Ogunquit: Maine’s Perfect Beach Town

Maine’s south coast has beaches for every taste. There’s Old Orchard for the razzle-dazzle of an old-school pier and oceanside amusement park, Parson’s Beach in Kennebunkport for those who like just sand and dunes, and York’s Long Sands for surfers.

Ogunquit Beach, on the southern Maine coast, is for the whole family, with something for everyone within easy reach of 3.5 miles of golden sand beach. Ogunquit Beach has a gentle slope to the sea, meaning low tide leaves a lot of beach space.

For the best beach experience, watch the tide charts (your hotel will have one, and it is posted near the beach and along Marginal Way) and plan to get to the beach as the tide begins to rise. The soft sand is perfect for serious sandcastle building or gathering a few rays; unlike many Maine beaches, the water temperatures in summer can reach the mid-60s.

The tidal river separating the beaches from Ogunquit’s center keeps traffic far away from sunbathers on the beach. There is road access to a parking lot at the north end, but distances are short here, so it’s better to choose a nearby lodging and walk to the beach. Family-friendly inns and hotels line Shore Road, a good location within an easy walk of the beach and restaurants.

Unlike many beach towns, Ogunquit is a lot more than sand. Marginal Way, a paved walking path along the shore, from the beach to Perkins Cove, is a beautiful way to see the rocky coast and waves crashing on the rocks. Tucked in among the rocky cliffs are a series of small sandy coves offering a different beach experience.

The path is for walkers only (no bikes, no dogs from April to October) and runs about a mile from near Sparhawk Resort on Shore Road right into the wharf area of Perkins Cove. The surface is smooth for strollers, and all along the path are conveniently placed benches, both on the path and on overlooks above the sea. From Perkins Cove, return to town on the Marginal Way, walk back along shady Shore Road or take the trolley for $1.50.

Perkins Cove seems designed for photographers. A slender peninsula protects a small bay, a safe haven for small boats bobbing picturesquely in its water. Originally a small fishing port, today it is overlooked by restaurants and a dense warren of small shops featuring everything from toys and T-shirts to fine crafts by local artists. Kiosks here sell tickets for day cruises and deep-sea fishing.

To call Ogunquit’s compact cluster of shops and galleries “downtown” would be a stretch. But at the intersection of Main Street and Beach Road, boutiques and galleries form a pleasant place for browsing. Boutiques sell smart beach and resort wear, t-shirts, home accessories, jewelry, and fine crafts. Kids will love Harbor Candy Shop, where they can watch through a big glass window as workers dip chocolates and make fudge and truffles.

For a culture break, Ogunquit Museum of American Art features a sculpture garden sure to enchant kids. Among the sculptures are whimsical creations of Maine artist Bernard Langlais, who made giant animals from scrap woods and recycled materials. Kids will want to be photographed with the lion, horse or rhinoceros.