23 Things You Can Only Do in Ogunquit

Only in Ogunquit Maine Vacation Guide

Welcome to Ogunquit, Maine, a seaside gem that’s been delighting vacationers for generations. Here, rocky cliffs meet sandy beaches, art meets ocean air, and the smell of fresh lobster is never far away. If you’re planning an Ogunquit vacation, you’re in for something truly special.

This New England coastal town isn’t just a place to relax—it’s a place to fall in love with Maine. Let’s explore 23 unique and unforgettable things you can only do in Ogunquit.

Beachmere Inn, 62 Beachmere Place, Ogunquit, ME 03907 | 207-646-2021
Ocean front accommodations in the heart of Ogunquit on the Marginal Way with breathtaking ocean views. Luxury suites and unique rooms, fireplaces, kitchenettes, private balconies or patios. Enjoy an on-site spa, exercise room and hot tub. Reception rooms for weddings, meetings and events. Beachmere Inn is a leader in guest services, event coordination and hospitality. A stunning location perfect for weddings, elopements, vow renewals, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and even bachelor - bachelorette weekend getaways. Open year round. Walk to everything in town or enjoy drinks from our ocean view Blue Bistro.
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Ogunquit Playhouse, 10 Main Street, US Route 1, Ogunquit, ME 03907 | Downtown Box Office 207-646-5511
America's Foremost Summer Theater began in a renovated garage in Ogunquit's town square in 1933. Ogunquit Playhouse is dedicated to producing the finest shows ever to appear on Broadway stages. Visit the web site to see this years show schedule and purchase tickets online.
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Jonathan's OGT, 92 Bourne Lane, Ogunquit, Maine 03907 | 207-646-4777
Serving upscale New England cuisine, Jonathan's Ogunquit, caters to those diners looking for fresh seafood, classic European dishes, grilled steaks and more. Diners prefer Jonathan's for a romantic date night, to celebrate a special birthday or enjoy an evening of farm to table gastronomy before a show. Jonathan's offers dining, events, and concerts. Featuring local food products wherever possible and focuses on serving fresh, New England products. Jonathan's slogan has always been to #eatwell.
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Roberto's, 200 Shore Road, Ogunquit, Maine 03907 | 207-646-8130
Roberto's is committed to making every dish memorable and that feeds not only the body, but feeds the spirit as well. Delicious hardy portions that are truly crave worthy. An extensive menu of all your favorite Italian dishes cooked authentically to give you that real taste of Italy.
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Ogunquit Beach Lobster House, 1111 Beach Street, Ogunquit, ME 03907 | 1-207-360-2286
Enjoy a Maine lobster meal you will will want again and again, with succulent lobster you can taste, not buried in overwhelming seasonings or paired with inappropriate accompaniments. We make it to your taste, even if only seasoned with our healthy Maine salt air! Dine-In, or Take-Out. Seasonally Open 7 days a week from Noon - 8:00pm
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The Blue Bistro at Beachmere Inn, 62 Beachmere Place, Ogunquit, ME 03907 | 207-646-2021
Blue Bistro offers a relaxed setting for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Enjoy an ocean view with your fresh Maine Lobster Benedict in the morning. After a day at the beach, join us for a delicious Filet Mignon dinner. Please telephone for the latest information about our daily specials from our in house chefs. We're an easy walk from Downtown Ogunquit and welcome advance reservations to enjoy our delectable offerings and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Blue Bistro is among the Top-Rated Restaurants in Ogunquit.
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Cape Porpoise Lobster Company, Kennebunkport, ME 04046 | Ph: 404-391-1125
Fresh Maine Lobster! When you think of lobster, you think of Maine. You can enjoy live or cooked Maine lobsters and mouthwatering Maine seafood, delivered right to your door! No preservatives. No chemicals, pure, and delicious Cape Porpoise Lobster. Even if you're not going to be able to make a trip up to Maine this year, do the next best thing. Perfect for your next BBQ, Clambake or Lobster dinner party. Purchase delicious fresh Maine lobster and seafood direct from Cape Porpoise Lobster Company.
Cape Porpoise Lobster Company, Kennebunkport, ME

1. Enjoy Fresh Maine Lobster at the Ogunquit Lobster House

At 1111 Beach Street, just steps from the beach, you’ll find the Ogunquit Beach Lobster House, a casual, breezy spot where fresh Maine Seafood is the star of the show. Whether it’s a whole lobster dinner, a buttery lobster roll, or lobster mac and cheese, it tastes even better when you’re this close to the ocean. Order fresh seafood with a view, and enjoy the flavor of Maine.

2. Stroll the Marginal Way

One of Ogunquit’s most iconic experiences, the Marginal Way is a stunning coastal cliff walk that stretches for a little over a mile from Perkins Cove to the town center. As you walk, you’ll pass windswept cliffs, wildflowers, and benches made for daydreaming. It’s an easy, scenic walk that never gets old—and the views are nothing short of spectacular.

3. Have Breakfast Outdoors Overlooking the Ocean at the Blue Bistro

If you’re lucky enough to stay at The Beachmere Inn, don’t miss a meal at Blue Bistro, their oceanfront restaurant. But even if you’re not staying there, breakfast on the terrace is worth waking up early for. With a plate of blueberry pancakes or a lobster omelet in front of you and the Atlantic Ocean sparkling in the background, it’s the perfect way to start your Ogunquit day.

4. Visit the Ogunquit Art Gallery and Museum of American Art

Art lovers rejoice! Ogunquit is deeply connected to American art history. At the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, perched dramatically on the cliffs overlooking Narrow Cove, you’ll find works by iconic painters and sculptors, many of whom found inspiration in the very landscapes outside its windows. The museum’s oceanfront gardens are just as impressive as the art inside.

5. Catch Live Music and Dinner at Jonathan’s Ogunquit

A favorite for food and entertainment, Jonathan’s Ogunquit is more than just a great meal—it’s a destination. This spacious restaurant hosts live music and comedy acts all summer long, with performers ranging from local favorites to nationally known artists. Start with one of their seafood specialties, sip a glass of wine, or try an amazing Elderberry Martini, and then head upstairs to catch a show. You may even spot a celebrity or two.

6. Enjoy an Elegant Dinner at Roberto’s Restaurant

For an intimate dining experience in the heart of Ogunquit, Roberto’s Restaurant is a perfect choice. The cozy atmosphere, attentive service, and Italian-inspired menu make it a local favorite for romantic dinners or special celebrations. Don’t miss the seafood pasta or the tiramisu—it’s the kind of meal you’ll be thinking about long after your trip ends.

7. Take in a Movie at the Historic Leavitt Theatre

Step back in time at the Leavitt Theatre, a historic movie house on Main Street that has been showing films since 1923. Inside, you’ll find a charming blend of vintage décor and modern comfort. The theatre also hosts special film events, live performances, and community gatherings. It’s a lovely spot to unwind in the evening with a bit of old-fashioned charm.

8. Experience Professional Live Theater at the Ogunquit Playhouse

This one is a must. The Ogunquit Playhouse is a true Maine treasure—one of the last remaining “summer stock” theaters in the country and a National Historic Landmark. Each season, the Playhouse presents a lineup of Broadway-quality productions featuring professional casts and dazzling sets. If you love live theater, there’s no better place to experience it than right here in Ogunquit.

9. Take a Lobster Boat Tour or Go on a Maine Fishing Trip from Perkins Cove

Head to Perkins Cove, a quaint working harbor surrounded by boutiques and restaurants, and hop aboard a lobster boat or fishing charter. Local captains offer daily excursions where you can watch lobstermen haul traps, learn about Maine’s lobster industry, and maybe even catch your own dinner. Deep sea fishing trips are also available for those seeking a saltier adventure.

10. Relax on Ogunquit Beach

Wide, clean, and family-friendly, Ogunquit Beach is one of the top beaches in all of New England. The sand is soft, the tide pools are perfect for kids, and the surf is gentle enough for swimming or wading. Bring a beach chair, a book, and plenty of sunscreen. There’s paid parking, clean restrooms, and the beach is just a short walk from the village center.

11. Ride the Ogunquit Trolley

It’s hard to miss the bright red and green Ogunquit Trolley as it rolls through town with a bell and a smile. Hop on for a charming and convenient way to get around—whether you’re heading to the beach, Perkins Cove, or a restaurant uptown. The trolley is fun for kids, relaxing for adults, and a unique way to experience the town without worrying about parking.

12. Explore the Local Shops in Perkins Cove

You’ll love getting lost in the shops and boutiques tucked along the narrow footpaths of Perkins Cove. From handcrafted jewelry and nautical-themed gifts to fine art and Maine-made clothing, there’s something for every taste and budget. Don’t forget to grab a box of saltwater taffy—or two. Shopping here is part of the Ogunquit experience.

13. Watch the Drawbridge in Action

The Perkins Cove pedestrian drawbridge is more than just a functional crossing—it’s a bit of local theater. When a boat needs to pass through, someone (sometimes a visitor!) gets to crank the bridge open by hand. It’s a delightfully old-school moment that perfectly captures Ogunquit’s blend of charm, whimsy, and tradition.

14. Hike the Beach Plum Farm Trail

Just north of town is Beach Plum Farm, where you’ll find a short, scenic walking trail perfect for a morning stroll or post-dinner walk. It winds through wildflower meadows and marshes, offering a peaceful break from the busier parts of town. In season, the farm stand may be open, offering flowers and fresh Maine produce.

15. Photograph Sunrise from the Marginal Way

Set your alarm early—sunrise on the Marginal Way is something you’ll never forget. As the sun rises over the Atlantic, golden light spills across the rocky shore, casting long shadows and painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. Bring your camera or simply soak it in. It’s a quiet, magical way to start your day.

16. Attend the Annual Ogunquit Fest

If you’re visiting in the fall, don’t miss OgunquitFest, a weekend celebration of autumn featuring a classic car show, artisan market, costume parade, pumpkin decorating, and live music. It’s a festive, family-friendly event that turns Ogunquit into a celebration of small-town joy.

17. Browse Local Art Galleries

Ogunquit is an art lover’s paradise. Beyond the museum, the town is dotted with galleries showcasing fine art, photography, pottery, and sculpture. Stop into places like The Barn Gallery or Panache Fine Jewelry and Art Gallery, and you might even meet the artist behind the work. It’s a great way to support local talent and bring home something truly one-of-a-kind.

18. Enjoy Sunset Views from Perkins Cove

Evenings in Ogunquit are made for sunsets, and one of the best places to catch them is Perkins Cove. Grab an ice cream cone or a bench and watch the sun dip behind the village rooftops while fishing boats return to harbor. It’s simple, peaceful, and the perfect way to end a day by the sea.

19. Take a Scenic Drive Along Shore Road

For a different perspective of Ogunquit, take a slow drive or a long walk down Shore Road. This picturesque route hugs the coastline and is lined with charming inns, ocean-view homes, art studios, and gardens. The scent of salt air and blooming beach roses lingers in the breeze.

No trip to Ogunquit is complete without at least one visit to Barnacle Billy’s, a legendary Perkins Cove seafood spot. From steamers and chowder to fresh lobster, the food here is pure Maine. Sit on the deck with a rum punch, take in the harbor view, and let vacation mode sink in.

21. Visit Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

A short drive from downtown Ogunquit, the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge offers a peaceful, educational retreat. The accessible trail winds through salt marshes and estuaries where you might spot egrets, herons, and migratory birds. It’s a favorite spot for nature photographers, walkers, and anyone who wants to experience Maine’s wild beauty.

22. Explore Ogunquit’s Literary and Artistic Past

Ogunquit has long attracted creatives. Writers like e.e. Cummings and artists from the early 20th century flocked here for inspiration. While walking around town, you may stumble upon plaques and markers highlighting the town’s history as an artists’ colony. Stop, read, and imagine what life was like when this quiet coastal village was alive with easels and typewriters.

23. Bookmark MELiving.com for Ogunquit Photos and Vacation Updates

Before your trip—and while you’re here—bookmark meliving.com for current Ogunquit events, dining reviews, beach reports, and beautiful local photography. It’s your trusted, locally connected source for everything Ogunquit. You’ll find new travel ideas, restaurant updates, and scenic views that just might inspire your next visit.

Visiting Ogunquit

Ogunquit isn’t just another seaside town—it’s a one-of-a-kind destination where you can soak in natural beauty, savor lobster by the sea, experience world-class theater, and walk a cliffside path that rivals anything on the New England coast.

Whether you’re here for a day, a week, or a lifetime of summers, there’s something magical about Ogunquit, Maine. These 23 experiences are just the beginning of what makes an Ogunquit vacation unforgettable.

So pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and come see what you can only do in Ogunquit.

For more Ogunquit Maine vacation inspiration, bookmark https://meliving.com.

Maine Diner, 2265 Post Road (US Route 1),Wells, ME 04090 | 207-646-4441
World Famous Food Like Grandma Used To Make. Featured on "The Today Show", Phantom Gourmet, Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and others. Maine blueberry pancakes, pies, lunch and dinner specials and more. Try Maine Diner's famous Lobster Pie, Seafood Chowder, Codfish Cakes. Breakfast anytime. Remember the Maine Gift Shoppe, Maine Products. Eat-In or Take-Out. View menus online.
Maine Diner - Wells, Maine

When Pigs Fly Pizzeria, 460 U.S. Route 1 Kittery, Maine 03904 | Restaurant: 207-438-7036 Bread Store: 207-439-3114
Enjoy our large selection of wood-fired pizzas, appetizer plates, craft beers and draft wines. The pizzas are Neapolitan style, handcrafted from all natural ingredients. Our wood-fired ovens give the crust a chewy, smoky flavor. All ingredients are the freshest including mozzarella, which is made fresh daily. This location is also home to the When Pigs Fly Company Store, which offers all of the classic and artisan breads, and other products available from When Pigs Fly.
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Loco Coco's Tacos, 36 Walker Street, Kittery, ME 03904 | 207-438-9322
Creative, unique, and freshly made Mexican food housed in a restored building, a relaxed dining experience that offers something different to patrons and ensures you enjoy a memorable food experience every time. Mexican, Southwestern Cuisine, Special Diets, Vegetarian, Vegan / Gluten free options. Lunch, Dinner, Dine-In or Take-out, Catering.
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White Barn Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection, 37 Beach Avenue, Kennebunk, ME 04046
A luxury hotel with two restaurants, on-site spa, and pet friendly rooms available. Spa offers couples treatment rooms, deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, prenatal massages, and Swedish massages. Spa treatments include aromatherapy, body scrubs, body wraps, and detox wraps. Whether planning a weekend escape or an extended stay, check current availabilities and special rates below.
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Sewall House Yoga Retreat, 1027 Crystal Road (PO Box 254), Island Falls, Maine 04747 | 1-646-316-5151
The Sewall House Yoga Retreat remains in the family and to this day continues the hospitality begun by Levi Sewall (who settled Island Falls and is William's father). Donna Davidge, the fifth generation in the house, runs the lovely old place as a yoga retreat, splitting her time between Island Falls, Maine and New York City.
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The Cliff House, 591 Shore Road, Cape Neddick, ME, 03902
A top-rated Maine Resort and Spa. On premisses dining with an ocean view at Nubb's Lobster Shack. This seafood restaurant specializes in local cuisine and serves lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at The Tiller Restaurant - also Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With two pools, and sensational views Cliff House is an an excellent choice for your couples getaway. Visit current availabilities and special rates.
The Cliff House - Cape Neddick, ME