Ocean Woods Resort Explore Kennebunkport Maine
Ocean Woods Resort offers the perfect location for exploring Kennebunkport and the Southern Maine Coast. The number one attraction of course is the unsurpassed Goose Rocks Beach. This three mile long, wide sandy beach is has to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Protected gentle surf and soft sand make this beach perfect for beach walks, sun bathing, playing games, swimming in the refreshing Atlantic Ocean, and of course just pulling up a beach chair and relaxing.
After a day at the Beach, return to Ocean Woods Resort for a swim in our outdoor pool, and a casual dinner at our friendly relaxed Goose Rocks Pub by the Bar or on the Outdoor PJ’s Patio Deck.
For world-class dining, you are just a half-mile to two exceptional restaurants. On Goose Rocks Beach is Tides Beach Club with ocean views, a contemporary menu and a very chic bar. Earth at Hidden Pond is an award-winning restaurant featuring local-sourced Maine food served with tremendous creative flare from an open-concept kitchen. The décor at Earth is as exceptional as the cuisine, located beyond the Clock Tower on Goose Rocks Road heading west.
Nearby Cape Porpoise is a must visit, from this idyllic fisherman’s Pier you can see Goat Island Lighthouse, watch the lobstermen bring in their catch from sea, and enjoy a lobster roll at Cape Pier Chowder House, or dine at the Ramp or Pier 77. Kayakers love the protection and scenery of Cape Porpoise Harbor and Stage Neck Harbor here. Artist and photographers are captivated by Cape Porpoise’s classic Maine setting.
Continuing toward Kennebunkport along the coast, take the scenic Ocean Avenue that leads to Walker’s Point – President Bush’s summer home situated on a spectacular peninsula. Ocean Avenue then passes spectacular cottages and oceanfront mansions. Be sure to stop at St Anne’s Church perched on a dramatic point – this 1887 stone church is glorious, as is the view to sea and the shoreline.
Dock Square, at the end of Ocean Ave is brimming with Kennebunkport shops, art galleries, and restaurants – worth an afternoon of browsing the boutiques and admiring the architecture of this famous seaside town. There is always something happening in Kennebunkport from Food and Wine festival in spring, like June’s Kennebunkport Festival, to summer concerts, craft fairs and sidewalk sales.
Across the Kennebunk River in Lower Village, aka Harbor Village, you will find the popular Clam Shack, and boating excursions that depart daily in season for whale watching and scenic lobster boat tours. Kayak and bike rentals are located here near Federal Jack’s Brew Pub – Kennebunkport’s Shipyard Brewing Company that makes the well-known Maine beer. Lower Village is dotted with more Maine art galleries, shops, cafes and pubs from Mexican to Italian and Irish.
Drive out Beach Avenue to find Kennebunk’s beautiful beaches, Gooch’s Beach, Middle Beach, and Mother’s Beach – which is named for its kid-friendly tidal pools, a gentle slope and oceanview playground.
A drive along Summer Street from Copper’s Corner in Lower Village toward downtown Kennebunk, aka Route 35, takes you by the historic 1825 Wedding Cake House and the grand mansions of sea captains from the 1800’s. Local lore is that many of these magnificent old Mansards and Victorians are haunted.
Route 1 South will bring you along Main Street Kennebunk, where you can visit the Brick Store Museum, and local shops and restaurants, even a Farmer’s Market in the Pavilion on Saturdays in season. Free summer concerts and Shakespeare in the Park plays, even old home style parades are presented throughout the summer months in Kennebunk.
The Kennebunks also offer miles of trails, bridal paths and bike paths to explore, including The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust network of trails, and the Eastern Trail accessed near the Kennebunk Exit of I95.
The Seashore Trolley Museum near Goose Rock Beach Road on Log Cabin Road is a delight for train lovers, kids and history buffs alike – featuring the largest collection of street cars. You can even take a ride on a beautifully restored old trolley or train through the Maine countryside.
For theatre lovers, The Arundel Barn Playhouse has summer stock productions in season showcased a lovely old barn – Broadway comes to Maine.
Just a short drive away from Goose Rocks Beach and Kennebunkport are the coastal towns of Wells and Ogunquit with more great beaches, shops and restaurants to the south on Route 1, and Biddeford Pool and Old Orchard Beach to the north of our Goose Rocks location. The Old Port in Portland is a great day trip for sightseeing, art and children’s museums, shopping, a Sea Dogs Game or a trip to the Casco Bay Islands on a ferry. Freeport and Kittery are both 40 minutes away with extensive brand-name outlets shopping.
There is so much to do and explore while staying at Ocean Woods Resort, you may want to extend your stay.
Most Photos on this Page Courtesy of Greg Burke VisitMaine.net
