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.
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.
Barnacle Billy's
The quintessential Ogunquit lobster shack, open since 1961. Two adjacent operations: Barnacle Billy's Original (counter service, boiled Maine lobster, picnic tables over the cove) and Barnacle Billy's Etc. (expanded menu, cocktails). An essential stop for any first-time visitor. Open early April through October.
Go for lunch on a weekday — dinner waits in July and August are long. Bring cash for the original counter.
M.C. Perkins Cove
The upscale option overlooking the Atlantic from Perkins Cove — named by Food & Wine as one of the 50 Most Romantic Restaurants in the Country. Contemporary American menu with strong local seafood focus that changes regularly. Two dining rooms and a raw bar. Hours are significantly reduced outside of peak summer.
Reservations are essential in summer. Request a window table when booking.
Jonathan's Ogunquit
An Ogunquit institution since 1976 — a respected New American restaurant downstairs and an intimate 200-seat listening room upstairs that draws nationally touring folk, jazz, and Americana acts year-round. One of the few places in town open all winter, and the cultural heart of Ogunquit's off-season. Walking distance from The Black Boar Inn.
Check the concert calendar well ahead — shows sell out weeks in advance even in the off-season. Reserve dinner on performance nights.
Fox's Lobster House
In a lobster pound that dates to 1936, Fox's sits directly alongside the Nubble Lighthouse — tables overlooking one of the most scenic views on the coast. Lobsters boiled the old-fashioned way, Maine blueberry pie, ice cream. Open late April through mid-October. About 10 minutes from The Moonstruck.
Arrive at lunch to beat dinner waits and to get the best afternoon light on the lighthouse.
The Goldenrod
A York Beach institution since 1896 — part ice cream parlor, part soda fountain, part candy shop, part short-order restaurant. Famous for Goldenrod Kisses saltwater taffy, made on the premises in a front window in the same recipe since 1896. About eight million pieces a year in 12+ flavors. A throwback to a specific American summer vacation era that barely exists anymore. Walking distance from The Moonstruck.
Watch the taffy pull through the storefront window — one of those small experiences people remember for years.
Union Bluff Hotel Pub
One of the few year-round dining options right on Short Sands Beach — a five-minute walk from The Moonstruck. The pub has some of the most hypnotic surf views of any dining room in York, a good local craft beer selection, and stays open through the off-season when most of York Beach goes quiet.
The pub deck in summer is one of the best casual drink spots in York. In winter, grab a window seat when the surf is up.
Stonewall Kitchen
Stonewall Kitchen's flagship campus — the award-winning specialty food company was founded in York in 1991 at a farmers market and grew into a nationally distributed brand. The York store is their headquarters: a large retail space, viewing windows into the jam-making production facility, and a café serving breakfast and lunch. A genuinely good stop year-round, not just a gift shop.
Good rainy-day option. The café is better than it has any right to be.
Mainestreet Ogunquit
Northern New England's largest LGBTQ+ nightclub — two dance rooms, two outdoor decks, three bars, regular drag shows, comedy nights, and the Ogunquit Tea Dance (a summer weekend institution). The rooftop deck is the best spot in town on a warm evening. Welcoming to all. Walking distance from The Black Boar Inn.
The Tea Dance runs Sunday afternoons in summer — one of Ogunquit's signature traditions.
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