Walkers Point at sunrise
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Parsons Way

4.6
·289 reviews·Kennebunk, United States

A wild, natural beach with a scenic shore walk, offering a peaceful escape with limited parking. Ideal for quiet walks and fishing.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evening

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Walkers Point at sunrise

Parsons Way

Best Time

Evening

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A wild, natural beach with a scenic shore walk, offering a peaceful escape with limited parking. Ideal for quiet walks and fishing.

4.6
(289 reviews)

"Beautiful, clean, was there as tide was going out. Great walking beach."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking is Scarce!

Only about 6 parking spots. Be ready for a walk or arrive very early!

🚶‍♀️ Embrace the Walk

The 0.6-mile trail to the beach is lovely and well-maintained.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Shore Walk

The Shore Walk

Trail leading to the beach

A beautiful, well-maintained 0.6-mile trail offering a scenic prelude to the beach.

Low Tide Beachcombing

Low Tide Beachcombing

Parsons Way Beach

Experience a vast, clean beach perfect for walking and exploring as the tide recedes.

River Outlet Fishing

River Outlet Fishing

Where the river meets the sea

A popular spot for anglers, offering a good chance to cast a line in a scenic setting.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking Pains & Peaceful Walks

Parsons Way offers a serene beach experience, but parking is extremely limited. Arrive early or be prepared for a walk from nearby areas. It's a free, natural spot, perfect for a quiet escape, especially during low tide.

Best for Nature Lovers

This is a wild, natural beach ideal for those seeking tranquility and a genuine connection with nature. While free and dog-friendly (on leash during nesting season), it's not a typical bustling tourist spot. Expect a peaceful, less crowded atmosphere.

Best Times

When
Evening
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Low tide
Why
Expansive beach for walking
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

I'm in Ogunquit with my family.. save me from this tourist trap please!

🚗 Parking is Scarce!

Only about 6 parking spots. Be ready for a walk or arrive very early! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Embrace the Walk

The 0.6-mile trail to the beach is lovely and well-maintained. Reddit

reddit.com

Good striper fly fishing in southern Maine?

🐶 Dogs Welcome (Leashed)

Leashes required during Plover nesting season. Check local regulations.

🎣 Fishing Hotspot

The river outlet is a great spot for fishing, but parking can be tough. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking is Scarce!

Only about 6 parking spots. Be ready for a walk or arrive very early! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Embrace the Walk

The 0.6-mile trail to the beach is lovely and well-maintained. Reddit

🐶 Dogs Welcome (Leashed)

Leashes required during Plover nesting season. Check local regulations.

🎣 Fishing Hotspot

The river outlet is a great spot for fishing, but parking can be tough. Reddit

🌊 Check the Tides

Visiting at low tide offers the most beach space for walking and exploring.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(289 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Parsons Way for its beautiful, clean, and natural beach, offering a peaceful escape, especially during low tide. The scenic shore walk is a highlight. However, the extremely limited parking is a significant drawback, often requiring a long walk to access the beach.

"We went in the evening so there were not a lot of people there.It was a very peaceful walk on the beach"

Jennifer Dorman

"Beautiful, clean, was there as tide was going out. Great walking beach. Free, dogs allowed (on leash during Plove nesting season). Parking was a nightmare. Only about 6 slots. So that means about 1/3+ mile walk."

Terese Kenyon

"Its a nice free place to visit, the parking is usually full, very little parking... it's pretty wild and real nature.. id of liked to fish there , but was not lucky enuff to get a parking space .."

Stephanie Berry

What People Like

Beautiful, clean beach
Peaceful atmosphere
Scenic shore walk

What People Dislike

Very limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Parsons Way is accessible via a short, well-maintained 0.6-mile trail. The main challenge is parking, as there are only about 6 designated spots. Many visitors park elsewhere and walk, or arrive very early to secure a spot. Reddit

Information on direct public transportation to Parsons Way is limited. It's best to check local Ogunquit transit options, but expect to potentially walk from a drop-off point due to parking constraints.

The parking situation is notoriously difficult. Arriving very early in the morning or during off-peak hours is highly recommended. Be prepared for a walk if you can't find a spot. Reddit

Yes, Parsons Way is located in Ogunquit, Maine. It's a natural beach area accessible from the town, though parking is the primary logistical hurdle.

The 0.6-mile trail is described as flat and well-maintained, suggesting good accessibility for most. However, confirm specific accessibility features if needed.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Parsons Way is a free public beach. There are no admission fees to access the beach or the shore walk. Reddit

As a natural beach, Parsons Way does not have set opening or closing hours. It is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, parking availability may be a limiting factor.

No booking is required as Parsons Way is a free, natural beach. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, especially for parking.

Dogs are allowed on leash, but must be leashed during Plover nesting season. Be mindful of the natural environment and any posted regulations.

While it can get busy, Parsons Way is generally less crowded than other Ogunquit beaches, especially during weekdays or off-peak times. Visiting during low tide or evenings can offer a more peaceful experience. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Parsons Way is ideal for peaceful beach walks, beachcombing, fishing at the river outlet, and enjoying the natural scenery. It's a great spot for relaxation and connecting with nature. Reddit

While it's a beach, Parsons Way is more known for its walking and natural beauty rather than swimming. Water conditions can vary, and it's less of a typical swimming beach compared to others.

Parsons Way is a natural beach and typically has limited facilities. There are no restrooms or concessions directly on the beach. Visitors should come prepared.

Yes, the river outlet at Parsons Way is a popular spot for fishing. Anglers often find it a good location to cast a line. Reddit

Bring comfortable walking shoes for the trail, water, snacks, and any fishing gear if you plan to fish. Sun protection is also advisable. Be prepared for limited facilities. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The scenic shore walk trail offers beautiful perspectives, especially with the natural landscape. The river outlet meeting the sea and the expansive beach at low tide are also prime photography locations. Reddit

The evening is a great time to visit for photography, offering softer light and fewer crowds. While not directly west-facing, the natural beauty provides excellent opportunities for sunset-inspired shots. Reddit

Parsons Way is excellent for landscape photography, nature shots, and capturing serene beach scenes. The wild, natural environment provides a picturesque backdrop.

Drone regulations can vary by location and season. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Ogunquit Parks and Recreation department for current drone usage policies before flying.

Early mornings and late evenings offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a more serene atmosphere. Low tide also provides more beach to capture. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Parsons Way offers a more natural and less crowded beach experience, which can be great for families seeking a quieter outing. The 0.6-mile shore walk is flat and well-maintained, making it manageable for little legs, though strollers might be a good idea. The beach itself is spacious at low tide, providing room for kids to play. However, be aware of the limited parking, which can be a significant challenge with children and gear. It's also important to note the lack of facilities like restrooms, so plan accordingly. Reddit

Consider packing plenty of snacks, drinks, and sun protection. The natural environment is a highlight, but it also means fewer amenities. If your family enjoys exploring nature and a more laid-back beach day without the hustle and bustle of busier spots, Parsons Way can be a wonderful choice, provided you strategize for the parking situation. Reddit

🎣 Anglers and Nature Enthusiasts

For those who love to fish, the river outlet at Parsons Way is a key attraction. It's described as a good spot to cast a line and enjoy the coastal scenery while angling. Beyond fishing, nature enthusiasts will appreciate the wild, undeveloped character of the beach and the pleasant shore walk leading to it. Reddit

This audience will likely value the free access and the opportunity to experience a less commercialized stretch of Maine coastline. The peace and quiet, especially during off-peak hours or low tide, are significant draws. Just remember that the limited parking is a recurring theme, so planning your visit around securing a spot or being prepared for a walk is essential for a smooth experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Parking Challenge

The most frequently mentioned challenge for visitors to Parsons Way is the extremely limited parking. With only about six designated spots, securing a place to park can be a significant hurdle. Many reviews and Reddit posts highlight the need to arrive very early in the morning or be prepared for a substantial walk from alternative parking areas in Ogunquit. Reddit This scarcity means that while the beach itself is free and accessible, the journey to it requires strategic planning or a willingness to embrace a longer approach.

To mitigate this, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or on weekdays when crowds might be thinner. Alternatively, if you're staying in Ogunquit, walking or biking to Parsons Way might be a more reliable option than relying on finding a parking spot. The 0.6-mile shore walk is described as pleasant, so it can be part of the enjoyable experience rather than just a necessity due to lack of parking. Reddit

The Natural Appeal of Parsons Way

Parsons Way stands out for its wild and natural beauty, offering a stark contrast to more developed tourist beaches. Visitors often praise its clean, expansive shoreline, particularly when the tide is out, revealing a vast area for walking and exploring. This natural setting makes it a haven for those seeking peace and a genuine connection with the coastal environment. Reddit

The beach is also noted for being dog-friendly (on leash during nesting seasons), adding to its appeal for pet owners. The river outlet provides an interesting ecological feature and a popular spot for fishing, further enhancing the natural experience. Unlike many commercialized beaches, Parsons Way retains a sense of raw, untouched Maine coastline, making it a refreshing escape for many. Reddit

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