Perkins Cove is packed with boats, but transients can still score a mooring.

Ten-year-old Kennedy Way summed it up in one sentence: “Best beach ever!” she declared, hands held high above her head and a smile that seemed to stretch the length of Maine’s southeast coast.

I was thrilled that our late-summer visit to Ogunquit was a success, thanks in large part to the town’s famous beach. With three miles of fine tan sand (locals claim it’s white), tidal pools filled with tiny sea creatures, and a gradually sloping beach that allows youngsters to play in the wash while swimmers ride the breakers beyond, this is one of the most idyllic strands in the Northeast—even if the water’s a tad chilly.

“Ogunquit” translates to “beautiful place by the sea” in the language of the Abenaki, who hunted and fished the local waters until the area was settled by Europeans in 1641. The natural surroundings remain stunning, but Ogunquit is also packed with restaurants, shops, and other shoreside diversions. For boaters, it’s a treasure, as once you make landfall in Perkins Cove—Ogunquit’s only harbor—you can walk or take a shuttle to the village or the beach.

Approaching from the Atlantic, you’ll find Perkins Cove easy to locate, although tight to navigate and fairly isolated from a boater’s perspective. Whether approaching from the north or south, pick up the RW “PC” sea buoy about a mile offshore and head southwest until you spot the green and red cans leading to the well-protected harbor. The channel is narrow, but carries seven feet of water at mean low tide, as does the cove.

There are many places to rest and reflect on Marginal Way.

Short-term tie-up in the cove is limited to several spaces on a first-come, first-served basis along the town float south of the pedestrian drawbridge. Tie-up is $20 per hour with a two-hour maximum. Moorings are available by reservation only at a cost of $60 per night, with a three-night maximum stay. Call the harbormaster well in advance to reserve a mooring. Keep in mind that Perkins Cove has no fuel docks, marinas, or launch service, so you’ll need a dinghy.

With your boat secured, the fun begins the instant you step ashore. With nearly 60 restaurants and dozens of shops along the harbor and in nearby Ogunquit Village, you’ll find no shortage of food, gifts, souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, art, antiques, and more.

On the dining front, think lobster, lobster, and more lobster. Barnacle Billy’s, just steps from the dock, overlooks Perkins Cove and offers casual dining and deck seating. You can’t go wrong with the fish-and-chips, lobster roll, or steamers. Jackie’s Too, across the street, offers a more upscale experience, generous drinks, and a spectacular view of Oarweed Cove. Meanwhile, MC Perkins Cove serves refined American fare in a contemporary, intimate venue with great harbor views.

For a more informal meal at a bargain price, head for the Lobster Shack, next to the drawbridge. They serve fried fish, steamed lobster, and all sorts of shellfish delights to carry back to the boat or eat on the picnic tables.

A spectacular early morning sunrise.

Even more dining options can be found in nearby Ogunquit Village, just a mile or so up the road. Caffé Prego serves excellent Italian dishes, and offers live jazz and outdoor seating. The Greenery Café does breakfast and lunch, including a range of healthy, locally sourced menu items. Naturally, you will also find plenty of ice cream shops, bars, and pizza joints in the village to keep the family happy on short notice.

As with restaurants, the number of small retail stores in Ogunquit is nearly overwhelming. Virtually all are interesting and fun to poke around in, making them a perfect antidote for a rainy day.

If all that isn’t enough, Ogunquit also boasts some impressive cultural venues. For first-rate musicals and children’s performances, try the Ogunquit Playhouse. For a dose of historic enlightenment, the Heritage Museum features exhibits on the area’s maritime past, the Artist Colony, fishing industry, and architecture. Also check out the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, which features works by Benson, Hopper, Lichtenstein, and other famous painters.

Lastly, no trip to this magical part of Maine would be complete without a walk along the world-famous Marginal Way. Each year, thousands of visitors follow this meandering oceanfront trail between downtown Ogunquit and Perkins Cove. The views are spectacular.