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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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