A stay at Anchorage Inn puts you close to some of southern Maine's best coastal towns, and Ogunquit & Perkins Cove make one of the easiest outings on the list. Just about 20 minutes from York, Ogunquit takes its name from an Abenaki phrase that means "beautiful place by the sea." It's a fitting introduction to a town known for its rocky shoreline, ocean views, local art, and waterfront dining.
You don't have to fit everything into one visit to enjoy your time here. A walk along the coast, lunch by the harbor, and a little time to explore are enough to understand why Ogunquit has become a favorite stop for visitors year after year.
Ogunquit’s Most Famous Walk: Marginal Way
One of the first recommendations you’re likely to hear in Ogunquit is the Marginal Way. The free, paved path stretches 1.25 miles between downtown and Perkins Cove, with Atlantic views for nearly the entire walk. It's fully accessible, and most visitors finish it in 30 to 45 minutes. Although it’s easy to spend a bit longer if something catches your eye. And there’s a good chance it will.
The path follows rugged cliffs above the ocean, with gardens, tide pools, and rocky overlooks along the way. On clear days, you may even spot Lobster Point Lighthouse in the distance. Little Beach is just below part of the trail and offers a quiet spot if you'd like to spend a few extra minutes near the water.
There's no reason to hurry. You can stop and watch the tide pools, pause for photos, or even find an empty bench and enjoy the view for a while. As the path approaches Perkins Cove, the ocean gives way to harbor views, where fishing boats and pleasure craft come and go throughout the day. Before long, you've traded cliffside views for one of Ogunquit's most recognizable waterfronts.
Welcome to Perkins Cove
Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, Maine began as a working fishing harbor, and that connection to the water remains a big part of the area today. Fishing boats still use the harbor, and the waterfront is one of the town's busiest gathering places.
Before heading further into the village, take a few minutes to watch the hand-operated drawbridge. It opens throughout the day to allow boats through the harbor, and it’s one of the last manually operated drawbridges of its kind in the country.
Where to Eat & Explore
After your walk, Perkins Cove is a great place to slow down for a while. Waterfront patios, seafood restaurants, local galleries, and small shops are all within a few minutes of one another.
If lunch is calling, Perkins Cove restaurants offer plenty of options. Barnacle Billy’s has welcomed visitors for generations, while M.C. Perkins Cove serves fresh seafood with views of the harbor. If a classic Maine lobster roll is on your vacation checklist, Footbridge Lobster is another favorite nearby.
After exploring the Cove, continue into downtown Ogunquit for a few more local favorites. Harbor Candy Shop has been tempting visitors with handmade chocolates, fudge, and nostalgic sweets for years. If your visit goes into the evening, The Front Porch is a longtime favorite for dinner, cocktails, and lively piano singalongs."
Not quite ready to head back? The Ogunquit Trolley makes it easy to hop between Perkins Cove, downtown, and Ogunquit Beach without moving your car.
Spend Some Time at Ogunquit Beach
Before returning to York, consider spending a little time at Ogunquit Beach. This wide, 3.5-mile beach regularly earns recognition as one of the best beaches in Maine. There’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the coast.
The Ogunquit River runs along part of the beach and creates calm, shallow areas that are especially popular with families. At low tide, wide sandbars give visitors even more room to spread out before the water returns. Even a short walk along the shoreline offers another perspective on this part of the Maine coast.
Easy Tips for Visiting Ogunquit
A little planning ahead can make your visit even more enjoyable. Summer mornings and late afternoons usually bring smaller crowds and cooler temperatures, especially if you plan to walk the Marginal Way.
A comfortable pair of shoes and a little flexibility are all you really need. Parking fills quickly during the busiest part of the season, so arriving early usually makes for an easier start. After that, see where the day takes you. You may head back to York right after lunch, or you may find yourself browsing one more gallery before calling it a day. That’s part of the fun when you explore Ogunquit.
Back to York Before the Day Is Done
One of the best parts about visiting Ogunquit is how it can easily fit into your stay at Anchorage Inn. In just a few hours, you can experience one of Maine's most scenic coastal walks, enjoy lunch by a working harbor, browse local shops, and spend time by the ocean before returning to York.
Back at the hotel, the rest of the day is yours. Relax by the beach, grab some dinner, or enjoy another evening on the southern Maine coast. Book your stay at Anchorage Inn and discover how easy it is to explore favorite destinations like Ogunquit & Perkins Cove while making York Beach your home base.
