I've Vacationed In Maine My Whole Life. Here Is My Three-Day Itinerary For A Summer Retreat In Ogunquit

Maine is known for both its rugged beauty and charming coastal towns like Camden. As someone who has taken at least one trip to its southern beaches every summer for the last several decades, I can personally attest that the "Vacationland" nickname is well earned. That's why I've used my local expertise to build a three-day itinerary that you can use as a perfect weekend vacation to Maine! This itinerary focuses on Ogunquit and York, an area that offers relaxing coastal walks, lounging on the beach, and exploring the local shops and galleries — and in true Maine fashion, expect some fresh lobster, too.

It's no surprise that Maine shows up on the list of best U.S. national parks for hiking, according to its visitors, but I think this state truly shines in the seaside villages where waves crash and sailboats dot the horizon as far as the eye can see. I began tagging along on my best friend's family vacations when I was just 11 years old, and her parents would rent a beach house in York every summer. When I became old enough to choose my own vacations, the destination remained the same. And while it may be a nostalgic escape for New Englanders, I think spending time in this special place is something everyone should experience.

For out-of-towners, you should fly into Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts. Logan Airport is only about one hour and 10 minutes from York, while making it to Ogunquit will add just 10 minutes more. This three-day itinerary (not including a bonus arrival day for those flying in) is how I would make the most of one of my favorite places, without the need for an entire weeklong vacation. You can do this itinerary for $130 to $350 per day per person, plus about $110 per day for a rental car (yes, you will need a rental car for this itinerary) and a hotel stay at Anchorage by the Sea that begins around $429 per night for a midweek booking. Of course, you can choose a cheaper hotel nearby, if that better fits your budget. August prices are generally the highest of the summer, while early stays in June and end-of-season stays in September are the most affordable.

Those flying in to experience a coastal New England summer are in for a treat, as Ogunquit was the only place in the United States to be included in Forbes' 2025 list of the 50 most beautiful villages in the world. Boston's Logan International Airport is the most convenient, but you can also fly into Maine's own coastal, family-friendly Portland or New Hampshire's Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. Wherever you fly into, your first step is to pick up a rental car.

Your home-away-from-home for the week will be my favorite stay in town, the Anchorage by the Sea. This beautiful oceanfront hotel sits in the heart of Ogunquit and has been a community staple since its opening more than four decades ago. It's within walking distance, or under a 10-minute drive, to everything you'll be doing during the first two days of this itinerary, making it an ideal location for exploring — when you aren't relaxing on-site in the heated outdoor pool, sitting around the oceanfront fire pits, or enjoying a treatment at the spa, that is.

Check-in is at 4 p.m. every day, but when I arrive early, I like to leave my luggage with the front desk and either take a stroll along Ogunquit Beach (a mere half-mile walk from the hotel) or ride the Ogunquit Trolley, which runs from July through mid-October and costs $5 per adult and $3 per child. The trolley is a great option when it comes to familiarizing yourself with everything the area has to offer. And be sure to make note of any shops and galleries that may catch your eye!

Once it's time to check in and get settled in your room, I suggest exploring the hotel property. Stop in the lobby for complimentary coffee and tea or grab drinks and an appetizer at Surf Point 360, the on-site restaurant. If you have a bit more time to kill, make a pit stop at the loungers overlooking the coastline or try your hand at a lawn game (the hotel has giant sets of chess, checkers, and Jenga).

Eventually, you'll be hungry for dinner. I love to take a 10-minute stroll down Shore Road to Main Street for dinner at Rose Cove, a little first-night tradition my family has stuck to for years. While it isn't on the water (don't worry, oceanside dining will come later), the restaurant's unique fire pit tables provide a perfect view of the quaint, bustling village. My personal favorites include starters like coconut shrimp and scallops wrapped in bacon, and I love to get the lobster flatbread with mascarpone cheese, lemon zest, and fresh lobster meat for my meal. The first full day of your Ogunquit itinerary will be a busy one, so eat your fill and then head back to the hotel to relax by the oceanside fire pits before calling it an early night.

8 – 9 a.m.: Start with a hearty breakfast at The Egg & I Pancake and Waffle House. It's only a five-minute drive, but I like to take advantage of the hotel's complimentary bikes and pedal the 1-mile trip (be aware you have to ride along a busy road). The restaurant has been around since 1979, and it shows in its menu of classics. My personal favorite is the lobster benedict, but if you prefer a sweeter breakfast, the lemon cream cheese-stuffed French toast topped with blueberry compote is phenomenal.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: There's no better way to experience the water than to get out on it, so head over to World Within, located at the Ogunquit River Inn & Suites, to rent some kayaks. Members of the team will help you push off and provide tips on routes through the gentle Ogunquit tidal river, where you can expect to see wildlife like blue herons, geese, ducks, deer, and even moose! I recommend a two-hour rental, which starts at $65 per person for a kayak, unless you'd prefer to split the $75 cost of a double kayak.

Alternative: This is a tidal operation, meaning it only operates at high tide, so you'll have to plan accordingly. If high tide falls later in the day during your stay, you can swap this activity with the afternoon beach trip.

12 – 1 p.m.: I usually work up quite an appetite after paddling for a couple of hours, and Splash over on Beach Street is the perfect oceanside spot to break for lunch. Located at the Norseman Resort, I come here specifically for the rolls: lobster, clam, or crab. You also can't go wrong with the fish and chips or the whole belly fried clams.

1 – 5 p.m.: For most people who visit this area, beach time is a main event. Luckily, Splash will place you mere steps from Ogunquit Beach. If you prefer a more comfortable setup, you can rent umbrellas and beach chairs from the Norseman Beach Store or stock up on cold drinks, snacks, and other essentials like sunblock before hitting the sand.

That being said, I've vacationed here with enough people to know that hours upon hours at the beach is not for everyone. For those who would rather check out the downtown shops, I'd suggest sticking to things on Main Street and Shore Road today, as you'll be heading in the other direction tomorrow. Clothing and jewelry boutiques like The Lazy Daisy and Bobbles and Lace are fun stops, and I never leave town without grabbing a little something for my dogs at The Maine Pooch. When it comes to gifts for humans, I love Celtic on Main and Captain Sawyer's Mercantile, and a little treat from the Harbor Candy Shop is a perfect way to cap off the afternoon before heading back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.

Bad weather alternative: The Ogunquit Museum of American Art is just 1 mile away from the hotel and features over 3,000 pieces of both modern and contemporary art. It's easy to spend hours there, exploring the permanent collection and revolving exhibits, both of which rival those of big-city museums.

5 – 7 p.m.: I look forward to dinner at the Lobster Pound every year. The restaurant doesn't take reservations, so plan to arrive promptly when it opens at 5 p.m. If there is a wait, you can relax in the classic outdoor Adirondack chairs before heading into a cozy dining room (featuring a central fireplace for chillier nights) to have your pick of fresh seafood. I wouldn't miss the lobster stew, but there are plenty of other menu items to choose from, including non-seafood items.

8 – 11 p.m.: After dinner, it's time to be entertained. I bet you'll be surprised to learn that you can see a "Broadway-caliber" show (according to Anchorage by the Sea) right in this small village at the Ogunquit Playhouse, generally starting at just $60 per person. A typical runtime for an evening production is two hours and 30 minutes, and past shows include "Waitress," "Little Shop of Horrors," "Guys and Dolls," and "Titanic: The Broadway Musical."

Approximate cost for the day per person: $225 (excluding the rental car, hotel, and any shop purchases)

8 – 10 a.m.: I live on the coast myself, and trust me when I say that Marginal Way has some of my favorite cliffside views in all of New England. It's a 1.25-mile walking path just steps from Anchorage by the Sea. This stunning oceanside trail will take you to a small fishing village on the harbor called Perkins Cove, where I like to begin with breakfast at the family-owned Cove Cafe. It can get crowded at this small first-come, first-served establishment, but menu items like fluffy omelets, the crab cake breakfast sandwich, and the blueberry Belgian waffle (my personal favorite) make it worth the wait.

10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Perkins Cove is full of unique shops, so I encourage you to spend a few hours poking around this part of town before it's time for lunch. The Laughing Gull is great for locally made gifts, and you can find beautiful sterling-silver jewelry at Salt + Silver and Out of the Blue. My personal favorite is the Perkins Cove Bookshop, which would be the perfect place to find a poolside read for later this afternoon.

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Lunch at Barnacle Billy's is basically a right of passage in Ogunquit. A mainstay in the area for over 60 years, this popular harborside spot has both indoor seating and a sundeck with water views. The fare is casual and classic — I go specifically for the homemade clam chowder.

1:30 – 4 p.m.: After eating your fill, it's time to get back out on the water. Take the Nubble Lighthouse Cruise with Finestkind Cruises, a 14-mile round-trip boat ride that will give you the opportunity to see York's Nubble Lighthouse. This 1.5-hour cruise costs $42 per adult and $24 per child, and the ticket booth is located directly in front of Barnacle Billy's patio, so you won't have to go far!

4 – 7 p.m.: It would be a shame to miss the Anchorage by the Sea's heated outdoor pool (complete with a hot tub and sauna), so now is the perfect time to return to the hotel and unwind. Those who want something even more luxurious can book a massage at the on-site Spa at Anchorage by the Sea, which starts at $185 per person. The spa also offers facial, body, and scalp treatments.

7 p.m. – 11 p.m.: Head over to The Front Porch Piano Bar and Restaurant for dinner, just a short 10-minute walk down Shore Road. Reserve a table and enjoy a diverse menu with everything from seared scallops to steak frites. But the real draw of this place is the lively atmosphere in the piano bar, outdoor garden, and lounge. Stick around for dancing and live entertainment, featuring over a dozen rotating performing artists for the season.

Approximate cost for the day per person: $150 to $350, depending on if you opt for a spa treatment (excluding the rental car, hotel, and any shop purchases)

8 – 9 a.m.: Pack up the car for the day and make the 15-minute drive over to York. This little town will always hold a special place in my heart, and breakfast at the Goldenrod is a personal tradition. This establishment dates all the way back to 1896, and I love the rustic New England vibes. Watch the salt water taffy being pulled right in the front window before venturing inside for a casual breakfast of griddle cakes with a side of bacon, ham, or sausage.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: When you're done eating, it's time to hit the beach for a nice, relaxing morning. You've got two options in York and both of them are great, depending on your preferences. Those who want a bit more space can take a short drive around Cape Neddick to Long Sands Beach, but for a more classic, downtown experience, Short Sands is just steps away from where you had breakfast. Its name is apt — Short Sands is a small beach, but it makes up for a lack of space with its charm. Proximity to attractions like the historic Fun-O-Rama arcade and all of the quaint downtown shops (including my favorite, Johnny's Candy Corner) keep everyone coming back, despite the crowds. Exploring these attractions is also a great way to break up the morning, if you aren't a big beach person.

12 – 1 p.m.: Fox's Lobster House is where you're going to want to stop for lunch. It's right next to Nubble Lighthouse (which you saw yesterday from the water!), situated between Long Sands and Short Sands in the heart of Cape Neddick. Wander the lawns, rest on the benches, and enjoy the panoramic view of the coastline. As for the food, this is where I'm going to recommend indulging in the classic Maine lobster roll (your choice of hot butter or mayo). You can opt for the seated restaurant, which offers both indoor and tented outdoor seating, but the takeout window is great for a picnic closer to the water's edge.

1 – 5 p.m.: For a bit of action, I suggest spending the afternoon at York's Wild Kingdom Zoo and Amusement Park, which is perfect for all ages and families. When it comes to the zoo, you can expect to see everything from lions and tigers to camels and zebras. Admission will cost adults $19.50 to $25.50, depending on if you add access to over a dozen rides, including go karts, bumper cars, and a train.

5 – 7 p.m.: It's dinner time! Take a 20-minute drive to the other side of town and arrive at the York Harbor Inn. Depending on your mood, you can either enjoy fine dining at 1637 at York Harbor Inn with fantastic ocean views, or for those feeling more casual who still want excellent fare, take a walk downstairs to the Ship's Cellar Pub (I always order the baked stuffed haddock).

7 – 9 p.m.: I'm partial to a nice walk after a big meal, and the York Harbor Inn sits right across the street from the Hartley Mason Reserve, a 4-acre oceanfront park with fantastic views and plenty of benches to sit on. Long Sands Beach, known for its cotton candy pink skies as the sun goes down, is also great for a sunset walk. Once dinner has had a chance to settle, it will be time to head back over to Cape Neddick (which is on the way back to the hotel), where Dunnes Ice Cream will provide you with distant views of the Nubble Lighthouse — a perfect way to end the day.

Approximate cost for the day per person: $130 (excluding the rental car, hotel, and any shop purchases)