Ogunquit, Maine

On this page you find practical information, photos and videos about Ogunquit, Maine.

Ogunquit, Maine features in these preplanned City Guides:

Photo: -epm

Ogunquit is a coastal town in southern Maine, known for its three miles of beautiful sandy beach, an array of shops and boutiques, and plenty of fresh seafood restaurants and ice cream joints (near the intersection of Maine Street and Shore Road)
Ogunquit is one of the coast's most popular tourist towns, especially in summer
Over the past 100 years, Ogunquit has become a popular destination for gay and lesbian tourists, and has many LGBT-owned and -operated hotels, restaurants, bars, theaters, and other businesses, mainly concentrated in the Village area of town
As of the 2000 census, Ogunquit's population was 1,226. This number greatly increases over the summer
"Ogunquit" is the Algonquin Indian word for "beautiful place by the sea"
It started out as a shipbuilding center in the 17th century, then became an important arts center when the Ogunquit art colony was founded in 1898. It's now known as the northeastern-most gay and lesbian center in the U.S.
Part of Stephen King's famous book The Stand (1978) was set in Ogunquit

Take a walk down Marginal Way, Ogunquit's historical and incredibly scenic trail, approximately 1.5 miles long, along the coastline from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach. Over 100,000 people walk this every year (but keep in mind that dogs are not allowed April through September)
Park the car and keep it there. Ogunquit is said to be the most walkable community in Maine, and the number of walkers, runners, and cyclists all over will confirm this. Walk along the beach, or from shop to shop
Lay out on Ogunquit Beach. If you're hungry, grab a lobster roll to go, or find food at one of the small markets on the main drag
Be sure to have some great, fresh seafood. Some favorite spots are the Lobster Shack and Barnacle Billy's, both on Perkins Cove

Make your trip to Ogunquit more of a road trip by getting off Interstate 95, and taking Route 1 along the coast, much more scenic. However, if it's the middle of a busy tourist Saturday, it's probably best to stay on 95 as long as possible, in order to avoid stop-and-go traffic along 1
If you're having trouble finding parking, just go farther afield, and then take advantage of one of Ogunquit's many trolleys
If you're looking to find some of the best lobster rolls around, just keep in mind that many lobster shacks close after lunch, so go early
A combined trip to Ogunquit and its northern neighbor Kennebunkport makes for a great day or afternoon