Ogunquit, Maine - A Favorite Vacation Destination

The town of Ogunquit calls itself “a beautiful place by the sea,” and indeed it is. Nestled on the southern coast of Maine, this town has it all—rock beaches, sand beaches, an old fashioned trolley, shops, art galleries, and of course plenty of fresh seafood. Ogunquit is a favorite seasonal vacation spot for families and couples that keep returning year after year.

Image (cc) Jay Woodworth/Flickr

By the sea

The sandy, white Ogunquit beach is a peninsula stretching 3 1/2 miles between the Atlantic Ocean and Ogunquit River. It's a perfect spot for walking, collecting shells, swimming and building sand castles. The beach is pristine—picture perfect—and a wonderful place to layout in the sun and rejuvenate.

The Marginal Way is a paved one-mile walking path that highlights rock beaches and stunning views. The path starts in the center of Ogunquit and leads along rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean. Along its curves, walkers take in picturesque views of Ogunquit while breathing salty air and spotting lobster boats. The path ends in Perkins Cove where visitors can take a boat ride, shop, and eat, then return to Ogunquit on the trolley.

Ogunquit Museum of American Art

 Around Town

Ogunquit is a well known art colony and the town is full of quirky and lovely art galleries to suit any interest. It is also home to the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, which is the only museum in Maine to exclusively exhibit American art. Their pieces date back to the late 1800s with several collections from early Ogunquit art colony artists.

The Ogunquit Playhouse is known as “America’s Foremost Summer Theater” for their high quality Broadway at the Beach musicals. They produce five different musicals each season and have showcased stars from Broadway and television.

No Maine coastal vacation is complete without fresh seafood, and lots of it. Ogunquit is bursting with seafood restaurants ranging from the classic Maine lobster shack to 5-star affairs. And of course, most of these establishments offer seating with spectacular ocean views.

Close By

Ogunquit is only about half an hour up the coast from Kittery, New Hampshire, which is well known for outlet shopping. It is also only a short jaunt away from Freeport where visitors can shop the outlets and visit L.L. Bean. Visitors can take these day trips along the scenic Route 1 following the coastline and stopping at small shops and lobster shacks all along the way.

Ogunquit is a picturesque town full of natural beauty, artistic expression, and vacation fun for everyone. It caters to vacationers looking to rent a simple cottage as well as those who prefer a luxury hotel. If you're looking for online resources, Ogunquit stay packages are a great way to discover Ogunquit and plan your next vacation. Remember, book ahead because this "beautiful place by the sea" is hugely popular and everything books up fast!