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Ogunquit, Maine: Where Fun and Adventure Meet – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do

The evening splits several ways out here. The Ogunquit Playhouse has run its Broadway-caliber productions since 1933 and it is the formal option of them. The Front Porch Piano Bar has been going for over 40 years on its nightly sing-alongs instead. Maine Street and Jonathan’s Ogunquit carry the live music end of that very same night. Marginal Way handles the sunset before any of it even starts.

Ah, Ogunquit, Maine, a place that is both easy on the eye and fun. This charming seaside town suits anyone looking to escape the noise and the crowds of city life. With its long beaches, delicious food and exciting activities, Ogunquit carries a version for you. After a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Ogunquit will not disappoint.

Ogunquit: The Beautiful Place by the Sea Ogunquit, which means “beautiful place by the sea” in the Abenaki language, lives up to its name in every way. The town runs mile after mile of pristine white sand beaches, which suit swimming, sunbathing and long walks. The Marginal Way, a 1.25-mile coastal walkway, runs long views of the Atlantic Ocean and rocky shores. You can also visit Perkins Cove, a quaint fishing village that is home to local shops, restaurants and galleries.

Tickle Your Taste Buds: Food and Drink Ogunquit is serious eating country, with a long run of dining options to suit every taste and budget. You can savor fresh seafood at Barnacle Billy’s, settle into a romantic dinner at MC Perkins Cove, or grab a quick bite at the Omelette Factory. The town also has several bars and breweries where you can sample local craft beers and cocktails.

Key Takeaways

• Ogunquit is a charming seaside town with stunning beaches and coastal walkways.
• The town offers a wide range of dining options, from fresh seafood to local craft beers.
• Ogunquit is a perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Ogunquit: The Beautiful Place by the Sea

Ah, Ogunquit. The name itself sounds like a spell from a Harry Potter book, does it not? But trust us, because this coastal town in Southern Maine is very much real and very much worth a visit. Known as one of the finer places in New England, Ogunquit runs a blend of natural scenery and small-town charm.

The town’s name comes from the Abenaki word for “beautiful place by the sea,” and it is not hard to see why. With its pristine beaches, rugged coastline and quaint downtown, Ogunquit is a feast for the senses. After a relaxing getaway or an adventure-packed vacation, this little slice of heaven carries a version for you.

One of the town’s bigger draws is its 3.5-mile Marginal Way, a paved coastal path that winds along the cliffs and runs long views of the Atlantic. It suits a romantic stroll or a family hike, and there are plenty of benches along the way where you can take a break and soak in the scenery.

If you are a beach bum, Ogunquit has got you covered. The town runs mile after mile of white sand beaches, the iconic Ogunquit Beach included. With its crystal-clear waters and soft sand, it suits sunbathing, swimming, or building sandcastles with the kids.

But Ogunquit is more than beaches and scenic walks. The town is also home to a thriving arts scene, with several galleries and theaters showcasing the work of local artists. And if you travel for the food, you will be in heaven here. Ogunquit runs a long list of restaurants, seafood shacks through to fine dining establishments, all serving up delicious meals made with fresh, local ingredients.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Ogunquit, the beautiful place by the sea. You will not be disappointed.

Tickle Your Taste Buds: Food and Drink

You are in Ogunquit, Maine, and it is time to satisfy your taste buds. With a long run of restaurants, cafes and bars, Ogunquit carries a version for you. Here are some of the stronger places to visit to tickle your taste buds:

Seafood Extravaganza

When it comes to seafood, Ogunquit is the place to be. Lobster rolls through to clam chowder, you will find some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in New England. Check out Barnacle Billy’s for their famous lobster stew or Lobster Shack for a classic lobster roll. If you are feeling adventurous, head to Oarweed for their seafood paella or lobster mac and cheese.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction

If you have a sweet tooth, Ogunquit carries plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. Head to Bread and Roses Bakery for their famous chocolate croissants or try one of their homemade pies. For something a little more indulgent, visit Harbor Candy Shop for their handmade chocolates and truffles.

Caffeine Fix: Best Coffee Spots

Whether you need a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon caffeine boost, Ogunquit has some strong coffee spots. Check out Breaking New Grounds for their delicious espresso drinks or visit The Greenery Cafe for their organic, fair-trade coffee. If you are in the mood for something a little sweeter, head to The Front Porch Piano Bar for their famous frozen hot chocolate.

Cocktail Hour: Top Bars

After a long day of working through the town, it is time to settle in with a cocktail. Ogunquit has some strong bars with a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Visit The Front Porch Piano Bar for their live music and creative cocktails or head to That Place in Ogunquit for their extensive wine and beer list. For something a little more upscale, check out The Velveteen Habit for their craft cocktails and small plates.

So there you have it, some of the stronger places to tickle your taste buds in Ogunquit, Maine. Settle in.

The Artistic Side of Ogunquit

If you are after a dose of culture during your visit to Ogunquit, you are in luck. This charming seaside town has a thriving arts scene that is sure to land. Galleries galore through to the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, there is plenty to see and do for art enthusiasts of all stripes.

Galleries Galore

Ogunquit is home to a deep run of galleries, showcasing everything from contemporary art to traditional crafts. Take a stroll through the village center and you are sure to stumble upon a few that catch your eye. In the market for a new piece for your collection or just wanting to soak up some creative inspiration, the galleries of Ogunquit will not disappoint.

Ogunquit Museum of American Art

For a more focused art experience, head to the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. This quiet find of a museum holds a collection of over 1,600 pieces of American art from the 1800s to the present day. Landscapes through to still lifes, the museum’s exhibits showcase the breadth and depth of American artistic talent. And with a location overlooking the ocean, the views from the museum’s grounds compete with the art inside.

Marsden Hartley’s Influence

One of Ogunquit’s better-known artistic residents was Marsden Hartley, a modernist painter who spent several summers in the town during the early 20th century. Hartley’s work was heavily influenced by the natural scenery of the Maine coast, and his paintings often feature bold colors and abstract shapes. To get a sense of Hartley’s impact on the town, take a stroll along the Marginal Way, a scenic coastal path that was a favorite subject of the artist. And if you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Hartley House, where the artist lived and worked during his time in Ogunquit.

Serious art aficionado or simply someone who appreciates a good aesthetic, Ogunquit’s artistic side is not to be missed. So grab your camera, your sketchbook, or just your sense of wonder, and get ready to be inspired.

Outdoor Adventures: Activities and Attractions

After some fun in the sun? Ogunquit carries plenty of outdoor activities to keep you entertained. Beach bumming through to river rafting, there is a version for you.

Beach Bumming

Ogunquit Beach is one of the finer beaches in Maine. With soft sand, beachfront restaurants and plenty of space to sunbathe, it suits spending a day with your family or friends. If you are after something a little quieter, head to Footbridge Beach. This quiet find is a local favorite and has plenty of benches for you to sit and settle into the view.

River Rafting

For a more adventurous activity, try rafting down the Ogunquit River. Liquid Dreams runs guided tours that suit beginners and experienced rafters alike. You will get to see the Maine countryside from an unusual angle and have a blast while doing it.

Sailing the Atlantic

If you are after a romantic activity, take a sailing trip on the Atlantic Ocean. Silverlining Sailing and Finestkind Scenic Cruises both run tours that will take you past Perkins Cove, Sohier Park and other points of interest. You will get to see Ogunquit from a different angle and maybe even spot some dolphins or whales.

Walking the Marginal Way

For a more relaxed activity, take a walk along the Marginal Way. This scenic pathway runs along the ocean and carries long views of the Maine coastline. You can start at Perkins Cove and walk all the way to Ogunquit Beach, or just take a short stroll and settle into the fresh sea air.

Gardening in Ogunquit

If you are a fan of community gardens, be sure to check out Beach Plum Farm. This well-kept farm has a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a pool and plenty of space to relax. It suits a picnic or a lazy afternoon in the sun exactly.

After adventure or relaxation, Ogunquit carries plenty of outdoor activities to keep you entertained. So grab your sunscreen, your kayak, or your running shoes and get ready to work through this Maine town.

Summer runs the whole thing. The beaches, the sailing trips and the rafting on the Ogunquit River all want the warm weather. The Playhouse schedule stretches right across the year, so it covers you when the coast turns cold. The Museum of American Art and the Heritage Museum are the rainy-day pair that you fall back on. Late summer gets you both of the halves.

Retail Therapy: Shopping in Ogunquit

After some retail therapy in Ogunquit? You are in luck. This charming coastal town carries plenty of options for shopping, unusual boutiques through to gift shops.

Boutiques and Gift Shops

Downtown Ogunquit is home to several boutiques and gift shops that run a long list of products, clothing and jewelry through to home decor and souvenirs. Stop by the Beachmere Inn Gift Shop to pick up some beachy decor or head to the Ogunquit Trading Post for some stylish clothing and accessories.

Harbor Candy Shop

No shopping trip is complete without a stop at the Harbor Candy Shop. This family-owned candy store has been a staple in Ogunquit for over 60 years and runs a long list of delicious treats, handmade chocolates, fudge and saltwater taffy included. Trust us, because you will not be able to resist the sweet aroma as you walk by.

Spoiled Rotten: Unique Collectibles

For those after something genuinely unusual, Spoiled Rotten is the place to be. This charming shop runs a variety of one-of-a-kind collectibles, vintage signs and antique furniture through to quirky home decor and accessories. You never know what you might find at Spoiled Rotten, so be sure to stop by and take a look around.

So, in the mood for some beachy decor, a sweet treat, or an unusual collectible, Ogunquit carries plenty of options for your retail therapy needs. Happy shopping.

Historic Ogunquit

If you are a history buff, you will love working through the historic sites in Ogunquit. Here are some places that belong on the list if you want to pick up the town’s fascinating past:

Ogunquit Heritage Museum

At the Ogunquit Heritage Museum, you can step back in time and work through the town’s long history. The museum features exhibits on the fishing community that once thrived here, as well as artifacts from the town’s early days. You can also pick up the lifeguards who have kept Ogunquit’s beaches safe for generations.

National Register of Historic Places

Ogunquit is home to several sites that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a stroll through the town center to see some of these historic buildings, the Ogunquit Playhouse included, which has been entertaining audiences since 1933. You can also visit the Perkins Cove Footbridge, which was built in 1938 and runs long views of the rocky cliffs along the coast.

Ogunquit Memorial Library

The Ogunquit Memorial Library is a striking building that was constructed in 1897. It was originally built as a gift to the town by Charles A. Chase, a wealthy summer resident. Today, the library houses a collection of over 25,000 books, as well as a variety of programs and events for visitors of all ages.

History buff or just interested in picking up more about Ogunquit’s past, these sites are definitely worth a visit. So grab your camera and get ready to work through the town’s long history.

Entertainment and Nightlife

If you are after some entertainment and nightlife in Ogunquit, you are in luck. This charming town carries plenty of options to keep you entertained after the sun goes down.

Ogunquit Playhouse

First up on the list is the Ogunquit Playhouse. This historic theater has been entertaining audiences since 1933 and belongs on the list for theater lovers. The Playhouse features Broadway-caliber productions throughout the year, so be sure to check their schedule to see what is playing during your visit. Classic musicals through to contemporary plays, there is a version for you at the Ogunquit Playhouse.

Live Music Scene

If you are a music lover, you will be happy to know that Ogunquit has a lively live music scene. Rock through to jazz to country, there is a venue for every taste. Some of the stronger spots to catch live music include The Front Porch Piano Bar, Maine Street and Jonathan’s Ogunquit. So grab a drink, sit back, and settle into some tunes.

Front Porch Piano Bar

Last but not least, we have to mention The Front Porch Piano Bar. This iconic spot has been a fixture in Ogunquit for over 40 years and belongs on the list for anyone after a good time. With nightly sing-alongs, talented pianists and a lively atmosphere, The Front Porch suits letting loose and having some fun. So grab a drink, sing your heart out, and take home a night you will still be talking about at The Front Porch Piano Bar.

Overall, Ogunquit has a lively entertainment and nightlife scene that is sure to keep you entertained throughout your visit. Into theater, live music, or just after a fun night out, Ogunquit carries a version for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most romantic spot in Ogunquit, Maine?

Well, if you are after a romantic spot in Ogunquit, Marginal Way is your answer. This scenic coastal walkway suits a romantic stroll with your loved one exactly. You can hold hands, take in the long views of the ocean, and maybe even steal a kiss or two. It suits watching the sunset and settling into each other’s company.

What are some unique and quirky things to do in Ogunquit?

If you are after something unusual and quirky to do in Ogunquit, check out the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. This small museum has an impressive collection of American art and is housed in a striking building that overlooks the ocean. Another quirky thing to do is to visit the Abacus Gallery. This gallery features a collection of unusual and unexpected art pieces, sculptures made from recycled materials included.

Any recommendations for a rainy day in Ogunquit?

Do not let a little rain dampen your spirits in Ogunquit. There are plenty of things to do on a rainy day. One option is to visit the Ogunquit Playhouse. This historic theater has been entertaining audiences for over 80 years and features Broadway-quality productions. Another option is to visit the Ogunquit Heritage Museum. This small museum has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Ogunquit’s history.

What are the must-see attractions in Ogunquit?

There are plenty of attractions in Ogunquit that belong on the list. One of the better-known is the Marginal Way. This scenic coastal walkway runs long views of the ocean and is a strong place to watch the sunset. Another one that belongs on the list is Perkins Cove. This charming fishing village has a variety of shops, restaurants and galleries. Finally, do not miss the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, which has an impressive collection of American art.

Where’s the best place to catch a sunset in Ogunquit?

The place to catch a sunset in Ogunquit is at Marginal Way. This scenic coastal walkway runs long views of the ocean and suits watching the sun go down exactly. Another strong spot to catch a sunset is at Ogunquit Beach. This 3-mile long stretch of pristine, sandy coastline lands hard, and the sunset is a sight to behold.

Are there any free activities worth checking out in Ogunquit?

Yes, there are plenty of free activities worth checking out in Ogunquit. One option is to visit the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. This quiet nature reserve is home to a variety of wildlife and runs hiking trails and scenic views. Another option is to walk along the Marginal Way, which is free and runs long views of the ocean. Finally, do not miss the Ogunquit Heritage Museum, which is free to visit and has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Ogunquit’s history.

Frequently asked questions about Ogunquit, Maine

Which beach in Ogunquit is the one that you should actually be walking out to?

Ogunquit Beach. The sand out there runs a long stretch of white with all of the beachfront restaurants sitting right behind it. Footbridge Beach is the quieter one of them, with all the benches and mostly locals on it. Marginal Way connects Perkins Cove all the way to the beach along the cliffs, which is the walk you take. Ogunquit Beach if the kids are along.

Which museum in Ogunquit is the one that is really worth paying the ticket for?

The Museum of American Art. It holds over 1,600 pieces of it, running from the 1800s right through to the present day inside. The grounds out there overlook the ocean, so the setting competes with the collection hanging on the walls. The Ogunquit Heritage Museum is the free one of them, covering the old fishing community and the lifeguards. American Art first, then Heritage.

Which river in Ogunquit is the one that you should get out on?

The Ogunquit River. Liquid Dreams runs all of the guided rafting trips on it and the beginners are handled just fine. Silverlining Sailing and Finestkind Scenic Cruises take the ocean side past Perkins Cove and Sohier Park instead. The rafting shows you the countryside and the sailing shows you the whole town back from the water. River in the morning, ocean at dusk.

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