A Perfect Summer in Ogunquit, Maine: Art, Ocean, and Quiet Joy
Nestled on Maine’s rugged southern coast, Ogunquit, literally “beautiful place by the sea,” is a serene refuge that marries old‑world charm with Atlantic grandeur.
Once a quiet fishing community turned artist colony, its winding coastline, golden dunes, and luminous light have inspired painters and wanderers alike.
We’re going to take you through it, step by step. First, we’ll list three accommodations, in order of poshness. Then, we’ll ramble through some delightful sights to see.
Then, we’ll wrap things up with the best ways to end your days: a plateful of the local catch and maybe even a nightcap or two.
The Cliff House
Perched on the rocky edge of Bald Head Cliff, The Cliff House is as close as you can get to sleeping above the sea. Floor-to-ceiling windows in every room showcase uninterrupted views of the Atlantic, while private balconies allow you to sip morning coffee in salty stillness.
The luxury spa offers everything from stone massages to marine-based facials, and there are heated pools overlooking the waves so you can lounge after a coastal hike.
Its signature restaurant, The Tiller, plates up delightful seafood dishes with local wine pairings in a candlelit setting that feels more like a retreat than a resort.
The Colonial Inn
This grand Victorian inn has been lovingly restored with modern touches, yet remains steeped in seaside tradition. Built in 1897 (and one of the last of Ogunquit’s original resort hotels), The Colonial Inn has long welcomed artists, poets, and coastal dreamers.
Each room is thoughtfully designed with period accents, and the large wraparound porch is the perfect spot to enjoy a cool glass of lemonade or a warm book at golden hour.
You’ll enjoy access to their heated outdoor pool, daily breakfast in a cheerful garden room, and a short walk to both the beach and the Marginal Way.
The Beachmere Inn
Family-owned for generations, The Beachmere Inn is a warm and welcoming place with front-row access to the Atlantic and a slower, gentler pace. The rooms are spacious and breezy, many with kitchenettes and ocean-facing decks.
From the hotel, you can walk directly onto the Marginal Way or down to Little Beach with a towel slung over your shoulder and sandals in hand. You’ll also have easy access to a small spa, a casual restaurant, and plenty of lawn chairs for reading or simply listening to the waves.
Stroll the Marginal Way
The Marginal Way is Ogunquit’s heartbeat. This 1.25-mile cliff walk links downtown to Perkins Cove, and is arguably one of the most scenic coastal strolls in all of New England.
As you meander along the paved path, you’ll pass pocket beaches, wild rose bushes, and wave-battered rocks where seabirds perch and boats glide by. Dozens of benches invite you to stop and soak it all in, whether you’re watching the sunrise or breathing in the soft quiet of a foggy afternoon.