Tips for Getting Around Ogunquit
With so many classic Maine attractions in Ogunquit, it’s easy to fill a day’s schedule with as much or as little activity as you like. Sometimes it can be tricky to determine the best way to travel between points of interest, though, especially if you’re a new visitor to the area. Spend less time navigating and more time having fun with these tips for getting around town.
Walking
Walking is one of the best ways to get around Ogunquit. Especially in the middle of the summer, traffic and parking downtown can be a bit of a hassle. Luckily, The Dunes on the Waterfront is just a 10-minute walk from the heart of Ogunquit, where you’ll find many of the area’s finest shops and restaurants. From there, you can stroll further south along Marginal Way, which hugs the shoreline with breathtaking ocean views all the way to Perkins Cove.
The main public access point for Ogunquit Beach is a short walk from the middle of town, too, though we recommend enjoying the far quieter middle section located directly across the tidal river from The Dunes on the Waterfront. When the tide is out, guests can walk right across the river to the beach. For high tide, we have several rowboats to borrow on a first-come-first-served basis. Less than a half mile north, you’ll see a footbridge across the river. This access point has a parking lot too, if you’re inclined to drive.
Driving
Though we can’t recommend walking highly enough, some situations certainly do call for a quick trip behind the wheel. Perkins Cove, the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, and the Ogunquit Playhouse are all within manageable walking distance, about half an hour, but if you’re focused on the destination rather than the journey, driving is the way to go. These Ogunquit attractions have on-site parking, too. Additionally, a car can provide easy access to the nearby towns of Wells and York, with attractions like historic Nubble Light.
Keep in mind that parking in town can be a challenge. It’s easier in the spring and fall, just one of the benefits of visiting in the early or late part of our season. The main parking lots for Ogunquit Beach and Perkins Cove do charge for parking, with day rates in the ballpark of $25 and up.
The Trolley
The Ogunquit Trolley is a great alternative to driving when your legs aren’t up for a walk. The bright red buses, each with its own whimsical name that rhymes with trolley, run regularly during the summer and make stops all over town, with a limited schedule during the offseason. There’s even a stop right at the entrance to our driveway here at The Dunes on the Waterfront. Board on our side to go north, or cross the street toward The Egg & I to head south into downtown. Groups can charter the trolley to take them for dedicated tours as well. You’ll find the current rates and schedule on the trolley’s website.
When you’re planning a day in Ogunquit, remember that you’re on vacation — sometimes the most fun comes just relaxing on the porch of your seaside cottage or a playing a lawn game with family and friends. If you could use a little more help locating any attraction in Ogunquit or choosing the best way to get there, just stop by the Office. Our front desk staff here at The Dunes on the Waterfront is always happy to lend their local expertise.