Perkins Cove
Perkins Cove
4.5
About
This charming fishing village is one of the most picturesque spots in southern Maine. It’s renowned for its fresh seafood, such as lobsters, oysters, clams, and crabs, which you can catch on a private or group fishing tour. After a sumptuous seafood meal, tackle the Marginal Way, a cliff walk famous for its excellent harbor views and scenic lookouts. This coastal enclave is busiest in the summer when vacationers descend on its turquoise beaches. It’s also a haven for art lovers—check out the galleries and local boutiques selling quirky knick-knacks and handicrafts. – Tripadvisor
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- Christina RClifton Park, New York5 contributionsA True Gem!A gem of not only Maine, but of all of New England. It's my "sanctuary". Visit during any season for such breathtaking views and feelings. It "calls" to me. It's not only beautiful, but also helps the economy with its many quaint shops and the important fishing industry--particularly its active lobstering.Visited December 2023Traveled soloWritten December 11, 2023
- Brigid D11 contributions"THE WAY LIFE SHOULD BE" IN "VACATIONLAND "A trip to Southern Maine Coast is not complete unless you visit Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, walk the Marginal Way Coastal Path, and sit back and enjoy one of the scenic boat rides on The Finestkind Cruise to Nubble Lighthouse or the Sunset Cruise. Google Finestkind for complete history and other cruises available. Enjoy a mixed drink, wine, or beer from a fully stocked CASH ONLY bar while listening to a narration of historical and local information. Take photos of "the most photographed Lighthouse " The best Ocean Breeze while "chillaxin". Finestkind Cruises in Perkins Cove Ogunquit Maine ♥Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 26, 2024
- driblnConway, Massachusetts8 contributionsFinestkind Scenic Cruise at Perkins CoveWent on noon Nubble Lighthouse boat excursion two days ago to get out on the water and try to beat the heat.. Gabby was our boat tour guide. She shared a lot of historical information and several silly jokes to lighten the atmosphere. She also serves as bartender. The stories about the light house history were wonderful and we're able to snap some beautiful pics of the lighthouse and surrounding area. Great time. VERY PLEASANT CREW. Highly recommend this boat cruise.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 12, 2024
- jdean12345Hanson, Massachusetts116 contributionsNice area by the waterVery nice area - walk, sit, shop, eat. We parked down the street and walked into the cove. Parking was limited to 2 hours in the cove parking lot. Very busy area on a Sunday but very enjoyable. Entrance to the cliff walk as wellVisited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 22, 2024
- Kim C52 contributionsThe perfect new england experienceWe try to get to Ogunquit at least once a year. Perkins Cove is a highlight of the trip. It is the perfect New England experience. Easily reachable by walking along the marginal way from the center of town or driving to the cove.Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 20, 2024
- dgiannoniChicago, Illinois412 contributionsShort visit to Perkins CoveBeautiful day at the cove! We arrived around 11:30am and paid for parking in a close lot. We went up on the drawbridge and into a couple of shops before walking 2/3 of the Marginal Way. It was lovely. We paused at several stops to enjoy. If we were staying over in Ogunquit, I would have come down in the early morning to appreciate the locale. There was a lot of construction going on, which probably bothered some due to the noise. We returned to the cove and ate lunch at Jeannie's, stopped again at the pottery shop, and then went on to our next destination. Just FYI, I had originally booked one night at the Anchorage in Ogunquit and one at 16 Bay View in Camden. We decided that it would be less rushed to drop one night and stay two nights in one location before heading to Bar Harbor. We chose to spend that time in Camden and were glad we did. We really enjoyed Camden. You can see my review there.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 1, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
2,505 reviews
Excellent
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656
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Poor
26
Terrible
10
jack M
New York City, NY1,191 contributions
Sep 2020
Came back here two years later. Realized that the only reason this spot is famous is because it is the start and end of the Marginal Way, a very beautiful long trail around rocks and coves.
As for the cove itself it is a disgusting tourist trap. Restaurants with mediocre food and high prices. Also stopped at one restaurant for lunch at exactly 12:05 PM and were told that it had closed for the day. Pathetic! And the parking. All residents of the cove allow parking on their property for a fee (anything between $20 and $30). A real legalized rip off. I will never come up to walk the Marginal Way from this cove again.
As for the cove itself it is a disgusting tourist trap. Restaurants with mediocre food and high prices. Also stopped at one restaurant for lunch at exactly 12:05 PM and were told that it had closed for the day. Pathetic! And the parking. All residents of the cove allow parking on their property for a fee (anything between $20 and $30). A real legalized rip off. I will never come up to walk the Marginal Way from this cove again.
Written September 19, 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.
philc57
Raynham, MA48 contributions
Jul 2021
Very nice area accessible by foot trolley vehicle although parking seems to fill fast. Nice shops ,restaurant /lounges, fishing, sightseeing, lobster boat tours are available Marginal way walk starts or finishes here depending on which way you look at it. Seems to be something for everyone and for all ages
Written August 1, 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.
PackUpNGoNow
Davie, FL411 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
Set your GPS to Perkins Parking Lot (July visit during high season - all day fee was $25). The parking lot is steps away from the start of the Marginal Way cliff walk, a narrow paved path (a little over 1 mile) that ends at Ogunquit. FYI dog owners – signs state that dogs are not allowed on Marginal Walk during summer months.
We walked along Marginal Walk, visited Ogunquit and then took a golf cart ride ($5/person) back to Perkins Cove where we did more shopping and had ice cream near the footbridge. Next time, I hope to try the lobster roll in Perkins Cove at Footbridge Lobster (although it is a counter eatery with no dining area, there are many benches to sit and enjoy your lobster roll). My favorite shop of the day was a Perkins Cove pottery shop near Footbridge Lobster.
We walked along Marginal Walk, visited Ogunquit and then took a golf cart ride ($5/person) back to Perkins Cove where we did more shopping and had ice cream near the footbridge. Next time, I hope to try the lobster roll in Perkins Cove at Footbridge Lobster (although it is a counter eatery with no dining area, there are many benches to sit and enjoy your lobster roll). My favorite shop of the day was a Perkins Cove pottery shop near Footbridge Lobster.
Written August 10, 2024
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.
Linda S
Aventura, FL22 contributions
Jul 2021
Very lovely area - pack to the gills. Parking is at lots ($20-25) all over the area - and almost impossible to find. Lotts of little restaurants and shops to wander about. You get the Finestkind Boat tours from here. Nubble cruise was beautiful?
Written August 5, 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.
Cac1234
Germantown, NY2,065 contributions
Jun 2022
Perkins Cove has something for everyone. There are a few different (paid) parking lots or one may walk down Shore Road or the Marginal Way to reach the area with shops including art galleries and jewelry stores, and restaurants. From the Cove one may go on a sailboat or other boat excursion. There is a nice little harbor and wonderful drawbridge to walk across. It is a nice place to spend part of a day!
Written June 19, 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.
Trish W
McMurray, PA1,060 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
A very cute little town with a working harbor, lots of little shops and restaurants, and a pretty footbridge that has to be raised at high tide for boats to come and go. We were standing on the bridge when The Finest Kind boat was coming in. They were yelling, "push the button to raise the bridge," so we did, and lowered it after they passed through. Take a boat ride, walk the Marginal Trail, or eat at one of the seaside restaurants.
Written September 28, 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.
NHjo
Saco, ME14,532 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
Parking is very limited at Perkins Cove, so if you don't get there early during tourist season or you're not a walker, you're out of luck. Some of the restaurants and gift shops are very good, like Perkins Cove Candies and Jack's Too Restaurant, and the views are great. I've been going here for decades, and one of my favorite parts of Perkins Cove is the iconic draw bridge.
Written May 16, 2023
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.
Ann Z
Phoenixville, PA75 contributions
Sep 2021
Walked the Marginal Way to Perkins Cove and it was by far the cutest little destination with plenty of shops and restaurants. We took stunning photos from the bridge of the colorful boats and flowers. Most beautiful part of Ogunquit!
Written October 3, 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.
dribln
Conway, MA8 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Went on noon Nubble Lighthouse boat excursion two days ago to get out on the water and try to beat the heat.. Gabby was our boat tour guide. She shared a lot of historical information and several silly jokes to lighten the atmosphere. She also serves as bartender. The stories about the light house history were wonderful and we're able to snap some beautiful pics of the lighthouse and surrounding area. Great time. VERY PLEASANT CREW. Highly recommend this boat cruise.
Written July 13, 2024
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.
Susan R
6 contributions
Jul 2021
Don.t forget your camera! This is by far the most scenic place in Ogunquit with its rocky shoreline on one side and picturesque cove filled with boats on the other side. In the middle is a delightful maze of shops and eateries. The stunning white drawbridge and cove are photos that must be had and the flowers and garden gate at Barnacle Billys are a must snap too! Definitely a must do while visiting!
Written August 1, 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.
Es ce qu’il y a un coût pour visiter le sentier de marginal way ? Es ce bien pour une famille avec 4 enfants 5 ans 6 ans 7 ans 10 ans ?
Written August 2, 2019
No cost to take the way. Yes children.
Written August 2, 2019
Does the bus from York to Perkins Cove run during lunch and supper?
Written July 10, 2019
Hi Karen
It starts in the parking lot across from Barnicle Billy’s and goes to before you get to the business district where the road to go down to the beach is. If you are starting from that end, walk a little way out of the business area in the main road and you will see a small sign indicating access to the trail. Have fun!😊
Written September 16, 2018
For family with children 11, 6,3 what should we do to interest them?
Written August 20, 2018
There,a. Zoo on US 1 in York. Kittery Trading Post is like Bass Pro or Cabela's. Old Orchard Beach has amusement park. Lots of beaches all along coast. Yummy 's candy store on U S 1 in York - advertise 10,000 lbs of candy.
Written August 21, 2018
Will all the shops be open the first week of October and is this a good time to go?
Written May 29, 2018
I THINK that some would be closed by then but we have not been there that late in the year for a long time. We usually go in September after the schools open and most, if not all, are still open then.
Written May 29, 2018
Is Sept. 29th through Oct. 6 a good time to go to Perkins Cove? Will it be crowded and will all the shops be open?
Written May 29, 2018
After Labor Day things start to wind down at Perkins Cove. If you have some specific shops you want to visit, I'd check on line to see if they're open and what their hours are. I've never gone to Perkins Cove after Labor Day - I'm thinking that if the weather is nice, it might be a good time to visit. It does get cold and sometimes windy there where it's right on the ocean.
Written June 6, 2018
Am going to be in the Perkins Cove area on Sunday, April 29th. Will the shops in Perkins Cove be open? I have read that some do not open until May. I would be disappointed to visit if all the shops are closed. Would appreciate any information.
Thanks
Written April 8, 2018
If the weather is forecast to be good, many owners get a jump on the season. It is a short season so any extra days mean money in the owner's pocket. Most of the shopowner's have websites so try communicating prior to arrival. If you are staying at a hotel, they will also know the local information. Perkins Cove has some restaurants that are open on the weekend in the early season, but not during the week. They all have websites and season updates. So it is possible to get some idea of available locations prior to arrival.
Written April 8, 2018
andisutherland56
Randolph Center, Vermont
Is a prepaid ticket necessary for the Trolley from York Perkins Cove ME
Written July 9, 2017
No pay exact cash onboard. No change provided
Written July 9, 2017
Is there a trolley/bus from Long Sands in York to Perkins Cove?
Written June 27, 2017
There is a shuttle (purple line) that runs from Perkins Cove to Short Sands beach. You would either then walk to Long Sands or take a transfer to the York trolley.
Written August 3, 2017
Is there a bus/trolley from Long Sands in York to Perkins Cove?
Written June 27, 2017
I'm sorry we had our car but walked most everywhere so I don't know.
Written July 21, 2017
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