Trip Tip: Marginal Way in Ogunquit

Written and photography by Cam Held of Maine the Way

In Southern Maine, Ogunquit‘s charming historic village sits at the center of three distinct areas. To the north, a bridge crosses the Ogunquit River to Ogunquit Beach for 3 miles of wide, soft sand. To the east, rugged cliffs rise above the Atlantic at Israels Head and Lobster Point, while further south, Perkins Cove remains a working colonial-era fishing harbor where lobster boats still come and go.

Connecting them all is the Marginal Way, a 1.25-mile paved coastal footpath that traces the cliffs, offering dramatic ocean views. The land was gifted to the town in 1925 and is maintained by the Marginal Way Preservation Fund. Today, it remains one of the few public shoreline walks of its kind in New England—free and open year-round from dawn to dusk. Along the way, you’ll even spot a mini “lighthouse” of sorts: the Lobster Point Lighthouse (which actually houses municipal infrastructure but was designed to echo the classic architecture of Maine lighthouses).

A Quick Guide to Marginal Way

Most people walk it start to finish in a leisurely 45 minutes to an hour, though the path itself takes only 25 or 30 minutes if you don’t stop along the way. (You won’t want to skip the stopping.) More than 30 benches line the route, most donated by local families in memory of someone who loved this stretch of coast, and each one frames a slightly different angle on the rocks, the surf and the open Atlantic beyond. Lobster Point Lighthouse comes into view midway on the trail, along with tide pools, beach roses and the kind of wave-battered rocky shoreline that Maine’s southern coast doesn’t offer nearly as often as the Downeast coast.

The best approach is to start in town, near the Sparhawk on Shore Road, and walk south toward Perkins Cove. Parking is easier to find near downtown, and finishing at Perkins Cove puts lunch within easy reach, with several restaurants right where the walk ends.

The path is paved and largely flat, with a few gentler grades and narrow spots, so it works reasonably well for strollers and wheelchairs if you start from one of the main entrances, though it’s worth sizing up conditions before committing to the whole distance.

As you reach Perkins Cove, the landmark pedestrian footbridge comes into view, a wooden double-leaf drawbridge built in 1941 that still opens by hand to let boats pass in and out of the harbor—reportedly the only bridge of its kind in the country, and a fitting last stop before a meal.

Know Before You Go

Region: The Maine Beaches
Activity: Walking
Driving Distances:
From Portland: 40 Miles
From Bangor: 165 Miles
From Lewiston/Auburn: 70 Miles

Parking and Getting to Marginal Way

This is the part of the plan worth thinking through before you arrive, because parking near the Marginal Way is extraordinarily tight in season. There are two small municipal lots bookending the trail—one at Perkins Cove on the south end, and Obed’s Lot, reached from Cottage Street off Shore Road, on the north end—plus a scattering of private lots nearby. Both fill early on summer days, and rates run by the hour.

If those are full, the town’s beach lots at Main Beach and Footbridge Beach are the backup, though they’ll add a longer walk (or a trolley ride) to either end of your Marginal Way walk. The Ogunquit Trolley runs seasonally and stops right at Perkins Cove, which makes it easy to do the walk one-way and ride back rather than doubling back on foot or shuttling a second car.

But the best plan? Don’t drive at all if you can help it. The village is only about 4 square miles, and Ogunquit Village to Perkins Cove is a flat, 20-minute walk. If you’re staying anywhere near downtown or Shore Road, leave the car at the hotel and walk or bike in—just remember to park the bike before you hit the trailhead, since bikes have to stay off the Marginal Way itself.

Restrooms

There are no public restrooms directly on the path, so use the facilities in Perkins Cove or downtown first. 

Dogs

Leashed dogs are allowed on Marginal Way from October 1 through March 31 and prohibited from April 1 through September 30.

Bikes

Bikes are not allowed on the Marginal Way—it’s foot traffic only. 

Where to Eat & Drink

If you’re setting out in the morning, grab coffee first at Backyard Coffeehouse & Eatery on Main Street, a few minutes from the trailhead, before heading down to Shore Road. If you’re finishing the walk around lunchtime or dinnertime, take your pick from one of the many restaurants in Ogunquit, from casual spots like Lobster Shack or upscale eateries like Jonathan’s.

Things to Do Nearby

After walking Marginal Way, explore the boutiques, galleries and gift shops lining Shore Road and Perkins Cove Road. For arts and culture, stroll the sculpture garden and exhibits at Ogunquit Museum of American Art or enjoy a performance at the historic Ogunquit Playhouse. You can also get out on the water during a boat tour from Finestkind or Silverlining. 

Find even more things to do with this 36-Hour Itinerary in Ogunquit.