Forbes just released The World’s 50 Most Beautiful Villages 2025, According To Experts, and the only one in the United States to make the list is under a five hour drive from NYC.
Joining the ranks among beautiful villages such as Chefchaouen, Morocco, Shirakawa-go, Japan and Reine, Norway is Ogunquit, a charming coastal town in Maine.
Maine is often regarded one of the most beautiful states in the U.S., and the picture-perfect town of Ogunquit only strengthens thats reputation.
Home to only around 1,500 residents, Forbes calls out its postcard landscape with breathtaking cliffs, local delicacies like mouthwatering lobster bisque and Jonathan’s Lounge, a bossa nova haven.
Best things to do in Ogunquit, Maine
- 🌊 Marginal Way: A scenic 1.25-mile cliffside path that was first constructed in 1925
- 🏖️ Ogunquit Beach: A fine white sand beach that stretches 3.5 miles and is regularly ranked among the best beaches in the U.S.
- ⚓ Perkins Cove: Once a fishing village, now a photogenic harbor lined with unique boutiques, art galleries, lobster shacks, and an iconic drawbridge
- 🎭 Ogunquit Playhouse: A historic theater known as one of the region’s premier performing arts venues
How to get around Ogunquit, Maine
Although the town is quite walkable, a car will provide the easiest, most customizable way to get around Ogunquit. However, the town also has a seasonal public trolley to transport passengers between hotels, beaches, and main attractions for $5/adults.
Best time to visit Ogunquit, Maine
Of course, every season has its particular charm in Ogunquit. Nevertheless, if you want to explore the main attractions like Ogunquit Beach and Perkins Cove, they are best experienced during the warmer seasons like summer and spring. Even so, fall and winter see less crowds, for a quieter, more peaceful getaway.
Villages selected in The World’s 50 Most Beautiful Villages 2025, According To Experts were based on picks from Unforgettable Travel Company, an award-winning luxury travel company that curates the best hotels, experiences and itineraries around the world. Of the chosen villages, six were in Africa, 12 were in Asia, 23 were in Europe, three were in South America, two were in Oceania and four in North America.
Beyond Ogunquit, Maine, the remaining most beautiful villages in North America consisted of: Victoria-by-the-Sea, Canada; Boquete, Panama; and Izamal, Mexico.