Marginal Way
Marginal Way
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Marginal Way is a scenic 1.5-mile cliff walk that hugs the Atlantic Ocean, starting at Shore Road in Ogunquit and ending at Perkins Cove. As you stroll along this easy paved walk, you'll get stunning views of the ocean, and pass by rocky cliffs, tide pools, shallow beaches and also the Lobster Point Lighthouse. There are also plenty of stops along the way where you can rest and watch the sunset. It gets busy during summer, so visit during fall or spring to beat the crowds and heat.
You can also book a stay at one of the B&Bs along the coast, and explore the rest of coastal Maine on a guided tour. – Tripadvisor
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
88 within 3 miles
Attractions
63 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- napagirl2New York City, New York345 contributionsJust beautifulWent here in October and it was still moderately busy. Cannot imagine trying to navigate the walkway when it is very crowded in the summer. Had to spend 25 dollars to park but it was worth it. Gorgeous scenery with plenty of places to sit and take pictures. Very relaxing and you can check out some of the beautiful homes and hotels along the walkway. Perkins cove has some nice shops and restaurants. Beautful town which gets extremely busy in the summer months and apparently off season too.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 14, 2023
- Zanda G4 contributionsMake the Time to VisitIt was a stunning scene walk! We were so happy we visited! Thank you to whomever saved this space for the public. We loved seeing the artist painting the ocean scene too. Lovely place to visit. We didn't have lunch at one of the nearby restaurants, but now that we know, we will next time.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 12, 2024
- PackUpNGoNowDavie, Florida373 contributionsBeautiful Walk Along Marginal WayWe spent a beautiful day walking along the Marginal Way cliff walk that connects the picturesque towns of Ogunquit and Perkins Cove. The Marginal Way is a narrow paved path (a little over 1 mile) that offers incredible views of rugged cliffs above the ocean. There are benches to rest along the way and there are steps to climb down to the very wide deep Ogunquit Beach. Resort hotels line Marginal Way as you approach Ogunquit. We learned that many Ogunquit hotels are reserved one year ahead and you may need to reserve two years ahead at one popular resort that is on Marginal Way. After lunch and shopping in Ogunquit, we were too tired to walk back to Perkins Cove via Marginal Way and instead took a golf cart ride ($5/person) back to Perkins Cove. We ended the day with shopping in Perkins Cove and an ice cream break near the footbridge. FYI Dog owners: there were posted signs stating that during summer months, dogs are not allowed on Marginal Way.Visited July 2024Traveled with friendsWritten August 10, 2024
- LAC88 contributionsPleasant walk along the rocky coastline between downtown Ogunquit and Perkins CoveBeautiful coastline walk, about a mile and change. Easy to navigate and benches scattered throughout. Can get a bit crowded during heavy traffic times, and the path is not that wide. Walked the way a few times going to and from Perkins Cove to "downtown". Very pleasant.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 25, 2024
- Pellbee7735 contributionsBreathtaking walkThis walking path is one of the more beautiful ones out there. It’s not necessarily peaceful because so many people are walking it, but so many great views. Numerous benches are along the Way which is great if any in your group aren’t super mobile…Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 16, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
5,457 reviews
Excellent
4,864
Very good
526
Average
47
Poor
7
Terrible
14
afahey22
Camillus, NY61 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We were so excited for this walk after our lunch at Barnacle Billy’s and so crushed when we got to the head of the trail and read the sign that said NO DOGS ALLOWED May 1 - Sept 30th (literally 2 days from now). If caught, you could be fined $100. We were crushed as we are traveling with our pup. We were just able to dine at a restaurant with her (on the deck, not inside) but we can’t walk her, leashed, on an outside trail?!?!? So bummed and a bit perturbed. What is the difference between a dog being on the trail on Sept 29th and Oct 1st? So dumb.
Written September 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SB1114
Irvine, CA943 contributions
Sep 2021
Loved this cliffside walk. Parking lot is tiny, and we ended up spending $20 to park a couple blocks away at a private lot. As we ended up eating at the Oarweed restaurant, we potentially could have parked there.Highly recommend that restaurant; is right at the Trailhead with great views, and the food was great!
Written September 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven L
Syracuse, NY863 contributions
Sep 2020
My wife and I had planned to walk on the Marginal Way in late September. We had seen notifications that it was closed but were assured by a friend whose family was from the area that it wasn't.
Set you GPS or use folding maps tp get you to Perkins Cove.It's a small and VERY busy area with shops and restaurants. Parking can be a bit tricky but we used a parking lot located on the left side of the road behind a restaurant located on the shore.
People were aware of COVID protocol and accordingly masked and distancing. t's an easy walk that we would recommend you wear some kind of comfortable shoe to navigate. There are a number of benches along the walk and some very nice views. The ocean is on one side and homes on the other. We would love to return to experience it in different seasons.
Set you GPS or use folding maps tp get you to Perkins Cove.It's a small and VERY busy area with shops and restaurants. Parking can be a bit tricky but we used a parking lot located on the left side of the road behind a restaurant located on the shore.
People were aware of COVID protocol and accordingly masked and distancing. t's an easy walk that we would recommend you wear some kind of comfortable shoe to navigate. There are a number of benches along the walk and some very nice views. The ocean is on one side and homes on the other. We would love to return to experience it in different seasons.
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patty H
Amherst, NH9 contributions
Sep 2022
My first time on the Marginal Way was during our week long stay at York each summer. My Grandmother was Canadian French, Ruth Rosalie Gaudett Heath. She had a sense of style and loved to take pictures. It starts just south of Ogunquit Beach and ends in Perkins Cover... Though I often park at Perkins Cover $4/ hour is a bargin and 2 hours certainly provides time for the walk plus an ice cream at Barnacle Billys.
The Marginal way is between a plethera of elegant hotels with beautiful gardens and the Atlantic Ocean. There is a paved path, but no bikes/roller blades are allowe as it is such a popular destination. You can bring your dog on a leash, and if you want a quieter time, try the sunrise, which is spectacular over the ocean.
The local gardeners keep up the gardens and there is a small replica of a Light House half way thru the walk... great photo op! Much of the path is shadded with trees and there are plenty of memorial benchs that invite you to sit and rest and enjoy the view as the early jogger go by. Sunsets at the Marginal Way are equally spectacular with the soft light dancing on the water.
Make your own memories on this romantic, relaxing cliff walk, and if you want there are steps down to smaller beaches as well. Bring your own towel!
Patty Healy-Osborne
The Marginal way is between a plethera of elegant hotels with beautiful gardens and the Atlantic Ocean. There is a paved path, but no bikes/roller blades are allowe as it is such a popular destination. You can bring your dog on a leash, and if you want a quieter time, try the sunrise, which is spectacular over the ocean.
The local gardeners keep up the gardens and there is a small replica of a Light House half way thru the walk... great photo op! Much of the path is shadded with trees and there are plenty of memorial benchs that invite you to sit and rest and enjoy the view as the early jogger go by. Sunsets at the Marginal Way are equally spectacular with the soft light dancing on the water.
Make your own memories on this romantic, relaxing cliff walk, and if you want there are steps down to smaller beaches as well. Bring your own towel!
Patty Healy-Osborne
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dewey1006
Eastern Shore, Maryland26 contributions
Oct 2021
Walking path along the rocky shore from the main town of Ogunquit to Perkins Cove has amazing views and lots of benches to sit on. I did see some wheelchairs on the path so it seems to be accessible. I would recommend that parents/grandparents hold on to little one's hands. It can get crowded, so we prefer this walk in the early morning.
Written October 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
terrdeter
Oakton, VA145 contributions
Oct 2020
We parked near Anchorage By The Sea hotel in town, explored the town a bit before veering off into Marginal Way.
Lots of people in town and on the walk - all wearing masks - expect a crowd!
It's a gorgeous walk with views of the beach and rocky coastline - which kids love to climb on. Nice way to spend an afternoon.
Lots of people in town and on the walk - all wearing masks - expect a crowd!
It's a gorgeous walk with views of the beach and rocky coastline - which kids love to climb on. Nice way to spend an afternoon.
Written October 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian K
Schenectady, NY650 contributions
Oct 2020
If you want to experience the Atlantic Ocean and great vistas this walk is for you. Perkins Cove is where we started and they have a paid parking lot right on the ocean and another private lot that was $10 weekdays and $20 weekends. We went to the other lot where you pay $3, $6 or $9 for one, two or three hours parking. the lot fills up but there was always someone leaving the two times we were there. This is a paved walkway about 1.2 miles each if you go to the end. There are numerous benches and stairs leading to the shoreline. The trail is wheelchair friendly. The houses and resort along the way are great as well, but the views of the ocean and shoreline are second to none. I loved the flowers and vegetation along the way. Returning to Perkins Cove we had the best Clam Chowder I have ever had at the Lobster Shack or just to the right of it. Some nice shops as well.
Written October 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin Carroll
Winchester, VA613 contributions
Nov 2020
Most every tourist area has some nice attraction. In Ogunquit, there is "The Marginal Way" which is a walking trail along the ocean. The trail has more beautiful scenic views than you could imagine. It is a wonderful walk. Although, Ogunquit has many draws without the walkway.
The trail starts near the beginning of Shore Road in Ogunquit and runs to Perkins Cove. It is about a mile beginning to end (one way) .
During the tourist season, there is a town bus service that picks up at Perkins and will return you to the starting point in Ogunquit. I recommend that before you put foot on the trail that you verify that you have a ride back from Perkins Cover if you need it.
The trail starts near the beginning of Shore Road in Ogunquit and runs to Perkins Cove. It is about a mile beginning to end (one way) .
During the tourist season, there is a town bus service that picks up at Perkins and will return you to the starting point in Ogunquit. I recommend that before you put foot on the trail that you verify that you have a ride back from Perkins Cover if you need it.
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
westie2
Kensington, CT10,656 contributions
Sep 2021
We once again made this walk on a crystal clear day. The numerous artists along the way so we also enjoyed seeing their interpretations. The path is pretty flat so suitable for both young and old alike.
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
twomartinilunch
Middlebury, VT544 contributions
Oct 2020
We live on a lake in Vermont. The fall colors this year were stunning, lots of REDs, and I have been told that the drought this summer contributes to the vibrancy. Si, it was fun to be in Maine for a few days, we needed to escape to somewhere safe before we hibernate this winter. So the colors were lovely and the ocean views add a very different perspective. Walking along the Marginal Way cliffs and hearing the punding surf was pure joy.
Written October 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My hubby & I plan to visit in September. Are there beachfront hotels & which hotel is closest to the marginal way?
Written April 19, 2022
Per the Marginal Way website, dogs are allowed only from October 1 until April 1. And since strollers are allowed, looks like a dog stroller is allowed during that time. The website notes that there is a og-park off of Berwick Road with trails, shade and water for the dogs.
Written September 13, 2021
if i park at one end and walk to the other end, can i get a ride back to parking lot. limited on how far to walk?
Written August 24, 2021
Marginal Way runs 1.25 miles, so roundtrip is 2.5 miles. For trolley info, check the Ogunquit Trolley Company website for their schedule of trolley stops, operating hours, and ride prices.
Written August 25, 2021
How many days should I plan to stay in Ogunquit if I want to visit several places in Maine? Plan to visit Bar Harbor and also Boothby and possibly Camden. Have about 7 days to see it all.
Written May 29, 2021
If possible, plan on 3 or more days in Ogunquit. You might want to reach out to one of the Maine tourism centers directly who could give you a better idea with amount of driving time required for each place you are interested in visiting.
Written May 29, 2021
i dont think it would practical. i know i couldnt do it. it can be a little narrow in spots, and there are some small gullys and hills.
Written June 3, 2021
Yes there is. There is a trolley stop near The Anchorage Resort Hotel which is close to the Ogunguit entrance to the Marginal Way and there is another trolley stop in Perkins Cove at the opposite end of the Marginal Way. The Trolley website doesn't have a map but if you search Ogunquit Maine Trolley Map and search Images, pictures will pop up.
Written June 19, 2019
I was wondering if you can walk your dog in the marginal way we plan on being there May 18th through May 27th. She is a therapy dog not sure if that makes a difference
Written April 23, 2019
not in peak season, memorial day to labor day. you can after that though. and you cant bring your dog on the beach in peak season either.
Written June 3, 2021
you are better off leaving your car in the lot downtown (or at your hotel) and taking the trolley or walking marginal way down to perkins cove if you are going on-season. if you are going off season but before columbus day, you can pay to park in one of the lots. if you eat at barnacle billys they validate. if you are going offseason you wont have a problem parking for free but not much will be open.
Written June 3, 2021
…
Showing results 1-10 of 54
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing