gailw

We're staying Saturday night in Portsmouth and would like to head (not too far) north Sunday morning after checking out of hotel (have to be back home in Lake Sunapee area Sunday evening and we don't want to have to drive more than 3 hrs or so to return). Preference would be to see some ocean scenery, drive to a town that has parking for public, and then walk around seeing interesting shops and with a choice of some nice restaurants, cafes, etc. I've done a search re Ogunquit and am a little intimidated by suggestions of traffic nightmares. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions re routes/destinations? Would appreciate advice.
thanx in advance.

djkbooks

There's no predicting traffic, but Ogunquit is a wonderful destination for all you have mentioned, along with the Marginal Way - a lovely oceanside walk.

You could get off I-95 in Kittery and take Route 103 to the coastal Route 1A, and go only as far as York, or York Beach, if it's too busy for you.

gailw

Thanks for the input. I think we'll try for Ogunquit and see what happens. Is there decent signage for public parking or do you have to have a map/specific directions to find lots?

Jaya

The parking lot for Ogunquit is right at the beach. Find the beach and you find the parking. It is CASH only for payment FYI.

yestravel

@ weeks ago on a Friday we had lunch in York Beach and ended up getting caught in horrible traffic getting back to Rte I-95 going thru Ogunquit. Sat in traffic for maybe 45 minutes. The area was packed. Hope u have a different experience.

yestravel

Sorry that should have been 2 weeks ago...

cindyj

Traffic will be tough, but it is just typical weekend stuff. It will all depend on the weather. Ogunquit is worth it!. When you leave the beach it might be easiest to head north on Route 1 to the Wells entrance to the turnpike rather than trying to go south on Route 1.

If its not "lie on the beach" weather, be sure to walk across the bridge and take a left to walk along the Marginal Way to Perkins Cove. I recommend Jackie's Too for lunch, right along the water, you'll see it quickly across the parking area when you exit the Marginal way. They serve a great fried haddock sandwich for only $6.95. How can you beat that in Perkins Cove? Barnicle Billy's is also great, but a little pricey. Billy's Chowder House on Mile Road in Wells also just won a Best Chowder contest on a local TV 'softnews' show.

bnbtraveler

I think I may just go up rt.#103 to Kittery Point,stop at the fort and walk around, maybe eat at the newly opened Captain Simmeon's right on the wharf, then to York Harbor. Park at the wiggly bridge that is just on the left before the end of Rt.#103, stroll around a bit then head out. Both Saturday & Sunday are big turnover days for condos and hotels so tends to be crazy out on Rt#1 and rt#95. August "usually" is the busiest month. I wouldn't try Ogunquit unless you want to sit in traffic...JMHO!

gailw

well, I can't say I wasn't warned! I think we'll follow some of the advice above about alternate routes, etc. and still try to go to Ogunquit. If we check out of Portsmouth hotel and get on the road early, maybe we can beat the check-out crowd. Marginal Way sounds great (love to walk) as do the lunch suggestions. This is a great forum. Thanks a lot.

Love2RV

Coming from a York native, Ogunquit is pretty, but always socked in with traffic on Route One. York Beach is nice and could be a closer alternative. Timing is everything, so if you head north early (by 9:00a), you should be OK. The weather this weekend is not supposed to be good, so you may luck out with reduced traffic almost anywhere. The Marginal Way in Ogunquit is a beautiful walk.

By the way, if you park at the Wiggly Bridge, and head left (going over the bridge), there is a nice loop path through Steadman Woods there that eventually leads you to Lindsay Road (the street that York Hospital is on). Turn around and head back the other path. (Both paths take you along the York River). Or, if you head right at the Wiggly Bridge, you will see a walking path that leads you along the water and thru some nice vistas. There's a few benches to rest and have a snack along this way too. If you were to walk far enough, you would reach the Stage Neck Inn, a nice hotel, and Harbor Beach. Whatever you decide, have a nice weekend.

gailw

Thanks.

nyer

gailw, would you consider going a little further north to Kennebunkport?
I love Ogunquit too, but driving and parking is really a nightmare! Kennebunkport never seems as busy to me. Plenty of shopping and restaurants, and the walk on Ocean Drive past the Bush compound is beautiful. A few miles out of town is Cape Porpoise, a tiny lobstering village with a few lobster shacks plus some nicer but not too pricey restaurants

cindyj

You're plans may all be washed away by Bill, I'm afraid. Not a direct hit but sounds like wind and rain this weekend. Watch the forecast and adjust accordingly

bnbtraveler

York Harbor also has a cliff walk. It is not as well known, as long or as easy to walk as the Marginal way, but we just love it. It starts at the York Harbor Beach and goes along some beautiful coast line. As cindyj said, it is not supposed to be good at all for weather this weekend due to the hurricane...you never know tho! You could just sit in the restaurant at Stage Neck Inn, watch the crashing storm waves and enjoy a nice meal.

gailw

gheesh. We finally manage to get away and it's going to be stormy. (I know this is an egocentric view but it's been a post-total-knee-replacement summer and I was looking forward to some relaxing sauntering around and sight seeing...) I might have to check out cancellation requirements for Ptsmth hotel.

bnbtraveler

The ocean will be spectacular with waves though. I have been there when a hurricane was out there and it was amazing..... Just don't get too close.

dfrostnh

yes, but cloudy/rainy days fall under the category of it won't be too hot, too dusty or too crowded. Sometimes drizzly days can be great. Maybe far less traffic. Less wait for a table at restaurants. Our visit to Owls Head museum for antique truck and plane show was kind of a wash out and the weather was too icky for our pilgrimage to favorite lobster shack ... but I saw signs for a lobster benefit dinner in Tenant's Harbor. Good deal and a different experience.

gailw

you both have good points. SO has already suggested that wave watching might be very dramatic and Saturday might be okay anyway. As I type, it's pounding down rain, with frequent bolts of lightning and thunder, but I think we'll just go for it. I was in Tenant's Harbor quite a long time ago -- there was a restaurant by the name of the Black Harpoon, I think, that served the best linguini with seafood I've ever had. A lobster benefit, eh?????