Kennebunk Beaches: Gooch's, Middle & Mother's Family Guide

Gooch's, Middle or Mother's?

The Town of Kennebunk places Gooch's, Middle and Mother's beaches along Beach Avenue, reached from Routes 9 and 35, with sidewalks connecting them. Because the beaches are linked, you can compare all three on foot before settling on one for the day.

Gooch's and Mother's have lifeguards from mid-June through early September. Mother's Beach is the one with the playground, an ADA-compliant Mobi-Mat from the parking area to the sand and a beach wheelchair available to rent, which makes it a strong fit for toddlers and for families who need an accessible route. See our Mother's Beach guide for the full picture. The town's page gives the least detail for Middle Beach, so check posted signs when you arrive.

Gooch's Beach has its own detailed family guide with parking, lifeguard and local tips: Gooch's Beach guide

Goose Rocks Beach, in neighboring Kennebunkport, is a separate beach with its own parking arrangement. Compare it in our Goose Rocks Beach guide.

Kennebunk beach parking permits

The town requires a beach parking permit from June 15 through September 15 at Gooch's, Middle and Mother's beaches. In 2026, non-resident permits are $30 per day, $100 per week or $200 for the season, with no purchase limit.

Non-residents can buy at the kiosks on Beach Avenue (credit and debit cards only; they print a pass), with the PassPortParking app or website (no printed pass; police verify by license plate) or at Kennebunk Town Hall. Kiosk and app sales start June 15. A printed permit goes in the lower right (passenger side) of the dashboard or windshield.

Residents and taxpayers buy season stickers and guest cards at Town Hall with photo ID. If you are renting, ask your rental company whether a permit comes with the property, and weigh the cost of a weekly permit against a rental you can walk from. For a map and a comparison with other beaches, see the Mother's Beach parking map.

Lifeguards, facilities and access

The town lists lifeguards at Gooch's and Mother's from mid-June through early September. Coverage is seasonal, so follow posted flags and instructions. The Go Kennebunks visitor site lists seasonal porta-potties at Gooch's and Mother's from July through Labor Day, and a public playground at Mother's Beach.

The town's page does not list lifeguards or facilities for Middle Beach, so bring what you need for the day and confirm on site.

Check the tide before you pack, because lower tide generally exposes more sand. The Southern Maine Tide Planner covers Mother's Beach using a Kennebunkport NOAA station, which is a reasonable planning reference for the neighboring beaches along Beach Avenue.

Dogs and seasonal rules

From June 15 through Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beaches only before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., under voice control or on a leash. From the day after Labor Day through June 14, dogs are allowed under voice control or on a leash. Parsons Beach allows dogs on a portion of the beach under the same seasonal rules; follow its posted signs.

A pet-friendly rental does not change the beach hours, so plan summer dog walks around them and confirm current rules close to your dates.

Choosing a Kennebunk beaches vacation rental

Ask for the exact address, the walking route to the nearest beach access and whether the property includes a beach permit or parking. If you plan to walk, check the route with a stroller or beach wagon in mind, and map restaurants separately from beach access. Compare the total price and cancellation terms, and ask about the minimum stay and arrival day for your dates.

Start with the Kennebunk-area local rental companies already listed on our rentals page. Their coverage and available properties vary, so ask specifically about Gooch's, Middle or Mother's. These are independent providers, not BeachRentalsMaine inventory.

Sources and your next step

Official sources checked October 24, 2026: Town of Kennebunk beach parking permits and Town of Kennebunk beaches, plus the Go Kennebunks beach guide for seasonal facilities. Parking figures are a 2026 planning reference; 2027 fees and rules are not confirmed here.

Read the Mother's Beach guide · Compare Goose Rocks · Explore the beach comparison