This Charming 21 Cottage Resort 90 Minutes From Boston Feels Like ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ (2024)

If you’ve ever dreamed of having a summer house like on the silver screen, the quaint cottages at The Dunes on the Waterfront feel like they were built for a New England storybook. Following a $10 million renovation, a stay at one of the Dunes’ 21 cottages will have you living the lifestyle of a main character from “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” set in the fictional New England landscape of Cousins Beach.

From hospitality that makes you feel like you’ve summered in Ogunquit for a lifetime, to being a footbridge or kayak away from one of America’s top 25 beaches, The Dunes on the Waterfront is the quintessential New England summer destination.

Experience The Dunes on the Waterfront

The picturesque landscape and white seashell pathways of The Dunes on the Waterfront will instantly make anyone fall in love with Maine. As their tagline states, The Dunes are where “charm, meet barefoot luxury.”

The resort offers ultra plush beds and Le Labo products to fresh pastries and a large jug of fresh coffee magically appearing at your cottage patio each morning by 8:30 AM. It’s the nostalgic details, like firepit s’mores, the local paper, and a daily list of recommended activities that give this elevated resort a quaint New England energy.

Amenities at The Dunes on the Waterfront

The resort’s first season following a hefty $10 million renovation kicks off this summer! Each of the 21 cottages has a unique layout and name to match the theme, like Sand Dollar, Poppy, Fox Glove, Captain’s Quarter’s or Lookout.

Brand-new picturesque New England cottages

The reimagined cottages have a fresh new look. Windows and sliding doors offer panoramic waterfront views and ample sunlight. After over 90 years of repeat visits (originally operated and owned by the Perkins family since 1935), the cottages required a facelift, but were decorated to look new but feel lived-in. The interior decorating team traveled to Hudson, Maine gathering nautical antiques to accessorize each cottage differently, making them feel like a home.

Cottage walls are decorated by pieces from local artists, a cozy white brick fireplace offers space to warm up after a long beach day, and a complimentary stocked mini fridge quenches post-sun thirst. It’s the kind of cottage you could spend all day in, never wanting to leave. Le Labo bath and body products will leave you smelling like luxury as you relax into the plush beds.

Scenic screened-in porch and private outdoor Adirondacks

The cottage exteriors are as comfortable as their interiors. Relax on the screened-in porch or enjoy the Adirondacks adjacent to each cottage, both overlooking the water.

Heated waterfront pool

The 12-acres now include a heated waterfront pool ranging from depths of 9 inches to 5 feet. Loungers circle the pool, each prepped with a buttery soft yellow and white striped towel and two outdoor showers. The pool overlooks the saltwater dunes and gorgeous landscape of the property brimming with flower boxes and willowy trees.

Resort bikes, kayaks, SUP, and boat for exploring

Perhaps one of the most exciting navigations at The Dunes on the Waterfront is the handful of adventurous ways to travel to the beach. Leave your car parked, because you won’t need it!

Cross the dunes and you’re just a quick trip from one of Ogunquit’s best beaches, Footbridge Beach. Get there by taking one of the resorts complimentary kayaks, rowboats, paddleboards, or hitching a ride on the floating cabana.

Cross the dunes from the resort dock to the wooden footbridge surrounded by aromatic Rosa Rugosa. You can also easily cross over by foot during low tide and watch baby crabs and clam shells floating around the sand en route. Beach chairs are available for guests at request.

During high tide, take the boats for a ride up and down Ogunquit and explore the sanctuaries of Beach Plum Farm! For land exploring, The Dunes houses a fleet of turquoise cruiser bikes endless exploration.

Sunrise lawn yoga and evening s’mores

Twice a week The Dunes on the Waterfront offers waterfront yoga on the lawn. The same spot is perfect for watching the sunrise, or making s’mores by the outdoor firepit which is lit every night at 6:30 PM with s’mores kits on standby for roasting.

The Lodge

The Lodge at The Dunes on the Waterfront is the main access point for added amenities and an opportunity to meet your neighbors. Stop by anytime you need a pick-me-up. Visit The Lodge for complimentary bottled waters, fresh-baked cookies, teas, coffees, pressed juices and more!

Ogunquit Lobster Pound

While The Dunes on the Waterfront doesn’t have a restaurant, the property has a footpath directly connected to the historic Ogunquit Lobster Pound, where lobster lovers can pick their own lobster and dine on fresh-caught seafood. Make sure to show your Dunes key for free deep dish blueberry pie on the resort.

What to do in Ogunquit, Maine

Not only is Ogunquit one of the best places to summer in New England, but earlier this year, Real Simple named Ogunquit the “#1 vacation destination in the world for 2024.” The publication also highlighted The Dunes on the Waterfront as the best place to stay in Ogunquit.

Enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Main Beach

The Dunes on the Waterfront is directly across Footbridge Beach, which is home to clear waters, white sands, and a quieter crowd. If you prefer a larger crowd, you can kayak, bike, walk, or ride down to Main Beach in Ogunquit, named one of the best beaches in the country. At low tide it offers 3-miles of clean sand, and flat, clear waters.

Take a surf lesson with Liquid Dreams at Footbridge Beach

Footbridge has a bit more swell, making it the perfect spot for a surf lesson. Schedule a session with Liquid Dreams which is just up the road from the resort. Lessons start at $40 per person during Ladies Night, $70 for a two-hour group lesson or $105 for a private two-hour lesson. Learn more about Liquid Dreams surf lessons in Ogunquit.

Play and fish in the tidal pools

The dunes double as a calm saltwater pool ideal for swimming, fishing or playing during high tide. You’ll find them right at the footsteps of the resort traveling all the way down to Main Beach.

Stroll Marginal Way to Perkins Cove

Marginal Way is a stunning 82-foot elevated cliff walk stemming from downtown Ogunquit to Perkins Cove. The entire 2.4-mile path overlooks the Atlantic, with dozens of wooden benches amongst the roses to relax on. Enjoy the fresh scents of salt air and Rosa Rugosa on this path and finish by admiring the boats and enjoying some seafood at Perkin’s Cove.

Explore Downtown Ogunquit and savor some of the best lobster in America

Bostonians ranked the lobster in Ogunquit as some of the best in all of New England! Barnacle Billy’s in Perkins Cove and Beach Plum Farm Takeout serve delicious lobster and steamer clams!

By day, downtown Ogunquit offers great souvenir shopping, cute bookstores, and family-owned spots. In downtown, enjoy some of the best lobster and steamers at The Lobster House. Loveshack Juicery which is steps from Main Beach, serves thick, refreshing smoothies. By night, a visit to Treehouse Taqueria for dinner followed by The Front Porch Piano Bar for live music is essential.

Plan your visit

The resort is open from May through late October. For the warmest water temperatures, visit later in the season, around late August and early September. Prices and occupancy vary by cottage but range from $1,300 to $1,800. As part of the grand reopening package, reserve your visit this summer and enjoy up to 25% off your stay, visible during checkout! Find Fourth of July specials and more tantalizing deals.

Cottage occupancy ranges from two up to four guests. Reserve your cottage at The Dunes on the Waterfront.

Traveling to Ogunquit from Boston

If traveling by car, Ogunquit is a quick 90-minute trip from Boston via I-95 North. Guests have complimentary parking at each cottage.

No car, no problem! Take the Downeaster train from North Station to the Wells, ME stop, about a 90-minute ride as well. From there, it’s just a 15-minute Lyft or Uber to the resort. You do not need a car to explore Ogunquit!

Learn more and reserve your stay at The Dunes.

Find The Dunes on the Waterfront at 518 Main Street in Ogunquit, Maine booking now through October 28, 2024