Ogunquit, Maine Family Travel: Here is Everything you Need to Know
Covid News: If you are thinking of traveling to Maine, and you are international, please visit the website below for updated requirements:
Ogunquit’s name comes from the language used by the Algonquin Indians. It literally means “Beautiful Place by the Sea”. Ogunquit is not only home to historic properties- the oldest one being The Black Boar Inn, built in 1674- but it is also a great place to enjoy the miles of sandy beaches, rocky coastline, art galleries, and shopping and dining in the historic town center.
Below I have included a list of the best places to stay, the best time to visit, and attractions. Of course, I am always budget-conscious, so I also include a few tips on how to find the best deals.
- If you are looking to explore another coastal town, just drive 20 minutes south to York. Check out our York Travel Guide here!: https://adventureswithatlas.com/summer-travel-guide-here-is-everything-you-need-to-know-about-visiting-york-maine/
Best Places to stay:
The Historic Black Boar Inn:
Mentioned earlier, the Black Boar Inn, is a great place to stay, especially if you like history as much as I do. You can choose a small room if you are traveling with smaller children, or you can stay in the Duchess Ann Suite, which is a two-room suite for added privacy.
It is walking distance from the town center, and a 3-minute walk to the long stretch of beaches.
The Black Boar is only open seasonally, so you can start making reservations if you are staying after April 1st.
https://theblackboarinn.weebly.com
The Seacastle Resort Inn and Suites
My family have visited Ogunquit many times, and we always gravitate to the Seacastle resort. The resort has many amenities, including multi-room suites, full kitchens, and an indoor swimming pool. It is located directly across the street from the entrance to marginal way, which is a beautiful coastal walkway.
Seacastles is also within walking distance of the town center.
The Seacastle Resort is open year-round. You will get your best rates from October to mid-May.
https://www.ogunquitbeach.com/seacastles/
Best time to visit Ogunquit, Maine
Late September or Early May
Since Ogunquit sits on the Southern coast of Maine, there is usually limited activity during the winter. A few of the galleries and shops are closed; however, many restaurants are still open. I’ve stayed here during the coldest parts of winter, and I still find beauty in it.
If you are looking for a quiet winter wonderland, I would suggest staying in the winter months. If you are looking for low costs, yet warmer weather, I would suggest staying a few weeks after Labor Day, in late September, or staying a few weeks before Memorial Day in May.
During this time, you’ll find many more things open, yet hotel prices are still reduced and the beaches will not be nearly as crowded.
Things to Do:
As I mentioned, not much happens here outside of the summer months, yet you will find your annual seasonal fairs or festivals that happen throughout the year.
Ogunquit is the Number 1 Summer Travel Destination!
During the summer months, everything is open. So, here is a list of the best summer attractions:
Wonder Mountain Fun Park
This is a mini-golf and arcade. They also have a human maze, where participants must use their navigation skills to get out. The employees also change the maze frequently, so it’s different with each visit.
This is a seasonal attraction and is open starting Memorial Day and closes Labor Day. *(End of May to the first week of September)
Marginal Way:
Marginal way is a family-friendly walk along a little more than one mile of breathtaking coastline. You can start at the entrance in front of the Seacastles Resort, and then it ends at Perkins Cove.
Once you enter Perkins Cove, you can grab an ice cream at the local shop and then head to the marina to watch the lobster boats come in from their long morning at sea.
The best thing about this walk is that you can turn around at any point. If you are traveling with small children, then you understand why this is important. 🙂
On the other hand, I have walked this trail with my 3-year-old and he had a great time and loved the little nooks and hiding places he found behind the trees. You can also stop to take a picture with the smallest lighthouse you’ll see on the East Coast.
Safety Notice: If you are walking with small children, it’s important to know that there are no railings on the side, so I would not let young children freely walk without close obsersation. For the majority of the walk, there is plenty of space; however, the closer you get to Perkins Cove the trail becomes of little narrow.
Ogunquit Trolley:
Usually, a trolley is used to get yourself from one attraction to another; however, this trolley is considered an attraction in itself. If you are not interested in walking Marginal Way, you can take the trolley to Perkins Cove. The drivers are locals, and will usually share some interesting facts with you while they drive you around.
The trolley runs from Memorial Day (Last weekend in May to Columbus Day ( Mid October). The prices are usually $5 for adults and $3 for children, yet they are subject to change.
For more scheduling information and where they stop, check out their site below.
Welcome to The Ogunquit Trolley Company
Ogunquit Beach:
If you are staying in Ogunquit, then you are most likely there to enjoy your time at the beach.
Ogunquit Beach is a 3 mile stretch of beautiful white sand. Even during the busy summer months, you will always find an open space to throw a frisbee, fly a kite, or simply relax.
To get to the entrance of the beach you park next to the Norseman Inn. During the busy months, parking is $20. However, if you want to skip the parking fee, you can park at a cove called Footbridge Beach.
During the majority of the day, there is always a lifeguard on duty, and if you are planning and renting a kayak or paddleboard, then Footbridge Beach is where you will push off.
They do not have rental sights on this location; however, so you will need to rent your equipment from the surrounding shops before you get there.
To check out rent shops, check the website below.
Ogunquit is truly one of my favorite places to visit, and I’m sure after your visit it will become one of your favorites as well.
As always,
Happy Adventuring!
2 Comments
Patty Barrett
Hi guys!! How was the trip out west? Love your blogs Tiffany. Wish you all well
Neighbor ☮️
Tiffany
Hi Patty! It was great! We took it slow, so it took us about 2 weeks. Boulder is beautiful! Thank you for checking out my blog. I’m hoping to have more time soon to put more into it. 🙂