If you’re planning a visit to Ogunquit, Maine, you’re in for a deal with!
We spent 4 nights in Ogunquit, which gave us sufficient time to stroll Marginal Way, store round Perkins Cove, take a day journey to Kennebunkport, spend a day doing completely nothing by the pool, and one way or the other eat seven lobster rolls in 4 days. I took my analysis very severely.
And after spending a number of days exploring the world, I believe Ogunquit deserves extra of your time than you may anticipate. There’s loads to do with out packing on daily basis full, which is strictly what I would like from a summer season journey to Maine.
If you’re attempting to work out one of the best issues to do in Ogunquit, Maine, the place to eat, the place to get one of the best lobster roll, and whether or not Kennebunkport is definitely definitely worth the day journey, right here’s every part I’d do once more, plus a number of issues I’d do in another way.
Table of Contents
Ogunquit at a Glance
If you don’t need to learn your entire information, these have been the standouts from our journey:
Best factor to do: Walk Marginal Way to Perkins Cove
Best lobster roll: Footbridge Lobster — 9.6/10 and I ate three of them
Best breakfast: It’s a really shut name between Cove Cafe and The Greenery Cafe
Don’t miss at Cove Cafe: Blueberry French toast
Don’t miss at The Greenery Cafe: Blueberry pancakes
Best dinner with a view: M.C. Perkins Cove
Best steak: The Front Yard
Best ice cream: Blueberry pie ice cream from Big Daddy’s
Where we stayed: Cliff House Maine
Best day journey: I’d personally select Portland over Kennebunkport except there’s one thing particular you need to do in Kennebunkport.
The Best Things to Do in Ogunquit, Maine
Walk Marginal Way
This oceanfront strolling path runs alongside Maine’s rocky shoreline and connects Ogunquit with Perkins Cove. We walked it round sundown our first night after which once more after we have been heading into Perkins Cove.
I really like that you just don’t actually have to deal with Marginal Way as a separate “exercise.” You can seize breakfast, stroll Marginal Way to Perkins Cove, spend the morning buying, and get a lobster roll for lunch.
It makes for an ideal sluggish Ogunquit morning with out feeling such as you’re operating from one vacationer attraction to one other.
If you’re visiting through the summer season, I’d go earlier in the morning when you can. You’ll keep away from among the crowds, and then you definitely’ll already be in Perkins Cove when the outlets begin getting busy.
Spend a Morning in Perkins Cove
Perkins Cove was one among my favourite areas to stroll round in Ogunquit. It’s crammed with eating places, small outlets, galleries, and locations to cease for seafood, and it’s compact sufficient that you just don’t want to dedicate a complete day to it.
We walked right here by way of Marginal Way and spent the morning wandering round earlier than getting lobster rolls for lunch. If you’re driving, there’s a car parking zone close by that provides you a cross to come again later when you’re accomplished for the day however coming again for dinner. You also can take the trolly round for about $5!
Some of the outlets we stopped at have been Perkins Cove Pottery, Perkins Cove Candies, Perkins Cove Bookshop, Kiki’s, and Maine Originals.
I’d give your self a number of hours right here and mix it with Marginal Way and lunch.
Go Shopping in Downtown Ogunquit
Don’t save your whole searching for Perkins Cove! Downtown Ogunquit could be very walkable and crammed with boutiques, reward outlets, eating places, and low outlets. This is without doubt one of the causes I don’t suppose you want to schedule each minute of a visit to Ogunquit.
Leave your self a while to stroll round and pop into locations that look fascinating.
Spend Time at Ogunquit Beach
One factor I’d add to our subsequent Ogunquit journey is extra devoted seashore time! Ogunquit is thought for its lengthy stretch of white sandy seashore.
If you’re staying someplace and not using a pool — otherwise you simply need a basic Maine seashore day — I’d construct a number of hours right here into your itinerary.
Summer parking will be tough, so when you’re staying someplace that enables you to stroll or use native transportation, make the most of it.
Take a Boat Tour From Perkins Cove
This might be the largest Ogunquit exercise I want we’d had time to do. Boat excursions depart from the Perkins Cove space, so you can simply make a complete morning or afternoon out of strolling Marginal Way, buying in Perkins Cove, getting lunch, after which heading out on the water.
If I had yet one more full day in Ogunquit, this could be excessive on my listing.
Have a Pool Day
We stayed at Cliff House Maine, which made spending a day on the pool particularly straightforward. There’s a family-friendly pool when you’re touring with children, plus a separate pool with an infinity edge overlooking the ocean. It’s lovely and serene, excellent for enjoyable!
I used to be about 8 months pregnant throughout our keep so the downtime was a lot wanted. I additionally noticed a number of {couples} there on their babymoon! It’s the proper vacation spot for a soothing babymoon.
Get Blueberry Pie Ice Cream at Big Daddy’s
Maine is thought for his or her blueberries and we have been there throughout peak blueberry season. One of essentially the most memorable issues we ate on this journey in addition to lobster rolls was the blueberry pie ice cream from Big Daddy’s.
We might NOT cease enthusiastic about it afterward!
The Best Lobster Rolls I Tried in Ogunquit
It wouldn’t be a visit to Maine and not using a lobster roll. Or, apparently in my case, seven lobster rolls in 4 days.
Like I mentioned, I took my analysis very severely.
We tried lobster rolls round Ogunquit and Kennebunkport, plus one poolside at our resort, and I began score them as we went.
My splendid lobster roll has large items of contemporary lobster, a well-buttered and toasted bun, and simply sufficient mayo to maintain every part collectively with out overpowering the lobster.
Here’s how those I attempted ranked.
My favourite lobster roll of your entire journey.
I had a sense Footbridge Lobster was going to win earlier than we even obtained there. I checked out so many lobster roll images whereas planning this journey as a result of I can inform if one goes to be good simply by it.
The lobster was extremely contemporary with HUGE items of meat, and the ratio of lobster to bun was precisely what I wished.
I ordered mine with each butter and mayo, which was new for me however now my favourite method to order a lobster roll.
I preferred it a lot that I ate three Footbridge lobster rolls throughout our journey, together with one proper earlier than we drove house. If you solely eat one lobster roll in Ogunquit, that is the one I’d get.
Rating: 9.6/10
2. The Clam Shack
This was the largest shock of the lobster roll tour.
The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport is throughout social media, and I virtually didn’t go. I assumed there was an excellent probability it was overhyped.
I’d additionally seen individuals complain in regards to the spherical bun as a substitute of a conventional split-top lobster roll bun.
I used to be ready to be dissatisfied and I used to be very mistaken.
The bun was completely toasted and buttered, and the lobster was extremely contemporary and tender. There was numerous tail meat, which I particularly cherished as a result of it’s so candy.
I ordered the butter-and-mayo mixture right here too, and as soon as once more, why is that this no more widespread?!
At first, I assumed the lobster-to-bun ratio may be off as a result of the lobster didn’t prolong all the best way to the sides. But once I completed consuming, I solely had two tiny items of bun left. The ratio was fairly spot-on and this one completely lived up to the hype.
Rating: 9.4/10
3. Brix + Brine
Yes, I ordered my seventh lobster roll in 4 days at Brix + Brine. For analysis functions, clearly.
The lobster itself was extremely contemporary, with large chunks and a beneficiant quantity of meat. I additionally actually preferred the tarragon aioli (related to the one I make in this Lobster Cobb Salad), which made this one totally different from the extra conventional lobster rolls we’d been consuming.
My greatest subject was the bun. It was a bit too large for me and will have used extra butter and a deeper toast. Also, lettuce isn’t mandatory in a lobster roll…in my opinion.
Still an excellent lobster roll, particularly in order for you a barely much less conventional model.
Rating: 7.9/10
4. Cliff House Poolside Lobster Roll
Obviously I couldn’t conduct an intensive lobster roll investigation and ignore the one out there roughly 30 seconds from my pool chair.
The Cliff House poolside lobster roll had actually contemporary lobster and an amazing buttered bun. My solely criticism was that I wished extra lobster meat and this one was costlier than the others I attempted.
Would I nonetheless order a lobster roll whereas sitting subsequent to a pool overlooking the ocean? Absolutely.
Rating: 7.5/10
5. Mabel’s Lobster Claw
Mabel’s was our first lobster roll in Kennebunkport. I initially deliberate to make The Clam Shack our first cease, however I used to be so satisfied it may be overhyped that I modified the plan and tried Mabel’s first.
There was so much to like right here. The lobster meat was tremendous contemporary they usually gave you loads of it. The mayo was gentle quite than heavy, and the toasted, buttered bun was nice.
But there was SO a lot pepper.
I genuinely puzzled if somebody had by chance gone rogue with the pepper shaker as a result of it was sufficient to have an effect on my score.
If that was a fluke, I believe I’d’ve rated this one significantly greater.
I’d nonetheless give it one other probability as a result of every part else in regards to the lobster roll was actually good. We didn’t order it, however the lobster cobb salad seemed actually good!
Rating: 7.4/10
Where to Eat in Ogunquit
Yes, you must eat as many lobster rolls as potential. But Ogunquit has loads of different nice meals too.
These have been a few of my favourite locations we ate through the journey.
Cove Cafe
What to order: An omelette + blueberry French toast
Cove Cafe is small, so you’ll have to look ahead to a desk. Go early. It is totally price it.
The omelette I had right here was top-of-the-line I’ve ever had, and the blueberry French toast is a MUST. If there’s a wait, you may pop into the bookstore whilst you’re ready on your desk.
This was simply one among my favourite breakfasts of the journey.
The Greenery Cafe
What to order: Blueberry pancakes
Put the blueberry pancakes in your listing! Easily top-of-the-line pancakes I’ve ever had. If you’re attempting to resolve between Cove Cafe and The Greenery, my reply is to find time for each.
Maine Catch
Maine Catch was one among our extra informal dinners, and I cherished that it didn’t really feel overly touristy.
We noticed numerous locals consuming right here after we went, which is at all times signal in a city with this many guests. The environment is relaxed, the meals is nice, and it’s possibility once you need contemporary seafood.
M.C. Perkins Cove
If you need dinner with an ocean view, make a reservation at M.C. Perkins Cove and request an outside desk. The views are attractive and the meals is unimaginable.
I used to be actually feeling the appetizer menu, so we ordered a bunch of apps and shared every part.
Highly suggest this technique when your entire menu sounds good and you’ll’t make up your thoughts. It’s additionally an excuse to attempt extra issues, which is principally my strategy to trip eating.
The Front Yard
If you’ve reached your lobster restrict — apparently there’s one for some individuals — go to The Front Yard.
We had top-of-the-line steaks we’ve had in a LONG time right here.
It’s an amazing dinner possibility with a Mediterranean impressed menu in order for you a break from the normal Maine seafood eating places, and I’d completely return.
LoveShack Juicery
After a number of lobster rolls and restaurant dinners, an açaí bowl begins sounding fairly good, particularly if it’s sizzling out. We cherished the bowls from LoveShack, however honest warning: they’re HUGE. Unless you’re actually hungry, you can in all probability share one.
Backyard Coffeehouse & Eatery
Backyard is a simple cease once you need espresso earlier than heading out for the morning. I’d pair it with a morning spent strolling round downtown quite than treating it as an entire breakfast vacation spot.
Where to Stay in Ogunquit: Cliff House Maine
We stayed at Cliff House Maine, and the resort is a vacation spot in itself with beautiful views, superb cliffs you may stroll out on, a good looking pool, a spa, and a full service bar and restaurant.
The property is kid-friendly and has a household pool, however there’s additionally a separate pool with lovely ocean views and an infinity edge overlooking the Atlantic.
I noticed numerous pregnant girls right here on their babymoon whereas I used to be there! It’s very being pregnant pleasant since you gained’t have to stroll an excessive amount of (except you need to) and it’s very enjoyable.
Even when you’re not staying at Cliff House, you may nonetheless expertise the property. Go for drinks or dinner to benefit from the views, or e book a therapy on the spa.
This can also be why I preferred having 4 nights in Ogunquit. We didn’t really feel like we had to depart the resort each morning and keep out till dinner simply to benefit from the journey.
We might probe for half the day after which chill out and revel in the place we have been staying.
Is Kennebunkport Worth a Day Trip From Ogunquit?
Potentially controversial opinion: I assumed Kennebunkport was overhyped.
Social media made me suppose we completely wanted to dedicate a full day to it, however as soon as we obtained there, I noticed it was crowded and numerous the buying felt related to Ogunquit.
We even noticed among the identical shops and numerous the identical varieties of merchandise.
I’m glad we went, however I wouldn’t mechanically inform somebody spending an extended weekend in Ogunquit that they want to dedicate a complete day to Kennebunkport.
If you’ve gotten 4 or extra days and there’s a particular restaurant, store, expertise, or seashore you actually need to go to in Kennebunkport, then make the day journey.
Otherwise, I’d think about using that further day to drive a bit farther north and discover Portland as a substitute. We visited a number of years in the past and cherished it, I’ve obtained an entire listing of Portland Maine eating places and different issues to do in Portland Maine.
What We Did in Kennebunkport
We walked round Dock Square and checked out outlets together with Daytrip Society, Seacraft Vintage, The Lobstore, and Sea Love.
Good Stock was another excuse I particularly wished to go as a result of I actually wished to make a attraction necklace.
We additionally went to Goose Rocks Beach, which has lovely white sand and was a pleasant break from crowded Dock Square.
And clearly, a good portion of our Kennebunkport tour was devoted to lobster rolls.
More Ogunquit Restaurants & Things to Do on My List
Four nights seems like loads of time till you understand what number of eating places there are in and round Ogunquit.
Before our journey, I requested buddies and my Instagram viewers for his or her suggestions and ended up with a VERY lengthy listing. We clearly couldn’t get to every part.
I haven’t personally tried the locations under but, so take into account this my crowdsourced listing for subsequent time quite than a private evaluate!
Barnacle Billy’s
Barnacle Billy’s was really useful as one other informal possibility for a lobster roll in Perkins Cove. It could be particularly handy when you’re already spending the afternoon in the cove or taking a ship tour.
Ogunquit Lobster Pound
If you need the complete Maine lobster dinner expertise quite than yet one more lobster roll, Ogunquit Lobster Pound was one other suggestion I acquired.
It’s an old-school seafood restaurant that’s been a part of Ogunquit for many years and could be a enjoyable different in order for you a extra conventional lobster dinner.
That Place in Ogunquit
That Place was one other dinner suggestion I didn’t handle to squeeze in. I’d take into account this for one more journey, particularly after you’ve had your fill of informal lobster shacks.
The Front Porch
The Front Porch is one among Ogunquit’s best-known locations for dinner, drinks, and its piano bar. This could be enjoyable for an evening once you need dinner to flip into drinks and leisure quite than instantly heading again to your resort.
Fisherman’s Catch in Wells
Fisherman’s Catch got here extremely really useful however we couldn’t squeeze it in. It’s a family-owned seafood restaurant in close by Wells identified for traditional Maine seafood like lobster rolls and chowder.
They additionally provide a conventional Maine lobster boil expertise overlooking the salt marsh, which might be what I’d attempt subsequent time contemplating I believe I adequately coated the lobster roll class on this journey.
Wells is shut sufficient to Ogunquit that it’s a simple meal to add with out turning it right into a full day journey.
Scoop Deck in Wells
Scoop Deck was on our ice cream shortlist, however we ended up at Big Daddy’s as a substitute. It’s one other fashionable ice cream cease in Wells, so I’d preserve it in thoughts when you’re already driving by way of the world.
A Few More Things I’d Do Next Time
Go to Drag Bingo at The Leavitt Theatre
The Leavitt Theatre is correct in downtown Ogunquit and hosts motion pictures, reside leisure, and occasions. Drag Bingo was particularly really useful to me, and I used to be advised to RSVP forward of time and get there when the doorways open as a result of it will get fashionable.
Check the present schedule earlier than your journey since occasions can change all through the season.
Get Cocktails in Ogunquit
If you’re in search of someplace to have drinks earlier than or after dinner, Coastal Alchemist and Corks & Cocktails have been each really useful to me.
The bar at The Leavitt Theatre additionally got here really useful, which might be straightforward to pair with a present or occasion there.
See a Show at Ogunquit Playhouse
The Ogunquit Playhouse is one other well-known Ogunquit attraction we didn’t have time to expertise ourselves.
If you want theater, test what’s enjoying throughout your journey and plan one among your evenings round a present.
My Ideal Weekend in Ogunquit
If I have been planning the journey once more for somebody who solely had a weekend, right here’s precisely how I’d do it.
Friday
Check into your resort and get settled.
Walk Marginal Way round sundown after which have an informal dinner at Maine Catch.
Saturday
Get to Cove Cafe early for breakfast and order the blueberry French toast.
Walk Marginal Way towards Perkins Cove, spend a while buying, and get a lobster roll from Footbridge Lobster for lunch.
Spend the afternoon at Ogunquit Beach or enjoyable at your resort pool.
Get blueberry pie ice cream from Big Daddy’s and have dinner at M.C. Perkins Cove.
Sunday
Get blueberry pancakes at The Greenery Cafe.
Spend the morning exploring downtown Ogunquit or enjoyable on the seashore.
If you’re staying at Cliff House, give your self a number of hours on the pool.
Have dinner at The Front Yard.
And sure, someplace in there I’d in all probability get one other Footbridge lobster roll!
Tips for Visiting Ogunquit, Maine
Don’t over-plan your journey. Some of my favourite elements have been merely strolling round Perkins Cove or spending a number of hours by the pool.
Make dinner reservations. Ogunquit will get busy through the summer season, notably on weekends.
Go to breakfast early. This is very essential for the smaller breakfast spots like Cove Cafe.
Walk when you may. Parking will be difficult and costly throughout peak summer season season, notably across the seashores and Perkins Cove.
Plan Marginal Way and Perkins Cove collectively. They’re naturally linked and make a simple half-day itinerary.
Eat all of the blueberries. Blueberry French toast, blueberry pancakes, blueberry pie ice cream — a few of my favourite methods to take pleasure in Maine blueberries!
And eat the lobster rolls. Obviously.
You in all probability don’t want a complete day in Kennebunkport. Unless there are particular stops you’re enthusiastic about, I’d prioritize Ogunquit or take into account spending the day in Portland as a substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ogunquit, Maine
Three days is sufficient to expertise the highlights of Ogunquit with out speeding. Four nights was splendid for us as a result of it gave us sufficient time for Marginal Way, Perkins Cove, eating places, buying, a pool day, and a Kennebunkport day journey with out feeling like on daily basis had to be packed. If you’re solely coming for a weekend, you may nonetheless see fairly a bit in two days.
Yes, and that’s one of many issues I preferred about it. Downtown Ogunquit, Marginal Way, and Perkins Cove work particularly nicely collectively on foot. Depending on the place you’re staying, you’ll in all probability nonetheless need transportation on your resort or sure eating places and seashores.
You don’t essentially want your automotive on daily basis, however I’d nonetheless carry one when you’re staying for a number of days. You’ll particularly need it when you’re planning to go to Wells, Kennebunkport, Cape Elizabeth, or Portland. Once you’re in central Ogunquit, although, you may depart the automotive behind for many of your exploring.
It will be through the busy summer season season. There are municipal parking heaps close to the seashores and Marginal Way, however I’d keep away from driving from attraction to attraction when you don’t have to. If your resort is inside strolling distance or you should utilize the trolly, make the most of it.
Summer is good in case your priorities are the seashore, pool, eating places, and having every part open, but it surely’s additionally the busiest season. Late spring and early fall are price contemplating when you’d quite have fewer crowds and don’t care as a lot about having a conventional summer season seashore trip.
Absolutely. There’s a extremely good steadiness of eating places, ocean views, buying, seashores, and locations to chill out, so it really works very well for an extended weekend as a pair. It’s additionally very family-friendly, so I wouldn’t consider Ogunquit solely as a {couples} vacation spot.
Footbridge Lobster was my favourite lobster roll of our journey and earned a 9.6/10. The lobster was extremely contemporary, the items have been enormous, the lobster-to-bun ratio was excellent, and I cherished ordering it with each butter and mayo.
Is Ogunquit, Maine Worth Visiting?
Yes — and I’d return.
For me, one of the best Ogunquit journey isn’t about attempting to hit 25 sights.
It’s strolling Marginal Way in the morning, consuming a superb breakfast, buying round Perkins Cove, getting a lobster roll for lunch, after which having completely no drawback spending the afternoon subsequent to a pool overlooking the ocean.
If you’re planning a summer season journey to Maine, I’d give Ogunquit not less than two days quite than treating it as a fast cease on the best way to elsewhere.
Just promise me you’ll get the blueberry French toast and a Footbridge lobster roll!
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