This complete Kennebunkport Journey Information, written by an area, lists the place to eat, the place to remain, and the perfect issues to do in Kennebunkport.
Is there something extra idyllic than summer season in Kennebunkport? It is a pretty coastal city with a stability of gorgeous nature, charming eating places, and darling domestically owned retailers and artwork galleries. It is the proper vacation spot for the traveler who needs to chill out.
I grew up in Kennebunk/Kennebunkport, so I’m uniquely certified to write down an in depth Kennebunkport journey information. My childhood was spent taking part in in tidepools on the seaside, taking tennis classes, and biking round city. After I was in highschool and school, I constructed up a resume of summer season work starting from working in tee-shirt retailers to serving meals at weddings for a catering firm. I moved to Chicago after school, however my mother and father and sister nonetheless name Kennebunkport dwelling.
Now that I’m experiencing the city as a customer and never as an area, I get to see a distinct facet of issues. I’ve an appreciation for the slower tempo of life, the cotton-candy-colored sunsets, and the quiet that falls over the city at night time.
This Kennebunkport Journey Information was final up to date in Might 2025
Mainers take nice pleasure of their state. We use the motto “the best way life must be” since we predict our lifestyle is fairly nice. I’m at all times excited to listen to that somebody is planning to go to my hometown. After I got here to city this summer season, I began to get messages from connections on Instagram who can be visiting this summer season. This made me notice that it’s time to replace my Kennebunkport Journey Information.
This information focuses totally on enterprise and issues to try this are walkable from Kennebunkport. Some are simply over the bridge in Decrease Village, Kennebunk.
Kennebunk Journey Information FAQs:
Kennebunkport is a coastal city in Southern Maine. It’s a couple of 40-minute drive south from Portland, Maine, and a 1-hour and 45-minute drive north from Boston.
The best choice is to fly into the Portland Jetport. From there, you may hire a automobile or take an Uber to Kennebunkport. Flying into Boston is usually a extra reasonably priced, but much less handy choice. When you occur to be close to Boston, I like to recommend taking the Amtrak Downeaster practice to Wells.
Notice: The practice is not an important choice in case you are south of Boston because the trains to Maine depart from North Station whereas all different Boston trains function out of South Station. So, for instance, for those who have been touring from New York Metropolis to Maine on the practice you would need to get off the practice at South Station, journey to North Station, and get on the Downeaster.
The unofficial summer season season is from Memorial Day to Labor Day. That is excessive season. The climate is heat sufficient to go to the seaside and all companies and eating places are open.
September by means of mid-October are nonetheless pretty, however cooler. Mid-October is ideal if you wish to see the autumn foliage. Lodges typically have extra reasonably priced charges throughout this time of 12 months.
From the tip of October by means of the tip of November city is quiet and the climate is beginning to get chilly. Many companies and eating places have abbreviated hours or aren’t open daily.
The city’s Christmas pageant, Christmas Prelude, takes place in the course of the first two weeks of December. It’s a magical, but chilly, time of 12 months. The resorts, retailers, and eating places are open and busy once more throughout these two weeks.
After Christmas Prelude, Kennebunkport could be very quiet till late Spring. Winters are chilly and lots of companies shut for the season.
Issues slowly begin to open up once more within the Spring. Spring may be chilly and wet.
The Kennebunk River divides Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. The bustling downtown of Kennebunkport extends into the Decrease Village part of Kennebunk.
Decrease Village is the a part of Kennebunk that’s instantly throughout the bridge from Kennebunkport. It is an extension of downtown Kennebunkport.
Arundel is inland simply north of Kennebunkport – it is a quick drive away (not likely walkable). Traditionally, Kennebunkport was a part of Arundel. Some companies, just like the Arundel Wharf and the Cape Arundel Inn, are in Kennebunkport.
Cape Porpoise is a small village inside Kennebunkport with a couple of retailers, eating places, and a lighthouse. It’s a pretty place to observe the sundown.
Goose Rocks is one other part of Kennebunkport that’s dwelling to Goose Rocks Seaside, a big sandy seaside.
Dock Sq. is the city sq. in downtown Kennebunkport. The monument may be discovered within the middle of Dock Sq., and in the course of the holidays, that is the place the city’s Christmas tree is positioned.
The summer season is mostly heat; not too sizzling or humid. Anticipate temperatures to be within the mid-70s on common. It cools off at night time, and even in the summertime, you want a light-weight sweater or jacket. The spring and fall are crisp and funky. Winter could be very chilly, and lots of resorts, eating places, and retailers are closed in the course of the winter months.
It’s Kenny-bunk-port. It is not Ken-a-bunk-port. And Arundel is Ah-run-del and never Arin-delle.
What to Know About Kennebunkport:
Throughout the summer season there generally is a good quantity of visitors getting out and in of Kennebunkport. It’s because there’s one small bridge connecting downtown Kennebunkport with Kennebunk.
The eating places in Kennebunkport get very busy in the summertime. You’ll want to make reservations upfront.
When you plan to remain at a resort inside strolling distance to Dock Sq. and the seashores, you in all probability don’t must hire a automobile. You can take an Uber to and from the Portland Jetport after which get round city on foot or by bicycle.
There’s a taxi service that makes use of giant golf cart-style autos referred to as RideME. I’ve had some luck with experience share providers, and have discovered that Lyft is extra well-liked than Uber.
The place to Eat in Kennebunkport and Kennebunk:
This can be a record of eating places in Kennebunkport and Kennebunk that my household and I like to recommend. One factor to know is that lobster costs can fluctuate enormously. As of summer season 2025, they’re excessive; most lobster rolls are about $30-$35.
Nunan’s Lobster Hut
This very informal Cape Porpoise lobster hut has been round for almost 70 years and is thought for serving contemporary traditional lobster dinners. It closes for the season in mid-October and is cash-only.
Mabel’s Lobster Claw
A seafood restaurant on Ocean Avenue close to Colony Seaside. There’s a takeout window beside the restaurant. Charles loves the Lobster Cobb Salad.
Alisson’s Restaurant
A family-friendly restaurant/bar with a menu that options numerous seafood. Locals debate whether or not Alisson’s or Clam Shack has the perfect lobster roll.
The Clam Shack
This tiny lobster shack on the sting of the Kennebunk River beside the bridge is likely one of the most iconic locations for a lobster roll. The traces do get fairly lengthy, so be ready. Along with their lobster roll, order fried clams, and french fries.
Earth
A fine-dining vacation spot on the Hidden Pond Resort in Goose Rocks – and one of many hardest reservations to get. Plan far upfront – it is value it.
The White Barn Inn
An distinctive, elegant, and romantic restaurant that provides each a prix fixe effective eating menu for $165 and a lobster menu for $245. You’ll need reservations upfront.
Little Barn
The White Barn Inn’s informal restaurant is a private favourite. I like the environment and the menu options completely executed gadgets like a lobster roll and a wagyu burger.
Ocean on the Cape Arundel Inn
A proper restaurant with gorgeous ocean views that’s preferrred for an important day.
Chez Rosa
This charming French restaurant is tucked away within the coronary heart of Dock Sq..
Wandby Touchdown
A brand new restaurant within the previous On the Marsh house that has a menu that includes house-made pasta and grilled meats and seafood.
Boathouse
Positioned beside the river with waterfront views, this restaurant has a seafood-focused menu and a preferred pleased hour.
Stripers
Stripers has river views and serves seafood and pub fare. A separate lighter menu with seafood appetizers, a lobster roll, a burger, fish and chips, and cocktails is served on the garden beside the river.
Ultramar
Positioned in Cape Porpoise, the little village with views of Goat Island Lighthouse, Ultramar makes a speciality of grilled seafood. This restaurant has unbelievable waterfront views of Cape Porpoise pier and the harbor.
Casa Seventy-Seven
This informal restaurant is positioned beneath Ultramar and comes from the identical homeowners. It’s walk-in solely and open from Thursdays to Mondays. The menu is consolation food-focused with gadgets together with burgers, fish & chips, sandwiches, and a lobster roll. That is the proper spot to observe the sundown.
Misplaced Fireplace
A Patagonian steakhouse can also be in Cape Porpose, however additional inland, so it would not boast waterfront views like Ultramar and Casa Seventy-Seven. That is the place to go to take a break from seafood.
Hurricane
A Dock Sq. restaurant with river views and American delicacies with numerous seafood.
The Tides Seaside Membership
A restaurant in Goose Rocks Seaside that serves traditional seafood dishes and that has a stay music pleased hour from 3-5 on Sundays.
Bandaloop
This beloved restaurant moved from Dock Sq. to a bigger location in Arundel. It is a fast drive – however too far to stroll from Dock Sq.. The meals is contemporary, seasonal, and inventive.
Breakfast and Espresso Choices:
These are nice locations for a fast chew within the morning.
Mornings in Paris
A preferred French bakery and cafe in Decrease Village with scrumptious croissants and pastries. That is the perfect place to seize a fast breakfast, however the traces may be lengthy on weekends. It’s open all 12 months. Throughout the summer season, there’s a second location on the Cape Porpoise Basic Retailer.
Dock Sq. Espresso Home
A small espresso store with some pastries. It’s open seasonally.
Satellite tv for pc Doughnuts
A tiny doughnut store that sells mini doughnuts with numerous toppings and low.
Fia Fia
Fia Fia serves wholesome fare like acai bowls, avocado toast, and smoothies plus espresso. They’re open for breakfast and lunch and are positioned on the nook of Spring Avenue and Temple Avenue simply exterior Dock Sq..
Mike’s All-Day Breakfast
This Kennebunk restaurant serves breakfast and a few lunch gadgets from 8 am till 2 pm each day.
Finest Take Out and Supply Choices:
The Port Field Co
This firm delivers packing containers of cheese and charcuterie. I used to be impressed with the parts and suppose the costs are cheap.
Talula’s Market Desk
A bakery in Decrease Village that sells ready-to-bake appetizers and entrees. It is an important choice for individuals staying in a rental home.
Cape Porpoise Kitchen
Owned by Kitchen Chicks Catering, this cafe has soups, sandwiches, connoisseur meals to go, wine and cheese.
Mekhong Thai
A family-owned Thai restaurant in Decrease Village that is superb. They do have some seafood choices along with traditional Thai dishes. On-line ordering is on the market, however know that they will get very busy.
Bennett’s Sandwich Store
Positioned a brief drive from the Kennebunk Seashores, that is the perfect sandwich store within the Kennebunks. They’re identified for his or her cheesesteaks, though you may’t go improper. They do have on-line ordering, which I like to recommend as a result of it does get busy at lunchtime. My household loves Bennett’s a lot that I’ve run into my Dad there. When you see a Kennebunkport journey information that does not embrace Bennett’s, do not belief it.
Entire Meals
Entire Meals will ship to Kennebunkport.
Basic Shops:
Kennebunkport would not have a grocery retailer, the closest one is Hannaford in Kennebunk. It is about 20 minutes from Kennebunkport – with out accounting for visitors.
HB Provisions
Positioned in Decrease Village simply earlier than the bridge, HB Provisions has a mixture of choose grocery gadgets, wine, and beer. Yow will discover the fundamentals right here however it will not change grocery buying.
Bradbury Brothers Market
This market in Cape Porpoise has a wider number of grocery gadgets plus a small meat counter/deli. Going to Bradburys may be an alternative choice to going to the grocery retailer on the town. They definitely do not have the whole lot, however they’ve sufficient to piece collectively a full meal.
Goose Rocks Seaside Basic Retailer / Mornings in Paris
A common retailer close to the seaside with a Mornings in Paris location that sells sandwiches, snacks, and different necessities. You should buy a parking go for the seaside from the kiosk in entrance. In my thoughts, this retailer turning into a part of the Mornings in Paris household was probably the most thrilling issues to occur in years.
Coveside Market
An offshoot from The Colony Resort, this market on Ocean Avenue by Colony Seaside is open each day from 8am till 4pm and has a espresso bar, snacks, and grab-and-go meals.
The Little Bodega
Positioned by Colony Seaside, throughout from Mabel’s, The Little Bodega sells beer, wine, and a small number of packaged meals. It would not promote sandwiches and so they do not put together meals on website.
What to Do in Kennebunkport:
Boat excursions and spending time on the water are key parts of any Kennebunkport Journey Information.
Seashores
There are a number of lovely seashores within the Kennebunks – preserve studying for an inventory of seashores.
Whale Watches
First Probability Whale Watch gives excursions on the ship Nick’s Probability. Costs begin at $54 for adults and $34 for youngsters.
Lobster Excursions
The Rugosa and Kylie’s Probability each provide lobster boat excursions that give a first-hand take a look at how lobsters are trapped. The Rugosa gives some adults-only BYOB excursions within the evenings.
Crusing
The Pineapple Ketch and the Schooner Eleanor are each crusing excursions that function out of the Kennebunkport facet of the river and sail out into the ocean for scenic excursions.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Coastal Maine Kayak and Bike gives kayak, SUP, and canoe excursions and leases.
Browsing
Aquaholics gives browsing lessons and surfboard leases.
Golf
Cape Arundel Golf Membership has a stunning riverside course that’s open to the general public.
Nott Home/White Columns
Excursions of this Greek revival mansion, which was constructed in 1853, are supplied.
Skilled Pictures Session
I like to recommend Deidra Doyon who’s a really gifted photographer who makes a speciality of portraits of each {couples} and households. She may be contacted at dldphotograph@gmail.com and 207 229 7039.
Vinegar Hill Music Theater
A small live performance venue in Arundel. Along with concert events, they host drive-in film nights.
Bike Rental
Coastal Maine Kayak and Bike gives bike, e-bike, and scooter leases.
Antiquing
There are a lot of vintage retailers within the Kennebunks and Wells. A private favourite is Americana Antiques in Kennebunk.
Strolling Trails on the Franciscan Monastery
The Franciscan Monastery in Kennebunk is a straightforward stroll from Kennebunkport and it has peaceable strolling trails alongside the Kennebunk River.
The Rachel Carson Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
Positioned a brief drive away in Wells, it is a huge nature protect with strolling trails that take you thru woods, beside marshes, and alongside the ocean.
Bowling at Backyard Avenue Bowl
The previous grocery retailer in Kennebunk has been was a bowling alley and restaurant. This can be a nice wet day exercise.
Candle Making at Sea Love
One other enjoyable factor to do on wet days is to create your individual customized candle scent at Sea Love.
Drive previous the Bush Compound
The Bush household has summered in Kennebunkport for generations. Whereas their dwelling is not open to the general public, you may drive by Walker’s Level (the Bush Compound). It is on the finish of Ocean Avenue previous the seashores.
Admire the Historic Structure
Kennebunkport is full of historic structure. Stroll alongside Ocean Avenue to see the mansions alongside the coast, or wander small facet streets like Elm Avenue, Inexperienced Avenue, South Avenue, and Pearl Avenue. If you wish to head into Kennebunk, drive down Summer time Avenue.
Ogunquit Playhouse
A theater venue in Ogunquit.
Velocity Boat to Ogunquit
An pleasant scenic journey from Kennebunkport to Ogunquit that permits you to bypass all of the visitors.
Seashores in Kennebunkport and Kennebunk:
There are two issues to know in regards to the seashores within the Kennebunks: the parking may be a difficulty, and it’s essential deliver meals since there is no bought on the seaside. Parking is exceptionally scarce at Parson’s Seaside – both bike there or get dropped off. Parking at Mom’s Seaside, Gooches Seaside, and Goose Rocks Seaside requires you to pay at a meter or to have a seaside allow, though you may park on facet streets with out a allow. When you use the parking meters, the price is $25 a day, $100 per week, or $200 for the season.
Colony Seaside
Colony Seaside is positioned in Kennebunkport throughout from the Colony Resort. That is the one seaside that’s dog-friendly all day (however they have to be on lease). Colony Seaside is rocky with some sand in the direction of the water. This seaside would not have lifeguards. Colony Seaside in would not have a lot parking, however often, you may nonetheless discover a spot. A allow is not required both.
Mom’s Seaside
This Kennebunk seaside is the realm’s most kid-friendly seaside. It’s a giant sandy seaside with a playground.
Gooches Seaside
Gooches Seaside is the biggest seaside in Kennebunk. This seaside is well-liked with surfers.
Goose Rocks Seaside
Positioned in Goose Rocks, it is a massive gorgeous sandy seaside. Parking may be tough to search out. My husband thinks that visiting this seaside is the perfect factor to do in Kennebunkport.
Parson’s Seaside
Parson’s is arguably probably the most lovely of the seashores in Kennebunk, however it may be a problem to get there since parking is extraordinarily restricted. This seaside would not have lifeguards. This seaside is an area secret that is not included in most Kennebunkport Journey Guides.
Daytrip Society
A store with a enjoyable mixture of clothes, jewellery, presents, and residential gadgets with a coastal vibe.
Daytrip Jr.
Daytrip Society’s children’ store has a mixture of clothes, toys, video games, and books.
Bliss
Bliss has fashionable ladies’s clothes, jewellery, and equipment.
Colonial Pharmacy
The pharmacy only recently stopped filling prescriptions, so it’s extra of a common retailer/reward store today. The number of toys for teenagers is surprisingly nice, plus you’ll find any private hygiene gadgets it’s possible you’ll want.
Fatface
Fatface is the one big-name retailer in Kennebunkport. It is a British retailer that had lately opened shops in coastal New England cities. Fatface has an important mixture of males’s and girls’s clothes.
Seas the Day
That is my go-to place for a Kennebunkport sweatshirt.
Minka
Minka has a number of pure merchandise starting from physique care to clothes, artwork, and decor gadgets.
Native Shade
Yow will discover ladies’s clothes and coastal-inspired dwelling decor gadgets right here.
Shoot the Moon
A domestically owned store with a mixture of jewellery, clothes, equipment, and residential gadgets.
Kennebunk Outfitters
When you want a washing go well with or something for out of doors sports activities, that is the place it’s essential go.
Seacraft Classic
A well-curated vintage store in Decrease Village.
Artwork Galleries in Kennebunkport:
Maine Artwork Hill
One of many bigger galleries on the town, Maine Artwork Hill represents regional artists and focuses on artwork impressed by the coast of Maine.
KW Up to date
A up to date artwork gallery that options the work of a number of extra summary artists.
Thompson & Firm
A gallery run by artist Jill Thompson who is thought for portray American flags. Along with exhibiting her personal work, the Thompson & Firm gallery options work and sculptures from a handful of different artists, a lot of whom concentrate on coastal themes.
Mast Cove Gallery
A big gallery representing many native artists in Kennebunkport.
Deborah Randall
Artist Deborah Randall is thought for her colourful landscapes and seascapes which can be accessible in a variety of sizes.
Bars in Kennebunkport:
Batson River Brewing & Distilling
Positioned on a hill with views of the river basin and Decrease Village, Batson River serves beer, cocktails, and a few bar snacks.
Arundel Wharf
The Wharf’s giant porch overlooking the Kennebunk River is the perfect place for pleased hour on a sunny day.
The Pilot Home
A hole-in-the-wall bar cherished by locals that usually has stay music and that serves prime rib on Wednesdays.
Ryan’s Nook Home
An Irish pub and restaurant with out of doors seating beside HB Provisions.
The place to Keep in Kennebunkport:
Kennebunkport has numerous nice resorts, and lots of have been lately renovated. Throughout the summer season, many have minimal stays.
The Kennebunkport Inn
A good looking historic inn overlooking Dock Sq..
Hidden Pond
An opulent resort with an distinctive restaurant positioned in Goose Rocks. The one draw back to staying at this property is that Dock Sq. and Decrease Village will not be inside strolling distance.
The White Barn Inn
An award-winning 27-room luxurious resort that has lately been renovated.
Breakwater Inn & Spa
Positioned beside the Kennebunk River, this resort has fantastic waterfront views.
The Captain’s Assortment
Lark bought 4 historic inns in Kennebunkport to create the Captain’s Assortment. These resort properties are ideally positioned – it is a quick stroll to each Dock Sq. and Colony Seaside. Beware – the Captain Lord Mansion is taken into account to be probably the most haunted buildings on the town.
Cape Arundel Inn
The Cape Arundel Inn is on Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport and has ocean views. It’s a 1.9-mile stroll from this resort to Dock Sq..
The Lodge on the Cove
A family-friendly resort with a pool. Facilities embrace bicycles for each children and adults and bonfires with s’mores.
The Colony Resort
A grand resort with a saltwater pool overlooking the ocean. It is subsequent to Colony Seaside and it’s canine pleasant.
Yachtsman Resort
This resort gives rooms on the Kennebunk River waterfront and a pool that floats within the river.
The Nonantum
A family-friendly resort on the river that’s nicely positioned between Colony Seaside and Dock Sq.. It is well-liked for household holidays and weddings.
The Tides Seaside Membership
That is the one waterfront resort in Goose Rocks Seaside. On the subject of seaside entry, you may’t beat this location.
Kennebunkport Journey Information to Finest Actions for Kids:
Seashore Trolley Museum
This transportation museum lets friends experience on and discover vintage trolleys. They typically host particular occasions.
Aquaholics
This surf store in Kennebunk gives browsing classes and even a browsing camp.
Graves Memorial Library
Kennebunkport’s public library is simply exterior Dock Sq. and so they host storytimes and musical occasions.
KBIA
The Kennebunk Seaside Enchancment Affiliation is basically a summer season day camp for teenagers that provides dozens of lessons together with swimming, crusing, tennis, artwork, pottery, sand fort constructing, and marine biology. It is positioned throughout from Mom’s Seaside in Kennebunk.
Raptor Falls Mini Golf & Ice Cream
A mini golf course positioned in Arundel that’s open seasonally.
The Kids’s Museum
The Maine Kids’s Museum is positioned about 40 minutes from Kennebunkport, in Portland. It is an important wet day exercise for younger youngsters.
Kennebunkport Journey Information to Annual Occasions:
Christmas Prelude
The annual Christmas pageant takes place in the course of the first two weekends in December. It contains occasions like a tree lighting, carol singing, a hat parade, and Santa arriving by way of lobster boat.
Finest Facet Journeys:
I need to finish my Kennebunkport Journey Information with just some facet journey and day journey ideas.
Ogunquit
Ogunquit is a seaside neighborhood a couple of 30-minute drive from Kennebunkport if you account for visitors. There are many retailers and eating places, plus a scenic waterside strolling path referred to as Marginal Approach.
Portland
Maine’s largest metropolis has a captivating downtown referred to as The Previous Port and a vibrant brewery and restaurant scene.
Freeport
A buying vacation spot with outlet shops, Freeport is far more walkable and is dwelling to LL Bean. I like to recommend it over Kittery.
Cabbage Island
E-book this tour upfront because it does promote out. A ship leaves from Boothbay Harbor – it’s a little bit of a street journey – however it’s value it. A brief boat experience takes you to a small island for a conventional lobster bake, the place the lobster and clams are steamed in seaweed.
Boston
Kennebunk locals typically take the Downeaster practice to Boston for daytrips. Or if you wish to keep longer, it is easy to fly into Boston keep for a couple of days after which make your strategy to Maine.
Save this Kennebunkport Journey Information for later:
