{"ok":true,"data":{"id":2618,"slug":"little-beach-ogunquit-ogunquit","name":"Little Beach (Ogunquit)","country":"USA","state":"Maine","city":"Ogunquit","coords":{"lat":43.2412,"lng":-70.5868},"beachType":null,"tags":["hidden"],"article":{"hero":"Little Beach lives up to its name: barely two hundred feet of sand tucked south of Ogunquit's main stretch, hemmed in by barnacle-covered ledges and the kind of Maine bedrock that has shrugged off ten thousand winters. You reach it via the Marginal Way, the mile-long clifftop path that hugs the coastline, where shadbush blooms white in May and Rosa rugosa perfumes the air come summer. Most visitors keep walking toward Perkins Cove, which means you'll share this pocket beach with a handful of year-round residents and the occasional osprey scanning for mackerel.\n\nThe shingle here is a mix of sand and smooth stones that clatter when waves retreat. At low tide, tidal pools collect between the granite shelves—green crabs scuttle under bladderwrack, periwinkles cling to wet rock. The water stays bracingly cold even in August, hovering around sixty degrees, the kind of temperature that makes you gasp and laugh in equal measure. Families spread picnics on the flat ledges; teenagers dare each other into the surf.\n\nCome September, when the tour buses have emptied out, Little Beach feels like a secret worth keeping. The light slants gold across the water, harbor seals bob offshore, and the only soundtrack is the rhythmic scrape of pebbles and the distant clang of buoys rocking in the chop.","teaser":"You'll smell the salt and rockweed before you see it—a half-moon of coarse sand wedged between granite shelves, where locals spread blankets on smooth boulders instead of fighting for towel space. The water numbs your ankles in July, but the seclusion feels earned.","uniqueAngle":"A neighborhood beach tucked along a scenic coastal footpath, where tidal ledges offer natural seating and the crowds thin out fifty yards from the main strand.","accessType":"Shoreline walk","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"hike","title":"Walk Marginal Way","subtitle":"Clifftop path with benches, wildflowers"},{"icon":"swim","title":"Brave the Surf","subtitle":"Sixty-degree swells, quick dip preferred"},{"icon":"camera","title":"Catch Tidal Pools","subtitle":"Low tide reveals crabs, anemones"},{"icon":"sun","title":"Lounge on Ledges","subtitle":"Smooth granite perches, fewer umbrellas"}],"audience":{"surfer":"Little Beach isn't a surf destination—Maine's southern coast rarely sees rideable swell, and when storms do push waves through, the shallow ledges and rocky bottom make it a risky paddle-out. You're better off driving north to Wells or Kennebunk for cleaner beach breaks. If you're desperate, early autumn nor'easters occasionally deliver choppy shore-break that locals bodysurf for ten minutes before the cold drives them out. Skip the wax; bring a wetsuit and low expectations.","couples":"Stake out a smooth ledge at the southern end as the afternoon softens—harbor seals sometimes surface just offshore, and the view back toward Ogunquit's headlands glows amber in evening light. Walk the Marginal Way hand-in-hand before dinner, then head to Barnacle Billy's in Perkins Cove for lobster rolls on the deck. For lodging, the Cliff House perches dramatically on Bald Head Cliff, offering rooms with private terraces where you can hear waves thump the rocks below.","backpacker":"Park for free along Shore Road if you arrive early, or catch the seasonal trolley from Wells for two dollars. The beach itself costs nothing, and you can refill water bottles at the public restrooms by the Marginal Way trailhead. Grab breakfast sandwiches under five bucks at Bread and Roses Bakery on Main Street, then picnic on the rocks. For sleep, pitch a tent fifteen minutes north at Dixon's Campground in Wells—twenty dollars a night, cold showers, walking distance to the beach.","local":"Hit Little Beach before eight on summer mornings when the Marginal Way walkers are still nursing coffee in town—you'll have the ledges to yourself and can watch the lobster boats motor out past Bald Head. The far southern corner, where the rocks jut farthest into the water, stays empty even on August weekends. September and October bring the best light and fewest tourists; wear a fleece and bring a thermos. Low tide at sunrise is when the tidepools show off.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Little Beach offers calmer swimming conditions than nearby Main Beach due to its protected cove location. The beach has gentle waves suitable for families and less confident swimmers. However, there are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk and supervise children closely. Rocky areas at the edges can be slippery and sharp, so water shoes are recommended. Check tide schedules before visiting, as high tide significantly reduces beach space. Always monitor weather conditions and avoid swimming during storms or when red flags are posted.","q":"Is Little Beach in Ogunquit safe for swimming?"},{"a":"The best time to visit Little Beach is from late June through early September when temperatures are warmest (70-80°F) and ocean water is swimmable. July and August see peak crowds and warmest water temperatures. For a quieter experience, visit weekday mornings or shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October) when weather is pleasant but crowds thin. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photographs of the scenic rocky coastline. Winter visits are possible for dramatic ocean views, but swimming isn't recommended due to cold water temperatures.","q":"When is the best time to visit Little Beach Ogunquit?"},{"a":"Little Beach is accessed via a short walk from Shore Road in Ogunquit. The nearest public parking is at Footbridge Beach parking lot on Ocean Street, approximately a 5-10 minute walk away. Parking is metered and very limited during summer, typically costing $3-4 per hour. Arrive before 9am for best parking availability. Alternatively, park at Main Beach lots and walk along the Marginal Way coastal path. The beach can also be reached via the scenic Marginal Way footpath from Perkins Cove, making it a popular stop on this famous clifftop walk.","q":"How do I get to Little Beach and where can I park?"},{"a":"Little Beach has no facilities, restrooms, or food vendors directly on-site, so come prepared. Downtown Ogunquit is within walking distance (10-15 minutes), offering numerous restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops along Main Street and Beach Street. The Footbridge Beach area nearby has public restrooms. For accommodations, several hotels, inns, and vacation rentals are available within a mile, including properties along Shore Road. Bring your own beach umbrella, chairs, and refreshments, as there are no equipment rentals at this quiet, hidden beach.","q":"Are there restaurants and amenities near Little Beach Ogunquit?"},{"a":"Little Beach is considered hidden because it's tucked between rocky outcrops and less visible from the main road than Ogunquit's larger Main Beach and Footbridge Beach. Its small size and lack of facilities mean it attracts fewer crowds, offering a more intimate coastal experience. The scenic setting features dramatic rock formations perfect for exploring during low tide and excellent tidal pools. Many visitors discover it while walking the famous Marginal Way coastal trail. Its sheltered cove provides a quieter alternative to Ogunquit's busier beaches while maintaining the town's characteristic natural beauty.","q":"Why is Little Beach called a hidden gem in Ogunquit?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Little Beach: Ogunquit's Secluded Coastal Sanctuary in Maine","description":"Tucked beyond Perkins Cove, this hidden crescent of sand delivers Maine's dramatic coastline without the crowds. Tide pools, rugged cliffs, and salt-scrubbed solitude await.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2861/9551442050_6731b39a70_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"521034","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2861/9551442050_6731b39a70_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2861/9551442050_6731b39a70.jpg","alt":"A Week on the Maine Coast - August 2013"},{"id":"521037","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/157/330979114_4e20e972a6_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/157/330979114_4e20e972a6.jpg","alt":"My creation"},{"id":"521038","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7413/9551299076_cd843a58ef_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7413/9551299076_cd843a58ef.jpg","alt":"Ogunquin Museum of American Art - the Sculpture Garden"},{"id":"521041","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3025/2817947688_35c09dafe8_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3025/2817947688_35c09dafe8.jpg","alt":"Ogunquit - Summer Beaches"},{"id":"521044","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/29/178748839_a7084b5266_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/29/178748839_a7084b5266.jpg","alt":"requiem for a crab"},{"id":"521047","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7402/16277982039_afe0feaef0_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7402/16277982039_afe0feaef0.jpg","alt":"Littles Birds - Ogunquit beach"},{"id":"521050","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/36/82825839_0779d63402_c.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/36/82825839_0779d63402.jpg","alt":"Acorn cap, beach in Ogunquit, Maine"},{"id":"521053","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7373/16463285462_a8e7043a94_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7373/16463285462_a8e7043a94.jpg","alt":"Littles Birds - Ogunquit beach"},{"id":"521056","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8598/15841712204_0cc396e168_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8598/15841712204_0cc396e168.jpg","alt":"Littles Birds - Ogunquit beach"}]}}