20 Things To Do In Ogunquit Maine

Ogunquit is a beautiful seaside town in southern Maine. It’s an ideal destination for a family vacation or even a peaceful romantic getaway. There’s so much outdoor fun to be had in Ogunquit from trips to the picture-perfect Perkins Cove to walks along Marginal Way. When in Maine you’ve got to try clam chowder and lobster and there’s arguably no place better than the coastal town of Ogunquit. Check out these 20 best things to do in Ogunquit for your next visit to Maine.

Ogunquit, Maine

20 Things To Do in Ogunquit

1- Swim And Relax On Ogunquit Beach

It’s hard to head to Ogunquit without heading to this picturesque beach, which has soft white sand that makes this a popular spot when the sun is shining.

The beach is three miles long and you can enjoy a stroll, sunbathing, picnicking and of course swimming.

Ogunquit Beach is frequently voted one of the best beaches in the state and often wins nationwide accolades.

On busy summer days and weekends, be sure to arrive early so you can find a parking spot.

Ogunquit Beach is at Ogunquit, ME 03907.

2- Visit The Ogunquit Heritage Museum

If you are searching for something fun and informative to do, check out the Ogunquit Heritage Museum.

This museum focuses on collecting, preserving and exhibiting items that are all related to Ogunquit’s heritage.

The museum is within the Captain James Winn House, an 18th century building.

You can also visit the library where there’s a brilliant book collection owned by Charles Littlefield Seaman, an Ogunquit historian and genealogist.

The museum is housed on the Dorothea Jacob Grant Common where there are large open spaces with paths and a woodland area.

Ogunquit Heritage Museum is at 86 Obeds Ln, Ogunquit, ME 03907.

3- Walk Along Marginal Way

Any visit to Ogunquit is defined by the beautiful Maine coastline and one of the best ways to see Ogunquit’s coastal beauty is to head along Marginal Way.

Marginal Way is a 1.25 miles (2 km) route that features endless Atlantic views, beaches and tide pools.

Along the way there are plenty of benches to sit at, take a rest and enjoy the stunning views.

These are also great if you want to bring a picnic with you and eat in front of the ocean.

This route will take you from Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort to Perkins Cove.

4- Explore Downtown Ogunquit

Ogunquit feels like a quintessentially New England small town that oozes charm, with plenty of things to see and do.

There are amazing restaurants, bars and cafes as well as shops, galleries, antique stores and some seriously good ice cream.

The downtown perfectly showcases how Ogunquit got its name which in the indigenous Abenaki language translates as “beautiful place by the sea”.

You just can’t beat the charming colourful wooden houses that line the main street.

5- See A Show At Ogunquit Playhouse

If you are wanting to immerse yourself in local theatre, the Ogunquit Playhouse won’t disappoint. 

The playhouse has been around for more than 90 years and has collaborated with theater companies in New York, LA and London.

Having first opened in 1933 this is a great place to watch a play or jiggle your feet to a musical while also appreciating local history.

Some of their past productions have included Singin’ in the Rain, The Da Vinci Code and musicals for kids including The Spongebob Musical, Descendants and Finding Nemo Jr. 

Ogunquit Playhouse is at 10 Main St, Ogunquit, ME 03907.

6- Explore Perkins Cove

Perkins Cove is another must-visit place in Ogunquit and a small village within Ogunquit.

It’s a great idea to walk the Marginal Way route which ends at Perkins Cove.

Perkins Cove was originally a small fishing village but now it brings visitors for a variety of reasons.

Its picturesque bobbing boats are no doubt its biggest draw but there are also galleries, restaurants and quaint local shops.

Any local Ogunquit resident will recommend you keep an eye out for salt-water taffy and you must certainly give it a try!

Perkins Cove is at Ogunquit, ME 03907.

7- Go On A Sailing Trip

Sailing is a fun activity to try when in Ogunquit as exploring the Maine coastline is fun on land but also enjoyable from the water.

There’s just something about the refreshing salty breeze and of course the views are fantastic.

There are a couple of companies that offer sailing tours in the area including Silver Lining Sailing.

Taking in the sites of Ogunquit while learning a bit about life on the water is a great activity for families and couples.

Silver Lining Sailing is at 80 Pekins Cove Road, Ogunquit, ME 0390U7.

8- Visit The Ogunquit Museum of American Art

If you are one of those people who likes learning about the local areas you visit then you’ve got to check out the Ogunquit Museum of American Art.

This museum houses both permanent and rotating exhibitions with thousands of artifacts to discover.

In the museum you will find sculptures, paintings, prints, drawings and photographs, many of which date back to the 1800s.

Don’t just save this museum for a rainy day, it’s well worth adding to your Ogunquit itinerary no matter the weather.

Ogunquit Museum of American Art is at 543 Shore Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907.

9- Ride the Ogunquit Trolley

The Ogunquit Trolley is both a practical and fun way to explore the town.

The Ogunquit Trolley takes various routes around the town taking in most of the key sites, such as Perkins Cove, Marginal Way and Ogunquit Beach to name just a few of its stops.

Whether you are simply taking a ride or picking up some shopping and don’t feel like carrying it very far the Ogunquit Trolley is there to help.

The Ogunquit Trolley is at 724 Main Street, Ogunquit, Maine 03907.

10- Eat Clam Chowder

Clam chowder is one of the most well-known soups and it’s definitely associated with New England.

The origins of clam chowder are about as clear as the soup itself, with many believing it was founded in the 18th century but people are unsure whether it was a European or American invention.

If you love seafood then you just have to try this wonderful dish when visiting Ogunquit.

There are plenty of places to try it and you will find simply walking around downtown that there are many places serving it.

Footbridge Lobster, The Lobster Shack and Ogunquit Lobster Pound Restaurant are some great places to try the chowder but its local authenticity means just about any restaurant serves up a mean chowder!

11- Step Back In History At Lobster Point Lighthouse

Lobster Point Lighthouse is a small but cute little lighthouse.

The original lighthouse was built in 1949 but the strong Maine winds battered the lighthouse throughout the years and it has gone through a number of repairs, notably a new lantern in 1993.

It’s a picturesque and dinky roadhouse lighthouse which you can see along the Marginal Way cliff walk.

Lobster Point Lighthouse is at Ogunquit, ME 03907.

12- Visit Beach Plum Farm

Beach Plum Farm is the last remaining salt-water farm in Ogunquit.

This farm is the location of the Great Works Regional Land Trust as well as a lovely community garden.

When you arrive at the farm you can take a half mile (0.8 km) loop trail that leads you through meadows, with views of the surrounding marshland, dunes, Ogunquit River and the ocean.

It is a lovely spot to feel connected with nature without being right on the coast.

You can also visit the old farm building which has a few displays sharing the stories of the people who owned the land a long time ago.

Beach Plum Farm is at Beach Plum Farm Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907.

13- Soak Up Nature At Josias River Park

Another beautiful piece of nature that you can visit on a trip to Ogunquit is the Josias River Park.

Before heading to Josias River Park, the chances are that you have already seen the river.

Perkins Cove is fed by the waterfall that is at the end of the Josias River.

The park’s land was donated by Phil Cavertta and Joseph Gallo for conservation purposes.

The park was proposed as more of a reflective and thought-provoking place rather than a traditional park so it’s great for some alone time or peace and quiet.

Josias River Park is at Ogunquit, ME 03907.

14- Feel The Sand Between Your Toes At Footbridge Beach

While footbridge beach is technically along the same stretch of sand as Ogunquit beach it does deserve its own spot on this list of things to do in Ogunquit.

Afterall what is better than one beach… two of course!

Of course, with a name like Footbridge Beach you must head out along the quaint bridge for views of the surrounding area.

It’s always a good idea to head to Footbridge Beach early, especially on holidays or weekends as the place can become busy and the parking lot usually fills up.

There are bathrooms nearby which are opened seasonally.

Often there are sand artists making beautiful patterns in the sand.

It’s the perfect place to spend the whole day so bring your umbrella, a picnic and plenty of water.

Footbridge Beach is at Maine 03907.

15- Celebrate OgunquitFest

OgunquitFest is a three-day festival to celebrate the harvest and Halloween.

The festival has been around for around 20 years and it’s well worth checking out if you are in town at that time (or tweaking your travel plans so you don’t miss it).

The event includes trick or treating for the little ones with people putting in a lot of effort to their costumes.

There’s also the OgunquitFest Artisan Craft Fair which includes live music, food trucks and a whopping 60 crafters featuring their work.

There’s a classic car show at the beach, a dog costume contest, a pumpkin scavenger hunt and event visits from guest authors.

The fundraising run is also a wonderful way to raise money for local charities.

OgunquitFest is a sure way to have fun with the whole family and enjoy good food, live entertainment and unusual activities.

16- Try Maine Lobster

Clam chowder and lobster have got to taste two of the most quintessentially Maine dishes that you have got to try on a visit to Ogunquit.

If you visit Perkins Cove, you might spot some lobster and fishermen bringing in fresh daily catches, so there’s nowhere better to try than Ogunquit as you can see exactly where your food has come from.

There are plenty of fantastic places to feast on lobster in Ogunquit, such as Footbridge Lobster, The Lobster Shack and Jackie’s Too for some of the best fresh lobster and lobster rolls.

17- Chill Out At The Front Porch

The Front Porch is an excellent café, piano bar and lounge and many locals favorite place to go for some evening entertainment and good grub.

If it’s live entertainment you are searching for after a day of exploring Ogunquit there’s no place better.

Their music and entertainment space are on the second floor.

A visit to The Front Porch is always accompanied by excellent and friendly service and a warm cozy and fun vibe.

The Front Porch is at 9 Shore Road, Ogunquit, ME 03907.

18- Go Kayaking

With the Atlantic Ocean right on the doorstep of Ogunquit you will find that it is a popular place to go kayaking.

Whether you want a half day kayaking adventure or a multi-day overnight tour there’s something for you in Ogunquit.

There are plenty of tidal rivers to explore as well as the ocean, hidden beaches and lighthouses.

There are two main companies to go kayaking with in the area.

There’s Harbor Adventures which are based in York (8.6 miles/14 km from Ogunquit) and World Within (5.2 miles/ 8.5 km from Ogunquit).

19- Visit Little Beach

As the name suggests this is a tiny beach in Ogunquit that’s only around 0.37 miles (0.67 km) but it’s charming all the same.

Though it’s best to visit this little beach in summer, the views can be enjoyed in winter as well when there are far fewer people.

Little Beach is in Maine 03907.

20- Admire Art At Stonecrop Gallery

If you love art then you will want to check out Stonecrop Gallery which is just down the road in York.

This gallery has some wonderful pieces from local artists.

The gallery has a beautiful collection of photographs which will inspire many to dig out the camera and take more photos.

The owner Dana Berenson is friendly and always willing to share local stories of artists.

Whether you are just looking or intend on making a purchase to add to your collection Stonecrop Gallery is a great local art spot.

Stonecrop Gallery is at 805 Shore Rd, York, ME 03909.