Area Beaches
In Kennebunk, there are several amazing beaches: “Parsons” (our favorite because it’s so quite), “Mother’s”, “Middle”, “Goochs”, plus “Goose Rocks Beach” in Kennebunkport to the north and “Wells Beach” in Wells to the south. You can find detailed beach information in the Nature section in our Guidebook on this page.
Google Maps & Directions:
Parson's - https://maps.app.goo.gl/gWy2XxGbkjGo3ZdU6
Mother's - https://maps.app.goo.gl/RLzjaXVHe8dj6xD86
Middle - https://maps.app.goo.gl/JvwiVZGJHZs7QTkW7
Goochs - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cJfYB2KL3f6wwfVu7
Goose Rocks Beach - https://maps.app.goo.gl/9UXCZqQRQhPALZuL8
Wells Beach - https://maps.app.goo.gl/5YQBrcjXx7rT7HU76
Our Favorite Hikes
Kennebunk Bridle Path
(Also called the “Madelyn Marx Preserve”)
Kennebunk Bridle Path is conveniently located roughly 500' from the cottage!
It’s a 3 minute walk west from the cottage, just before the Mousam River! If you want to drive 1 minute, there’s some parking on Western Ave.
You can head south through the salt marsh or north along the Mousam River.
In total, it’s 5.6 miles long.
This is a nicely maintained flat walking trail. Not much of a hike, but a walk/run along a straight path. This is not a loop trail so you will have to retrace your same steps to return to origination.
Sections of this walk are through neighborhoods and along private home property lines. Overall it's a great route for biking, running, and a walk with your dog. Some nice vistas on the river and marsh!
(Dogs Allowed.)
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
3 minute drive west
This large salt marsh & estuary features hiking trails, trees & many bird-watching opportunities. It will contain approximately 7,600 acres when land acquisition is complete.
(Dogs Allowed.)
https://stateparks.com/rachel_carson_national_wildlife_refuge_in_maine.html
The Wells Reserve at Laudholm
5 minute drive west
The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a beautiful place. They welcome more than 25,000 visitors each year. Their easy to moderate trails are open year round for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. (Trails are not groomed in winter.)
(Dogs Not Allowed.)
The Full List of Area Hikes
For the complete list of area hikes and walks plus a map & directions, please select the link below:
Bike & Kayak Rentails
Bike Rentals
There are two great bike rental shops in Kennebunk and a bigger one a few minutes south in Wells
- Mainely Bicycle https://www.mainelybicycle.com/
- Coastal Maine Bike https://www.coastalmainekayak.com/
- Gorham Bike & Ski https://www.gorhambike.com/contact/kennebunk-pg1243.htm
Kayak Rentals
There are several great kayak rental shops in the Kennebunk area
- Coastal Maine Bike https://www.coastalmainekayak.com/
- Kayak Excursions https://www.southernmainekayaks.com/
- Webhannet River Boat Yard https://webhannetriver.com/ (This shop in Wells is right on the Wells Harbor and from there you can explore the Webhannet River plus the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve!)
Tour Ideas
- Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise – (Portland) Half maritime adventure, half sightseeing exploration, the best way to catch Portland’s history is from the water. Gliding along Diamond Pass, you’ll catch views of Civil War–era forts, historic lighthouses, and likely some lobster boats bobbing in the breeze. Perfect for all ages, you’ll get to know the city and its maritime heritage, all while taking in its most scenic side. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g40827-d25391909-Harbor_Lights_and_Sights_Cruise-Portland_Maine.html
Make your own adventure on land!
- Kennebunk: Explore downtown Kennebunk right down the street or drive down Summer Street to the Lower Village, marveling at all the mansions that were built by ship captains and ship builders! Then walk through Kennebunk over the Kennebunk River to Kennebunkport’s Dock Square and beyond!
- Take a short drive down Rt 1 to Ogunquit: Many great shops, restaurants, and a cool beach with a “natural lazy river”!
- Take a short trip up to Saco or Portland: Saco’s another interesting Maine coastal town and then there’s Portland! Check out “The Old Port” – along the harbor there are numerous shops, restaurants, breweries, and other great items of interest! Take a Portland Sunset Cruise! (See below!) Old Port on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/z7tvrjg6m24DxKDV9
- Visit LL Bean’s Flagship Store! In Freeport, Maine, it’s less than an hour from Kennebunk! The factory store is huge and divided into several buildings with clothing, camping, bike, paddling, and more in the complex. Staff are so welcoming and friendly. Giant boot and backpack right out front! See Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VBvYU9nsaFw5jXHfA
Excursions
Excursions from Kennebunk/Kennebunkport
- Schooner Eleanor - The Schooner Eleanor, launched in May 1999, was built in Kennebunkport by Captain Rich Woodman and a crew of local craftsmen to the lines of L. Francis Herreshoff’s 1935 Mobjack design. https://www.schoonereleanor.com/
- The Pineapple Ketch - Set sail aboard the Pineapple Ketch, a lovingly restored 38’ Downeaster Ketch. With distinctive tanbark sails and a shiny black hull, the Pineapple paints a familiar sight on the Kennebunkport horizon — many refer to it as the Port’s “Pirate Ship.” https://www.pineappleketch.com/
- New England Eco Adventures - See the crown jewel of coastal New England on our exciting, eco-friendly Maine adventure boat tours and whale watching excursions! https://newenglandecoadventures.com/all-kennebunk-adventures/
Excursions in the Area
- Finestkind Scenic Cruises - (Perkins Cove, Ogunquit) Finestkind Scenic Cruises, located in picturesque Perkins Cove, has everything you need for an excursion along Ogunquit’s shore. Learn about lobstering and see lobsters caught on board the Finestkind I, take a scenic coastal cruise to the Nubble Lighthouse in York, or a leisurely cocktail cruise in the evening aboard the Finestkind III. Come on a summer morning to visit our local population of harbor seals on the Finestkind II or enjoy a unique sailing trip on board our beautifully crafted wooden sailboat, the Cricket, because at Finestkind Scenic Cruises, we truly do have something for everyone.
https://www.finestkindcruises.com/
- Goose Sailing Cruises - (Perkins Cove, Ogunquit) Looking for a fun adventure you and your loved ones can enjoy? Come onboard Goose for a 1 ½-hour private sail at $55 per person starting in picturesque Perkins Cove in Ogunquit, Maine. There’s plenty of room for two to six passengers to enjoy the cruise in comfort. If you want, you can take the wheel for a full sailing experience. We set sail daily, weather permitting. https://goosesailingcruises.com/
- Sail Me - (Perkins Cove, Ogunquit) Your trip begins from scenic Perkins Cove, and your adventure starts as soon as we pass the footbridge. Within minutes the crew will hoist the sails, providing you with an experience most are not accustomed to: no motor. Listen only to the wind in the rigging, the water lapping on the hull, the clink-clink of the winches. We will sail for the best performance based on the wind. We may travel near the Marginal Way and Ogunquit Beach, straight out past the bell buoy to catch the sea breeze, or near the home shore and Bald Head Cliff. *Maximum 6 passengers* https://www.ogunquitsailme.com/
- Sail The Gift - (Perkins Cove, Ogunquit) The Gift sails out of quaint Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, Maine, where you may experience the peacefulness and excitement of sailing. *Maximum 12 passengers* https://www.sailthegift.com/
- The Silverlining – (Perkins Cove, Ogunquit) The Silverlining is a 42-foot wooden sloop sailboat that takes daily trips out of Perkins Cove harbor in Ogunquit, Maine throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Captain Jack purchased and restored the boat in the 1980s and has been sailing it since. https://www.silverliningsailing.com/
- Broad Reach Adventures – (Saco) Maine's Only Sailing, Lighthouse, Lobstering, Scenic Cruise, Fishing & Eco Tour Company - Located Between Portland and Kennebunkport https://broadreachadventures.com/
- Sail Portland Maine – (Portland) Relax with your friends and family aboard their traditional sailing vessel the Eleanor Hawkes or classic Down East picnic boat Calista Ann. https://sailportlandmaine.com/
Entertainment
Theater
- Ogunquit Playhouse - a regional theater on 10 Main Street (United States Route 1) in Ogunquit, Maine. Ogunquit Playhouse is one of the last remaining summer theaters from the Summer Stock which still produces musical theatre. The Playhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Level of Significance "in consideration of the significant contributions made by its founder Walter J. Hartwig and the Playhouse to Performing Arts Education throughout the nation." https://www.ogunquitplayhouse.org/
Music
- Vinegar Hill Music Theatre – (Arundel) Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is a place where people from near and far come together to socialize, celebrate, and connect over a shared love of music and live entertainment. Conveniently located off I-95 in Arundel, ME (close to Biddeford, Kennebunkport, Portland, and Portsmouth), our late-1800s barn, with its exposed wooden structure, exudes rustic New England charm and provides the perfect setting for the one-of-a-kind experiences we aim to foster. (Translation: our barn is really sweet, you should totally come check it out). From intimate acoustic sessions to electrifying performances, our stage is a melting pot of musical talent, nurturing emerging artists and showcasing established musicians alike. https://vinhillmusic.com/
Movies
- Flagship Premium Cinemas, Wells - Neighborhood theater showing new movies with stadium seating, plus rewards for frequent guests. https://flagshipcinemas.com/wells
Area Dog Info
Kennebunk Dog Rules
- Kennebunk Beaches include: Gooch's Beach, Middle Beach and Mother's Beach
- Dogs are permitted on Gooch's, Middle, Mother's and a portion of Parsons beaches under the following guidelines:
- From June 15 through Labor Day, dogs are only allowed on the beaches before 9AM and after 5PM. Dogs must be under voice control or on a leash.
- From the day after Labor Day to June 14, dogs are permitted on the beach but must be under voice control or on a leash.
- Please adhere to all posted signage at Parsons Beach.
Kennebunk has a Dog Park!
- https://www.kennebunkmaine.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/22
- The dog park is located at 36 Sea Road in Kennebunk, Maine at the entrance to the Recycling Center.
Kennebunkport Dog Rules
The Town of Kennebunkport has an ordinance requiring dogs to be leashed in certain areas of town. The Goose Rocks Beach area is included. For details, either click on the chart to the left or follow this link: https://www.kennebunkportme.gov/government/boards_and_committees/beach_advisory_committee/dog_rules_for_goose_rocks_beach.php
Wells Dog Rules
- September 16th to March 31st: Dogs are allowed on the beach at all times, but must be on a leash and under the charge of a responsible person.
- April 1st to June 15th: Dogs are permitted on the beach, but must be leashed and under control.
- June 16th to September 15th: Dogs are allowed only before 8 AM and after 6 PM, and must still be leashed.