Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Ogunquit Beach earns its Abenaki name—"beautiful place by the sea"—the moment you crest the dunes and see the sweep of blonde sand stretching toward Moody Point. The beach divides into three zones: Main Beach bustles with umbrella rentals and the vintage Beach Street pavilion; Footbridge Beach lies across the tidal river, quieter and favored by families who let children float in the warm, shallow current; and North Beach tapers toward rocky headlands where tide pools bloom with periwinkles and hermit crabs. You'll share the shore with multi-generational clans who've staked the same dune-side spots for decades, their coolers packed with Italian sandwiches from Amore Breakfast and lobster rolls wrapped in checkered paper. The sand holds its firmness even at high tide, perfect for barefoot jogs past weathered beach cottages and the occasional piece of sea glass glinting green in the wrack line. When the nor'easters retreat, the beach rebuilds itself grain by grain. Summer brings water temperatures that climb—slowly, stubbornly—into the mid-sixties, cold enough to make you gasp but swimmable once you commit. Lifeguards patrol the main stretches from late June through Labor Day, their stands painted white against the dune grass. In shoulder seasons, you'll have the sand nearly to yourself, watched only by harbor seals bobbing beyond the breakers and the occasional osprey hunting the river mouth.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Ogunquit Beach.
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Ogunquit Beach is generally excellent for families and swimming. The beach features lifeguards on duty during summer months (typically late June through Labor Day). The southern end near the Ogunquit River has calmer, shallower waters ideal for young children, while the main beach offers ocean swimming with typical Atlantic conditions. Water temperatures peak at 60-65°F in summer. Rip currents can occur, so always swim near lifeguard stations and check daily conditions. The beach's gentle slope and wide sandy expanse make it one of Maine's most family-friendly ocean beaches.
Peak season is July and August when temperatures reach 70-80°F and water is warmest, though beaches are crowded. June and September offer pleasant weather (60-75°F), fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates, making them ideal for families. Late May and early October provide beautiful scenery but cooler water. Lifeguards typically work late June through Labor Day. Winter visits appeal to storm watchers and solitude seekers, but most beach amenities close. For the best balance of weather and manageable crowds, late June or early September are optimal.
Ogunquit Beach has a main parking lot on Beach Street with approximately 500 spaces. Parking typically costs $20-30 per day during peak summer season (rates vary by year). The lot fills early on sunny summer days, often by 10 AM on weekends. Arrive before 9 AM or after 3 PM for better availability. Additional paid parking exists at nearby Footbridge Beach and along some side streets. The town operates a trolley system connecting parking areas to beaches and downtown. Many hotels and inns offer parking passes to guests, which can save considerable money during extended stays.
Ogunquit offers diverse dining from beachside snack bars to upscale restaurants. The Beach Plum Café and Bread and Roses Bakery are breakfast favorites. For casual dining, try Barnacle Billy's or The Lobster Shack. Fine dining options include MC Perkins Cove and Angelina's. Lodging ranges from classic motels like The Beachmere Inn to upscale properties like Cliff House Maine. Many accommodations line Beach Street within walking distance of the sand. Downtown Ogunquit (10-minute walk) offers additional restaurants, ice cream shops, and galleries. Reservations are essential during summer peak season for both dining and lodging.
The Marginal Way is Ogunquit's famous oceanfront cliff walk stretching 1.25 miles from Shore Road (near Ogunquit Beach's southern end) to Perkins Cove. The paved footpath takes 30-45 minutes one way at a leisurely pace, offering spectacular Atlantic views, benches, and wildflowers. From the main beach, walk south toward the Ogunquit River footbridge; the Marginal Way entrance is nearby. It's wheelchair and stroller accessible, though some sections have gentle inclines. The walk is free and open year-round, stunning during sunrise or sunset. Many visitors combine beach time with this scenic stroll.
