Arundel Beach – Kennebunkport, ME

Updated 2022

Arundel Beach, also known as Colony Beach, in Kennebunkport, Maine is a small and rocky dog friendly beach.  However, Kennebunkport has very specific rules on when dogs are allowed and when they may be off-leash:

April 1 to June 14: dogs are allowed on-leash under voice control.

June 15 through Labor Day: dogs are allowed before 9:00 AM, and after 5:00 PM.  Dogs must be on a leash. Dogs must be leashed and kept at least 200 feet away from marked Plover nesting areas.

Day after Labor Day through September 15: Dogs are allowed on-leash any time.

September 16 through March 31: Dogs allowed all day, but must be leashed between 12 Noon and 6:00 PM. They can be off-leash, under voice control, 6:00 PM to 11:59 AM.

Arundel Beach is a no-frills beach, approximately 150 yards, with a breakwater on one end and rocky cliffs on the other.  However, it is worth visiting during low tide because it is adjacent to Parson’s Way shore walk, and makes for a refreshing place to cool your dog with a dip in the ocean following a scenic Maine walk.  Also the tide pools created by the rocks are good for timid and small dogs who may not like the ocean’s surf.  Another advantage of Arundel Beach is unlike nearby Goose Rocks Beach and Gooch’s Beach, this beach does NOT require purchasing a parking permit to use the small gravel parking lot.  It is also interesting to note that the Colony Hotel, which overlooks Arundel Beach, is pet friendly.

During the off-season we recommend visiting nearby Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport or Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk for more room to run and play.  To learn more about other beaches that allow dogs in Maine, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page.

Arundel Beach Directions:

Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport (across from the Colony Hotel)
No permit needed. Limited parking available.