Ogunquit & Wells

Introducing Ogunquit & Wells

Known to the Abenaki tribe as the ‘beautiful place by the sea, ’ Ogunquit (pop 1300) is justly famous for its 3-mile sandy beach. Wide stretches of pounding surf front the Atlantic, while warm back-cove waters make an idyllic setting for a swim. In the summer, the beach draws hordes of visitors from near and far, increasing the town’s population exponentially.

Prior to its resort status, Ogunquit was a shipbuilding center in the 17th century. Later it became an important arts center, when the Ogunquit art colony was founded in 1898. Today, Ogunquit is the northeastern-most gay and lesbian Mecca in the US, adding a touch of open San Francisco culture to a more conservative Maine one. For more information, visit www.gayogunquit.com.

Neighboring Wells (pop 10, 040) to the northeast is little more than an eastward continuation of Ogunquit Beach, with a long stretch of busy commercial development. Wells has good beaches, though, and many relatively inexpensive motels and campgrounds.

Last updated: Jul 22, 2009