Top 5 Things to Do in Ogunquit Maine in the Fall
There are lots of things to do in Ogunquit throughout the year, but many people think of the Maine coast as summer-only destination. While Ogunquit’s ocean waters are best enjoyed in the warm months of the year, there are plenty of other activities in and around the town to enjoy once the days start getting shorter. We’ve put together some of the best things to do in Ogunquit Maine in the fall so you can have a full visit no matter when your vacation starts.
Activity #1: Hit the Beach
“Hey,” you might be thinking. “Didn’t they just say the beaches were best in the summer?” While it’s true that you won’t get as much of a tan when you visit Ogunquit’s beaches in the fall, you can still enjoy many great outdoor activities on our sandy shores. Plus, the lack of crowds mean you’ll have an easier time getting around the beach and there’s plenty of space to play your favorite beach games (bocce, anyone?). Many people like to visit Ogunquit and the surrounding areas in the fall for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and even surfing, especially since Maine’s surf offers a good mix of thrill and accessibility. Fall is the perfect time to give these ocean water sports a try.
Activity #2: Catch a Show
The Ogunquit Playhouse is a cultural institution in our small seaside town, and it’s also a perfect fall activity for vacationers and families. The Playhouse puts on new productions until late into the fall, meaning you’ll always be able to catch a high-quality production right here in Ogunquit. Whether you’re into drama, comedy, or simply great acting and music, the Ogunquit Playhouse is one of the top things to do in Ogunquit in the fall.
Activity #3: Enjoy the Fall Colors
Maine’s leaves start to change colors in September or early October, when the thick northern forests provide quite a memorable show as they transition from green to shades of yellow, orange, red and brown. Many Maine tourists like to start in northern Maine and follow the changing leaves as they move south, and Ogunquit is a great location to take in some spectacular colors. Nearby nature reserves such as the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge are excellent places to see the unspoilt natural beauty of Maine’s changing seasons.
Activity #4: Enjoy Local Food
Fall is not only the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors in Ogunquit – it’s also the perfect time to enjoy local foods and flavors. Harvest season brings with it a bounty of farmers markets and fall foods like apples, pumpkins, and other vegetables. It’s also a good time to enjoy local seafood like fish and lobster – indeed, late summer and fall are prime lobster season in Maine. Take a walk around town to check out some of the great local Ogunquit restaurants. Plus, you won’t have to fight the crowds to get a seat!
Activity #5: Capriccio!
For two weeks of every year, Ogunquit transforms from a summer beach town to a celebration of all things art and autumn. Capriccio is Ogunquit’s annual fall arts festival which includes poetry e
vents, art gallery open houses, concerts, and the famous Ogunquit Kite Festival. During this event children and families can decorate and fly kites on Ogunquit Beach and even win prizes, all while watching professional kite flyers and their wind-powered wonders. This is one of the best things to do in Ogunquit for families, so be sure not to miss it.
Another great thing about these fall activities? They’re all right nearby our seaside Ogunquit cottages (which afford an incredible view of the Kite Festival) so you’ll be able to enjoy all of them at your leisure!