The Insider's Guide to Ogunquit Beach

Ogunquit Beach is widely considered the finest beach in New England. Unlike many Maine beaches which can be rocky or coarse, Ogunquit offers three miles of wide, soft, white sand.

But the real magic of Ogunquit is the geography: it is a barrier spit separated from the mainland by the Ogunquit River. This creates a unique dual-waterfront experience—crashing surf on one side, and a calm, warm river on the other.

The Three Sections

1. Main Beach

• The Vibe: Busy, energetic, convenient. This is where the main parking lot, restrooms, and snack bars are located.
• Best For: Families who want amenities close by and teenagers who want to be near the action.

2. Footbridge Beach

• The Vibe: Quieter, residential. Accessible via a pedestrian footbridge that crosses the river about a mile north of Main Beach.
• Best For: Adults, readers, and those looking to escape the biggest crowds.

3. North Beach

• The Vibe: Rocky, rugged, secluded. The far northern end (Moodys) offers plenty of space but fewer amenities.

The “Ogunquit River Float”

This is the secret sauce of Ogunquit. As the tide goes out (and comes in), the Ogunquit River turns into a natural, gentle lazy river.

• What to do: Bring a tube or floatie. Walk upriver, hop in, and let the current gently carry you down toward the ocean mouth. The river water is often 10-15 degrees warmer than the Atlantic.
• For Kids: The river side is shallow and wave-free, making it perfect for toddlers who might be scared of the ocean surf.

Logistics

• Parking: The Main Beach lot fills up early (often by 10 AM on weekends) and is expensive ($30+). Footbridge Beach has a smaller lot.
• The Trolley: The best way to get here is to park at your hotel (or a satellite lot) and take the open-air Ogunquit Trolley.
• Tides: At low tide, the beach is massive (football fields wide). At high tide, space can get tight, so check the charts.

Location: Beach Street, Ogunquit.