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The Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine

VIDEO: Marginal Way The Marginal Way is a seaside path that stretches along the granite coastline of Ogunquit, Maine. Entirely paved and mostly flat, it’s hardly a strenuous hike, yet it remains one of the most popular in New England. People flock to the Marginal Way for the view. Though only 1-1/4 miles long, it offers […]

The Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine

The Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine

Photo Credit: Aimee Tucker
The Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine
The Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine
Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker

VIDEO: Marginal Way

The Marginal Way is a seaside path that stretches along the granite coastline of Ogunquit, Maine. Entirely paved and mostly flat, it’s hardly a strenuous hike, yet it remains one of the most popular in New England. People flock to the Marginal Way for the view. Though only 1-1/4 miles long, it offers more breathtaking vistas than any other trail you’ll find on the southern Maine coast. Benches along the way invite visitors to linger and enjoy the land, the sea, and the elemental beauty of the place where the two meet.

The Marginal Way is free and open year-round. Parking is available at Perkins Cove (follow Oarweed Road to its end) and in downtown Ogunquit.

Justin Shatwell

Justin Shatwell is a longtime contributor to Yankee Magazine whose work explores the unique history, culture, and art that sets New England apart from the rest of the world. His article, The Memory Keeper (March/April 2011 issue), was named a finalist for profile of the year by the City and Regional Magazine Association.

More by Justin Shatwell

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  1. Ogunquit Beach, Marginal Way, Perkins Cove, Congdon’s Donuts, Fisherman’s Catch, Mike’s Clam Shack….aaahhh…..I’m closing my eyes and I am so there right now in my mind. Can’t wait to get back there!

  2. A MUST every summer. Also a must..The Egg and I for breakfast or lunch…so good. If you want “LOBSTA”…go to Billy’s Chowder House and get the L. stew or L. roll..can’t be beat. We brought our kids while growing up…they are now bringing their kids and I bet those grandkids will keep on bringing future generations. Don’t forget to ride the Trolly! Still so much fun. Cost a quarter when we started…now costs $1.50…still worth it!

  3. indeed a most beautiful place to visit. We were just there last weekend as we just moved back to New England- to north-eastern CT( the Quiet Corner) from central Virginia. We missed Maine so much the first thing we did was take a trip up there. Of course we had to stop in at Perkins Cove and Marginal Way. A visit to Kittery Trading Post and Bob’s Clam Shack is also a must on any trip to Maine we take.
    Of note: Parking has really become an issue in Perkins Cove and the strip of shops in Ogunquit. We were surprised to see the charge in Perkins Cove to park is now between $9-$12.00 a car depending on which lot you use. The lot where Marginal Way actually begins is $12.00 per car. You can park for free at the very end of the road in Perkins Cove but there is very limited parking there, appox 12 spots. Bottom line is come prepared to pay to park. The town is really promoting using the free trolly system. The trolly can be accessed from the 2 public parking lots up in the village of Ogunquit and all along Rt 1.

  4. Correction to my last statement: the trolly system is not free, I mis-stated. The cost is minimual at $1.50 a trip. A reader asked where you get the trollies? The answer is they have stops all along Rt 1 in Ogunquit and Wells. They take passengers between those stops plus to Perkins Cove where they discharge and pick up passenges. They also run to Footbridge Beach in Ogunquit and to Wells Beach in Wells. As well as all the public parking areas in Ogunquit.

  5. The Off Season is my favorite time to stay in Ogunquit. The weather may be cooler but the People are wonderful. My favorite places to go to eat are Stutseys Pub for the Bar and TV for Sports events and the best Baked Haddock I have ever had. Plus the Prices are reasonable.
    I also like the Wells Beach Steak House great steaks nice atmosphere. Egg and I is a Must for Breakfast. there is always a waiting line.. Some of the Restaurants close down for a month or two in the Winter but there are still enough wonderful Restaurants and things to do. the Shops are wonderful,walking Marginal Way. People watching, The Ocean is beautiful..Perkins Cove.We walk every were…

  6. I am thankful I live close enough to go to all those places mentioned above, I love the area, and have pictures to prove it in my computer to remind me of those wonderful places. I have yet been to a bad restaurant in Ogunquit, of course there is also that ice cream place, I believe is in Wells. So far I have avoided paying for parking at Perkins Cove, guess I just might be lucky.

  7. I love the Old Village Inn in Ogunquit–excellent dinner in a lovely old inn. I drive from Mass to go to dinner there, and it’s worth the trip every time. Love the rack of lamb and filet mignon. Service is great, too.

  8. A jogging stroller would be almost impossible in the summer but off season–before snowfall, would work. Marginal Way and the beach are dog friendly only in the fall and winter months.

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