Coastal Maine
Coastal Maine
Ogunquit and York together make one of the most complete stretches of the Maine coast — a world-class beach, a cliff walk, a working lobster cove, and a summer theater scene, all within a short walk of each other. Here's how to make the most of it, season by season.
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Ogunquit Beach
A 3.5-mile barrier beach of fine white sand, consistently ranked among the best on the East Coast. The Ogunquit River separates it from the mainland, creating two distinct experiences: rolling Atlantic surf on the ocean side and calm, shallow river water ideal for young children. Three access points — Main Beach, quieter Footbridge Beach (a short walk from the village), and North Beach. Three-minute walk from The Black Boar Inn.
The Footbridge Beach entrance is a short walk from the village and significantly less crowded than Main Beach on peak summer days.
Marginal Way
A paved 1.25-mile cliff walk along the rocky headland connecting the village to Perkins Cove — past tide pools, sea roses, pocket coves, and 30+ memorial benches with ocean views. Deeded to the town in perpetuity in 1925. Round-trip is 2.5 miles, mostly gentle grade. One of the few things in Ogunquit that's genuinely good in all four seasons.
Walk it before 9am in summer or you'll share it with hundreds of people. Dogs are only permitted October through March.
Perkins Cove
A working lobster cove turned village of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants — accessible only via a hand-cranked wooden drawbridge that opens for lobster boats. The cove has been an artists' colony since the early 1900s. Finestkind Scenic Cruises runs lobstering demos, lighthouse cruises to Nubble Light, and cocktail sails May through October. The southern end of the Marginal Way terminates here.
Time your arrival to watch a lobster boat clear the drawbridge. It happens throughout the day and takes about two minutes.
Ogunquit Playhouse
One of America's oldest continuously operating summer theaters, now in its 90s. Five Broadway-caliber musicals per season, running May through early November in a 750-seat barn-style theater on Main Street. Pre-Broadway tryouts have appeared here. A short walk from The Black Boar Inn.
Book well ahead for July and August — the Playhouse sells out. Cast talkbacks follow select matinees.
Ogunquit Museum of American Art
A small but serious museum perched on a promontory above the sea, considered one of the finest small art museums in the country. Founded 1952, the collection spans the early American modernists who made Ogunquit an art colony — Charles Woodbury, Marsden Hartley, and others. The sculpture garden has ocean views even if you skip the galleries. Open late April through mid-November.
The grounds and sculpture garden are free to walk through. Check their website for Friday free-admission days.
Cape Neddick (Nubble) Lighthouse
One of the most photographed lighthouses in the world — a red-trimmed white tower on a small offshore island, viewed from Sohier Park on the mainland. The island isn't publicly accessible, but the viewpoint is excellent at any hour. Fox's Lobster House sits immediately adjacent. Annual event: the Lighting of the Nubble in late November covers the island buildings in Christmas lights.
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light. Summer parking fills completely by mid-morning — arrive early or plan for a short walk from nearby streets.
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
A 9,125-acre refuge protecting salt marsh, estuary, and coastal forest across 50 miles of southern Maine coastline. The main visitor area in Wells has a 1-mile Carson Trail loop through a salt marsh — paved, ADA-accessible, excellent for birding. Over 350 species documented. Trails open year-round, dawn to dusk. About 15 minutes from Ogunquit or York.
Spring and fall migrations bring the best birding. Bring binoculars.
Whale Watching
First Chance Whale Watch runs daily departures from Kennebunkport (about 20 minutes north of Ogunquit) late May through mid-October. Humpback, finback, and minke whales feed in the Stellwagen Bank region. Tours are typically 4–6 hours with a claimed 97% sighting rate.
Book a weekday morning trip for the least crowded boat. Whale season peaks June through September.
Old York Historic District
Southern Maine's largest concentration of historic properties — seven 17th- and 18th-century buildings including the Old Gaol (1719), one of the oldest surviving public buildings in America. Guided walking tours run Tuesday through Friday afternoons, June through October. A short drive from The Moonstruck.
The guided tour is worth the $10 — the Old Gaol alone is unlike anything else on the coast.
York's Wild Kingdom
New England's only combined zoo and amusement park — a deliberate mix of wildlife exhibits (lions, zebras, macaws, a Butterfly Kingdom) and classic family rides. Charmingly old-school and genuinely fun for kids. Steps from Short Sands Beach and The Moonstruck. Open late May through Labor Day.
Buy the combo zoo-and-rides ticket. The Butterfly Kingdom is a standout.
OgunquitFest
A three-day festival the last full weekend of October — classic car show at Main Beach, Dogtoberfest costume parade, the High Heel Dash fundraiser, an artisan fair, trick-or-treating in Perkins Cove, live music. One of the best times to visit Ogunquit: fall color, manageable crowds, most restaurants still open, and the town in a celebratory mood.
Book lodging early — OgunquitFest weekend fills quickly for a town that's otherwise quiet in late October.
Christmas by the Sea
Held the second weekend of December, named by Travel + Leisure as one of the 25 Best Christmas Towns in the U.S. for three consecutive years. Santa arrives by lobster boat into Perkins Cove on Saturday. Events include a bell choir, hayrides, Chowderfest, Chocolatefest, and a candlelight walk through town. The Lighting of the Nubble in York (late November) pairs well with a winter stay.
Most year-round Ogunquit restaurants make a special push for this weekend. Reserve dinner early.
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