Kennebunk MaineBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Kennebunk, Maine.
1. Gooch's Beach
SURFING PARADISE YEAR ROUND
Gooch's Beach is the premier spot for surf enthusiasts visiting Kennebunk, offering the best waves year-round. The beach features lifeguards on duty during summer months, ensuring safety for all visitors. Beachgoers should check tide charts before visiting as during high tide the swells reach all the way to the tide wall.
2. Mother's Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACH PARADISE
Mother's Beach is the ideal destination for families visiting Kennebunk with children, featuring a large playground overlooking a wide sandy beach. The beach offers tidal pools and rocks for little ones to explore, with plenty of sand for setting up and enjoying the sun. Safety is ensured with lifeguards on duty, and dogs are welcome at this beautiful sandy spot that also includes facilities for visitors.
3. Middle Beach
ROCKY SHORELINE RETREAT
Middle Beach offers a rocky and relaxing experience perfect for beachcombers seeking a peaceful coastal escape. Situated between Mother's Beach and Gooch's Beach, it provides an excellent location for listening to rolling waves and watching stunning sunsets. This scenic spot connects to the other Kennebunk beaches via a sidewalk along Beach Avenue, allowing visitors to experience all three beaches in a pleasant 1.5-mile walk.
4. Parsons Beach
SECLUDED NATURAL BEAUTY
Parsons Beach is a partially open beach area that offers visitors a more secluded experience compared to the main Kennebunk beaches. This natural coastal retreat provides a quieter alternative to the more popular beaches in the area. Visitors can enjoy the pristine shoreline while taking in the beautiful Atlantic views in a more peaceful setting.
5. Goose Rocks Beach
PRISTINE WHITE SAND
Goose Rocks Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Kennebunkport area, known for its expansive stretch of soft white sand. The beach offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean with offshore islands visible on clear days. Visitors appreciate the relatively calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere at this stunning coastal destination.
6. Colony Beach
HISTORIC OCEANFRONT GEM
Colony Beach is a charming oceanfront destination in Kennebunkport that offers visitors a mix of rocky shoreline and sandy patches. The beach is named after the historic Colony Hotel that overlooks the area, providing a picturesque backdrop for beachgoers. Visitors can enjoy tide pooling, wave watching, and spectacular sunrises at this scenic coastal spot.
7. Kennebunk Beach
CLASSIC MAINE COASTLINE
Kennebunk Beach encompasses a collection of beautiful connected beaches along Beach Avenue, offering visitors diverse coastal experiences. The area includes sandy stretches ideal for swimming and sunbathing, as well as more rocky sections perfect for exploring. Visitors appreciate the scenic beauty and accessibility of these beaches, which showcase the classic Maine coastline at its finest.
8. Fortunes Rocks Beach
DRAMATIC OCEAN VIEWS
Fortunes Rocks Beach is a stunning two-mile stretch of sandy shoreline located just a short drive from Kennebunk in nearby Biddeford. The beach features dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean and excellent opportunities for walking, swimming, and sunbathing. Visitors enjoy the less crowded atmosphere compared to some of the more popular tourist beaches in the region.
9. Wells Beach
EXPANSIVE FAMILY DESTINATION
Wells Beach is a popular oceanfront destination featuring miles of sandy shoreline just a short drive from Kennebunk. The beach offers amenities including restrooms, food vendors, and ample parking, making it ideal for day trips and family outings. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along this expansive stretch of Maine coastline.
10. Drake's Island Beach
TRANQUIL COASTAL ESCAPE
Drake's Island Beach offers a more tranquil alternative to some of the busier beaches in the region, located just north of Kennebunk in Wells. The beach features soft sand, gentle surf, and beautiful dunes that create a picturesque setting for relaxation. Visitors appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere and relatively uncrowded conditions even during peak summer months.