Gooch's Beach

It's not hard to understand why Gooch's Beach would be one of Kennebunkport's most popular (read: crowded) stretches of sand. Its gorgeous vistas are celebrated in all of Maine. Still, recent visitors suggest you check the tide report before you visit. Says one TripAdvisor user, "The tide rolls right up to the road but when it goes out, it goes way out."

You'll find Gooch's off of Beach Avenue in Kennebunk, two minutes south of the White Barn Inn by car. But fair warning, car parking can be quite the hassle in the summer months and you'll need to buy a parking permit from Kennebunk's Town Hall. Parking permits cost $15 a day and $50 a week for non-residents.