it's all about our beaches
Long stretches of sandy beaches intermingle with a quintessential rocky Maine coastline.
from Kittery to Old Orchard Beach
Warm sun beaming down from a turquoise sky onto white sands; this is The Maine Beaches. It is a place of long-sought relaxation, wide-open spaces, and sea views beckoning your eyes to the horizon. Sandpipers skitter with the surf, grassy dunes whisper in the salty breeze.
Here, the beaches are more than a way to spend the day. For many, they are the center of activity: a morning surf, a time of reflection, or a full day of fun. Time can be very well spent beachcombing for sand dollars, seashells, or wave-softened colorful bits of glass; or merely kicking back waiting for the incoming high tide to chase you further up the beach.
Fun! It’s what you will find at the beach.
Join in some family activities like corn hole, bocce, and ladder toss. Bring a beach ball and play catch in the gentle waves. Everyone will love building sandcastles and digging to the center of the earth. When the tide pulls out, you can explore sun-warmed tidal pools for “strange” creatures like spiky sea urchins and scuttling crabs hiding under flat rocks or in the seaweed.
Fill your cooler with a few sandwiches, lobster rolls, and locally made soft drinks for a beachside spread. Bring your gear and do a little surfcasting for stripers, or plan on catching up on that summer reading and maybe a few midday winks.
The Maine Beaches are rich in venerable seaside communities, distinctive lighthouses, and popular amenities. Stroll our boardwalks, clustered with ice cream stands and seafood shacks. In some spots, you’ll find classic oceanfront amusement parks that have brought fun to generations of families, whether it’s wooden roller coasters, featured creatures, or water park fun!
Pull up a beach chair and join the panorama of brightly colored umbrellas. Many local beaches, Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, and Old Orchard Beach, now offer beach wheelchairs that help people with special needs get to the beach and enjoy the waves. Availability is limited, so call ahead for details. Stay through the evening for spectacular sunsets or rise early for yoga in tune with an unforgettable sunrise.
Dive into the water, water everywhere. Surfers can take to our waters year-round, but only with a full wet suit and a sense of adventure. The slightly less adventurous can try a stand-up paddleboard or kayak. Kids love skimboarding at the water’s edge.
Dog Friendly
The Maine Beaches offers great vacation fun for every member of the family, including Fido. Nearly every beach is dog-friendly at some point during the day. Just be sure to check ahead for days, hours, and rules regarding dogs.
Find a Beach
Icon Key:
Lifeguard On Duty 
Visitor Services 
Surfing Allowed 
Boat Launch 
Beach Wheelchairs Available
Campfires Allowed – Requires permit from: 1) Police Department 2) Town Hall
York Region
Cape Neddick Beach, York
Anbewold Lane: York’s smallest beach, set at the Cape Neddick River’s mouth, is perfect for climbing the rocks and exploring the tide pools.
2
Dog Rules:
- May 20–Sept. 20: No dogs 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Dogs may be off leash sunrise–8 a.m. if under voice control; leash required 6 p.m.–sunrise. The owner must have a leash available even during off-leash hours.
- Sept. 21–May 19: allowed all day under voice control, with leash in hand.
Fort Foster Beach, Kittery
Pocahontas Road, Kittery Point: With a lovely coastal trail, this year-round dog-friendly group of three sandy beaches offers excellent views of Portsmouth Harbor and the Isles of Shoals.
Dog Rules:
Dogs are allowed year-round, but during the staffed season they must be leashed from 10 a.m. until park closing throughout the park, including beaches and trails. During the off-season, leash required 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Pier South Beach (left of the Pier) is closed to dogs during staffed park hours on weekends in May and September and daily Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Pet waste must be picked up and carried out.
Long Sands Beach, York
189 Long Beach Avenue: This two-mile-long white sandy beach offers swimming, sunbathing, and volleyball. Surfing is allowed in “mixed-use zones” delineated by orange buoys.
2 Limited Availability – Check with Lifeguards
Dog Rules:
- May 20–Sept. 20: No dogs 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Dogs may be off leash sunrise–8 a.m. if under voice control; leash required 6 p.m.–sunrise. The owner must have a leash available even during off-leash hours.
- Sept. 21–May 19: allowed all day under voice control, with leash in hand.
Short Sands Beach, York
U.S. Route 1A, York Beach: This sandy pocket beach is located in Ellis Park, offering a playground, gazebo, grassy park area, and promenade walkway with benches.
2 Limited Availability – Check with Lifeguards
Dog Rules:
- May 20–Sept. 20: No dogs 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Dogs may be off leash sunrise–8 a.m. if under voice control; leash required 6 p.m.–sunrise. The owner must have a leash available even during off-leash hours.
- Sept. 21–May 19: allowed all day under voice control, with leash in hand.
York Harbor Beach, York
U.S. Route 1A: This family-oriented beach offers gentle surf, the Cliff Walk path, and neighboring Hartley Mason Park, which provides benches and shade trees.
2
Dog Rules:
- May 20–Sept. 20: No dogs 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Dogs may be off leash sunrise–8 a.m. if under voice control; leash required 6 p.m.–sunrise. The owner must have a leash available even during off-leash hours.
- Sept. 21–May 19: allowed all day under voice control, with leash in hand.
Anbewold Lane: York’s smallest beach, set at the Cape Neddick River’s mouth, is perfect for climbing the rocks and exploring the tide pools.
2
Dog Rules:
- May 20–Sept. 20: No dogs 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Dogs may be off leash sunrise–8 a.m. if under voice control; leash required 6 p.m.–sunrise. The owner must have a leash available even during off-leash hours.
- Sept. 21–May 19: allowed all day under voice control, with leash in hand.
Pocahontas Road, Kittery Point: With a lovely coastal trail, this year-round dog-friendly group of three sandy beaches offers excellent views of Portsmouth Harbor and the Isles of Shoals.
189 Long Beach Avenue: This two-mile-long white sandy beach offers swimming, sunbathing, and volleyball. Surfing is allowed in “mixed-use zones” delineated by orange buoys.
2 Limited Availability – Check with Lifeguards
U.S. Route 1A, York Beach: This sandy pocket beach is located in Ellis Park, offering a playground, gazebo, grassy park area, and promenade walkway with benches.
2 Limited Availability – Check with Lifeguards
U.S. Route 1A: This family-oriented beach offers gentle surf, the Cliff Walk path, and neighboring Hartley Mason Park, which provides benches and shade trees.
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Ogunquit
Footbridge Beach
Ocean Street: This quiet, sandy beach is reached by a plank bridge over the Ogunquit River, great for leisurely walks, looking for shells along the way, and watching the tides ebb and flow.
Dog Rules:
- April 1–Sept. 8: no dogs.
- Sept. 9–March 31: dogs allowed, but must be leashed.
- Dogs are never allowed in the Ogunquit River Estuary
Little Beach
Reached via the Marginal Way, this pocket beach, with some sand yet mostly rocky, is a great spot to relax or have a picnic.
Dog Rules:
- April 1–Sept. 8: no dogs.
- Sept. 9–March 31: dogs allowed, but must be leashed.
- Dogs are never allowed in the Ogunquit River Estuary
North Beach
This beach offers vast amounts of white sand between Moody Beach and Footbridge Beach, with ample space for bathers even during high tide.
Dog Rules:
- April 1–Sept. 8: no dogs.
- Sept. 9–March 31: dogs allowed, but must be leashed.
- Dogs are never allowed in the Ogunquit River Estuary
Ogunquit Beach
Beach Street: The area’s main beach offers over three miles of white sand. Waves here vary from large- to mid-sized facing the ocean, and mild to calm on the river.
Limited Availability – Check with Lifeguards at Beach Street station
Dog Rules:
- April 1–Sept. 8: no dogs.
- Sept. 9–March 31: dogs allowed, but must be leashed.
- Dogs are never allowed in the Ogunquit River Estuary
Wells
Drakes Island Beach
28 Foster Lane: This beach offers a summertime community feeling, with regulars who arrive early. The rock jetty allows for fishing and exploration.
Limited Availability – Check with Lifeguards
Dog Rules:
- April 1–June 15: dogs allowed all day, leashed.
- June 16–Sept. 15: no dogs 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; before 8 and after 6 they must be leashed.
- Sept. 16–March 31: allowed all day under Wells’ dog-at-large ordinance—either leashed or under supervision and verbal control.
Wells Beach
This seven-mile-long sandy beach is wonderful for families and surfers. Search for sea glass or sit and listen to the waves. Four parking areas offer beach access. There are shops, restaurants, and an arcade nearby.
Parking is available at 506 Atlantic Avenue and at 396 Mile Road.
Limited Availability at Eastern Shore Lifeguard Shack
Dog Rules:
- April 1–June 15: dogs allowed all day, leashed.
- June 16–Sept. 15: no dogs 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; before 8 and after 6 they must be leashed.
- Sept. 16–March 31: allowed all day under Wells’ dog-at-large ordinance—either leashed or under supervision and verbal control.
Wells Harbor Beach
331 Harbor Road: Set at the mouth of the Webhannet River, the beach offers swimming, sunbathing, and walking on the beach.
Dog Rules:
- April 1–June 15: dogs allowed all day, leashed.
- June 16–Sept. 15: no dogs 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; before 8 and after 6 they must be leashed.
- Sept. 16–March 31: allowed all day under Wells’ dog-at-large ordinance—either leashed or under supervision and verbal control.
Island Beach Road: This beach offers a summertime community feeling, with regulars who arrive early. The rock jetty allows for fishing and exploration.
Limited Availability – Check with Lifeguards
Atlantic Avenue, Mile Road, Webhannet Drive: This seven-mile-long sandy beach is wonderful for families and surfers. Search for sea glass or sit and listen to the waves. Four parking areas offer beach access. There are shops, restaurants, and an arcade nearby.
Limited Availability at Eastern Shore Lifeguard Shack
Harbor Road: Set at the mouth of the Webhannet River, the beach offers swimming, sunbathing, and walking on the beach.
Sanford-Springvale
Holdsworth Park, Springvale
278 Main Street, Springvale: Great spot for family swimming in fresh clear water, this community favorite offers a sandy beach, playground, picnic pavilions, and access to Mousam Way Trail.
Dog Rules:
Dogs must be leashed, 8-foot maximum, and visitors should obey any additional posted park/beach signage.
278 Main Street, Springvale: Great spot for family swimming in fresh clear water, this community favorite offers a sandy beach, playground, picnic pavilions, and access to Mousam Way Trail.
Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel
Colony Beach, Kennebunkport
Ocean Avenue: Also known as Arundel Beach, the beach is perfect for those who love to scramble on its rocks, watch the surf dash the shore, or fish from the jetty.
Dog Rules:
- April 1–June 14: leashed all day.
- June 15–Labor Day: no dogs 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; leashed before 9 and after 5.
- Day after Labor Day–Sept. 15: leashed all day.
- Sept. 16–March 31: leash required 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; dogs may be off leash at other times if under voice and sight control.
- Dogs must remain at least 200 feet from nesting areas.
Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport
This three-mile-long beach is wide, smooth, sandy, with lovely views of Eastern Goose Rocks and Timber Island, just off the coast.
Dog Rules:
- April 1–June 14: leashed all day.
- June 15–Labor Day: no dogs 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; leashed before 9 and after 5.
- Day after Labor Day–Sept. 15: leashed all day.
- Sept. 16–March 31: leash required 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; dogs may be off leash at other times if under voice and sight control.
- Dogs must remain at least 200 feet from nesting areas.
Gooch's Beach, Kennebunk
The 0.6-mile stretch of white sand and good surf offers a wide variety of beach activities, is dog friendly, and is known for fishing for bass off of the jetty in the Kennebunk River.
Dog Rules:
- June 15–Labor Day: dogs only before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., either on leash or under voice control.
- Day after Labor Day–June 14: dogs allowed all day, either leashed or under voice control.
Middle Beach, Kennebunk
Also known as Rocky Beach, this is a narrow and rocky beach, composed of mostly smooth pebbles and rock-fringed tide pools.
Dog Rules:
- June 15–Labor Day: dogs only before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., either on leash or under voice control.
- Day after Labor Day–June 14: dogs allowed all day, either leashed or under voice control.
Mother's Beach, Kennebunk
A small sandy beach bookended by large rock formations, which deter larger wave action, this is a good beach for children to enjoy the water. ADA-compliant Mobi-Mat installed.
Dog Rules:
- June 15–Labor Day: dogs only before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., either on leash or under voice control.
- Day after Labor Day–June 14: dogs allowed all day, either leashed or under voice control.
Ocean Avenue: Also known as Arundel Beach, the beach is perfect for those who love to scramble on its rocks, watch the surf dash the shore, or fish from the jetty.
King’s Highway, Cape Porpoise: This three-mile-long beach is wide, smooth, sandy, with lovely views of Eastern Goose Rocks and Timber Island, just off the coast.
Beach Avenue: The 0.6-mile stretch of white sand and good surf offers a wide variety of beach activities, is dog friendly, and is known for fishing for bass off of the jetty in the Kennebunk River.
Beach Avenue: Also known as Rocky Beach, this is a narrow and rocky beach, composed of mostly smooth pebbles and rock-fringed tide pools.
Beach Avenue: A small sandy beach bookended by large rock formations, which deter larger wave action, this is a good beach for children to enjoy the water. ADA-compliant Mobi-Mat installed.
Biddeford+Saco
Bayview Beach, Saco
A broad and sandy beach with a slow, gradual entry to the water and plenty of room to relax. Great for families, and located near to Old Orchard Beach amusements. ADA-compliant Mobi-Mat installed.
Dog Rules:
- April 1–Sept. 30: dogs must be leashed, maximum 12 feet, all day.
- Oct. 1–March 31: dogs may be off leash if under voice and sight control.
- Dogs must stay at least 100 feet from marked protected nesting areas and be leashed while entering/exiting vehicles.
Biddeford Pool, Biddeford
The water at this two-mile beach is generally calm with easy access, plus plenty of space, even during high tide, to play games or relax.
Dog Rules:
- March 15–May 24: dogs allowed all day but must be leashed.
- May 25–Sept. 15: no dogs 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; dogs permitted before 9 and after 5 but must be leashed.
- Sept. 16–March 14: dogs may be off leash under voice command all day.
- Dogs must be kept away from marked nesting areas.
Biddeford Rotary Park, Biddeford
This 72-acre park along the Saco River has trails, playgrounds, a freshwater sandy beach, picnic grove with grills, volleyball court, skate park, and boat launch.
Dog Rules:
- March 15–May 24: dogs allowed all day but must be leashed.
- May 25–Sept. 15: no dogs 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; dogs permitted before 9 and after 5 but must be leashed.
- Sept. 16–March 14: dogs may be off leash under voice command all day.
- Dogs must be kept away from marked nesting areas.
Camp Ellis Beach, Saco
Located at the mouth of the Saco River and close to amenities, this small, sandy beach, with a rock jetty and a fishing pier, is a well-kept secret.
Dog Rules:
- April 1–Sept. 30: dogs must be leashed, maximum 12 feet, all day.
- Oct. 1–March 31: dogs may be off leash if under voice and sight control.
- Dogs must stay at least 100 feet from marked protected nesting areas and be leashed while entering/exiting vehicles.
Ferry Beach State Park, Saco
Much more than a beach; the state park has a sandy beach, inland hiking trails, and nature center. Space may be limited on the beach during high tide.
Limited Availability
Dog Rules:
- April 1–Sept. 30: no pets on the beach or boardwalk.
- Oct. 1–March 31: pets permitted on the beach but must be leashed at all times.
Fortunes Rock Beach, Biddeford
This two-mile stretch of sandy beach offers room to stretch out, relax, walk, and jog. The waves here are larger than normal, great for water sports. Parking can be found at the southern end of the Beach.
Dog Rules:
- March 15–May 24: dogs allowed all day but must be leashed.
- May 25–Sept. 15: no dogs 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; dogs permitted before 9 and after 5 but must be leashed.
- Sept. 16–March 14: dogs may be off leash under voice command all day.
- Dogs must be kept away from marked nesting areas.
Kinney Shores, Saco
This great little neighborhood beach has an access path between two houses. A great spot to search for sea glass and other beachy treasures.
Dog Rules:
- April 1–Sept. 30: dogs must be leashed, maximum 12 feet, all day.
- Oct. 1–March 31: dogs may be off leash if under voice and sight control.
- Dogs must stay at least 100 feet from marked protected nesting areas and be leashed while entering/exiting vehicles.
Seaside Avenue, Saco: A broad and sandy beach with a slow, gradual entry to the water and plenty of room to relax. Great for families, and located near to Old Orchard Beach amusements. ADA-compliant Mobi-Mat installed.
State Route 208: The water at this two-mile beach is generally calm with easy access, plus plenty of space, even during high tide, to play games or relax.
Main Street: This 72-acre riverside park has trails, playgrounds, a sandy beach, picnic grove with grills, volleyball court, skate park, and boat launch.
North Avenue, Saco: Located at the mouth of the Saco River and close to amenities, this small, sandy beach, with a rock jetty and a fishing pier, is a well-kept secret.
95 Bayview Road, Saco: Much more than a beach; the state park has a sandy beach, inland hiking trails, and nature center. Space may be limited on the beach during high tide.
Limited Availability
Fortunes Rock Road, Biddeford: This two-mile stretch of sandy beach offers room to stretch out, relax, walk, and jog. The waves here are larger than normal, great for water sports.
Hills Beach Road, Biddeford: Located at the mouth of the Saco River, this is lovely sand beach offers a scenic view of Basket Island and boats traveling around the rock jetty.
Seaside Avenue, Saco: This great little neighborhood beach has an access path between two houses. A great spot to search for sea glass and other beachy treasures.
Old Orchard Beach
Ocean Park Beach
Set in historic Chautauqua-by-the-Sea, the village and beach are part of OOB and span from the outlet of Branch Brook, bordering Saco, to Googins Rocks.
Dog Rules:
- May 15–Labor Day: no dogs on the beach 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; from 5 p.m.–dusk they must be leashed. Before 9 a.m., dogs may be leashed or under voice-and-sight control.
- After Labor Day–May 14: dogs are allowed all day, either leashed or under voice-and-sight control. During the seasonal period, beach leashes are limited to 12 feet.
- Dogs must stay at least 100 yards from roped, fenced or posted protected nesting areas and owners must clean up waste.
Old Orchard Beach
Maine’s Premier Beach Resort since 1863, OOB invites you to relax along seven miles of beach punctuated by The OOB Pier and other amusements for the whole family.
Dog Rules:
- May 15–Labor Day: no dogs on the beach 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; from 5 p.m.–dusk they must be leashed. Before 9 a.m., dogs may be leashed or under voice-and-sight control.
- After Labor Day–May 14: dogs are allowed all day, either leashed or under voice-and-sight control. During the seasonal period, beach leashes are limited to 12 feet.
- Dogs must stay at least 100 yards from roped, fenced or posted protected nesting areas and owners must clean up waste.
East Grand Avenue & West Grand Avenue: Maine’s Premier Beach Resort since 1863, OOB invites you to relax along seven miles of beach punctuated by The OOB Pier and other amusements for the whole family.
West Grand Avenue, Old Orchard Beach: Set in historic Chautauqua-by-the-Sea, the village and beach are part of OOB and span from the outlet of Branch Brook, bordering Saco, to Googins Rocks.