Kinney Shores Beach

Kinney Shores Beach in Saco stretches north of Bayview Beach, with the same dog-friendly rules as other city beaches. It's the same beachfront, just closer to the mouth of Goosefare Creek.

Kinney Shores Beach Dog-Friendly Beach Details

Saco (pronounced "Sock-OH") changed dog-friendly details in March 2021. Be sure to follow the updated dog access ordinance.

April 1 - September 30

Dogs must be leashed at all times on a leash no more than 12 feet long. There is no off-leash time of day during these months to protect the Piping Plover nests. Never get within 100 feet of the protected area.

The amended ordinance intends to protect endangered and at-risk wildlife, not restrict dogs. - City of Saco statement regarding changed to dog access on beaches

NOTE: This is a change from previous rules allowing dogs to be off leash in July and August before 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Horses are not allowed on the beach during these months.

October 1 - March 31

Dogs can be off-leash any time of day, provided they come when called and are in sight at all times. If a dog isn't under voice control, they are welcome to be on a leash as long as the leash is not longer than 12 feet long.

Pet Waste

Saco's updated rules require owners to have pet waste bags on them at all times. Bags are not provided at the beach entrance. You must pick up waste immediately and carry it with you until you find a public trash can.

Kinney Shores Beach Dog-Friendly Beach Amenities

There are few amenities on this stretch of the beach, but that's the plus and the minus! As long as you don't need quick access to restrooms and you bring your own water, you'll have plenty of remote beach space to explore as the beach takes the turn toward Goosefare Beach.

Low tide will bring sandbars and tide pools, giving room for all beachgoers and pet lovers to have their own space. If the tide is low enough, you can keep walking to Ocean Park Beach and eventually arrive at Old Orchard Beach and the historic pier and amusement park on the beach.

There is minimal shade, and this is in a residential area, so keep pets off private property.

Is Kinney Shores Beach Safe for Dogs?

The biggest concern of Kinney Shores beach, especially when it meets Goosefare Brook, is water quality. The 2022 update shows that it is an "Urban Impaired Stream." Storm runoff, sewage, and chemicals can pollute the waters and make them unsafe for people.

Throughout the summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Maine Healthy Beaches Dashboard posts water quality readings. Contact the city between Memorial Day and Labor Day before heading to this beach.

Rip tides are a risk, and signs will warn you about the dangers and safety steps. Summer will bring Greenhead Flies, which are large biting flies that are 10 times worse than mosquitoes. They leave painful welts on dogs and people and can also appear in masses.

Parking at Kinney Shores Beach

Residents and non-residents can purchase parking passes and beach permits through the Saco Police Department Citizen Connect Portal. Expect to pay at least $25 for a daily pass if you aren't a Saco resident.

There are public pathways to access this stretch of beach, but parking is very limited and confusing. Designated parking is available in the residential areas, but you should check with the Kinney Shores Association to see the latest updates.

NOTE: When you look at Google Maps, it appears that the parking lot for Goosefare Brook Observation Deck is an option, but that parking lot and deck DO NOT LEAD TO THE BEACH.

You can park at the Bayview Beach parking lots, but you'll walk about the length of 10 football fields to get to Kinney Shores. A walk to the pier at Old Orchard Beach will be 1.5 miles long.

What’s Near Kinney Shores Beach

The Atlantic Bay Trail is on the other side of Seaside Drive between Bayview and Kinney Shores and is a marsh and forest path. Kinney Shores is also a short walk (1600 feet) to the Goosefare Observation Deck.

Kinney Shores Beach Dog-Friendly Beach Rating: A-