Extraordinary Beaches - Ogunquit, Maine
What is It - Ogunquit Beach is frequently rated as one of the top beaches in the United States. The distinctive features of this wide beach in southern Maine coupled with the many amenities of the adjacent coastal village make it an ideal place for summer trips and weekend getaways by couples, retirees, and families with younger children. Yankee purists sometimes claim that you can't really experience Maine without venturing hundreds of miles north along the coast or traveling deep into the woods. But there are plenty of outdoor activities in Ogunquit which have attracted generations of visitors from the Boston area, other New England states, and even New York City.
Ogunquit Beach is rather unique for the New England coastline. It is located on a peninsula that begins in the adjacent town of Wells to the north and then runs for 3 miles in a southerly direction parallel to Ogunquit. The beach is separated from the mainland of Ogunquit by a tidal estuary known as the Ogunquit River. It can be reached by crossing a short car bridge close to the center of town or a separate footbridge. In addition to well-preserved grassy dunes, the beach is unusually flat and has clean white sand. At low tide, the beach is several hundred yards wide and people can walk out into the water for a long distance. Six hours later, however, the tide rushes in and the surf covers most of the beach almost up to the dunes. During these times, the mud flats of the Ogunquit River become submerged as well. Most beach goers quickly become familiar with these patterns and move their beach chairs and water activities forward and backward throughout the day.
The most crowded areas of the beach known as Main Beach contains beachfront lodging, restaurants, snack bars, restrooms, and a large parking lot designated for all day visitors. At the top of the dunes In that area, the community has thoughtfully installed a shaded canopy and provided dozens of chairs and long benches. It has become a popular spot for people to relax, read, and watch the surf. There are lifeguard stations and distance markers set out along the beach all the way down to the cottages in Wells. For recreation, this is an outstanding beach from walkers and runners to travel for miles on a flat but forgiving surface and for beach goers to play games.
Like most of the Atlantic coast, there is a small amount of wave action at the beach. Nevertheless, it is probably the temperature of the water rather than the surf which limits many beach goers to walking along the edge of the water and wading. The maximum temperature of the water at this location rarely exceeds 70° and the average temperature during the summer months is in the 65° to 68° range. You can still expect large crowds on weekends at the beach as there are 2,600 hotel rooms in the town of Ogunquit alone. Additional parking lots for day trippers are available along the banks of the Ogunquit River at the entrance to Main Beach and Footbridge Beach, or near the North Beach.
Other Features of the Community - The Beach is just one place which bring people to the small village of Ogunquit. Ever since a local benefactor donated a stretch of land along the top of the cliff to the town in 1923, there has been a path available to the public that runs for 1.25 miles from the downtown to the nearby fishing village of Perkins Cove. Known as the Marginal Way, the path now consists of a paved six foot wide walkway that is lined with 39 benches and has several staircases which lead down to the water. It provides excellent views from the cliff of the rocks and crashing surf down below and the prestigious houses up above. During the season, t he Marginal Way attracts over 100,000 visitors annually.
Perkins Cove is its own attraction as visitors flock to photograph the fishing and lobster vessels moored in the cove or traveling out to sea after raising the small drawbridge located there. Crowded onto this small peninsula adjacent to the cove are several dozen restaurants, galleries and retail stores. Another feature of Ogunquit village is its appeal to cultural and food devotees. There are a total of more than 50 restuarants in the town center area and they a re not just limited to several famous lobster shacks. There is an entrepreneurial and eclectic spirit in Ogunquit that is reflected in everything from the clothing stores to the food choices. All of these areas are tied together and easily visited by hearty walkers or by using the trolley system that provides transportation from the beach throughout the town to Perkins Cove
When to Go - Ogunquit definitely has more going on and attracts the most visitors from May to September. You are much more likely to find temperatures in the 60s and 70s to enjoy outdoor activities during those months. Nevertheless, the community has done a good job marketing itself as a pleasant place for people in the region to visit throughout the year and business seemed strong during a recent June visit.
How to Get Here - Ogunquit has a great location since it is located in Southern Maine only 75 minutes from downtown Boston and just over the border from New Hampshire. Only a few miles off of Interstate 95 North and Route 1 North, it is easy to reach by car from most places in the northeast. Air service to Boston and Portland, Maine open up the area to more distant beachgoers.
Where to Stay - There are a wide range of lodging options available in the community ranging from small boutique rooms in Victorian buildings to several resorts. Anchorage by the Sea is located adjacent to the Marginal Way close to town and has great views of the beach and the water. In addition to 241 hotel rooms, suites and cottages, its amenities include outdoor and indoor pools and a quality restaurant and lounge. For family guests seeking to maximize their time at the beach and in the pool, the 92 room Norseman Resort located right on Main Beach maybe worth looking into. For a luxury experience, the Cliff House located several miles from the beach to the south is a highly regarded resort, spa and conference location.