Parsons Beach
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2-3 hours
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43 within 3 miles
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71 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
98 reviews
Excellent
67
Very good
22
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Jennifer W
Frederick, MD7 contributions
Jul 2022
The beach was a gem of a find and not crowded like many other nearby Maine beaches in late July. Parking was along the street and a trek-in but a pleasant enough walk to the beach area. I recommend using a wagon or something with wheels if you take beach chairs and beach umbrellas in.
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RhodieCouple
Providence, RI7 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
This is a gorgeous, quiet beach but the parking is not good. You used to be able to get a few parallel spots at the entrance to the beach path but now there are no parking signs everywhere so you need to park off the main road and make the long trek in by foot. They definitely are all over it as every car was ticketed. It wasn't this way last year and it's sad to see it is now this way. The beach is a stunner though!
Written May 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Richard H
Wellesley, MA4 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
Lovely beach and a fishing hot spot (although I didn't catch any).
However don't ignore the parking signs, even at dusk the police came down and ticketed people.
However don't ignore the parking signs, even at dusk the police came down and ticketed people.
Written July 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ThomasTCat
St. Louis, MO712 contributions
Aug 2021
We drove around a couple of times trying to find a parking spot, but there was absolutely none whatsoever. Lots of traffic trying to park. We tried to look at the beautiful houses along the shore, but that wasn't easy to do because of all the traffic. The beach itself, if you find a place to park, isn't easily accessible due to the wall and rocky path around it. Obviously this is not an area that tourist are welcome at.
Written September 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cindy B
5 contributions
Jul 2020
I used to enjoy going there before the new property owner cut all the beautiful trees going to the beach, and took all parking places except 6 away. We used to bring our chairs sit along the road side and watch people fish... and walk to beach. Now it is a fight to even get a spot... lets be real, beautiful beach and have to walk 1/2 mile or so to get to it, that is if you can even get a parking place near the main rd.
Written March 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beachbum22353
Rowley, MA56 contributions
Jul 2018
Get there early for parking or you will have to park about a mile down the road. You are able to drop of your belongings at the beginning of the path to the beach. There is a porta potty at the beginning of the path as well. The beach is rocky in one section so sit beyond the rocks to enjoy the sand and water. There is not as many beach goers here as if you went to Gooches beach, but definitely more people have discovered this beach and go here than years ago. It’s a lovely beach to enjoy the day at... sun bathe, boogie board or to just go for a walk.
Written July 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James C
26 contributions
Sep 2019
When we first went to Parson's Beach twenty years ago it was truly a hidden treasure. How times have changed. There used to be a parking problem but now it's a problem on steroids. There are exactly six parking spots next to the beach, there used to be more like 30. Now if you want to get there plan to walk at least a mile round trip before stepping one foot on the beach.
I get the desire to protect natural areas from too much use, but this is just nuts! I don't know it for a fact but it feels like some rich people don't want too many commoners on the beach, regardless of whether or not it's a public beach. If it's a private beach it should be just closed off altogether and taken down as a tourist destination. If it's a public beach meant to attract local business make it accessible. As things stand now, it looks Kennebunk doesn't like tourists.
Bottom line, the beach itself may be good, the overall experience is bad.
I get the desire to protect natural areas from too much use, but this is just nuts! I don't know it for a fact but it feels like some rich people don't want too many commoners on the beach, regardless of whether or not it's a public beach. If it's a private beach it should be just closed off altogether and taken down as a tourist destination. If it's a public beach meant to attract local business make it accessible. As things stand now, it looks Kennebunk doesn't like tourists.
Bottom line, the beach itself may be good, the overall experience is bad.
Written September 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AChevalier
5 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
I was so let down to find this year that there was absolutely NO parking to get to this beach. We were married here in 2013 and we like to visit every year and this year we found that they have placed huge rocks and have a long stretch of guardrails with it also being enforced by PD. It's sad that it has turned into a place where not even a few people can visit :( I don't know why this happened but I feel like we've lost an amazing spot that we loved so much.
Written July 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas C
Fairhaven,Ma, United States6 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
A wonderful gem of a beach in Kennebunk Me. Situated on Rt. 9 between Kennebunkport and Ogunquit. If you get there early enough you will find free parking, pass by a horse farm on a road lined by shaded trees. The beach has many different areas to sun bath and it is not crowded. Most of the beach is sandy.
Written August 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Petermallorysara
Kennebunk, ME19 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
We live in Kennebunk, so we often go to the beach. However, on the occasions we find ourselves alone, we go to Parsons Beach. It is a few miles drive from Lower Village Kennebunk off Rt.9 but it is well worth the drive. It is a really long beach so it's never crowded. My husband calls me a "sand snob" but I like my sand very fine and powdery white which is another reason I like Parsons so much. I've never been there when there were loud people or music.
Also, Parsons is a great beach for watching the sunset. You must bring a picnic since there are no stores or food places.
There is 1 portable toilet. There is very limited parking but not usually a problem off season or for sunsets.
Also, Parsons is a great beach for watching the sunset. You must bring a picnic since there are no stores or food places.
There is 1 portable toilet. There is very limited parking but not usually a problem off season or for sunsets.
Written October 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
missbarbie_10
Jupiter, FL5 contributions
Hi, missbarbie_10. What would you like to know about this attraction?
I understand there is very little-no parking for Parsons Beach?
Limited
mariss2311
Hudson, MA78 contributions
This may be a stupid question, but has anyone ever had a very small and quick wedding ceremony on the beach - with no chair setup or anything...?
Brittany
Shrewsbury, MA
I contacted the town to request a permit to have a quick 20 person ceremony for my wedding this summer. The town does not own the beach, thus it is a privately owned beach open to the public. The individual i spoke to in the Town of Kennebunk clerk's office indicated that the owners of Parson's beach prohibit weddings on their beach and that i would run the risk of being asked to leave if we were to try to do this. Also that they have done so to wedding parties in the past.
I was pretty bummed out to hear this, we have been going to this beach for years and it is our favorite.
Connie T
Saint-Lazare, Canada3 contributions
Is Parson's Beach pet friendly?
Thanks
taralaf
Wells, ME268 contributions
Hi, yes, Parson's Beach is pet friendly but only during certain times. During the 'off season' you can bring your dog any time. However, during the summer dogs are only welcome in the morning and early evening.
Parsons Beach (Kennebunk) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Parsons Beach
- Hotels near Parsons Beach:
- (0.27 mi) White Sails Inn
- (0.15 mi) Downtown Kennebunk Home
- (0.18 mi) Capital Resorts 84 Main
- (0.19 mi) The Kennebunk Inn
- (0.66 mi) Port Inn Kennebunk, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member
- Restaurants near Parsons Beach:
- (0.18 mi) 50 Local
- (0.21 mi) Duffy's Tavern & Grill
- (0.18 mi) Crotux Kitchen - Garden Street Bowl
- (0.24 mi) Boulangerie, A Proper Bakery
- (0.20 mi) The Tavern at the Kennebunk Inn