Ogunquit

State: Maine. Type: resort town in York County on Maine's southern coast. Seceded from Wells and incorporated as an independent town in 1980. 2020 census population: 1,577. Home to Ogunquit Beach (about 1.5 miles of sand), the Marginal Way coastal footpath (about 1.25 miles, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2022), and Perkins Cove.

Ogunquit is a small resort town on Maine's southern coast, known for a long, sandy beach and the Marginal Way, a paved public footpath that traces the rocky shoreline between the town center and Perkins Cove. Once a village within the town of Wells, Ogunquit grew from a fishing and shipbuilding community into an art colony after 1898 and later into one of Maine's most visited beach towns, formally becoming independent from Wells in 1980. Perkins Cove, a small working harbor with a distinctive wooden pedestrian drawbridge, anchors the town's south end with shops, galleries and restaurants. Ogunquit was named "America's Best Coastal Small Town" in USA Today's 2016 Readers' Choice awards, reflecting its reputation as a walkable, beach-focused getaway. The town's economy and identity remain built almost entirely around summer tourism, with the Marginal Way and beach as its two signature draws.

Ogunquit sits in York County in far southern Maine, along the Atlantic coast between the towns of Wells and York, roughly 40 miles south of Portland. The town is compact, centered on the beach, Ogunquit Square, and Perkins Cove to the south, with Route 1 running through the center of town.

Ogunquit has a humid continental climate with large seasonal swings: warm to hot, often humid summers and cold, sometimes severely cold winters, typical of coastal southern Maine. Ocean water stays cool even in summer, so many visitors find it invigorating rather than warm for swimming.

Summer (June through August) is peak season for beach weather and the fullest range of open shops and restaurants, but it is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Late spring and September into early October offer milder crowds and comfortable walking weather along the Marginal Way, with fall foliage adding a seasonal draw later in October.

The area now called Ogunquit was originally a village within the town of Wells, with roots as a fishing and shipbuilding community from the 1600s through the 1700s. Starting around 1898, the area attracted painters and became known as an art colony, a reputation that helped seed its later development as a tourist destination. Growth as a resort town continued through the 20th century, and Ogunquit formally seceded from Wells to become its own incorporated town in 1980. Population data reflects the pace of recent growth: the 2020 census recorded 1,577 residents, a 76.8% increase from 892 in 2010. In 2022, the Marginal Way footpath was added to the National Register of Historic Places, formally recognizing its heritage as a scenic public walkway.

Walking the Marginal Way, a roughly 1.25-mile paved path along the rocky coastline connecting the town center to Perkins Cove, is the town's signature activity. Ogunquit Beach offers about 1.5 miles of sand for swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. Perkins Cove is worth a visit for its small working harbor, galleries, shops and the wooden pedestrian drawbridge. Many visitors also explore the town's art-gallery scene, a legacy of its history as an art colony, and browse shops around Ogunquit Square.

Ogunquit Beach is the main destination for sun and sand. The Marginal Way links the beach area to Perkins Cove along a scenic, publicly accessible coastal footpath. Perkins Cove itself, with its wooden drawbridge and cluster of galleries and eateries, is a key stop. The town's art-colony heritage is reflected in numerous small galleries throughout the center.

Ogunquit is most commonly reached by car via U.S. Route 1 or I-95, roughly 40 miles south of Portland and about 75 miles north of Boston. The nearest larger commercial airports are Portland International Jetport to the north and Boston Logan International Airport to the south; from either, a rental car is the practical way to reach the town, since it is not directly served by rail or major transit.

The Marginal Way and Ogunquit Beach are generally open to the public during daylight hours with no fixed gate schedule found in official sources reviewed; individual shops, galleries and restaurants set their own seasonal hours, which vary widely between summer and off-season. Confirm specific attraction hours locally, as this was not fully detailed on the sources reviewed.

The Marginal Way is a free public footpath. Ogunquit Beach access details, including any seasonal parking fees, were not confirmed on the official sources reviewed for this profile; check the Town of Ogunquit or Chamber of Commerce site directly for current beach parking rates before visiting.

A half to full day is enough to walk the Marginal Way, spend time at the beach, and browse Perkins Cove; many visitors extend a stay to two or more days to enjoy the beach at a slower pace and explore nearby York and Wells.

Ogunquit itself has a range of small inns, motels and beachfront hotels within walking distance of the beach and Marginal Way, reflecting its long history as a resort town. Additional lodging is available in the neighboring towns of Wells and York for visitors willing to drive a short distance.

The town center and Perkins Cove both have concentrations of restaurants, from casual seafood shacks to sit-down dining, reflecting Ogunquit's coastal Maine setting. Perkins Cove in particular is known for its harborside eateries alongside its galleries and shops.

The towns of Wells (from which Ogunquit seceded) and York lie just north and south along the coast and offer additional beaches and historic sites. Portland, Maine's largest city, is roughly 40 miles north for visitors extending their trip.

Portland International Jetport, about 40 miles north, and Boston Logan International Airport, about 75 miles south, are the nearest major commercial airports; a rental car or rideshare is typically needed to complete the trip into Ogunquit, since the town lacks direct rail or major transit service.

Ocean swimming at Ogunquit Beach can involve cold water and occasional rip currents typical of the Maine coast, so heed any posted lifeguard flags or warnings. The Marginal Way runs along exposed, rocky coastline in places, so stay on the marked path, especially with children, and be cautious near the drawbridge and cove area in Perkins Cove. For any emergency, dial 911.

A light jacket or layer for cool ocean breezes even in summer, comfortable walking shoes for the Marginal Way, and sun protection for the beach are all worth packing. Cash or a card for parking meters and small shops in Perkins Cove is also useful.

Parking fills quickly in peak summer season near the beach and Perkins Cove, so arriving early or using any available shuttle/trolley service (confirm current operation with the Town or Chamber) can save time. Walking the Marginal Way in the morning or evening avoids the midday crowds. Visiting in the shoulder seasons of late spring or September offers a quieter version of the same scenery.

Dial 911 for any emergency. The Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce/visitor information line, per its official site, is (207) 646-2939.

Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce - https://www.ogunquit.org

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.