Updated 2022

Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport, Maine has complicated rules about when dogs can and cannot use the beach:

April 1 to June 14: dogs are allowed on-leash. NO dogs are allowed on the west end of the beach where the piping plovers are nesting. This includes the area of Norwood Avenue and continues westerly to the Batson River. Dogs must be leashed and kept at least 200 feet away from marked Plover nesting areas.

June 15 through Labor Day: dogs are allowed before 9:00 AM, and after 5:00 PM.  Dogs must be on a leash. NO dogs are allowed on the west end of the beach where the piping plovers are nesting. This includes the area of Norwood Avenue and continues westerly to the Batson River. 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.

Complicated, yes.  But Goose Rocks Beach is worth visiting during the off season!  This Kennebunkport beach offers approximately three miles of wide sandy beach, with beautiful views of Timber Island and Eastern Goose Rocks. Located on Kings Highway, off Route 9, there is on street parking.  Parking permits are required from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and are available at the Kennebunkport Police Department, Town Hall, and Goose Rocks General Store.  Please note that Kennebunk parking permits are not accepted in Kennebunkport.

For the complete dog beach ordinance, please visit the Kennebunkport website.  To plan your visit, including directions, and photos from our visit with our dogs, click here.  For other dog friendly beaches in the area with less complicated dog rules, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page.