2 minute read
Beaches
Local Beaches
Goose Rocks Beach is an expansive beach with limited parking. Robert Dennis photo
Maine has more than 5,000 miles of coastline, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire state can be found here in the Kennebunks. Whether you’re a family looking to set up for that perfectly relaxing day at the beach or a surfer hoping to catch the ultimate wave, the beaches in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport offer some of the best fun in the sun.
Kennebunk Beach: Mother’s, Middle & Gooch’s (Beach Avenue)
These long, wide sandy beaches (and even rocky Middle Beach) are the perfect place to walk, sun yourself, play in the surf, look for sea treasures or just enjoy the sight of the waves rolling onto shore. There are lifeguards and porta-potties at both Gooch’s Beach and Mother’s Beach from July through Labor Day. Mother’s Beach has a playground open to the public. While visitors are welcome at these beaches, a permit to park at the beach is required. Non-resident daily ($25), weekly ($100) and seasonal ($200) passes are available at three kiosks, via PassPortParking mobile app, and at the Kennebunk Town Hall. For information, call the Kennebunk Town Hall at (207) 985-2102.
Local Beaches
Gooch’s Beach is largest and most popular beach in Kennebunk. C.A. Smith Photography
Goose Rocks Beach (King’s Highway, off Route 9)
At three miles long, Goose Rocks Beach is a favorite with walkers as well as the sand pail set. The beach is wide, smooth, sandy and affords wonderful views of Timber Island, just off the coast. Parking permits are required ($25/$100/$200; note that Kennebunk permits cannot be used here) and are available at Town Hall and the Goose Rocks General Store; there is also a ticket kiosk at the corner of Proctor and King’s Highway. For information, call the town hall at (207) 967-4243. Colony Beach (off Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport) This beach is much appreciated by those who love to scramble on its rocks and watch the surf dash the shore. No parking permit is needed. Accessibility Options: Both beach wheelchairs and floats are available for rent for a small fee in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. To rent one, contact Kennebunk Recreation (207) 604-1335 or Kennebunkport Parks & Recreation (207) 9674304. Mother’s Beach in Kennebunk has an ADA-compliant Mobi-Mat. The woven polyester mat helps those with mobility issues access the beach more easily.