Kettle Cove Beach
Discover Kettle Cove Beach, a charming Maine gem with unique red sand, scenic trails, and tranquil waters. Perfect for families and photographers!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer seas
Kettle Cove Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer seas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Kettle Cove Beach, a charming Maine gem with unique red sand, scenic trails, and tranquil waters. Perfect for families and photographers!
"A fantastic Maine state park, small but nicely maintained, limited parking keeps the small beach un-crowded."
🚗 Parking is Limited!
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking fills up fast. Consider weekdays for a more relaxed visit.
🌬️ Brace for the Breeze
It can get windy here! Pack layers, even on warm days, to stay comfortable.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Red Sand Cove
Jordan's Point (western end of Crescent Beach State Park)
Discover a hidden gem with striking red sand, a unique contrast to the typical Maine coastline.
Tide Pool Exploration
Beachfront at low tide
Explore fascinating marine life revealed in shallow pools as the tide recedes. Perfect for curious minds!
Scenic Walking Trails
Throughout Kettle Cove Park
Wander through coastal scrub and forest for peaceful strolls and secluded picnic spots.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wind & Tide
Beyond the Sand: Trails & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is Limited!
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking fills up fast. Consider weekdays for a more relaxed visit.
🌬️ Brace for the Breeze
It can get windy here! Pack layers, even on warm days, to stay comfortable.
🥾 Explore the Trails
Don't just stick to the sand; the walking paths offer beautiful views and quiet spots.
🦀 Tide Pool Treasures
Check the tide charts! Low tide is prime time for discovering fascinating sea creatures.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Limited!
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking fills up fast. Consider weekdays for a more relaxed visit.
🌬️ Brace for the Breeze
It can get windy here! Pack layers, even on warm days, to stay comfortable.
🥾 Explore the Trails
Don't just stick to the sand; the walking paths offer beautiful views and quiet spots.
🦀 Tide Pool Treasures
Check the tide charts! Low tide is prime time for discovering fascinating sea creatures.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Find secluded picnic tables tucked away on the trails for a private meal with a view.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kettle Cove Beach is a well-maintained, charming state park offering a pleasant beach experience with the added bonus of unique red sand and scenic trails. Visitors appreciate its cleanliness, limited crowds due to parking, and family-friendly amenities like tide pools and picnic areas. Some find it a bit windy, and parking can be a challenge during peak times.
"Great place! There is plenty of parking, a couple of port-a-potties plus showers. A place to rent kayaks & several benches before heading down to the beach. The park is kept clean and has several easy walking trails. There are also swings for the kids to play on and tucked up amongst the walking trails are little areas that have a feel of seclusion with basic grills and picnic tables if you plan to make a day at the beach."
Martha Malik
"What a lovely beach! We went to take a tour of the tide pools, then brought out the beach toys and played in the sand for a couple of hours. Bath rooms are close. Great place!"
Rachel Krich
"Fantastic Maine state park, small but nicely maintained, limited parking keeps the small beach un-crowded, nice walking paths through and seaside scrub forest. Definitely worth the time to explore!"
S W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kettle Cove Beach is located in Cape Elizabeth, about 8 miles south of Portland. Take Route 77 South. Parking is available within the park, but it's limited and fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
Yes, there is a parking area at Kettle Cove Beach. However, it is quite limited and can fill up very fast, particularly during peak season and on weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Yes, there's a trail from the Crescent Beach State Park parking area that leads to the red-sand cove at Jordan's Point, which is part of the Kettle Cove area.
From Portland, head south on Route 77. Kettle Cove is a well-marked destination in Cape Elizabeth. The drive is scenic and relatively short.
Kettle Cove Beach is generally easy to find in Cape Elizabeth, often mentioned in conjunction with Crescent Beach State Park. Look for signage for Kettle Cove.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kettle Cove Beach is part of a Maine State Park, and while some state parks have entrance fees, Kettle Cove itself is often described as having limited parking that fills up. It's best to check the official Maine State Parks website for the most current fee information, though many visitors report it as free or included with parking.
As a state park, Kettle Cove Beach is typically open from sunrise to sunset. However, parking access may be restricted once the lot is full.
Some reviews mention a place to rent kayaks, suggesting water sport rentals might be available. It's advisable to check locally for current rental availability and services.
Yes, there are port-a-potties and showers available at Kettle Cove Beach, making it convenient for a day trip.
Pets are allowed in certain areas of Kettle Cove Park, but typically not on the main beach itself. Always check local regulations for specific pet policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can relax on the beach, explore tide pools at low tide, walk the scenic trails, have a picnic at designated spots, and enjoy the coastal views. Kayak rentals may also be available.
Yes, Kettle Cove Beach is great for families. It has swings for kids, shallow areas for playing, and the tide pools offer educational fun. The trails also provide space for exploration.
While the main beach has typical sand, the western end at Jordan's Point is known for its distinctive red sand, making it a unique spot. +1
Absolutely! Tucked away amongst the walking trails are secluded areas with basic grills and picnic tables, perfect for a day out.
The water is described as crystal clear and refreshing, though it can be cool even in summer. It's a beautiful spot for swimming and enjoying the ocean.
📸 📸 Photography Spots
Capture the unique red sand cove, the scenic coastal trails, the ocean views, and the marine life during low tide. It's also a popular spot for family and portrait photography. 
The coastal location offers beautiful light for both sunrise and sunset. The changing tides and the rugged coastline provide dynamic backdrops.
Yes, visitors often find interesting objects like shells and sea glass along the shore, which can be great for artistic photography or collecting.
Kettle Cove is near Crescent Beach State Park and offers views of Richmond Island, providing diverse photographic subjects.
Its natural beauty, clear water, unique red sand, and coastal landscape make it a sought-after location for professional and amateur photographers alike.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The coastal scenery, clear waters, and the interplay of light and shadow throughout the day provide endless opportunities. It's a popular location for family portraits and engagement shoots, with many creators highlighting its beauty. +1 Don't forget to capture the marine life during low tide and the scenic walking trails for diverse content. 🧘♀️ Wellness Seekers
+1 If you're looking for a peaceful escape to connect with nature and yourself, consider attending or organizing a similar event here. It's a place where the sea's rhythm can enhance your practice. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Red Sand
The red hue is attributed to the presence of iron-rich minerals in the sand, a characteristic that sets this spot apart. It's a popular location for photography and a memorable feature for those exploring the area. While the main Kettle Cove beach has more conventional sand, the red sand cove offers a truly distinctive experience.
Exploring Kettle Cove's Coastal Trails
These trails are not only great for a leisurely stroll but also lead to interesting vantage points and hidden picnic areas. Some trails are described as being a bit muddy or wet, especially in the early morning, adding to the adventurous feel for some. The diverse terrain provides a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to connect with the coastal environment.
Kettle Cove as a Wellness Retreat
+1Organizers and participants alike find the cove to be a magnificent and gorgeous spot for such gatherings. The combination of the ocean's rhythm and guided practices creates a deeply restorative experience. It's a testament to how Kettle Cove can offer more than just traditional beach enjoyment, serving as a space for community and personal well-being.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit