Help me have fun in Ogunquit.
June 27, 2011 9:41 AM Subscribe
What to do for four days in Ogunquit, Maine?
I'm going to Ogunquit, Maine for four days with my gf, parents, siblings, aunts and uncles. What are the most awesome things to do, places to go? We're staying at a resort type hotel within walking distance of the beach and a trolley ride to downtown. I'm looking for maybe some adventurous activities, kayaking in particular and probably hiking. Was wondering if anyone has stayed here and had some fun!
I'm going to Ogunquit, Maine for four days with my gf, parents, siblings, aunts and uncles. What are the most awesome things to do, places to go? We're staying at a resort type hotel within walking distance of the beach and a trolley ride to downtown. I'm looking for maybe some adventurous activities, kayaking in particular and probably hiking. Was wondering if anyone has stayed here and had some fun!
The main draw of Ogunquit is just the beautiful beach - you can pass the day there very happily. It's one of the prettiest beaches in the Northeast. You can do a pretty easy, family-friendly hike with good views of the White Mountains close by at Mt. Agamenticus. I also love walking at Laudholm Farm nearby in Wells, a US estuarine reserve - there's an education center, frequent nature programs, and just a beautiful campus. You'll have no trouble finding kayaking - there are a few different outfitters.
posted by Miko at 10:02 AM on June 27, 2011
posted by Miko at 10:02 AM on June 27, 2011
any major dude, yes! That's the Marginal Way. Lovely. You can walk to Perkins Cove, have lunch and shopping, and walk back. Very easy walk, totally do-able with kids and older folks.
Also, just a mention - though there are a lot of nice things to do outside Ogunquit, in York, Wells, etc., be mindful that it's a traffic hassle in summer to get in and out of Ogunquit on the single-lane, stacked-up Route 1. Add a good 30 minutes to your travel times either way so you don't end up running later than you think. It's one of those towns where it might be easiest to stay put, and do the walking, boating, and cycling you can do without leaving town, unless you will be there over the course of some weekdays. I've run into that traffic without remembering and it's enough to really jostle your day around.
But as you go through York on Route 1 (assuming you do), if you like burgers, don't miss Wild Willy's. Best burgers I've ever had. All Maine beef (at least it was, don't see it on their menu now but maybe they just aren't putting it out there) and Maine potatoes.
posted by Miko at 10:06 AM on June 27, 2011
Also, just a mention - though there are a lot of nice things to do outside Ogunquit, in York, Wells, etc., be mindful that it's a traffic hassle in summer to get in and out of Ogunquit on the single-lane, stacked-up Route 1. Add a good 30 minutes to your travel times either way so you don't end up running later than you think. It's one of those towns where it might be easiest to stay put, and do the walking, boating, and cycling you can do without leaving town, unless you will be there over the course of some weekdays. I've run into that traffic without remembering and it's enough to really jostle your day around.
But as you go through York on Route 1 (assuming you do), if you like burgers, don't miss Wild Willy's. Best burgers I've ever had. All Maine beef (at least it was, don't see it on their menu now but maybe they just aren't putting it out there) and Maine potatoes.
posted by Miko at 10:06 AM on June 27, 2011
Yeah -- traffic this time of year is hellish.
When walking to/from the beach stop at Barnacle Billy's for a lobster roll (with an outdoor deck view of the harbor and ocean -- Live Webcam).
posted by ericb at 10:44 AM on June 27, 2011
When walking to/from the beach stop at Barnacle Billy's for a lobster roll (with an outdoor deck view of the harbor and ocean -- Live Webcam).
posted by ericb at 10:44 AM on June 27, 2011
Regarding sea kayaking, you can rent from Excursions in Neddick (about 5 minutes south on Rte. 1) or World Within Sea Kayaking in Wells (about 6 minutes south on Rte.1). Travel times do not include heavy traffic.
Are you interested in deep sea fishing and/or whale watching? There are outfits for such in York, Oqunquit and Kennebunk.
Examples:
Are you interested in deep sea fishing and/or whale watching? There are outfits for such in York, Oqunquit and Kennebunk.
Examples:
First Chance Whale Watch (Kennebunk -- about a half-hour north on Rte. 1).posted by ericb at 11:02 AM on June 27, 2011
Bunny Clark Deep Sea Fishing in Ogunquit -- in Perkins Cove (which you see in the Barnacle Billy's webcam above).
Oh ... and be sure to have late afternoon/early evening cocktails upstairs at The Front Porch and join the eclectic crowd (gays, straights, locals, etc.) in group singing in the piano bar. You can't miss the place -- it's in the center of town and is the two story white building with yellow awnings.
posted by ericb at 11:08 AM on June 27, 2011
posted by ericb at 11:08 AM on June 27, 2011
http://www.nunanslobsterhut.com/ ... little drive, well worth it.
posted by eatdonuts at 11:18 AM on June 27, 2011
posted by eatdonuts at 11:18 AM on June 27, 2011
Old school arcade called Fun-O-Rama at Short Sands in York is great. Maybe 15 minute ride south.
posted by WickedPissah at 12:07 PM on June 27, 2011
posted by WickedPissah at 12:07 PM on June 27, 2011
Response by poster: Awesome, thank you everyone for all the great ideas! That definitely gives us a full list of things to do during vacation. We do usually do something like a whale watch but always from the Cape. Not sure if anyone will be down since we've done so many already but maybe Deep Sea Fishing could be something new to try.
Also, if anyone is still checking this post out, I saw on some web site that the name actually implies a lagoon type area. Does anyone know if there are any waves for sea kayaking in the ocean or is water too calm for that?
Thanks again!
posted by modoriculous at 12:52 PM on June 27, 2011
Also, if anyone is still checking this post out, I saw on some web site that the name actually implies a lagoon type area. Does anyone know if there are any waves for sea kayaking in the ocean or is water too calm for that?
Thanks again!
posted by modoriculous at 12:52 PM on June 27, 2011
The southern end of Ogunquit is Ogunquit Rivermouth and it's one of the better surf spots in Maine when it is breaking. (Read- It's crowded with surfers)
It will probably not have much for surf unless there is a tropical depression or hurricane spinning off the coast. If there is surf though you should be able to find a peak or two to yourself. http://www.surfline.com/surf-report/ogunquit-northeast_5105/travel/ If it is too crowded I suggest heading south, just past long sands in York near the camp ground/trailer park. Rocky beach area that may be better suited to kayaking. Some surfers get snippy when kayakers show up.
posted by WickedPissah at 1:30 PM on June 27, 2011
It will probably not have much for surf unless there is a tropical depression or hurricane spinning off the coast. If there is surf though you should be able to find a peak or two to yourself. http://www.surfline.com/surf-report/ogunquit-northeast_5105/travel/ If it is too crowded I suggest heading south, just past long sands in York near the camp ground/trailer park. Rocky beach area that may be better suited to kayaking. Some surfers get snippy when kayakers show up.
posted by WickedPissah at 1:30 PM on June 27, 2011
The beach. Seriously. It's the greatest beach on the entire northern New England coast - if I were you, I'd invent any arcane excuse to spend as much time there as possible. You'll thank me later.
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 6:37 PM on June 27, 2011
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 6:37 PM on June 27, 2011
For any of the party who like good food, JOSHUA'S!
It's one of my favorite restaurants anywhere, and we go out of our way to stop there anytime we're in the area. It is fine dining, local food, family-owned and run with fresh ingredients grown on the property of the restaurant (which is set up in an old colonial style house). If this sounds like your kind of thing, do not miss it.
posted by treehorn+bunny at 3:42 AM on June 28, 2011
It's one of my favorite restaurants anywhere, and we go out of our way to stop there anytime we're in the area. It is fine dining, local food, family-owned and run with fresh ingredients grown on the property of the restaurant (which is set up in an old colonial style house). If this sounds like your kind of thing, do not miss it.
posted by treehorn+bunny at 3:42 AM on June 28, 2011
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posted by any major dude at 10:00 AM on June 27, 2011