The Beach With a Presidential View
Colony Beach is a small crescent of sand on Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport, sitting just below The Colony Hotel. It is not the biggest beach in town and not the most famous. But it has something the others do not: a direct sightline to Walker’s Point, the oceanfront estate that has served as the Bush family’s summer retreat for over a century. The compound sits on a rocky promontory about a half mile up the coast, and from Colony Beach you can see its rooflines, flagpole, and the Secret Service detail that still watches over the property.
The beach itself is modest. A strip of sand that expands at low tide and shrinks considerably at high tide, bordered by rocky ledges on both sides. The Colony Hotel, a grand white wooden structure that has been operating since 1914, rises behind it. The setting is classic southern Maine coast: rocky shore, ocean views, the sound of waves on granite.
Parking near Colony Beach is extremely limited. A small number of spaces along Ocean Avenue serve the beach, and they fill quickly on summer days. There is no dedicated lot. Consider walking from Dock Square, which is about a mile along Ocean Avenue, or cycling.
The Beach Experience
Colony Beach works best as a stop on an Ocean Avenue walk rather than a full beach day destination. The sand area is small enough that it fills with a few dozen people. At low tide, the beach opens up and you can explore the rocky ledges on either side, where tide pools hold periwinkles, small crabs, and barnacles. At high tide, the sand narrows to a thin strip.
The water is typical southern Maine coast: cold. Summer temperatures reach the upper 50s to low 60s on warm days. Most people wade rather than swim. The bottom is sandy close to shore but transitions to rocky within a short distance.
The real draw is the walk along Ocean Avenue itself. From Dock Square in the center of Kennebunkport, Ocean Avenue winds about two miles along the coast past grand summer homes, rocky headlands, and views across the water. Colony Beach is roughly halfway along this stretch, and Walker’s Point is at the far end. The walk is flat, paved, and scenic the entire way.
The walk from Dock Square to Walker’s Point and back is about four miles round trip. Colony Beach makes a natural halfway point where you can rest, dip your feet in the water, and take photos of the coastline. The views of the Bush compound are best from the road just past the beach.
Walker’s Point
Walker’s Point has been in the Bush family since 1902, when George Herbert Walker purchased the property. It gained national prominence as the “Summer White House” during George H.W. Bush’s presidency from 1989 to 1993. The estate sits on a rocky point with ocean on three sides, surrounded by a security perimeter.
You cannot visit the compound, but the views from Ocean Avenue are clear. The point is visible from Colony Beach and from several spots along the road beyond the beach. Binoculars help if you want to see the buildings in detail. The area is a popular photo stop, and you will see tourists lined up at the guardrails any summer day.
The Colony Hotel itself is worth a visit even if you are not a guest. The lobby and grounds are open to visitors, and the ocean-facing porch has rocking chairs with one of the best views on the coast. Grab a drink at the bar and sit on the porch as the sun moves west.
When to Go
Spring
Cool and often windy. Good for walking Ocean Avenue. Water too cold for swimming.
Summer
Warmest water. Busiest period. Parking is hardest to find. Walk from Dock Square instead.
Fall
Fewer crowds, pleasant walking weather. Water cooling down. Beautiful light for photos.
Winter
Beach is empty. Ocean Avenue walk is bracing. Colony Hotel is closed for the season.
Summer is the peak season, and Colony Beach is busiest from late June through August. September and early October are underrated: the crowds thin, the light turns golden, and the walking is pleasant. Winter visits are for the hardy, but the empty coastline has its own appeal.
Getting There
From Portland, take I-95 South to exit 25 (Kennebunk), then follow Route 35 to Kennebunkport. Head to Dock Square and follow Ocean Avenue south along the coast. Colony Beach is about one mile from Dock Square on the left. Look for The Colony Hotel on the hill above.
Parking is a few spaces along Ocean Avenue near the hotel. Overflow parking is available in Dock Square with metered spots and a municipal lot.
Packing List
Colony Beach Visit
- Sunscreen and hat
- Towel
- Water shoes (rocky areas around the beach)
- Binoculars (for views of Walker's Point)
- Camera
- Walking shoes (for the Ocean Avenue walk)
- Cash for parking meters
FAQ
Can you see the Bush compound from Colony Beach?
Yes. Walker's Point is visible from Colony Beach and from several spots along Ocean Avenue beyond the beach. The compound sits on a rocky point about half a mile up the coast. Binoculars help for detail.
Is there parking at Colony Beach?
Parking is very limited. A few roadside spaces on Ocean Avenue serve the beach. On summer weekends, these fill early. Walking from Dock Square (about one mile) is often easier than driving.
Are dogs allowed at Colony Beach?
Dogs are generally not allowed on the beach during summer months. Check Kennebunkport's current beach rules, as restrictions vary by season.
Is Colony Beach good for swimming?
Swimming is possible but the water is cold, typically in the upper 50s to low 60s in summer. The sand area is small and the bottom becomes rocky offshore. Most visitors wade and explore rather than swim laps.
How far is Colony Beach from Dock Square?
Colony Beach is about one mile south of Dock Square along Ocean Avenue. It is a flat, scenic walk that takes about 20 minutes.
