{"ok":true,"data":{"id":2606,"slug":"ogunquit-beach-ogunquit","name":"Ogunquit Beach","country":"USA","state":"Maine","city":"Ogunquit","coords":{"lat":43.2487,"lng":-70.5946},"beachType":null,"tags":["famous"],"article":{"hero":"Ogunquit Beach earns its Abenaki name—\"beautiful place by the sea\"—the moment you crest the dunes and see the sweep of blonde sand stretching toward Moody Point. The beach divides into three zones: Main Beach bustles with umbrella rentals and the vintage Beach Street pavilion; Footbridge Beach lies across the tidal river, quieter and favored by families who let children float in the warm, shallow current; and North Beach tapers toward rocky headlands where tide pools bloom with periwinkles and hermit crabs.\n\nYou'll share the shore with multi-generational clans who've staked the same dune-side spots for decades, their coolers packed with Italian sandwiches from Amore Breakfast and lobster rolls wrapped in checkered paper. The sand holds its firmness even at high tide, perfect for barefoot jogs past weathered beach cottages and the occasional piece of sea glass glinting green in the wrack line. When the nor'easters retreat, the beach rebuilds itself grain by grain.\n\nSummer brings water temperatures that climb—slowly, stubbornly—into the mid-sixties, cold enough to make you gasp but swimmable once you commit. Lifeguards patrol the main stretches from late June through Labor Day, their stands painted white against the dune grass. In shoulder seasons, you'll have the sand nearly to yourself, watched only by harbor seals bobbing beyond the breakers and the occasional osprey hunting the river mouth.","teaser":"You'll feel the packed sand firm beneath your bare feet as you trace the curve of this expansive crescent, where beach plum bushes grip the dunes and tide pools collect between granite outcrops. The Ogunquit River spills into the Atlantic at one end, creating a protected lagoon where even toddlers wade safely while gulls wheel overhead.","uniqueAngle":"The pedestrian drawbridge over the Ogunquit River connects two distinct beach personalities—lively main strand and quiet family retreat—within a single shoreline.","accessType":"Drive-up with beach trolley","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"swim","title":"Wade the River","subtitle":"Warm tidal current, sandy bottom"},{"icon":"hike","title":"Walk Marginal Way","subtitle":"Clifftop path to Perkins Cove"},{"icon":"food","title":"Lobster at Footbridge","subtitle":"Barnacle Billy's overlooks the inlet"},{"icon":"camera","title":"Sunset from Dunes","subtitle":"Beach plum silhouettes, pink sky"}],"audience":{"surfer":"Ogunquit delivers inconsistent but rideable beach break, best on northeast swells when hurricanes track offshore in late summer and fall. The sandbars shift constantly—scout from the Marginal Way cliffs at low tide to read the formations. North Beach catches cleaner sets with less crowd pressure than Main Beach, where swimmers dominate the impact zone. Water hovers in the low sixties even in August; bring your 3/2 and wax for cold water. Locals surf dawn patrol before the lifeguard flags go up and summer traffic clogs Beach Street.","couples":"Book a room at The Beachmere Inn where second-floor balconies frame unobstructed ocean views and you can slip down a private staircase straight to the sand. Walk the Marginal Way at golden hour when the granite ledges glow amber and sailboats tack toward harbor—the entire mile-long path remains paved and gentle. Reserve a candlelit table at MC Perkins Cove for butter-poached lobster and local oysters, then return to the beach after dark when the sand still holds the day's warmth and the lighthouse beam sweeps across the water every few seconds.","backpacker":"The municipal lots charge steep daily rates, but you can park free along residential streets north of Beach Street if you arrive before nine and walk ten minutes. Ogunquit Beach itself charges no entry fee—just spread your towel. The footbridge side has fewer amenities but costs nothing. Fill up on blueberry pancakes at Amore Breakfast for under nine dollars, then pack sandwiches from Hannaford supermarket in Wells. The seasonal trolley runs Beach Street to Perkins Cove for two dollars, saving you the parking hunt. Camp at Dixon's Campground in Cape Neddick for under forty nightly.","local":"Hit the beach before eight in July and August, when you'll have the firm sand to yourself for running and the water's glassy before the southwest wind picks up. The stretch north of the Beach Street access, past the last lifeguard stand, empties out even on holiday weekends—most tourists don't walk beyond the pavilion. September through October delivers the warmest water temperatures of the year thanks to the Gulf of Maine's thermal lag, and you can actually swim without a wetsuit during Indian summer. Low tide exposes the best tide pools near Moody Point's granite shelves.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Ogunquit Beach is generally excellent for families and swimming. The beach features lifeguards on duty during summer months (typically late June through Labor Day). The southern end near the Ogunquit River has calmer, shallower waters ideal for young children, while the main beach offers ocean swimming with typical Atlantic conditions. Water temperatures peak at 60-65°F in summer. Rip currents can occur, so always swim near lifeguard stations and check daily conditions. The beach's gentle slope and wide sandy expanse make it one of Maine's most family-friendly ocean beaches.","q":"Is Ogunquit Beach safe for swimming and families with children?"},{"a":"Peak season is July and August when temperatures reach 70-80°F and water is warmest, though beaches are crowded. June and September offer pleasant weather (60-75°F), fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates, making them ideal for families. Late May and early October provide beautiful scenery but cooler water. Lifeguards typically work late June through Labor Day. Winter visits appeal to storm watchers and solitude seekers, but most beach amenities close. For the best balance of weather and manageable crowds, late June or early September are optimal.","q":"When is the best time to visit Ogunquit Beach?"},{"a":"Ogunquit Beach has a main parking lot on Beach Street with approximately 500 spaces. Parking typically costs $20-30 per day during peak summer season (rates vary by year). The lot fills early on sunny summer days, often by 10 AM on weekends. Arrive before 9 AM or after 3 PM for better availability. Additional paid parking exists at nearby Footbridge Beach and along some side streets. The town operates a trolley system connecting parking areas to beaches and downtown. Many hotels and inns offer parking passes to guests, which can save considerable money during extended stays.","q":"Where can I park at Ogunquit Beach and how much does it cost?"},{"a":"Ogunquit offers diverse dining from beachside snack bars to upscale restaurants. The Beach Plum Café and Bread and Roses Bakery are breakfast favorites. For casual dining, try Barnacle Billy's or The Lobster Shack. Fine dining options include MC Perkins Cove and Angelina's. Lodging ranges from classic motels like The Beachmere Inn to upscale properties like Cliff House Maine. Many accommodations line Beach Street within walking distance of the sand. Downtown Ogunquit (10-minute walk) offers additional restaurants, ice cream shops, and galleries. Reservations are essential during summer peak season for both dining and lodging.","q":"What food and lodging options are near Ogunquit Beach?"},{"a":"The Marginal Way is Ogunquit's famous oceanfront cliff walk stretching 1.25 miles from Shore Road (near Ogunquit Beach's southern end) to Perkins Cove. The paved footpath takes 30-45 minutes one way at a leisurely pace, offering spectacular Atlantic views, benches, and wildflowers. From the main beach, walk south toward the Ogunquit River footbridge; the Marginal Way entrance is nearby. It's wheelchair and stroller accessible, though some sections have gentle inclines. The walk is free and open year-round, stunning during sunrise or sunset. Many visitors combine beach time with this scenic stroll.","q":"How long is the Marginal Way and where does it start from Ogunquit Beach?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Ogunquit Beach: Three Miles of Gentle Surf in Coastal Maine","description":"Wide sandbars and calm waves make this Southern Maine crescent a sanctuary for sandcastle builders. Lifeguards patrol while tide pools reveal starfish treasures.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2075/2365322222_278a9edc12_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"520936","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2075/2365322222_278a9edc12_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2075/2365322222_278a9edc12.jpg","alt":"Vagues"},{"id":"520937","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/642/32145926006_9b446d8e03_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/642/32145926006_9b446d8e03.jpg","alt":"Marginal Way Ogunquit, Maine"},{"id":"520938","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/457/31342577584_ede8eeeced_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/457/31342577584_ede8eeeced.jpg","alt":"Marginal Way Ogunquit, Maine"},{"id":"520939","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2555/3899279600_6967582f6c_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2555/3899279600_6967582f6c.jpg","alt":"[3] The Coast of Maine"},{"id":"520940","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3752/9722869037_47868be728_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3752/9722869037_47868be728.jpg","alt":"beach bubbles"},{"id":"520941","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/436/32065863311_2f0dce44f6_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/436/32065863311_2f0dce44f6.jpg","alt":"Marginal Way Ogunquit, Maine"},{"id":"520942","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1557/24196116325_c13414ac44_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1557/24196116325_c13414ac44.jpg","alt":"Ogunquit 10"},{"id":"520943","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7377/9729080146_2d756ec6c4_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7377/9729080146_2d756ec6c4.jpg","alt":"Hello ocean. It has been a while."},{"id":"520944","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/566/32146204106_045447474a_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/566/32146204106_045447474a.jpg","alt":"Marginal Way Ogunquit, Maine"},{"id":"520945","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/564/20773353789_1370f9d990_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/564/20773353789_1370f9d990.jpg","alt":"Ogunquit beach- 01"},{"id":"520947","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1835/29969775678_92f35cab62_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1835/29969775678_92f35cab62.jpg","alt":"A Day at the Beach"}]}}