This is our first vacation to Maine, so I asked a friend who's spent years vacationing here for some of her favorite spots. High on her list was Ogunquit and the Marginal Way and now I know why. We're staying in Portland, so Ogunquit is a short drive south, past Kennebunk. We took the more scenic route down (Hwy 1), driving through Wells, and are glad we did. We arrived in Ogunquit just at lunchtime, as we wanted to eat at Brix + Brine...unfortunately they weren't yet open for the season (Hubs, being a foodie, was crushed). We walked around a bit, enjoying the quaintness of the town. They clearly are a seasonal town, and we're here at the very beginning of the season so some shops weren't yet open. Parking is a challenge, but Google can help you find the public parking (we only found pay lots...not sure if there are free lots available). This is a VERY pedestrian oriented area, so as you drive through, take it slow and keep a sharp eye out. We've found most people will use the crosswalks but did have one experience where a couple crossed mid-block without even a glance left or right . There are some beautiful beaches here, with public access, so it makes sense that it's a big draw for visitors. One of the reasons we came to Ogunquit was to experience the Marginal Way, a walking path along the coastline that stretches a little more than a mile, from Ogunquit to Perkins Cove. We decided to drive down to Perkins Cove, park, grab a bite and walk the path. Perkins Cove sits on a finger of land, so there are docks with boats (and cruise options, I think), several shops and places to eat and a LOT of residences/rental houses. Right in the center is a medium sized parking lot where you pay by the hour ($4 per hour) - however, just as you enter the area theres a pay lot for $10. Choose your parking location based on how long you intend to stay. We ate lunch then walked the Marginal Way. The path is mostly well above the high tide mark and the rocks, but with a couple of stairways to allow you to get to the beach. Being low tide, we walked out to the water, took off our shoes and enjoyed a short walk in the cold water, while watching surfers and kayakers. The path is wide enough for two people to walk side by side and is paved. Those with mobility issues should be able to walk at least part of it, although some areas will be a little steep for anyone using a wheelchair. There are plenty of benches along the way, so you can take it at your own pace. This southern gal now wants to retire and move to Maine. I can learn to deal with snow... read more

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A PERFECT DAY IN MAINE We spent a beautiful day walking along the Marginal Way cliff walk that connects the picturesque towns of Ogunquit and Perkins Cove. Set your GPS to Perkins Parking Lot. We visited in July and the all day fee was $25. The parking lot is steps away from the start of the Marginal Way cliff walk, a narrow paved path (a little over 1 mile) that ends at Ogunquit. FYI dog owners - posted signs ban dogs on Marginal Walk during the summer months. Marginal Way offers incredible views of rugged cliffs above the ocean and Ogunquit Beach. There are benches to rest along the way and there are steps to climb down to the very wide deep beach. Resort hotels line the walk as you approach Ogunquit. We learned that many Ogunquit hotels are reserved one year ahead and you need to reserve two years ahead at one popular resort that is on Marginal Way. In Ogunquit, we visited many cute shops and restaurants. After lunch and shopping, we took a golf cart ride ($5/person) back to Perkins Cove where we did more shopping and had ice cream near the footbridge. Next time, I hope to try the lobster roll at Footbridge Lobster (although it is a counter eatery with no dining area, there are many benches to sit and enjoy your lobster roll). My favorite shop of the day was a pottery shop near Footbridge Lobster. read more