Maine's rocky and interesting coastline includes several family-friendly beaches, including Old Orchard Beach, Popham Beach, and Ogunquit Beach. Taking its name from a Native American term for "beautiful place by the sea," Ogunquit surely lives up to it name. With sandy beaches, an abundance of art galleries, and plenty of quaint New England charm, this city by the sea is an interesting place to visit in any season.

When planning an Ogunquit beach vacation for the summer, most visitors include time at one or all of its Maine beaches. This charming town along the southern coast features three beaches—Ogunquit Beach, Footbridge Beach, and Moody Beach.

The beach that shares a name with the town is the biggest and most visited. Popular with visitors of a variety of ages, especially families, this 3.5-mile stretch of sun, sand, and surf is one of the most scenic beaches found anywhere. Known for warm waters, gently rolling surf, and soft white sands, this beach is a fine place to enjoy summer recreation.Visitor amenities include lifeguard patrols, volleyball courts, umbrella rentals, beach chairs, public restrooms, and restaurants.Visitors can take a trolley or stroll along Beach Street in the center of town. Parking lots are free, but spaces can fill up quickly on the nicest summer days.

Maine Map

A short walk over the footbridge leads to the aptly named Footbridge Beach. Even though it's less crowded than Ogunquit Beach, this seaside beach features vendors and restrooms. Visitors still have the chance to admire the views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rocky coastline. The smallest beach in town, Moody Beach, does not have lifeguards like the other two; it's a favorite place for surfing and body boarding. As the least crowded beach in town, Moody Beach is a wonderful place for a stroll or to chill out with a good book with your toes in the surf.

In addition to the typical beach activities, Ogunquit Beach visitors will find a long list of things to do. Local outfitters provide equipment for sea kayaking, fishing charters, and scenic cruises. The seaside town is also a fine place for shopping, dining on fresh seafood, spa treatments, and golf. With a variety of theaters and galleries, Ogunquit is a place that celebrates the arts and provides inspiration to artists and other creative types.

An Ogunquit beach vacation can take place in any season. While the bulk of visitors come in the summer, the other nine months of the year offer their own charm. In the spring and fall, many of the Maine beach hotels and resorts offer special rates and packages. A variety of Ogunquit Beach events are scheduled for the end of the year, when the autumn leaves or winter snow provides scenic backdrops to the celebrations.

Every October, people gather for Ogunquitfest. With nighttime ghost tours, a bonfire on Ogunquit Beach, graveyard golf, and the Monster Mall Marketplace, festival attendees enjoy some spooky fun. For the kids, the schedule of Ogunquit Beach events includes a carnival, the Great Pumpkin Patch celebration, games, and a treasure hunt.

When the holidays are drawing near, Ogunquit Beach celebrates Christmas by the Sea. The biggest and most colorful of all of the Ogunquit Beach events, Christmas by the Sea is sure to fill everyone who attends with holiday cheer.

A full schedule of events, including caroling, holiday lights, Christmas trees, visits from Santa, chowder, free gift wrapping, a parade, and storytelling, makes an Ogunquit Beach vacation particularly charming during the holiday season.