The Insider's Guide to Ogunquit Beach

Ogunquit Beach is routinely ranked among the finest beaches in America—not just New England. And unlike most Maine beaches with their rocky shores and cold, crashing waves, Ogunquit delivers something unexpected: three miles of wide, soft, white sand that could pass for the Caribbean (if the Caribbean were considerably cooler).

But the true magic of Ogunquit lies in its unique geography. The beach is a barrier spit—a long sand bar separated from the mainland by the Ogunquit River. This creates a dual-waterfront experience: Atlantic surf pounds the ocean side while a calm, warmer river flows along the landward edge. You can bodysurf in the waves, then walk a hundred feet to float lazily down a natural river current. Few beaches anywhere offer this combination.

The name “Ogunquit” comes from the Abenaki phrase meaning “beautiful place by the sea.” For once, the marketing lives up to the name.

Understanding the Geography

The Barrier Spit

Ogunquit Beach is essentially a three-mile sandbar stretching between the ocean and the Ogunquit River. The beach varies in width dramatically with the tide—at low tide, it can extend hundreds of feet from the dunes to the water; at high tide, the usable beach shrinks considerably.

The ocean side: Classic beach experience. Waves, surf, swimming (cold but swimmable).

The river side: Calm, shallow, warmer water. Protected from waves. Perfect for families with small children.

The River

The Ogunquit River runs parallel to the beach, creating a natural channel between the sandbar and the mainland. It’s tidal—the water flows in and out with the ocean tides—creating a gentle current perfect for floating.

At the southern end, the river meets the ocean in a dynamic mixing zone where fresh and salt water merge.

The Three Beach Sections

Main Beach (Southern End)

Location: Access via Beach Street, at the main beach parking lot.

The vibe: Active, energetic, social. This is where most visitors congregate, where the amenities are, and where the beach has its liveliest atmosphere.

What you’ll find:

Main Beach parking lot
Restrooms and changing facilities
Snack bars and beach gear rentals
Lifeguards (seasonal)
The densest concentration of beachgoers

Best for:

Families wanting convenience
First-time visitors
Anyone who likes being near food and restrooms
People-watching

Trade-off: Most crowded section, especially on summer weekends.

Footbridge Beach (Middle Section)

Location: Access via the pedestrian footbridge crossing the river, about a mile north of Main Beach. Parking on Ocean Street.

The vibe: Quieter, more relaxed. Still has good facilities but feels less frenetic than Main Beach.

What you’ll find:

Smaller parking lot
Restrooms
Less crowded beach space
Easy river access

Best for:

Adults seeking quieter atmosphere
Readers and relaxers
Those who don’t mind a short walk from parking
Families escaping Main Beach crowds

Access note: You reach the beach via a wooden footbridge over the river—a scenic walk itself.

North Beach / Moody Beach (Northern End)

Location: Northern end of the barrier spit, accessible by walking up from Main Beach or via separate access in Wells.

The vibe: Quieter still, more rugged. Fewer amenities, more space.

What you’ll find:

More rocks mixed with sand
Fewer crowds
Limited or no facilities
More natural feel

Best for:

Long beach walks
Solitude seekers
Those with beach chairs and coolers (bring everything you need)

Note: Some sections of Moody Beach are privately owned with restricted access. Stay below the high-tide line (public access) or stick to the southern sections.

The Ogunquit River Float

This is Ogunquit’s signature experience—and why many visitors return year after year.

How It Works

The Ogunquit River is tidal. As the tide goes out, water flows downriver toward the ocean, creating a gentle current. The river is shallow (usually waist-deep or less), warm (relatively—often 10-15°F warmer than the ocean), and calm.

The experience:

Bring a tube, inflatable, or just your body
Walk upriver (toward Footbridge Beach)
Get in the water
Float downstream, letting the current carry you
Walk back up and repeat

Distance: You can float a few hundred feet or over a mile depending on where you start.

Why It’s Special

Warmer water: The shallow river absorbs more sun and doesn’t mix with the cold Atlantic as aggressively. On a warm day, the river can feel almost pleasant.

Perfect for kids: No waves, no surf, shallow water, and a gentle current make the river ideal for young children who might be nervous about the ocean.

Relaxation: There’s something deeply peaceful about drifting along on the current, watching the beach go by.

Best Conditions

Tide timing: The float works best on an outgoing tide, when current flows toward the ocean. Check tide charts—you want to be in the river as the tide drops.

Wind: Light wind makes floating more pleasant. Strong onshore winds can work against the current.

Crowds: Midweek and early/late in the day for fewer floating companions.

What to Bring

Inner tube, pool float, or noodle (rentals available near Main Beach)
Water shoes (river bottom can have rocks and shells)
Waterproof phone case if you want photos
Sunscreen (you’re in the water but still in the sun)

Swimming in the Ocean

Water Temperature

This is still Maine. The Atlantic side of Ogunquit Beach is cold—typically 55-65°F in summer. Warmer than beaches further north (the Gulf of Maine warms as it flows south) but still bracing.

The good news: Southern Maine beaches like Ogunquit have some of the warmest ocean water in the state. If you want to swim in Maine, this is your best bet.

Conditions

Waves: Moderate, manageable waves most days. Good for body surfing and boogie boarding when there’s swell.

Currents: Generally safe, but pay attention to lifeguard warnings. Rip currents can occur.

Lifeguards: On duty during summer at Main Beach and Footbridge Beach.

Best Swimming

Location: The Main Beach area is the most monitored and maintained for swimming.

Timing: Afternoon tends to have the warmest water (such as it is).

Alternative: If the ocean feels too cold, retreat to the river side.

Getting There and Parking

Parking Options

Main Beach Lot

Location: End of Beach Street
Cost: $30-40+/day in peak summer
Reality: Fills by 10 AM on sunny summer weekends, often earlier
Best for: Those arriving very early or late afternoon

Footbridge Beach Lot

Location: Ocean Street
Cost: Similar to Main Beach
Reality: Smaller lot, also fills but sometimes has space when Main Beach is full
Best for: Those seeking the quieter middle section

Downtown Parking

Various lots in Ogunquit village
Walk to beach or take the trolley
Often easier to find space

The Ogunquit Trolley

The Ogunquit Trolley is the smart way to reach the beach. Open-air trolleys loop through town all day during summer season, stopping at beaches, hotels, and the village center.

Benefits:

Avoid parking stress
Cheap ($2-3 per ride, day passes available)
Fun, nostalgic experience
Park at your hotel or a remote lot and ride in

Coverage: Trolleys run from Perkins Cove to Footbridge Beach and throughout the village.

By Foot

Ogunquit village is compact. If you’re staying in town, many accommodations are within walking distance of the beach. The famous Marginal Way path connects Perkins Cove to the beach area.

Beach Logistics

Tides

Low tide: The beach is massive—football fields wide. Plenty of space, the river is at its shallowest and warmest, and the sand flats are perfect for walking.

High tide: The beach shrinks considerably. Space gets tight near Main Beach. The river is deeper but still calm.

Check tides: Plan your visit around the tide, especially if you want to float the river (outgoing) or have maximum beach space (low).

Facilities

Main Beach:

Restrooms and changing rooms
Outdoor showers
Snack bars (fried seafood, ice cream, drinks)
Beach chair and umbrella rentals
Float and boogie board rentals

Footbridge Beach:

Restrooms
Limited or no food service
Less rental availability

Rules

Dogs: Generally not allowed on the beach during the day in summer (check current regulations). Early morning and evening may be exceptions.

Alcohol: Not permitted on the beach.

Fires: Not permitted.

Lifeguards: On duty in designated areas during summer. Swim near lifeguards.

The Town of Ogunquit

Perkins Cove

The picturesque fishing village of Perkins Cove sits at the southern end of Ogunquit, connected to the beach area by the Marginal Way (see our dedicated guide). The cove offers:

Working fishing harbor
Art galleries and shops
Seafood restaurants
Boat tours and fishing charters
The famous pedestrian drawbridge

Marginal Way

This mile-long paved path follows the rocky coastline from Perkins Cove to the beach area—one of the most scenic walks in Maine. It connects the two main areas of Ogunquit and offers stunning ocean views.

The Village

Downtown Ogunquit has an artsy, welcoming vibe with:

Galleries and boutiques
Restaurants (from casual to fine dining)
The Ogunquit Playhouse (historic summer theater)
LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere
Nightlife options

Best Times to Visit

Time of Day

Early morning (before 10 AM): Easiest parking, calm beach, good for walking and photography.

Midday: Warmest, most crowded. Beach at full social energy.

Late afternoon (after 4 PM): Crowds thin, golden light, parking opens up, river float is excellent.

Season

Summer (June-August): Peak season. Warmest water and weather, full services, biggest crowds. Parking is a significant challenge.

September: Excellent choice. Warm enough, much less crowded, easier parking. Water still reasonable. Some services reduce hours.

Off-season: The beach is accessible year-round, but services close. Fall walking is beautiful. Winter is dramatic but cold.

Weather

Ogunquit can be foggy, especially in early summer. Sea fog can roll in and drop temperatures significantly even on regionally warm days. Bring layers.

Tips for Your Visit

Arrive early or late: Beat the parking rush by arriving before 9 AM or after 4 PM.

Use the trolley: Save the parking headache and ride in style.

Bring everything: If you’re going to Footbridge or North Beach, pack all supplies. Amenities are concentrated at Main Beach.

Check tides: Plan activities around tidal timing—floating, beach space, and river conditions all depend on it.

Layer up: Even warm days can turn cool with sea breeze or fog.

Plan for crowds: Summer weekends are busy. Accept it or come at other times.

Don’t skip the river: First-timers often focus solely on the ocean. The river float is the hidden gem.

Combining Ogunquit Beach with Other Activities

A Full Ogunquit Day

Morning: Beach time at Footbridge Beach (arrive early for parking)
Mid-morning: Float the river as tide goes out
Lunch: Walk to Perkins Cove via Marginal Way
Afternoon: Explore galleries and shops in the Cove
Dinner: Seafood on the harbor

For Families

Set up at Main Beach (near amenities)
Kids play in the calm river while adults take turns in the ocean
Snack bar lunch
Afternoon river floating
Ice cream before heading home

Ogunquit Beach delivers what most Maine beaches can’t: soft sand, (relatively) warm water, and variety. The combination of ocean surf and river float, busy Main Beach and quiet Footbridge, seaside village and artist colony creates a complete beach vacation experience. It’s popular for good reason—just plan ahead for parking, and you’ll understand why this “beautiful place by the sea” lives up to its name.