Ogunquit
See main listingThree miles of sand, the Marginal Way clifftop walk, and Perkins Cove's galleries - southern Maine at its most photogenic.
Details


Guide
Ogunquit has been drawing artists for over a century, and that creative energy still runs through the town today. You'll find everything from the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, which showcases works from the historic arts colony, to small galleries like Abacus and Sea Bell Gallery that stock one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether you want to spend an afternoon in a museum, take a hands-on class, or hunt for unique gifts, these spots show why Ogunquit remains a hub for art lovers on the Maine coast.
Summer is peak season, so plan to visit during shoulder months (May, September, October) if you want to avoid crowds. Most galleries are within a short drive or walk of each other, with clusters around Shore Road and Perkins Cove. Parking fills up in July and August; arrive early or use the public lots near the cove. If you're planning to take a class at The Creative Soul or River Tree Arts, book ahead, especially for weekend sessions. Many galleries have limited hours in the off-season, so call ahead in winter. Most spots are accessible by car, and the compact downtown makes walking between galleries feasible on fair-weather days.
Three miles of sand, the Marginal Way clifftop walk, and Perkins Cove's galleries - southern Maine at its most photogenic.

This museum sits on Shore Road near Perkins Cove and holds American art from the 1800s onward, with a strong focus on pieces by members of the historic Ogunquit arts colony. The building and grounds are part of the draw. The sculpture garden offers genuine ocean views, and the plantings alone give you reason to linger. Inside, rotating exhibits have covered everything from emerging Los Angeles artists to powerful solo shows. The staff includes knowledgeable docents, and there's a small gift shop if you want to pick up something on your way out. One visitor noted the grounds alone are worth the trip, especially on a clear day.

Located on Main Street in downtown Ogunquit, Abacus stocks an eclectic mix of art and home goods across multiple mediums. You'll find blown glass, metal sculptures (including a notably tall giraffe that left at least one visitor tempted), ceramics, jewelry, and glass boxes suitable for gifts. The metal art collection seems to be a draw, and prices are described as reasonable by visitors who've walked out with unexpected treasures. Parking is nearby, which helps when you're browsing. One shopper was pleasantly surprised to find genuine art rather than mass-produced decorations.

This art studio in Kennebunk (just outside Ogunquit) offers open studio time and classes where you can actually make something instead of just looking. The space is organized and well-stocked with samples, and the instructor Dawn and her assistants are hands-on with guidance. Classes cover everything from heart mosaics to gnome crafts, and the studio also hosts birthday parties and group events. Visitors consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere and the helpfulness of the teaching staff. It's a good option if you want to do something more active than gallery browsing, whether you're with friends, family, or on your own.

This gift shop on Shore Road has a warm, inviting vibe from the moment you spot the flowers planted alongside the entrance. Inside, the inventory is colorful and varied: beach-inspired jewelry, boho finds, quirky socks, scented candles, keychains, dish towels, and more. The staff is consistently described as friendly and helpful, and visitors feel the quality and selection justify the prices. It's the kind of place where you go in looking for one thing and leave with a bag full of small surprises. Regular visitors call it their favorite shop in Ogunquit.

Housed in a charming house on Shore Road, Sea Bell stocks fine art pieces, locally made jewelry at reasonable prices, unique baby shower gifts, and a curated selection of children's books. The proprietors are laid-back and friendly, the kind who'll chat with you while you browse. Fine art pieces fill the space, and a portion of sales from certain items supports local causes. One visitor called it a sweet little gem, with the building itself adding to the experience. It's a smaller spot, so it rewards taking your time to explore.

River Tree Arts, located in Kennebunk on Western Avenue, is a teaching hub offering lessons and classes in vocal music, art, dance, and other creative disciplines for all ages. The atmosphere is positive and encouraging, with teachers who genuinely care about their students' progress and development. The staff is described as warm-hearted and supportive. It's a good option if you want to learn something new or sign up for ongoing lessons while visiting, and the range of offerings means there's likely something for your skill level and interests.

Run by framer Claude Breton on Post Road in Wells, this shop combines custom framing with a fine art gallery. Breton has a reputation for excellence, and visitors consistently trust his eye when it comes to framing decisions. The shop also carries art prints, including work by local photographers, and the owner is generous with his time and expertise. It's described as a beautiful space with excellent service. If you want a piece of art professionally framed or you're looking for a high-quality local work to take home, this is the place to visit.

Located right at Perkins Cove, this gallery sits amid the working lobster boats and coastal charm that make the cove a draw in itself. The gallery is light, airy, and welcoming, featuring a rotating selection of work by area artists. You'll find blown glass pieces (like lobster claws), pottery, fine art in various sizes, reclaimed wood finds, hand-crafted jewelry, photography, and prints. One artist-visitor praised the quality and range of represented creators. It's the kind of gallery that builds into a tradition if you visit Ogunquit regularly, and the setting makes it feel like a natural stop while you're exploring the cove.

Paul Noel, based on Edgewood Road in Wells, is a painter whose work has attracted admirers from across the country and beyond. His pieces are characterized by depth and realism that visitors describe as inviting you to step inside the scene. He's described as a true talent with a gift for landscape and nature subjects. If you're looking for original paintings with genuine artistic skill, this is worth a stop.

Located on Main Street in Ogunquit, Scully Gallery features charcoal drawings and pastels by Fran, whose work focuses on trees, coastal scenes, and iconic local landmarks like the Beachmere Inn. The gallery also stocks unique jewelry. One visitor bought a bracelet that became a beloved gift. Another has returned to paintings purchased years ago and finds them a meaningful reminder of Ogunquit. Fran also does restoration work on older paintings. The location in Perkins Cove makes it easy to visit while exploring the area.

Guides
Destinations