The Quiet End of Saco Bay
Kinney Shores is a residential beach neighborhood along Saco Bay, just south of Old Orchard Beach and bordered to the north by the Goosefare Brook salt marsh. It shares the same long, broad ribbon of sand that runs the length of the bay, but it draws a fraction of the crowd. There is no pier, no arcade, and no boardwalk here, just a wide beach in front of a quiet strip of cottages and homes. For people who want Old Orchard’s sand without Old Orchard’s carnival, Kinney Shores is the answer.
The beach is wide and flat, opening into a huge expanse at low tide, and the city of Saco staffs it with lifeguards through the core summer season. Goosefare Brook, at the northern edge, is a tidal salt marsh with an observation deck and channels that fill with kayaks in summer, adding a quieter natural counterpoint to the open beach. The whole feel of Kinney Shores is low-key and local.
The Beach
Like the rest of Saco Bay, Kinney Shores is a long, gently sloping sand beach. At low tide it broadens into a wide flat that is excellent for walking, with hard-packed sand underfoot, and you can stroll for a long way in either direction along the continuous bay shoreline. The surf is usually moderate and the water is Gulf of Maine cool, warming enough in the shallows for summer swimming. With lifeguards on duty in season, it works well for families.
Goosefare Brook at the north end is the local highlight beyond the sand. The salt marsh has an observation deck for birdwatching, and its tidal canals are a gentle place to paddle a kayak when the tide is up. The dunes and marsh are protected habitat for nesting piping plovers, so keep off the dune grass and respect any posted nesting closures.
The Goosefare Brook salt marsh at the north end of Kinney Shores is worth a look. There is an observation deck for birding, and at high tide the channels are a calm spot for a short kayak paddle away from the open surf.
Rocky beaches & streams
Parking & Access
Parking at Kinney Shores is limited to designated street spaces, and you need a Saco beach parking permit to use them. Permits are sold at Saco City Hall on Main Street and at the Police Department. Be careful to park only in marked, legal spots, since the surrounding streets are residential and unauthorized parking risks fines or towing. There are no large lots and few amenities at the beach itself, so it has a quiet, low-key feel.
Dogs are welcome with seasonal rules. From April 1 through September 30, dogs must be leashed to no more than 12 feet to protect nesting piping plovers, and kept at least 100 feet from nesting sites. From October 1 through March 31, dogs are allowed off-leash under voice and sight control. Clean up after your dog in all seasons.
Kinney Shores is the move when Old Orchard Beach feels like too much. Same Saco Bay sand, far fewer people, and an easy walk along the shore to Bayview Beach or up toward Old Orchard if you want more action later.
Getting There
From I-95, take the Saco exit and follow Route 9 toward the coast, then turn toward the Kinney Shores neighborhood and its beach streets. The drive from downtown Saco is about 10 minutes, and from Portland it is roughly 30 minutes via I-95 and Route 9. Once in the neighborhood, watch carefully for legal, marked parking spaces.
When to Visit
Spring
Cool and very quiet. Good for a long beach walk and off-season dog time. Water too cold to swim, no lifeguards yet.
Summer
Lifeguards on duty, warmest water, and still calmer than Old Orchard. Get a parking permit and arrive early on hot weekends.
Fall
Warm September days still swim well, and the neighborhood empties out after Labor Day. Great low-tide walking on the broad bay sand.
Winter
Empty and windswept. A good cold-weather walk with the dog, off-leash under voice control. No swimming.
Packing List
Kinney Shores Day
- Saco beach parking permit
- Beach towel
- Sunscreen and hat
- Swimsuit
- Leash for the dog (required April through September)
- Water and snacks (few amenities)
- Kayak for the Goosefare Brook channels at high tide
FAQ
How is Kinney Shores different from Old Orchard Beach?
It is the same Saco Bay sand but far quieter. There is no pier, arcade, or boardwalk, just a wide beach in front of a residential neighborhood, making it a calmer alternative just south of Old Orchard.
Where do you park?
Parking is limited to designated street spaces, and you need a Saco beach parking permit, sold at City Hall and the Police Department. Park only in marked legal spots to avoid fines or towing.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes. From April 1 to September 30 dogs must be leashed to 12 feet and kept 100 feet from plover nesting sites. From October 1 to March 31 they may be off-leash under voice and sight control. Always clean up.
Is there a lifeguard?
Yes. Saco Parks and Recreation staffs Kinney Shores with lifeguards from mid-June to late August. Outside those dates there is no lifeguard.
What is Goosefare Brook?
It is the tidal salt marsh at the north end of Kinney Shores, with an observation deck for birding and channels that are a calm spot to kayak at high tide. The marsh is protected plover habitat.
