Ogunquit

Nestled along the southern coast of Maine, Ogunquit is a small seaside town with a rich history as part of a broader network of New England art colonies that flourished at the turn of the 20th century. Drawn by the dramatic coastal light, natural beauty, and affordability, artists from Boston and New York began to settle here in the late 1800s, founding studios and schools. The town’s name, which means “beautiful place by the sea” in the Abenaki language, reflects the enduring appeal that first captivated those painters—and continues to draw visitors today.

Ogunquit Beach

The centerpiece of a visit to Ogunquit is its spectacular beach, which stretches over three miles from the mouth of the Ogunquit River to the rocky cliffs of Perkins Cove. Known for its soft white sand and wide, flat layout, Ogunquit Beach is ideal for sunbathing, walking, and playing in the surf. At low tide, it becomes a vast expanse of firm sand, perfect for beachcombing or simply strolling the shoreline with the rhythmic crash of Atlantic waves beside you.

Another hallmark of Ogunquit is the Marginal Way, a beloved 1.25-mile coastal walking path that winds along the rocky cliffs from the heart of town to the charming working harbor of Perkins Cove. Hugging the coastline, the paved trail offers breathtaking views of the ocean and rugged shore, with numerous benches for pausing to soak in the scenery. In spring and summer, wildflowers and sea breezes line the way, making it one of the most memorable walks in New England.

Ogunquit Museum of American Art

While Ogunquit’s beach and Marginal Way are its most obvious attractions, there are hidden gems that reward deeper exploration. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art, tucked into a bluff near Perkins Cove, is one of the town’s cultural crown jewels. Founded in 1953, the museum has a strong focus on modern and contemporary American artists, many of whom were tied to the local art colony. Its oceanfront sculpture garden and intimate galleries offer a peaceful, contemplative experience that blends art with the surrounding natural beauty.

Another essential stop is the Ogunquit Playhouse, a historic summer theater that has hosted Broadway-quality productions since 1933. Originally opened by Walter Hartwig and established with support from the local art community, the Playhouse has welcomed stars of stage and screen for decades. Its enduring reputation for professional, high-caliber performances makes it a must-visit for lovers of live theater.

Also worth a quick visit is the charming Ogunquit Memorial Library, a turreted stone building that looks plucked from a fairy tale. With its wood-beamed ceilings, quiet reading nooks, and curated collection of local history, it offers a serene, literary escape from the bustle of the beach.

Ogunquit also has a longstanding LGBTQ+ heritage, dating back to its early days as an artist haven. The town became a refuge for gay artists and creatives at a time when such spaces were rare. That inclusive spirit endures, with LGBTQ-owned businesses and the annual Ogunquit Pride celebration. However, some longtime visitors have expressed disappointment that the beloved Front Porch piano bar—once a famously gay mainstay—has evolved into a broader, more mixed-crowd venue. While still lively and fun, it’s no longer the exclusively gay space it once was, which comes as a shock to those nostalgic for its earlier atmosphere.

For those willing to venture a bit off the beaten path, Ogunquit and the surrounding area offer quirky, memorable experiences. Just north in Wells, the Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a hidden ecological gem, with walking trails that wind through salt marshes, forests, and old farmland—perfect for birdwatchers and quiet explorers. In nearby York, climb the Nubble Lighthouse's rocky shore for a postcard-perfect view, or head inland to the bizarre and beloved Stonewall Kitchen flagship store, which includes a cooking school and shelves of inventive jams and sauces.

Back in Ogunquit, seek out Blacksmiths Mall, an unassuming collection of vintage and antique finds, or On the Main, a shop with one of the most eclectic and colorful collections of folk art and Americana in southern Maine. And if you’re craving something truly unique, the Leavitt Theatre in nearby Ogunquit Village combines cocktails with vintage films and occasional live acts in a 1920s-era building that still exudes old-school charm.

Whether you come for its legendary beach, its cliffside strolls, or its vibrant cultural offerings, Ogunquit remains a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and offbeat charm—a “beautiful place by the sea” in every sense.