With temps creeping up and everyone ready for a beach day, now is the perfect time to head to Ogunquit, Maine, for a few nights on the coast. Just a 90-minute drive from Boston, this beachside town will have you slowing down and enjoying the good life in no time at all. But be forewarned — you may never want to leave! After spending a few days exploring the Freedom Trail and eating way too many bowls of Boston clam chowder, my teen son and I headed north with our swimsuits and sun hats packed for the adventure.
Our destination was Dunes on the Waterfront, an Ogunquit beach getaway. While the summer traffic clogged the town’s main intersection near busy Perkins Harbor, we continued just down the road to the quiet Dunes on the Waterfront, which was perfect for a relaxing vacation away from the fray.
The property has long been a favorite for New England vacationers, but since its 2023 renovation, there’s been a sleek sophistication that draws visitors in again and again. We parked at our two-bedroom cottage, just a stone’s throw from the retro fabulous swimming heated pool that would be our destination both evenings we were there.
At Dunes on the Waterfront, you’ll get the best of both a rental home and a resort property, with private and relaxing space to spread out with your family, plus amenities and on-site staff to make everything easy. Best of all, you don’t have to head out to wait in line for coffee and a sweet roll in the mornings — baked goods from a local establishment and coffee are delivered to your cottage at a pre-arranged time.
We quickly checked out our cottage’s mini-fridge offerings before exploring the two bedrooms (one king, one bunk bed) and two bathrooms. A comfy overstuffed couch and chairs welcomed us to relax in the living room before we set out to explore the grounds.
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Things to Do at Dunes on the Waterfront
Enjoy the coastal air and sunshine with an afternoon at the pool, centrally located just steps from the cottages. If you want to head into town, avoid having to jockey for a parking spot by borrowing a beach cruiser or getting a ride from the golf cart shuttle (which you can then summon to bring you home when you’re done). It’s just a quick trip to the lobster shacks, souvenir shops, and family-owned restaurants in town.
We took it easy one night and walked over to the decade-old Ogunquit Lobster Pound, located just over the fence from the property. Here, you can choose your lobster from saltwater tanks outside the entrance, and then pick your choice of sides to go with it. Just be sure to save room for the blueberry pie, best served a la mode.
You definitely need to take advantage of the property’s location on the Ogunquit River and head out on the water during your stay. We hopped aboard the Dunes Cabana, a pontoon boat that will take you out to explore the estuary or across to the other side of the tidal river to the sandy beach. Beach chairs are available to borrow from the front desk, and you can even pick up some snacks there as well. Or, check out a kayak or paddleboard to explore on your own.
When night falls, you’ll want to bundle up and grab a spot on the lawn for nightly s’mores, the best way to end your visit to Ogunquit.
Final Thoughts
You’ll find 19 cottages (some of which are dog-friendly) at Dunes on the Waterfront that range from one to three bedrooms each. In addition, there are two three-bedroom houses, both with a full kitchen.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer Kate Loweth. My stay at Dunes on the Waterfront was sponsored (paid for) by the property, but all the opinions are my own.
