Things to Do in Ogunquit

Ogunquit -- one of Maine’s most popular small towns -- packs a lot of charm into its colorful town center. Enjoy scenic coastal strolls, a world-class theater, nearby beaches and excellent seafood.

By: Valerie Conners

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Ogunquit Playhouse

With more than 80 years of musical productions under its belt, the Ogunquit Playhouse is one of the town's cultural icons. The theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and today the Playhouse produces 5 shows during its 21-week season. Throughout its history, the theater has attracted the likes of Bette Davis and Sally Struthers, and theater-goers are likely to see talent from TV, Broadway and film perform in shows like ?Grease,? ?Mary Poppins? and ?Billy Elliot.?

Walk the Marginal Way

One of the prettiest strolls you'll take in southern Maine is the mile-long Marginal Way, which stretches from downtown Ogunquit's Shore Road to the docks at Perkins Cove. The paved pathway winds alongside coastal Maine's spectacular shoreline, with views of the sprawling beach and sea in one direction, and Ogunquit's scenic cottages and shops in the other. Breathe in the salty air and note the distant lighthouse which serves as the scene's perfect exclamation point.

Ogunquit Beaches

Coastal Maine is often -- and rightly -- associated with its craggy coastline, but Ogunquit is one of the lucky towns that boasts 2 wide, sandy stretches: Ogunquit Beach and Footbridge Beach. The 3.5-mile-long swath of Ogunquit Beach is typically filled with families, sunbathers, swimmers and even surfers and boogie boarders who pay no heed to chilly ocean temperatures. For a bit of respite, head to Footbridge Beach. Its smaller, quieter shore offers a peaceful, scenic spot to enjoy the coastal scenery.

Visit Perkins Cove

The little village of Perkins Cove lies adjacent to Ogunquit and embodies all the charm one would expect in a waterfront town. This former fishing village is filled with independent boutiques and seafood restaurants. Visitors will find plenty to explore, like toy shops, bric-a-brac stores and shellfish-centric restaurants like the Perkins Cove Lobster Pound. Be sure to stroll across the town's manually operated drawbridge -- it's the perfect place for a photo opp.

Hike Mount Agamenticus

Seek out unique views of Maine?s coast while burning off the lobster rolls you've been enjoying with a hike up Mount Agamenticus. Numerous trails, including the popular Ring Trail and Blueberry Bluff hike, twist through the area and range from moderate to difficult in ability. Views from the mountain top -- it's one of the highest points in the surrounding region -- are spectacular with sweeping vistas of land and sea.

Ogunquit Museum of Art

Not your average museum experience, the small but powerful Ogunquit Museum of Art is dedicated to the exhibition and preservation of American art. The museum sits on a cliff with magnificent views overlooking the Narrow Cove and the Atlantic Ocean; thankfully, the museum?s exhibits take advantage of this exceptionally scenic outdoor space. More than 2,000 works of art include pieces by artists such as John Marin, Rockwell Kent and Mark Tobey, and celebrate the heritage of Ogunquit's art colonies.

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

This sprawling 5,400-acre preserve offers visitors relief from holiday crowds that flock to Ogunquit during the popular summer months. The refuge was established to protect salt marshes, barrier beaches, dunes and estuaries, and is a popular retreat for birders hoping to spy the endangered piping plover. Wildlife watchers may also witness white-tailed deer, moose, snakes, frogs and turtles.

Hit the Seas with Finestkind Scenic Cruises

When you visit the coast, the natural thing to do is hop aboard a boat, right? Book an excursion with Finestkind Scenic Cruises, and see the shoreline from an entirely new perspective. Visitors will learn about lobster fishing (and maybe even see lobsters caught onboard), view the iconic Cape Neddick (Nubble) Lighthouse and catch a glimpse of harbor seals. Wake up early to enjoy the outfitter's breakfast cruise, or book a late afternoon cocktail or sunset cruise to explore Perkins Cove, Bald Head Cliff and Ogunquit Beach.

Eat at Barnacle Billy's

An Ogunquit legend for more than half a century, Barnacle Billy's has played host to US presidents, politicians, celebrities and NFL superstars. This landmark seafood haunt is known for its lobster (this is Maine, after all!). Order it boiled and buttered in its shell, in a stew or as a lobster roll. Other popular menu options include clam chowder and steamed clams.

Take the Ogunquit Trolley

If you like to kick back, relax and let someone do the exploring for you, take a spin on the Ogunquit Trolley. While the trolley serves as a legitimate means of transportation throughout town (and allows visitors to leave their cars at hotels since parking in town can be difficult), the trolley's loop route is a fabulous means of exploring Ogunquit's sights and learning the lay of the land.

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Maine

Things to Do in Ogunquit

Shop This Look

Ogunquit Playhouse

Walk the Marginal Way

Ogunquit Beaches

Visit Perkins Cove

Hike Mount Agamenticus

Ogunquit Museum of Art

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

Hit the Seas with Finestkind Scenic Cruises

Eat at Barnacle Billy's

Take the Ogunquit Trolley

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