Beaches
The coastal area around Kennebunkport is home to several of the state's best beaches. Southward across the river (technically, this is Kennebunk, though it's much closer to Kennebunkport) are Gooch's Beach and Kennebunk Beach. Head eastward on Beach Street (from the intersection of Rte. 9 and 35) and you'll soon wind into a handsome colony of eclectic shingled summer homes. The narrow road twists past sandy beaches and rocky headlands. It may be congested in summer; avoid gridlock by exploring on foot or by bike.
Goose Rocks Beach, north of Kennebunkport off Route 9 (watch for signs), is a good choice for those who like their crowds light and prefer beaches to beach scenes. You'll find an enclave of homes set amid rustling oaks just off a fine sand beach. Not far offshore is a narrow barrier reef that has historically attracted flocks of geese, hence the name.
A Secret Beach on Parson's Way -- It's certainly one of the most attractive approaches to a beach in Maine, and Parson's Beach itself is lovely and much less crowded than others in the area. Find the beach by heading south on Route 9 from Dock Square in Kennebunkport, through the traffic light; just after you cross a marsh and the Mousam River, hang a left onto Parson's Beach Road.
You'll drive down a country lane lined with maples. At the end, there's limited parking, though you can also park on the north side of the highway. This is not the best beach on the southern Maine coast for swimming -- it's rocky at the mouth of the river -- but it's great for lounging and reading. Be on your best behavior here (don't trample the dunes, don't take stuff from the tide pool, and the like). You have to cross private land to reach the beach, and signs ominously proclaim that access can be denied at any time if the landowner so chooses.
Bike It to the Beach -- Finding a parking spot is often difficult, and all beaches require a parking permit, which you can get at the town offices or from your hotel. You can avoid the hassle by renting a bike and leaving your car at your inn or hotel. A good spot for rentals is Cape-Able Bike Shop (tel. 207/967-4382), which rents a variety of bikes by the half-day, day, or week. There are also mountain bikes, along with kid trailers and baby seats. (Helmets and locks are free with rentals.) The bike shop is just north of downtown Kennebunkport at 83 Arundel Rd. (turn north on North Rd. rather than following Rte. 9 north). Some inns in town also rent bikes to guests; others provide free bikes for guests, with no strings attached (except that you have to return the bike, obviously). Ask when you book your room.
