Complete Beach Guide

Kennebunk Beaches

Sandy shores, gentle surf, and classic Maine summer days.

The Kennebunk beach system is one of the finest in Maine — wide sandy strands, manageable waves, and a classic New England beach town atmosphere. The beaches are technically in Kennebunk (not Kennebunkport), a short drive or bike ride from Dock Square. Beach parking requires a permit for non-residents; buy yours at Town Hall or from vendors near the beach.

Quick Beach Comparison

Beach	Best For	Parking	Vibe
Gooch's Beach	Families, sunbathing	Permit required	Most popular
Mother's Beach	Young kids, calm water	Limited permit lot	Sheltered, gentle
Colony Beach	Hotel guests, scenic	Colony Hotel guests	Upscale, quieter
Parsons Beach	Quiet walks, photography	Very limited street	Wild, undeveloped

Gooch's Beach

The longest and most popular Kennebunk beach — over a mile of sandy shore with lifeguards, concessions, and a classic beach town feel. Moderate surf makes it good for body boarding and swimming. Gets crowded on summer weekends, but there's room to spread out.

Lifeguards: Yes (summer)

Parking: Permit lot

Concessions: Yes

Dogs:Before 9am & after 5pm

Mother's

Mother's Beach

The most sheltered of the Kennebunk beaches, tucked in a cove that calms the surf considerably. The gentler waves make it the best choice for families with toddlers and young children. Smaller and fills up quickly on sunny days.

Lifeguards: Yes (summer)

Parking: Very limited

Best for: Toddlers, families

Water:Calmer than Gooch's

Colony

Colony Beach

Directly in front of the grand Colony Hotel, Colony Beach offers a quieter, more upscale beach experience. The Colony Hotel is a historic landmark — even if you're not staying there, a walk past the grounds is worth it. Limited public access.

Access: Primarily hotel guests

Setting: Historic hotel backdrop

Vibe: Upscale, quieter

Views: Atlantic Ocean

Parsons

Parsons Beach

A wild, undeveloped beach north of Kennebunk — no facilities, minimal crowds, and stunning dune scenery. Parking is extremely limited (a few spots on Parsons Beach Road). Best visited on weekdays or in early morning. A true gem for solitude.

Lifeguards: None

Parking: 2–3 street spots

Best for: Photography, solitude

Character: Wild and natural

Water Temperatures by Month

55°F

June

62°F

July

66°F

August

64°F

Sept

56°F

October

48°F

Nov

Maine water is cold — even in August it's brisk. A wetsuit makes early season swimming much more enjoyable. Most locals consider August the only reliably warm swimming month.

Beach Gear

dry bag waterproof 10L

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Waterproof Hiking Boots

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Kennebunkport Beaches FAQ

Quick planning notes for beach days around Kennebunkport and Kennebunk.

Which beach is best for families?

Mother’s Beach is a common family favorite because the setup is gentle and convenient, but Gooch’s is also popular if you want a bigger classic beach feel.

Where do surfers usually head?

Gooch’s and Parsons often get the most attention, depending on conditions. Surf quality is tide- and swell-dependent, so check the local forecast rather than assuming every beach will feel the same.

Is parking difficult in summer?

It can be, especially on warm weekends. Going early, staying nearby, or using a bike can make the whole beach day smoother.