There may be additionally a bar and lounge for pre-show drinks, and a restaurant for tremendous eating.

The restaurant portion’s award-winning meals is served in all components of the Entrance Porch, together with the Piano Bar. The delicacies options elevated New American dishes with many influences for a diversified, and thrilling menu. There’s additionally a craft cocktail menu as nicely. However regardless of which a part of the Entrance Porch you go to, you’ll make lifelong reminiscences.

Take a Crusing Journey

Why not discover Ogunquit’s coast the enjoyable manner? Crusing is one of the best ways to really feel the wind in your hair and the ocean spray in your cheeks. You possibly can sit again and loosen up whilst you take within the spectacular views, or take a tour that provides some schooling and perception into native historical past or marine life.

There are a number of firms that supply nice crusing excursions. Finestkind Scenic Cruises provides fairly just a few choices. You possibly can witness wildlife like harbor seals, drink cocktails, or study lobstering, relying on the choice you select.

Silverlining Sailing provides some traditional and conventional crusing experiences. Their excursions can solely accommodate six individuals per journey and can take you alongside the southern Maine coast for stunning snapshot alternatives. These boat journeys allow you to strive your hand at crusing your self.

Different firms to look into embrace Sail Me and Sail the Gift. The previous provides three totally different cruise varieties, together with a preferred sundown journey. The latter can accommodate bigger events of as much as 12 individuals for a memorable expertise in your complete group.

Go to Ogunquit Heritage Museum

For those who’re in the hunt for an area academic expertise to counterpoint the complete household, look no additional than the Ogunquit Heritage Museum. It’s located within the 18th-century Captain James Winn Home and provides perception into the historical past of the world. The constructing, which was erected in 1780, nonetheless consists of a largely unique construction.

This museum can be located in a very nice park, known as the Dorothea Jacob Grant Frequent. The grounds are nice to simply stroll by means of and wander round, as there are a number of woods, open areas, and paths to discover.

The reveals contained in the museum give attention to the historical past of the city, together with subjects surrounding the trades which have supported it, like lobstering and fishing. It additionally provides perception into the cultural and societal heritage and the distinguished artwork and theater communities which have developed in Ogunquit.

The most effective half? This museum is free to go to!

Go to Perkins Cove

As soon as a sleepy fishing village and comfy native artists colony, charming Perkins Cove is now an space that begs you to {photograph} it from each angle. There’s even an iconic pedestrian bridge that you may cross and manually function and draw!

This neighborhood additionally provides nice buying alternatives. There are tons of neat boutiques, present outlets, jewellery shops, and artwork galleries. It’s an ideal place to select up a memento or simply take a stroll and browse.

There are additionally quite a few eating places price visiting round right here, particularly in the event you’re a seafood lover. Chow down on some freshly caught fish at Barnacle Billy, then after lunch or dinner cease in for some regionally made salt water taffy on the sweet store.

Go to the Ogunquit Museum of American Artwork

Simply off Shore Street, the Ogunquit Museum of American Art is impressed by the artwork colonies which have flourished in Ogunquit all through the city’s historical past. There are greater than 3,000 works on show at OMAA, making it an invigorating place to go to (to not point out among the finest issues to do in Ogunquit Maine on a wet day).

The gathering accommodates quite a lot of artwork in many alternative media, together with drawings, work, sculptures, pictures, and even movie. There are lots of totally different exhibitions which are hosted at any given time. These are recurrently up to date and adjusted, so in the event you go to Ogunquit once more sooner or later, you’ll have the ability to have a brand new expertise at OMAA.

Admission to the museum is $12 for adults, $10 for college kids and seniors, and free for youths below 12. Go to any day from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM from Might by means of October.

Trip the Ogunquit Trolley

If it is advisable to get round city, the Ogunquit Trolley is a enjoyable solution to experience! These trolleys are charming and enjoyable and supply a cute solution to discover town, particularly in the event you don’t have a automobile.

The Ogunquit Trolley can take you to a lot of the key locations that you just’ll wish to go to, anyway. Perkins Cove, the well-known Marginal Method, and Ogunquit Seaside are all stops. Plus, they run alongside the downtown and can allow you to off on the eating places, bars, and outlets which are subsequent in your agenda.

I like to recommend hopping on the trolley while you first arrive within the coastal city of Ogunquit to provide your self the lay of the land.

Go to Seaside Plum Farm

If you wish to get pleasure from nature and go for a leisurely stroll, this can be a good spot. Beach Plum Farm provides gorgeous landscapes over its 22 acres, and allows you to see dunes, the ocean, gardens, and plenty of seashore plums.

There’s a path that loops across the gardens and fields providing a brief stroll of simply 0.5 miles. There are lots of benches that embellish this path, so it’s very simple and manageable to journey throughout. Plus it’s an amazing place to sit down and assume, learn a guide, or draw the surroundings in entrance of you.

Seaside Plum Farm is house to greater than 50 plots for neighborhood gardens, many alternative species of flowers and crops, and a few wildlife. It’s a very excellent place to go birdwatching. The most effective half is that admission is free.

Go Kayaking

If you wish to have some enjoyable on the water, kayaking is at all times an amazing selection. Sea kayaking requires a little bit of ability, but when you have already got kayaking expertise in nonetheless water, you must have the ability to alter to Ogunquit’s small waves.

World Within Sea Kayaking provides leases to be used alongside the Ogunquit River. They provide stand-up paddleboards as nicely.

World Inside can be positioned optimally throughout the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. You’ll be located to see a whole lot of wildlife as you paddle alongside the water. A number of the native animals embrace fish, foxes, native birds, and in the event you’re REALLY fortunate (like 1-in-1000 fortunate), a moose!

For those who aren’t aware of kayaking, you may take non-public classes. Studying find out how to do a moist exit is a ability that may serve you nicely regardless of the place you go!

Go to the Maine Diner in Wells

Only a 12-minute drive from Ogunquit is the city of Wells, which occurs to be house to certainly one of my favourite eating places on the planet: the Maine Diner. I’ve no phrases for the way a lot I am keen on the Maine Diner — a lot that I recurrently drive 90 minutes to eat there.

The Maine Diner’s seafood chowder is essentially the most scrumptious chowder on the planet. It’s filled with big items of lobster, scallops, clams, shrimp, and fish, and it’s to date past what anybody else in New England makes. Critically.

Each time I am going to the Maine Diner, I order the Jim Nantz: a cup of seafood chowder and a scorching lobster roll with butter. Although I improve from a cup to a bowl! Additionally they have a sampler plate impressed by their look on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

(Simply make sure you examine their schedule on-line earlier than you go. Since COVID hit, they’ve had staffing points and have diminished their opening hours.)

As for Wells past the diner, there’s so much to do on this previous shipbuilding and fishing city. It’s an amazing place to buy groceries, particularly for antiques. There are many beautiful shops throughout the downtown space. There are additionally attractive seashores, that are undoubtedly price going to for some coastal walks throughout the sand.

Go to York

One other cool cease, simply 11 minutes away, is York. Actually, Ogunquit and York are sometimes paired collectively as a day journey from Boston or Portland, and I like to recommend doing the identical.

I believe York is an particularly good place to go to in the event you’re touring with children, because it’s a really family-friendly small city with a really calm seashore, an amusement park, and a incredible sweet retailer with hypnotizing taffy pullers.

Brief Sands Seaside isn’t as large or extensive as Ogunquit Seaside, but it surely’s nonetheless a pleasant place to take in the solar. Enjoyable-O-Rama Arcade is situated proper off the seashore, has tons of video games to play, and even incorporates a fortune teller!

You must also go see the Nubble Lighthouse in the event you’re in York. That is an iconic spot with scenic views that makes it an amazing backdrop for that quintessential Maine photograph. There’s a lighthouse museum and present store on website.

Go to Kennebunkport

For those who drive only a bit additional north, you may take a look at the attractive place that’s Kennebunkport. This upscale Maine city is barely 24 minutes from Ogunquit and is most well-known for its affiliation with the Bush household. The Bush summer season compound has been right here for generations, and each Presidents Bush took their households right here typically.

To be taught extra concerning the relationship that the city has with American presidents, you must go to the First Families Kennebunkport Museum. There are additionally numerous different museums to spend a lazy (or wet) afternoon studying. The Brick Store and Seashore Trolley museums are wonderful stops to make as nicely.

When you’re on the town, you must also go to iconic spots just like the Wedding Cake House, essentially the most photographed house in the complete state. Different cool actions embrace taking a food tour or a lobster tour as nicely! You’ll discover that there’s no scarcity of enjoyable in Kennebunkport!

Go to Portland

Portland, Maine, is a incredible metropolis, only a a 45-minute drive from Ogunquit. It looks as if everybody retains placing Portland on its record of up-and-coming cities to go to within the US — whereas we New Englanders have identified for fairly a while how superior it’s!

Portland is particularly referred to as a foodie metropolis. There are many wonderful eating places right here, serving each high-end and informal fare.

Just a few years in the past my pals and I deliberate a bachelorette occasion in Portland, Maine. It was a blast — we ate nice meals, did spirit tasting, kombucha tasting, wine tasting, gin tasting, and hit up the bars at night time!

For those who want a dose of city life throughout your trip in Ogunquit, this can be a nice choice.

Go to Portsmouth, NH

Simply over the state line is the cool little metropolis of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, simply 25 minutes from Ogunquit. That is one other spot for a day journey in the event you’re planning to be on the Maine coast for some time. I’m an enormous fan of Portsmouth and love bringing out of towers to go to.

To start out off, there are such a lot of cool impartial outlets and eating places in Portsmouth. Portsmouth is for sure the culinary capital of New Hampshire, with great restaurants like Black Trumpet Bistro and Durbar Sq.. There are many wonderful bars and bakeries, too.

There’s additionally a whole lot of historical past on this space. Strawbery Banke Museum is a re-created historic village, full guides who act in character. There’s additionally the African Burying Ground, which memorializes and honors the enslaved and free blacks that died on this city. The USS Albacore Museum, which is about in a retired submarine, provides a cool alternative to be taught as nicely.

There’s additionally nice climbing and biking within the area, plus numerous boat-based actions and nice issues to do on the water. Oh, and did we point out the breweries right here?

How A lot Time to Spend in Ogunquit, Maine

Ogunquit is a very talked-about day journey vacation spot for individuals within the Boston space (certainly, I selected Ogunquit as among the finest day journeys from Boston). You may definitely day journey from different components of Maine or New Hampshire.

Is a day journey sufficient? You may do so much in a single day, so I believe at some point might be sufficient for some individuals. However staying for just a few days will will let you actually absorb Ogunquit and discover the encompassing space as nicely.

Then once more, there are people who’ve their summer season house in Ogunquit and spend the complete summer season right here! It’s simple to get hooked on this city.

Get To Ogunquit, Maine

The 2 closest airports to Ogunquit are Portland, Maine (40 minutes) and Boston, Massachusetts (1 hour quarter-hour). You’ll discover many extra flight choices to Boston than Portland, however examine them each to see if yow will discover any offers.

Ogunquit is situated alongside Route 1 in Maine, only a brief drive from I-95.

The Amtrak Downeaster practice, which runs from Boston to Portland, has a cease near Ogunquit in Wells. (Understand that the Downeaster leaves from North Station in Boston, whereas different Amtrak trains depart from South Station. For those who’re coming from New York or elsewhere, you’ll must get from South Station to North Station.)

The place to Keep in Ogunquit, Maine

There are many lodging choices in a resort city like Ogunquit. Listed below are just a few of the nicer Ogunquit accommodations:

Waterfront choice: Terrace by the Sea has stunning rooms, however the true draw is the spectacular views off Ogunquit Seaside.

Good B&B: Trellis House could be the nicest B&B on the town, set in a stunning home with immaculate rooms (with a excessive price ticket to match). The Inn on Shore Road is a less expensive, pet-friendly mattress and breakfast in Ogunquit.

Worth for cash: Sea View Motel is a bit farther from the motion, however these are first rate rooms right here for a low worth.

Find deals on places to stay in Ogunquit here.

Finest Time to Go to Ogunquit, Maine

Ogunquit is a quintessential summer season vacation spot, like most seashore resort cities. There’s nothing like stretching out on the seashore, strolling the Marginal Method, stopping for an ice cream.

However don’t overlook visiting Ogunquit within the fall! New England fall foliage is totally spectacular, and Ogunquit holds its personal with attractive timber exploding in shades of crimson, orange, and yellow.

Summer time is the busiest and most costly time of yr. Fall weekends may be very busy, too. I most just lately visited on Columbus Day weekend in early October, and it was simply as busy as a summer season weekend.

Winter in Ogunquit may be very quiet and native with many companies shut down for the season. Spring on this a part of Maine doesn’t kick in till late April or so, however Might and June are beautiful off-peak occasions to go to if the climate isn’t too wet!

Is Ogunquit Price It?

After all Ogunquit is price it! Whether or not you come for a day journey or an extended getaway, you’re going to get pleasure from your time on this beautiful city.

Simply make sure that to make the most of all that Ogunquit has to supply. Be sure that to take in the humanities. Discover your family members some good souvenirs. Eat all the seafood.

And don’t neglect to get pleasure from that spectacular seashore.

Extra on Maine:

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Have you ever been to Ogunquit? What are your suggestions?