Please note: this page is currently under construction, so some information is still forthcoming. If you see a note that says "LINK TO ...", that is an indication that more information is on its way!
Questions About the Marginal Way
Questions About Ogunquit's Major Events
When is high tide? You can find the high tide schedule for the days you will be in Ogunquit at US Harbors.
Does the beach have lifeguards? Lifeguards are on duty 10am to 5pm, 7 days a week during the summer.
Can I ride my bicycle on the beach? Yes. There are no prohibitions against riding bicycles on the beach. Be sure to check out our Explore the Shores and Outdoors page for more information on where to ride your bicycle in the Ogunquit area.
Can we have a bonfire, barbeque, or have a clam/lobster bake on the beach? No. Fires of any type are not allowed on any Ogunquit Beach.
Can we camp on the beach? No. Camping areas are not allowed within the town limits. However, you can find several campgrounds here, and most have free transportation to the beach.
Is Ogunquit Beach handicap accessible? Yes. The main beach at the end of Beach Street has a ramp to the sand. The Ogunquit lifeguards have a beach wheelchair for use.
Are there public restrooms at the beach? Yes. There are public restrooms near or in all of the public beach parking lots. Outdoor showers are available at the Main Beach.
How warm will the water be when I visit? Here's a chart of average temperatures. The water temperature is usually at its warmest around the first week of August.
Are beach umbrellas and chairs available for rent? Yes. Go to Vacation Needs Rentals for more about these supplies, as well as rentals of boogie boards, surfboards, kayaks and more.
Where can I park to go to the Beach? See Questions About Parking below.
How do I get a beach pass? Beach passes for parking are only available to year round residents and property owners who have habitable buildings on their land. The year round renters must prove that they live in town all year. Contact the Police Department to apply for the pass.
Can I get married on the beach? Yes. Go to our wedding page for more on how to get married in Ogunquit. LINK TO WEDDING PAGE AFTER IT IS POPULATED.
Are dogs allowed on the beach? Dogs are not permitted within the Ogunquit Beach area from April 1st to September 8th. Dogs are permitted within the Ogunquit Beach Area from September 9th to March 31st. Dogs are not permitted in the Ogunquit River Estuary at any time. Go to the Dog Walk page for more information on where to walk your dog in the Ogunquit area.
Is it true that there is an endangered species of bird that lives on the beach? Yes. You may find the nests of endangered "piping plovers" and "least terns" when you visit the beach this summer. You can help protect them by following some simple guidelines.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
--Stay clear of fenced areas marked with "Restricted Area" signs.
--If you see chicks on the beach, do not follow or chase them. Leave them plenty of space to feed.
--Fly kites well away from nests. Plovers and terns mistake them for predators and leave their nests to ward off the "intruders."
--Take your trash and food scraps with you when you leave the beach for the day. Garbage attracts predators.
--Fill in your sandcastle holes when you leave for the day. Baby birds can fall in and drown.
--Immediately notify the Maine Audubon Society (781-2330) or the Project Coordinator (251-4058) of disturbances to the birds or nesting areas.
If you would like more information or would like to volunteer to help protect the piping plover and least tern, please call Maine Audubon at (207) 781-2330.
When is the July 4th Fireworks Display? They will be shot from the Main Beach on July 4, at 9:15pm. The rain date is July 5.
Questions about the Marginal Way:
How long is the Marginal Way? From Perkins Cove to the Sparhawk is exactly one mile. There are several areas where it is possible to exit the Marginal Way between these two points. Please see this map for route information. If you continue down Shore Road, Wharf Lane, and across the pedestrian bridge to Beach Street, this adds another quarter mile.
How can I purchase a memorial bench on the Marginal Way? There are no more benches planned for the Marginal Way. However, there is another naming opportunity on the Marginal Way for families to inscribe for a loved one. Tax-deductible donation required is $10,000. Contact the Marginal Way Preservation Fund, PO Box 1455, Ogunquit, ME 03907-1455.
When are the beach roses in bloom along the Marginal Way? The beach roses, rosa rugosa, bloom from June to September. The rose hips appear in late summer and early autumn.
Can I ride my bicycle on the Marginal Way? No. The Marginal Way is essentially a sidewalk. If you choose to bring your bicycle, you will need to walk it along the path. Be sure to check out our Explore the Shores and Outdoors page for more information on where to ride your bicycle in the Ogunquit area.
Is the Marginal Way handicap accessible? Yes. The Marginal Way is paved. There are no stairs on the Marginal Way. Though it winds and has modest inclines, it is possible to navigate a wheelchair along the path. The fire department has a wheelchair available for public use on a first-come basis.
Are there public restrooms available on the Marginal Way? No. The nearest restrooms are a public restroom at the far end of Perkins Cove (near the southern end of the Marginal Way), and at the Dunaway on Cottage Street (near the northern end of the Marginal Way).
Where can I park to walk the Marginal Way? See Questions About Parking below.
Is the Marginal Way open in the winter? Yes. The Marginal Way is open to visitors year round. However, due to the nature of the path, it is not always snow and ice free in winter, so it is suggested that visitors pass at their own risk.
Can I get married on the Marginal Way? Yes. Go to our wedding page for more on how to get married in Ogunquit. LINK TO WEDDING PAGE ONCE IT IS POPULATED.
Are dogs allowed on the Marginal Way? Dogs are not permitted within the Ogunquit Beach area or the Marginal Way from April 1st to September 30th. Dogs are permitted on the Marginal Way from October 1st to March 31st. Go to the Dog Walk page for more information on where to walk your dog in the Ogunquit area.
Do I need a car in Ogunquit? Absolutely not! Ogunquit is a walker's dream! There are several options to get to Ogunquit without a car, and whether you bring one or not, you won't need it when you get here. Ogunquit is only four square miles, so everything is within walking distance. Here are some examples:
- From Ogunquit Village (center of town) to Perkins Cove is exactly one mile (20 minute walk).
- From Perkins Cove to the Main Beach is 1.2 miles.
- From Main Beach to Footbridge Beach (walking on the beach) is 8/10 mile.
- From Footbridge Beach to North Beach (walking on the beach) is 1/3 mile.
- From Ogunquit Village to the Ogunquit Playhouse is 7/10 mile.
- From Ogunquit Village to the northern town line is 1.5 miles.
- From the northern town line on Route One to the Footbridge Beach is 9/10 mile.
Particularly in season, there are options other than driving or walking. Check with the lodging establishment where you are staying. Many of them offer shuttle services to the beaches and elsewhere. Bike racks are available throughout town. The Ogunquit Trolley and Ogunquit Beach Caddie run seasonally. In July and August, the Shoreline Explorer connects to the Ogunquit Trolley line and can take you even as far as Kennebunk. The Shore Road Shuttle connects with the Ogunquit Trolley to take you to York Beach, where it connects with the York Trolleys. Get more information on in-town transportation.
Where can I park when I visit Ogunquit? This map of municipal lots is from the Town of Ogunquit website.
What does it cost to park in Ogunquit? Here is a fee schedule from the Town of Ogunquit website.
Is there parking at the beach? Yes. There are public lots at the Main Beach (end of Beach Street), Footbridge Beach (end of Ocean Street) and North Beach (follow Bourne Road east, turn south at the end, and the road dead-ends at the parking lot). There are also several private lots near the beaches. However, we suggest that to avoid parking fees and reduce traffic, you leave your vehicle at your hotel and walk to the beach or take advantage of our Ogunquit Trolleys or the Ogunquit Beach Caddie. Find more information on these businesses here.
Where can I park to walk the Marginal Way? There are two municipal lots near the Marginal Way. One lot is at Perkins Cove, at the south end of the Marginal Way. Obed's Lot is at the north end of the Marginal Way, and can be entered from Cottage Street (off of Shore Road). There are also several private lots near Perkins Cove. However, we suggest that to avoid parking fees and reduce traffic, you leave your vehicle at your hotel and walk to the beach or take advantage of our Ogunquit Trolleys or the Ogunquit Beach Caddie. Find more information on these businesses here.
How do I get a beach pass? Beach passes for parking are only available to year round residents and property owners who have habitable buildings on their land. The year round renters must prove that they live in town all year. Contact the Police Department to apply for the pass.
Questions about Ogunquit's Major Events:
What are the dates for the major Ogunquit events? LINK TO THAT PAGE WHEN UPDATED.
What happens at each of Ogunquit's major events? The activities change slightly from year to year, but we do have copies of last year's brochures for you to look at. These will give you an idea of the types of activities offered at each event. You will need to check the event calendar at visitogunquit.org for specific information on this year's events. The schedule of activities is usually available online approximately three to four weeks before the event itself.
LINK CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA
How do I apply to be a vendor at one of the Chamber's major events? Vendor applications for Patriots Day, the Sidewalk Art Show, and OgunquitFest are put online in February and can be accessed by going to the appropriate event on visitogunquit.org. You may click here to go to the Patriots Day / OgunquitFest vendor application. We suggest that you fill out the applications and return them as soon as possible, as Patriots Day and OgunquitFest spaces sell out by mid-March. The Sidewalk Art Show is juried, and the Christmas by the Sea craft show is by invitation only. There is a Christmas by the Sea craft show that is sponsored by the Ogunquit Fire Company. Please contact them directly at 207-646-4947 for an application.
How do we get to Ogunquit? Download this page for simple directions from several major metropolitan areas in the Northeast and Canada.
What will the weather be like when I visit? We aren't weather forecasters here at the Welcome Center, but here is a chart of average temperatures in Ogunquit throughout the year. (The water is historically at its warmest around the first week in August.)
I brought my kayak/canoe/SUP with me. Where is the easiest place to put it in? The Footbridge Boat Launch is a small boat ramp at Footbridge Beach, just to the left of the Footbridge itself. It is only suitable for small boats, and is not usable at low tide, while at high tide, the passage beneath the Footbridge can be difficult (paddleboarders will have to duck!)
Where can I fish in Ogunquit? Deep sea fishing is a great option for recreational fishing while in Ogunquit. However, if you prefer to stay onshore, here are some areas to fish:
- Surf fishing anywhere along the beach. Town parking and seasonal restrooms are available at three points along the beach: Main Beach (at the end of Beach street) Footbridge Beach (at the end of Ocean Street, and North Beach (at the end of Ocean Avenue - accessed from Wells).
- River fishing off the Beach Street bridge or off the Footbridge at the end of Ocean Street. Town parking and seasonal restrooms are available at both sites. Fishing from your small boat: see the question above.
What else do I need to know about fishing in Ogunquit? You need to know Maine's fishing regulations, and know what you are catching, as Maine state regulations do apply to some species. Here is a handy color reference guide on the State of Maine website.
What is that odd tree outside the Ogunquit Welcome Center? The tree is called a Weeping Purple Beech. As you can tell from the name, it is supposed to be purple, and yes, its branches are supposed to droop!
It's raining! Now what do we do? Here are some ideas for you:
- Visit a Museum
- Go to a Play or to the Movies
- Read a Book by a Local Author
- Get a Massage or Manicure
- Work Out
- Play Bingo!
How do I reach Ogunquit town officials or town offices? Click this link to go to the Town's website.
What do we need to know to get married in Maine? LINK TO WEDDING PAGE ONCE IT IS POPULATED.
Are there any bike trails in the area? Yes. Go to the Explore the Shores and Outdoors page page for more information and maps. You can also find maps on the Guides and Maps page.
I just found a Gift of Ogunquit gift certificate that was given to me last year. Does it expire? No, Gift of Ogunquit Gift Certificates are dated, but they do not expire. They can be used at over 150 area businesses. If you need an updated list of participating businesses, please call 207-646-1279 and we will be happy to send one to you.
