Winter in Ogunquit, Maine | Perkins Cove & Marginal Way
Photographer Mark Fleming captured some of our favorite spots in Ogunquit, Maine, and proved that the summer destination is just as pretty in winter.
By Cathryn McCann|Jan 05 2022|
Ogunquit, Maine in Winter |
Photo Credit: Mark FlemingOgunquit, Maine, is a well-known New England summer destination, with its beautiful coastline, sandy beaches, and quaint downtown village. Locals and tourists alike flock to the area to enjoy a day at the beach, or some delicious seafood at one of the town’s many eateries. Two of our favorite things to do in Ogunquit are to spend time watching the boats come in and out of Perkins Cove, and to look out over the ocean while walking the Marginal Way. But those activities aren’t exclusively meant for warm weather, as photographer Mark Fleming recently proved.
On a beautiful and sunny winter day, the snow settles on the docks and along the path, the ocean glistens, water drips off icicles formed on benches, and waves gently crash over the cliffs and rocks. It’s a picturesque scene and, if the air isn’t too cold and the wind doesn’t blow too hard, can make for a great winter day by the ocean, free from the summer crowds and heat. Check out Mark’s collection of images below to see for yourself!
Winter in Ogunquit, Maine | Perkins Cove & Marginal Way
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Have you ever visited Ogunquit, Maine, in winter or strolled the Marginal Way in winter? Let us know in the comments below!
This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated.
SEE MORE:
The Marginal Way | A Coastal Stroll in Ogunquit, Maine
Summer in Ogunquit, Maine | Photos
10 Prettiest Coastal Towns in New England
I’ve been going to Ogunquit for over 40 years, but only once in the winter and with no sniw on the ground. It was during a heavy coastal storm when the waves were crashing on the rocky shore along the marginal Way. These pictures are beautiful!
Have visited in all seasons, each had their own beauty. We love the early summer before all the crowds arrive. Love sitting on the balcony of our motel and watching the lobster boats arrive and depart
BOrn raised and educated in dear old New England. Have been in Michigan for 63 years!… Still long for dear old New England! I do go back to visit as often as I can!! In my heart I will NEVER stop being a New Englander!!
Ogunquit: the finest coastal village anywhere. Vacationed in Ogunquit every year since I first “discovered” it in 1969 until moving from Jersey to Clearwater, Florida in 2008. Many happy memories. Not only of Ogunquit, but of surrounding lighthouses, lobster pounds, wharves, and simply beautiful sights all around and beyond! Florida has its many positive sights and the Clearwater winters are mild and without snow and ice, but Ogunquit is a one of a kind gem which I truly miss!
2 winter O. visits. Gorgeous and COLD. At minus 7, the beach walk was invigorating to say the least! fun for a weekend but we missed the seasonal restaurants and got cabin fever only being able to be outside for short bursts….definitely something to experience though.
makes me sorry to have just sold our home in Ogunquit on Grasshoppet La.
shared visit with daughter #1 will always ways cherish visit!
One of our favorite places to escape to in any season.
Thank you Mark Fleming for your beautiful photography!
Many wonderful memories of autumn walks along the Marginal Way with my beloved late husband…..cherish them dearly.
I met Pres. Bush on Perkins Cove in the late fall a few years ago. Beautiful at that time of year as well as winter.
We were there just last weekend. It was a warm day, no snow. We got a nice picture of the lobster trap tree along the way!
I walked the Marginal Way on January first a few years ago – it was beautiful!!
I highly recommend it. The last time was in November 2018 – beautiful any time of year.
Born in New England but have lived in Michigan for many years, returning each summer to the Hampton Beach area. I love the coastal drive along route 1A from Hampton Beach north to Portsmouth (breathtakingly beautiful to me) as well as the coastal route going up into Ogunquit….the beachside towns, lighthouses shops, the art, and the seafood. Just this summer I enjoyed a walk again and took more pictures along the Marginal Way…We have the Great Lakes, but I will always prefer the ocean….Like many, I spend time in Florida and other warm places in the winter, but the “vibe” is just not the same…!
Yes, Perkins Cove and the Marginal Way are beautiful in winter. And, the winter sea birds are often plentiful. But, it’s also not for the faint of heart and those unsteady on their feet. I’ve found myself on black ice out on the dock and hiking up to the marginal way from the cove in snow and ice can be pretty treacherous. Well worth it for the adventurous and the avid bird watcher – bring a good hiking stick.
I walked the Marginal Way in winter about 5 years ago. My pictures turned our very much like yours. Some of the way was kind of icy, and made for a very slippery, if not scary walk. But I loved it, and need to go back and do it again.
My husband and I started going to Ogunquit in the early 70’s after buying a Downeast issue on a newstand in New Jersey. We fell in love with Maine, and the marginal is and always will be breathtaking. We’ve stayed many a time at the Riverside, I remember the owner Howard Staples greeting us with his dog every morning. It was a joy to walk over the footbridge to eat at Barnacle Billys and I remember many a time the owner Billy would come over to the tables for a small chat. We visited the area 3 times in the last 10 years, and it brought back such fond memories. Thank you again Mr. Fleming for the pictures.
Martin & Joann Luzansky, Manchester, New Jersey
I took care of the Marginal Way in the 80’s all by myself. They always had two town employees taking care of it!Best job I ever had.
Have been going to Maine for 50 years now our grandson is going to UNE. Going to Maine never gets old.
Beautiful place, no matter what time of year…spring, summer, winter…especially the fall…
Have been going to Ogunquit for more than 40 years, usually in June and October. Was there once in December during a coastal storm with heavy surf crashing on the rocks, which someone else mentioned. I love seeing these beautiful snow capped pictures.
I been going to this area with family for most of my 72 years. Now I go just go with my little Yorkie, who does not like water when we are home in upstate New York but loves the ocean. We walk (stopping to sit and just watch the ocean) to Perkins Cove watch the boats, get clam and lobster. Life is Good!
Being from St. Petersburg, Florida, my Husband and I discovered Ogunquit in November for Thanksgiving three years ago. We wanted to experience and explore the New England charm and did we ever! It’s become our new tradition, to get away during the Thanksgiving holiday, from the hustle and bustle of daily life here and escape to the wonders of Maine and the New Englanders we love so much. Everything about Ogunquit’s Village in the winter is why we now go back each year.
We absolutely love Ogunquit in the winter! We visit that area in spring, summer & fall. About 12 years ago we decided to go there the day after Christmas & stay until New Years. What treat! It’s so different & so much more relaxing. Some years we’ve had snow, other years, not so much. It’s like paradise for us, no matter the season!
We now live on Cape Cod where we have ample opportunities to enjoy sea and sand. But there’s just something so magical about the coast of Maine, and especially Ogunquit. Can’t wait to get back there post-pandemic!
Love Perkins Cove
We used to live in Rollinsford, New Hampshire and going to Ogunquit was a stone’s throw for us! Sure do miss it! We now reside in Florida … have to say there’s no place like the North! At least we have our memories!
What fantastic photography of an equally fantastic place. I have memories of summers on the Marginal Way but admit I have never been there in the winter. Something to add to my bucket list. Thanks!
Went to Ogunquit on several occasions for weekend get aways, October and February. It was wonderful. Our hotel had a hot tub looking out over the ocean, we didn’t mind the cold air then. Relaxing, great restaurants and the Marginal Way scenery just beautiful. Now living in central Florida we don’t have that rugged type of coastline to visit, must admit I miss it.
Walking on the marginal way(if not too icy) and through Perkins Cove is just magical in the winter. Totally different experience then during the summer. You can truly see the forces of nature at work. Love Ogt in the dead of winter.
Born and raised in New England but now have lived in Fl. for many years. Miss that beautiful rough, rocky NE coastline , will always be a New Englander and wait patiently every time for my new issue of Yankee. Thanks for the great pictures.
These photos are incredible!! I love Maine! We haven’t been up from Massachusetts since the covid hit, but hope to make it this Spring
My mother owned a house just up the street from Perkins Cove for over 40 years. It was a guest house for most of that time: Wisteria House, named for a 100 year old Wisteria that grew there. She lived there year round so I spent lots of time in the winter there. The roads are much less crowded in the winter and beach parking is free! The Marginal Way is beautiful at any time of year, although when it is icy or just after a storm some parts may be impassable – a few storms took out parts of the walkway and had to be repaired. Some shops and restaurants are closed in winter but there are plenty that remain open. I have especially fond memories of the Ogunquit Camera Shop. Great photos in the article!
Just loved your comment. I have spent Ogunquit much time in Ogt and LOVED
every minute of it!!! I lost partner, however I want to go there this Spring/ Summer, I used to stay at the Colony House, not high end BUT has an old time whoever you are, I would love to meet you spring/summer to chat about your life in Maine????
Although I only lived in New England (Fort Devens and Boston after my discharge) a few years it has always been my absolute favorite place. I have lived in the midwest, Pacific Northwest, and Gulf Coast since but none compared.
I can relate to the gentleman who was stationed at Ft. Devens. My husband and I spent two tours there (1965-1967) and (1970-71). Actually, that year we were there without him, because he was on a hardship tour.
Best place in Maine to visit in the off season. Beautiful scenery and a great walk for some fresh ocean air. When they talk about the picturesque and rugged Maine Coast this is it.
Longing to be there—-in summer!
Off season Ogunquit soothes the soul. So much to see and do yet ample peace and quiet. Love that place.
I’ve visited many times in the summer, but never in the winter, I’d be afraid of slipping over the edge, at 95 I think “The Marginal Way” is not going to see this lady. It is a beautiful spot to walk but summertime is the best.
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The most beautiful town in Maine. I visited in summer many times growing up and we stayed at the Beechmere one summer. Barnacle Billy’s was such a fun place to eat. The architecture of the homes is beautiful and walking around town such a joy. I hope that this old gal can get back up there some time in the future.
Ogunquit is my happy place….walked the beach the other day in January and it made my day!
We saved our gas ration coupons during WW2 and always went to spend a week at the Ontio , beach side. Still go up for a day at least every summer, but the Ontio is long gone and no longer can ride horses on the beach. My Mother ( born 1900) vacationed there as a child too and took the trolley to Goldenrod Kisses in York.
I love Ogunquit! One of my absolute favorite places in Maine, along with OOB! We have walked the Marginal Way a few times and I just love the quaintness of the village, with its shops and architecture. I live in NY but try to find every opportunity to book a long weekend in various spots in Maine. Just love it there! A little slice of heaven!
Got married on Marginal Way near the lighthouse. Just beautiful what more can I say!