We’re halfway through August and summer may be winding down, but there’s still time to squeeze in one last getaway. And if there’s one place I’d recommend for saying goodbye to summer, it’s Goose Rocks Beach, Maine. Ditch the Caribbean, see ya Hamptons, adios Nantucket. Goose Rocks Beach is where you want to be. This little stretch of Maine coast has everything you need, without quite so much trying to be seen.
Just a few miles from Kennebunkport, this tiny coastal spot is the perfect place to while away the last lazy days of summer. If your idea of a great vacation involves long afternoons reading on the beach, plenty of fresh lobster and just enough culture to keep things interesting, you’ve found your place.
where to stay
When it comes to where to stay in and around Goose Rocks Beach, there’s no shortage of good options. It really just depends on your vacation personality and how far you’re willing to stretch the hotel budget.
Hidden Pond is the splurge worthy choice for anyone who likes their Maine getaway woodsy, secluded and seriously stylish. Think grown-up summer camp, only with much better linens and cocktails. Best for: a romantic escape or a hideaway-from-everyone kind of weekend.
White Barn Inn leans more classic New England luxury, rustic, romantic and just the right amount of bougie. If your ideal Maine vacation includes a beautiful room, a very good dinner and absolutely no roughing it, this is your spot. Best for: a special occasion or a luxe couples getaway.
For oceanfront charm, The Tides Beach Club has a relaxed, beachy feel with Goose Rocks Beach right outside the door. It’s the kind of place that makes it very easy to convince yourself you don’t actually need to leave the beach all day. Best for: beach lovers who want sand, sea and cocktails within a few steps of their room.
And if you want to be right in the middle of the action, The Boathouse puts you directly on the harbor in downtown Kennebunkport, within easy walking distance of the shops, restaurants and everything Dock Square has to offer. Best for: anyone who wants to park the car and forget about it.
Four very different vibes, but really, there are no bad choices here. The hardest part may be deciding whether you’re feeling beach club, woodland retreat, classic New England inn or right-in-the-middle-of-everything.
where to eat
Eating well in Maine is not particularly difficult, especially if your vacation diet consists largely of lobster, baked goods and anything that can reasonably be eaten while looking at the water.
breakfast
For an easy breakfast, Bradbury Bros. Market is the kind of place you’ll find yourself returning to all week. Grab a coffee, something freshly baked and breakfast to go before heading to the beach. Best for: a quick morning stop when you’d rather spend your time on Goose Rocks Beach than sitting over brunch.
Another Goose Rocks favorite is the Goose Rocks Beach General Store, perfect for grabbing breakfast or an easy lunch without venturing far from the beach. It’s casual, convenient and exactly the kind of old-school general store every beach town needs. Best for: sandwiches, breakfast and stocking up before a day on the sand.
lunch
At lunchtime, The Clam Shack is practically required eating. Go for the lobster rolls, fried clams and classic Maine seafood—and expect things to be deliciously messy. Best for: checking “eat a lobster roll in Maine” off your vacation list.
For something a little more sit-down-and-stay-awhile, Salt & Honey serves New England comfort food with a slightly more polished spin. It’s a great option when you want something beyond the traditional seafood shack without losing that coastal Maine feeling. Best for: a relaxed lunch when everyone needs a break from lobster rolls. Although, personally, I’m not sure such a thing exist.
Dinner
And then there’s Nunan’s Lobster Hut, where dinner is refreshingly simple. This is classic, no-frills Maine lobster—no fancy presentation required. Come hungry, order the lobster and embrace the fact that dinner may involve a bib. Best for:the traditional Maine lobster dinner experience.
Want something a little more polished? Little Barn at the White Barn Inn gives you the beautiful White Barn Inn setting without committing to a full-on fine-dining experience. The menu takes its cues from Maine farms and local fisheries, but the vibe is relaxed and approachable. Best for: date night when you want something special but don’t necessarily want to make a whole production out of dinner.
And when you’ve reached your lobster limit—apparently this can happen—head to Rosella Sushi. Located in Kennebunk’s Lower Village, Rosella brings a completely different option to the mix with seasonal sushi, sashimi and coastal Maine-inspired dishes. It feels fresh, stylish and just unexpected enough after several days of lobster rolls and fried clams. Best for: a fun date-night dinner and a much-needed break from the seafood-shack circuit.
what to do
As tempting as it is to spend the entire trip parked on Goose Rocks Beach with a book and absolutely no agenda, there’s plenty to do when you’re ready to venture a little farther afield.
outdoor activities
For a full-day adventure, head north to Camden and get out on the water with Windjammer Classic for a day of sailing. Between the harbor, the boats and the ridiculously pretty Maine coastline, it’s one of those days that feels like a vacation within your vacation. Best for: a day trip when you want to see a different side of coastal Maine, and justify buying yet another striped sweater.
If eating your way through a destination counts as sightseeing, sign up for a foodie walking tour with Maine Day Adventures. It’s an easy way to sample local favorites while learning a little about the area along the way. Best for:anyone who prefers their history lessons with snacks.
shows
And if you’re in the mood for a little theater, take the drive down to Ogunquit Playhouse for a musical. It makes for a great afternoon or evening excursion and is an easy way to work something cultural into an otherwise very lobster-and-beach-heavy itinerary. Best for: musical-theater fans or a rainy-day escape.
For an evening out closer to home, check the schedule at Vinegar Hill Music Theatre. Catching a show here is a fun change of pace after a day at the beach and gives you a reason to trade the flip-flops for something slightly more civilized. Best for: live music, date night and those evenings when you’re not quite ready to call it a night after dinner.
The nice thing about staying in Goose Rocks is that you can do as much—or as little—as you want. Spend one day sailing, another eating your way through town, catch a show at night and still leave plenty of time for the most important Maine activity of all: doing absolutely nothing on the beach.
more travel guides
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final thoughts
So before summer officially slips away, pack a good book, leave a little room for lobster and head north. Goose Rocks Beach is exactly the kind of place that makes you want to hold onto summer just a little bit longer.
