25 Best Things to Do in Ogunquit, Maine

Although this quiet coastal community in Maine has been around for quite some time, Ogunquit has actually only been an official town since 1979, when it separated from nearby Wells, Maine, making it technically one of the newest towns in the state. But Ogunquit doesn’t feel new, with its many historic buildings including Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse, a historic playhouse, and the 18th century Captain James Winn House, which now houses the Ogunquit Heritage Museum. Besides the culture, visitors will also find a beautiful landscape in Ogunquit, dominated by the Atlantic coast. Scenic cruises and kayak rentals provide an amazing way to see Ogunquit from the water, and those looking to explore by land will enjoy hikes and natural areas such as Ogunquit Beach and Marginal Way. Photo: Thomas/Fotolia

Maine is a state known for its beautiful lighthouses along the rocky coast of the Atlantic, and Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse is a great example of why. This gorgeous and historic lighthouse was built in 1879, with an attached red-roofed house and outbuildings that make for a gorgeous and scenic view. Constructed of cast iron and brick, and with a tower height of 41 feet, Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse is actually still in use today, shedding light on the foggy seas to help guide ships home. Unfortunately, the lighthouse and its grounds are not currently open to the public, but a trip to nearby Sohier Park provides an excellent view of this stunning structure.

Sohier Park Rd, York, ME 03909 Photo: Chee-Onn Leong/Fotolia

The Captain James Winn House is a lovely 18th century Cape style home located in the Dorothea Jacob Grant Common, a park in Ogunquit. It is inside this historic building, part of the National Register of Historic Places, that visitors will find the Ogunquit Heritage Museum. The Ogunquit Heritage Museum is open from 1-5pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays during the months of June through October. It is free and open to the public, and while the house itself is a museum on its own, visitors will find an absolute treasure trove of artificats inside as well. The museum contains exhibits that relate to the heritage and history of Ogunquit and the surrounding regions, and some of the highlights include documents, art, and items of historical significance, as well as the original flooring, fireplaces, and paneling of the house.

86 Obeds Ln, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-646-0296 Photo: Ogunquit Heritage Museum

There are over three thousand pieces of art in the Ogunquit Museum of American Art’s permanent collection, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and other media. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art is the only museum in all of Maine that focuses its exhibits and collections on American art alone, with an emphasis on contemporary art, and it has been exhibiting and educating its visitors about modern art since it first opened its doors in 1953. Some of the highlights of the museum’s collection include paintings by recognizeable artists such as Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Walt Kuhn and Marsden Hartley, as well as some amazing sculptures by Carl Walters, and other incredible works by notable American artists.

543 Shore Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-646-4909 Photo: Ogunquit Museum-American Art

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The Ogunquit Playhouse first opened in 1933, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Part of the Straw Hat Circuit, a notable and long running summer theater series, Ogunquit Playhouse is a not for profit organization that puts on amazing, first rate performances each summer of Broadway musicals and stage shows. From May through October, Ogunquit Playhouse dazzles the community with performances on Tuesday through Sunday each week, featuring local and regional talent as they perform the very best of Broadway. A full schedule of performances as well as pricing and other information about tickets can be found at Ogunquit Payhouse’s website.

10 Main St, Ogunquit, ME 03907 Photo: Ogunquit Playhouse

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At Backyard Coffeehouse and Eatery, guests can enjoy a steaming cup of fresh coffee or an expertly made espresso drink in a relaxed, comfortable environment. With gleaming wood tables and chalkboard menus on the walls, Backyard Coffeehouse is a welcoming and stylishly rustic place which also serves food alongside its delicious drinks. Customers can enjoy a fresh, house made muffin, scone, or other baked good, and those with a bigger appetite can indulge in a breakfast sandwich, bagel, or a wide variety of delicious lunch options, including sandwiches and salads, most of which are named after local attractions and locations.

178 Main St, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-251-4554 Photo: Backyard Coffeehouse & Eatery

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Located at the north end of Ogunquit, this 22 acre farm is near the dunes and the shoreline. There are over 50 plots at Beach Plum Farm which are used as community gardens, and visitors can explore the gardens and walk along the loop style path that meanders through the farm. During the summer, the farm explodes with colors from the vegetable and flowering gardens, and it is a great place to walk, stroll with friends, or stop and read a book. Walking the loop takes about a half hour, and is suitable for visitors of all physical abilities, with benches along the way where you can stop and take a rest. Part of the area is a salt marsh, where guests will find beach plums, bayberry, and a wide assortment of coastal birds.

Beach Plum Farm Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907 Photo: Zigurds/Fotolia

This adorable cafe and bakery on Main Street in Ogunquit is a great place to stop and enjoy a cup of coffee or grab a bite to eat. Bread and Roses Bakery makes everything from croissants and quiches to wraps and freshly baked pizzas with a daily-rotating selection of toppings, as well as delicious drinks from Carpe Diem Coffee, a local roaster. While all of these things are surely delicious, what Bread and Roses Bakery is really known for are their exquisite baked goods. Everything is baked fresh daily, like their loaves of artisan bread, fresh fruit tarts, pies, and decadent dessert baked goods like cakes and cream puffs. Bread and Roses Bakery ships their baked goods too, so visitors can continue to enjoy their delicious goods even after vacation is over.

246 Main St, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-646-4227 Photo: Bread and Roses Bakery

The exposed wooden beams and warm yellow glow of the lighting inside Cornerstone Artisanal Pizza and Craft Beer makes for an inviting and comfortable atmosphere for guests at this hip hangout spot. A wide variety of local and regional craft beers is a great way to start an evening at Cornerstone, and their full menu of artisanal pizzas includes everything from an “Obligatory Cheese Pizza” to many more inventive varieties, like the Cold Picked Lobster Pizza and the Cajun Rubbed BBQ Pork Pizza. Customers will love the hand tossed dough, which is fluffy and thin, made in house, and cooked in a stone oven, and they will love the other food on the menu as well, which includes shareable apps and delicious entrees, all made with fresh ingredients.

228 Main St, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-646-4118 Photo: Cornerstone Artisanal Pizza & Craft Beer

This quaint little breakfast eatery, located in a Cape Cod style house with distinctive blue awnings over the windows, is an Ogunquit classic. Cove Cafe is open every year from May to October, serving breakfast daily starting at 7am each morning until 11am during the week, and 12pm on weekends. Since 2001, the Cove Cafe’s owners have offered fresh, home cooked meals to guests as well as some lovely, coastal Maine gifts and souvenirs. The breakfast menu features all the classic like fried eggs and bacon, but Cove Cafe is better known for their very Maine-based menu items, which include things like Lobster Benedict, Crab Cakes and Eggs, and a Lobster Frittata. There are also fifteen unique omelettes on the menu, and other great items like Cinnamon Bun French Toast and Breakfast Sundaes.

4 Oarweed Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-646-2422 Photo: Cove Cafe

Black Bear Fine Art is the gallery and studio of artist Don Gorvett. Famous for his woodcut reduction style images of local New England landscapes and architecture, Mr. Gorvett’s work has been featured in exhibits all over the United States as well as internationally in Europe, and can be found aplenty at his Perkins Cove shop in Ogunquit. Black Bear Fine Art also features other artists and their fantastic work, which varies from pen on paper to fine photography. A trip to Black Bear Fine Art means guests will be able to find a one of a kind souvenir to take away with them and display in their home, or give as a gift to someone special.

100 Perkins Cove Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 603-436-7278 Photo: hookmedia/Fotolia

Views of the water from Ogunquit’s coast are certainly gorgeous, but how about views of the coast from the water? With Finestkind Scenic Cruises, visitors can see the scenic beauty of the Maine shoreline, including harbors, historic lighthouses, and the beautiful coast itself. Along the way, experienced guides will teach guests about lobsters and the lobstering industry, point out local harbor seals, and other points of interest. There are several boats to choose from for these tours, and each has something different to offer, from the wooden sailboat The Cricket to the cocktails served on the sunset tour aboard the Finestkind III.

70 Perkins Cove Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-646-5227 Photo: Finestkind Scenic Cruises

Not to be confused with the major clothing store chain of a similar name, H&M Crumpets’ was named after the owners’ three dogs: Homer, Max, and Crumpet. These three furry friends served as subtle mascots for this little boutique, which sells personal care items for men, women, and babies. Soaps, lotions, candles, air fresheners, and more adorn the shelves inside H&M Crumpets’, and many of the items for sale are made by local Maine artisans and companies. Besides the standard fare, H&M Crumpets’ also sells some fun and unique items that would make for great gifts, like beard balm, bath bombs, unique slippers, ‘hangover’ skincare kits, soap on a rope, and more.

248 MAIN STREET PO BOX 2064, OGUNQUIT ME 03907, Phone: 207-646-8078 Photo: H & M Crumpets

Harbor Candy Shop, located just next door to its sister store H&M Crumpets’, sells a wide variety of gourmet chocolates and candies, from all the basics like caramels and truffles to more unique creations like tea infused chocolate and chocolate beach bars, which are decorated with sea salt and an array of delicate, edible chocolate seashells. Harbor Candy Shop features vegan chocolates, fruit and nut chocolates, fudge, creamy caramels, turtles, and other goodies, and guests can select their own combinations or choose a pre-made gift box to take home with them as a delicious memento of their time in Ogunquit.

248 Main St, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-646-8078 Photo: Harbor Candy Shop

At Jonathan’s Ogunquit, customers will find a menu full of enticing seafood and steak dishes to whet any appetite. The interior atmosphere of Jonathan’s is casual but fine, with a comfortable ambience created by soft glowing white lights threaded through wines in the beams of the ceiling, warm colored walls, French doors overlooking a green garden area, and more. The restaurant also has a massive concert venue area, where it regularly hosts concerts and shows from great musicians and performers. Much of the food at Jonathan’s is sourced from Jonathan’s Farm in South Berwick, Maine, and visitors can taste the difference in this fantastic produce which is truly served farm to table.

92 Bourne Ln, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-646-4777 Photo: Jonathan's Ogunquit

Much of Ogunquit’s timeless appeal comes from the beautiful coast, and the activities to be done on the water are varied. Swimming, sailing, and boating as popular, as is sunbathing on the beach, but when the waves are just right, surfing is also a fantastic option in Ogunquit, and the waves of the Atlantic Ocean create great opportunities to do just that. At Liquid Dreams Surf Shop, visitors can buy or rent surfboards, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, wetsuits, body boards, and all the equipment they need for their watersport adventures. During the summer, kids and adults alike can attend a 5-day camp session where they will learn the basics of surfing. Individual lessons are also available by appointment, and Liquid Dreams Surf Shop also offers sporting events like Ladies’ Nights or early morning sunrise paddle board sessions.

696 Main St, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-641-2545 Photo: Liquid Dreams

Since the 1980s, the Lobster Shack, or simply “the Shack” as it is locally known, has been owned and operated by the Evans family, who offer amazing fresh lobster and seafood to their patrons. At the Shack, customers can enjoy all the delicious Maine classics they’d expect, like lobster rolls, clam chowder, steamers, and full lobster dinners, and all the lobster is fresh caught locally and kept in tanks of ocean water that comes right from Perkins Cove. Located in a quaint, brown shingled building, The Shack is easy to find on Perkins Cove Rd. in Ogunquit, but the lobster BLT, triple stuffed lobster roll, and family recipe New England clam chowder are certainly hard to forget.

110 Perkins Cove Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-646-2941 Photo: Lobster Shack

Walking along the Marginal Way is like braving a tightrope over the windy cliffs that border the Atlantic, but in the best and most beautiful way possible. Named for the literal margin of trail that is pressed between land and sea, Marginal Way features 1.25 miles of winding trail with stunning views overlooking the town of Ogunquit and the rollicking waves of the Atlantic. At one end of Marginal Way, visitors will find the three miles of sandy dunes that make up Ogunquit Beach, and at the other end is Perkins Cove, an adorable part of town with boutiques, restaurants, candy shops, and a working fishing dock. The walk is not particularly difficult, with a small bit of elevation change, and there are benches placed periodically along the way for those who need a rest or wish to stop and enjoy some of the many views.

Ogunquit, ME 03907 Photo: Anwen/Fotolia

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been sailing your entire life or have just decided that morning to give it a try, because Silverlining Sailing has everything you need for an excellent sailing experience. With Silverlinng Sailing, guests can learn the ropes of sailing in a beautiful boat or classic yacht along Maine’s gorgeous coast. Some of the amazing sights that can be seen while sailing include the rugged cliffs of Marginal Way, Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse, Perkins Cove, and the beaches of Wells and Ogunquit. Guests have the option of lending a hand during their voyage or sitting back to relax and sip their wine as they watch the sun set over the horizon. Sailing trips are suitable for guests of all ages, including children.

80 Perkins Cove Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-646-9800 Photo: Pavel/Fotolia

Spoiled Rotten is a charming little gift shop in Ogunquit that is stuffed to the gills with souvenirs, trinkets, personal care items, and more that will make perfect souvenirs and mementos of time well spent in Maine. At Spoiled Rotten, customers can find a wide variety of candles, potpourris and fragrances, glassware and tableware, and photography depicting some of the most beautiful scenes in Ogunquit. There is also apparel for sale, including hats and tshirts, as well as soaps, lotions, and other toiletries. Rounding out the selection are gourmet foods and snacks, like nuts, crackers, honey, sauces, and more made by local producers, and there’s always something new on display to discover and bring home.

27 Beach St, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-641-8477 Photo: Spoiled Rotten

Ice cream has never looked so good as it does at Sweet Pea’s, an Ogunquit classic. From June through August, Sweet Pea’s is open from 11am until 11pm, and from mid-May to June as well as September through October, they open with varying hours depending on the weather. Located in a cute little blue house on Shore Rd, it’s not uncommon to find a line winding out the door from Sweet Pea’s front porch entrance, full of people waiting to order their favorite flavor of homemade, delicious ice cream. Some of Sweet Pea’s flavors vary from classic vanilla, chocolate, or butter pecan all the way to unique offerings like Phantom Berry, Green Monster, Blueberry Pie, and Apple Crisp. If some of those flavors sound confusing, don’t worry, because there’s a whole board in Sweet Pea’s explaining ‘What’s in that Flavor’ to the newbies. In addition to ice cream, Sweet Pea’s also offers iced lattes and mochas as well as hot and iced coffee drinks.

37 Shore Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-646-6788 Photo: Sweet Pea's

Ogunquit Beach was named one of the best beaches in the US for families, and The Dunes on the Waterfront is certainly a factor in that title. This great hotel is located just 300 yards from the award winning beach, and it’s perfect for couples, groups of friends, or families looking for a beach vacation. Situated on 12 acres of private, secluded property, The Dunes on the Waterfront features hotel style guest rooms as well as quaint and cozy cottages for guests, spread out on mostly undeveloped land to give everyone some privacy and a sense of tranquility during their stay. Cottages feature modern kitchens and bathrooms and the whole hotel has free Wifi for guests. Rooms and bedding are comfortable and cozy, but since it’s only a 6 minute walk from the beach, most guests don’t spend a lot of time there.

518 Main St, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-646-2612 Photo: The Dunes on the Waterfront

Since 1981, The Ogunquit Trolley has been running trolleys through the streets of the town, much to the delight of locals and visitors alike. The company has grown from its original size of four trolley carts to a current total of eight, and riding the trolley is a great way to see Ogunquit from a different perspective as it passes through attractions like Perkins Cove, Ogunquit Beach, and Marginal Way. The Ogunquit Trolley runs daily (except in inclement weather) each year from the end of June until Labor Day, from 9am to 8pm on Mondays through Saturdays and from 9am to 5pm on Sundays until Columbus Day, giving everyone a great opportunity to take a ride. The Ogunquit Trolley also offers private rentals, which are perfect for weddings and events as well as for large groups traveling together who want to explore.

48 Bittersweet Ln, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-646-1411 Photo: Tobias Arhelger/Fotolia

At the Omelette Factory, guests can try a myriad of delicious breakfast options to start their day before heading off into Ogunquit for an exciting fun packed day of sightseeing and oceanside activity. Located just north of the center of Ogunquit, and near the ocean, The Omelette Factory is known for their amazing homemade jams and sauces, like Maine blueberry sauce that comes served on pancakes, raspberry sauce on French Toast, or the delicious jams that come with every order of muffins and sweetbread. The Omelette Factory makes their own bread as well as sauces, and is open Tuesday through Friday from 8am until noon, and on weekends from 7am until 1pm. During the off season, they are closed on Mondays.

Phone: 207-646-4110 Photo: The Omelette Factory

Tea fanatics will never want to leave once they step foot into The Tea Space. This adorable shop, which is located in a beautiful Victorian-style building on Main Street in Ogunquit, sells bagged and loose leaf tea in every variety from Darjeeling to Matcha, and English Breakfast to herbals, with plenty of unique and delicious flavors in between. The Tea Space also sells tea paraphernalia, such as tea pots, tea mugs, bone china cups, spoon rests, stovetop and electric kettles, tea infusers, and more. Here guests will also find play tea sets for children, tea-themed trinkets, toys, art, and postcards, and much more. It’s a truly tea-themed space, and browsing through the shelves is half the fun.

254 Main St, Ogunquit, ME 03907, Phone: 207-641-2900 Photo: The Tea Space

The seaside makes up much of the appeal of a summer vacation in Maine, and Ogunquit’s beaches, cliffs, docks, and coastline make it a really special place that is perfect for lots of water sports and activities. One of these amazing pastimes is kayaking, and with the help of World Within Sea Kayaking, guests can rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard of their own and get out on the water to see the mainland from a whole new perspective. World Within Sea Kayaking is open daily during the high tide cycle only, so guests should take a look at the Wells Harbor tide chart which can be found on their website. There are two common and popular routes that most people take when then rent a kayak, which are the Ogunquit Beach Route, with its views of the amazing beach and mouth of the Ogunquit River, and the Wells Estuaries Route, which offers a peaceful and beautiful look at the river estuaries of Wells.

17 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090, Phone: 207-646-0455 Photo: alwayspp vision/Fotolia