Ogunquit
Ogunquit is located on the southern coast of Maine and is well-known for having one of the state's best beaches, which offers calm, warm water due to a gradual slope. It's located on Maine's southern tip, on a sliver of dramatic coastline that alternates between craggy cliffs, sandy coves, and one glorious three-mile beach that's consistently voted one of the best in the country. Ogunquit, once a sleepy shipbuilding hamlet, has risen to become one of New England's premier summer resorts, with a daily throng of up to 80,000 lobster-craving revelers from May to September. Most visitors come for the perfectly fine-sand beach, which is uncommon along the state's mostly rocky coastline.
Even if clouds roll in to ruin the fun, there's plenty to keep you occupied on a weekend visit. For a small town, Ogunquit has an impressive and diverse collection of independent businesses, including art galleries, wine bars, pottery shops, antique stores, theaters, and bakeries. And the vast majority are owned by LGBTQ+ people. This low-key seaside haven, famous for its beauty, has another distinguishing feature: an inclusive, judgment-free atmosphere that has made LGBTQ+ out-of-towners feel welcome for decades. So much so that many people decide to stay.
Boutiques, galleries, and gift shops, as well as restaurants, creameries, and sweet shops, can be found in both village centers. Marginal Way, a scenic seaside pedestrian-only walking path that connects Ogunquit and Perkins Cove, is paved for easy access. Those traveling by bicycle or motorized vehicle can use Shore Road instead, and the town open-air Trolley connects the two, which is especially convenient after an afternoon of shopping. Ogunquit is also known for its arts scene, which includes everything from galleries and local artisans to live entertainment and the well-known Ogunquit Playhouse. It also houses the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, which features both changing exhibits and a permanent collection of works by prominent artists such as Marsden Hartley, Peggy Bacon, and Carl Walters.
