Ogunquit
Ogunquit is a town on Maine’s southern coast. Ogunquit Beach, a long, sandy peninsula with grassy dunes, lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ogunquit River. It is truly one of the prettiest places on the Southern Maine Coast, with sandy beaches, dramatic rocky cliffs, quaint colonial architecture and gorgeous tree canopied streets. According to legend, Ogunquit was named by the Abenaki tribe, because the word means “beautiful place by the sea.” Ogunquit has evolved from a fishing village in Perkins Cove surrounded by farms to the bustling tourist destination it is today.
Things to do in Ogunquit
Perkins Cove is about as cute a fishing village as you will find. Complete with a manually operated drawbridge, delightful little seaside shops, restaurants and ocean views, this a perfect place to spend the day. Ocean lovers can board a scenic boat tour from Perkins Cove too. Stroll the Marginal Way from here, then shop for locally made jewelry and crafts, before catching lunch at one of the waterfront bistros for a bowl of chowder or lobster roll.
Marginal Way is a must, walk this 3-mile shorefront pedestrian walkway that connects Ogunquit village to Perkins Cove. There are promentories, picnic benches and a lighthouse along the way.
Ogunquit has two long beautiful sand beaches including its namesake Ogunquit Beach, and Footbridge Beach. Ogunquit Beach is three miles long, with the Ogunquit River creating a peninsula, and the parking area off Beach Street as a social hub of this broad sandy beach. It also ranks as one of the prettiest 3.5 miles of beach in the country and is on the list of Top 25 Beaches in the US on TripAdvisor. Footbridge Beach is a beautiful quieter stretch of sand, connected by a “footbridge” or you can walk here continuing north east beyond the main part of Ogunquit Beach.
Shop Ogunquit’s unique boutiques along Main Street in the historic village center. Browsing is both art and amusement in this great town full of fun shops like Sea Glass Jewelry Studio, Abacus and Whistling Oyster.
Whether you are planning a recreational half-day tour, a multi-day overnight adventure or pursuing a new paddling skill, kayak excursions will provide you with an exciting and unforgettable experience. Explore the inspiring coastline and tidal rivers of Southern Maine, as you discover close up views of shore birds, hidden beaches and historic lighthouses. Trips are designed for beginners and advanced paddlers alike.
Explore the surrounding area of Wells and Kennebunk. The town of Wells is the center of coastal southern Maine, north of Ogunquit and just south of Kennebunk. There are four miles of beaches in Wells comprised of Moody Beach, Crescent Beach, Wells Beach and Drakes Island Beach. Kennebunkport is right next door to Kennebunk and many of the best shops, beaches, art galleries and great restaurants are actually in Kennebunk. Gooches Beach, more commonly known as Kennebunk Beach, is the largest and most popular option for those in the area. Wide sand and mostly gentle surf make it ideal for great surfing for beginners.
Where to stay in Ogunquit: Ogunquit River Inn
Situated on 5 acres at the border of the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge, this straightforward hotel is a mile from Ogunquit Village and 2 miles from Ogunquit Beach. Complimentary continental breakfast is included, and there’s a seasonal shuttle to Ogunquit Beach. There’s also an outdoor pool and a hot tub. Wildlife sightings are not uncommon.
Drive 2 hours from Ogunquit to Boothbay Harbor OR drive 3.5 hours straight to Bar Harbor.
Boothbay Harbor
Set along its namesake waterfront, Boothbay Harbor is a popular destination for kayaking, sailing, and yachting. It’s home to quaint gift shops and specialty stores, along with breweries, tapas bars, and eateries where fresh seafood is everywhere.
Things to do in Boothbay Harbor
Whale Watching and Puffin Cruises are available from May to October. Trips offer views of Maine’s unique coastline, lighthouses, and wildlife along the way. It’s truly a “Seafari” for nature lovers to keep your eyes open for seals, porpoises, dolphins, seabirds, sunfish, or even sharks! Captains have the most knowledge of the whale feeding grounds and movements, and our expert Marine Biologists and Naturalists provide an entertaining and informative narration on the sights and wildlife in the Gulf of Maine. Cap’n Fish’s Cruises partners with the National Audubon Society to offer Puffin Cruises narrated by researchers from Project Puffin. See the Puffin Colony on Eastern Egg Rock and other beautiful coastal features along the way!
Midcoast Sailing Company offers 1/2 day, full day and overnight sailing charters aboard a lovely 30 ft. sloop “Wind’s Will.” Take out a sailboat (and her captain) for a half day or full day sail. You can soak up the weather, say hello to local wildlife and see the Boothbay Region’s coastline from the sea, all under sail.
Join Schooner Isaac H. Evans, the oldest surviving oyster fishing schooner in existence. Guests have a chance to sail the picturesque coast of Maine while participating in the preservation of a National Historic Landmark. Passengers have the opportunity to help haul on lines to raise the sails and learn more about the history of traditional tall ship sailing on board the 5th oldest sailing vessel in the country still sailing.
Visit Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens whose mission is to inspire meaningful connections among people, plants and nature through horticulture, education and research. As the largest botanical garden in New England, the Gardens comprises 295 acres, 17 of which are gardens featuring native plants of Maine and other plants suited to northern coastal conditions.
Where to Stay in Boothbay Harbor: Boothbay Harbor Inn
Adjacent to the Boothbay Harbor Footbridge, this relaxed, seasonal waterfront hotel is 2 miles from Boothbay Harbor Country Club and 4 miles from the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. The Inn features 60 spacious and modern guest rooms, all with private bath and personal amenities. Most have a balcony or patio and many have views of the harbor.
Drive 3 hours to Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a town on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s Frenchman Bay. It serves as a gateway to the mountains and cliffs of neighboring Acadia National Park.
Things to do in Bar Harbor & Acadia
Join Acadia Mountain Guides for a personalized rock or ice climbing experience on the spectacular coast of Maine. Half and full day sessions for individuals, families or groups of all ages and abilities. All equipment provided. No climbing experience needed.
Cruise through the scenic waters of Frenchman Bay during a leisurely sailing trip. Admire views of Acadia National Park in Maine during this sightseeing boat tour. Keep an eye out for wildlife including eagles, seals, and porpoises during the sail. Check out views of the Porcupine Islands from the spacious decks on board a Windjammer. Choose from the many options available.
Make the most of your visit to Maine’s Acadia National Park during a private, half-day guided tour. Find routes and trails that are difficult to locate for most visitors. Cover the Park Loop Road, with panoramic views from Cadillac Mountain. Tours include snacks, refreshments, and private transfers in a climate-controlled vehicle.
Rent an E-Bike in Acadia National Park. If you’re planning to explore Acadia National Park but would like to do so on your own time without a group holding you back, this Acadia National Park e-bike Rental is the perfect solution. This e-bike rental gives you an e-bike and all the equipment you need for a day roaming the park’s carriage roads, as well as Park Loop Road. Plus, with an e-bike, you decide when to be active.
Join Lulu Lobster Boat for one of the top rated boat cruises in the region. The only lobster boat tour in Bar Harbor hosted on a traditional Downeast-style lobster boat, offering exclusive two-hour tours that are personal and unique. We sail from the heart of the Bar Harbor waterfront at the beautiful Harborside Hotel & Marina.
Acadia National Park is a 47,000-acre Atlantic coast recreation area primarily on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. Its landscape is marked by woodland, rocky beaches and glacier-scoured granite peaks such as Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the United States’ East Coast. Among the wildlife are moose, bear, whales and seabirds. There are a ton of hikes to choose from, check them out HERE.
Where to stay in Bar Harbor: Hampton Inn
Open May to October, this seasonal hotel is less than a mile from Acadia National Park. Downtown and the waterfront are two miles away. Enjoy the view of the mountains and Bar Harbor from our rooms, and unwind in our pools and whirlpool. Daily hot breakfast, WiFi, and parking are free.
