Travel + Discover Kennebunkport Maine: Vacation Like a Local
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Kennebunkport’s pure essence is everything people love about the Maine shoreline—rugged coastal beauty, historic charm, generous lobster rolls, and a timeless sense of upscale New England escape.
Once reserved for the elite summer visitors of New England, the community has shed its seasonal and ostentatious reputation to be a little more down to Earth without sacrificing the coastal sophistication that made it a global name.
Whether you plan to drive through for the day, stay the weekend, or plan a long summer trip, we’re here to help you get the most out of Kennebunkport in and away from Dock Square.
Welcome to Kennebunkport
The history of Kennebunkport plays out like many Southern Maine coastal cities, with a few important twists.
The Abenaki people lived in this region until settlers arrived in the 1600s. We know explorer Samuel Champlain was blown ashore at Cape Porpoise in 1604 and lived off the fruit of the land before heading south on the coastline.
After a few skirmishes with the Indigenous people and wars, settlers were laying down land claims in the early 1700s.
A fine tradition of shipbuilding and fishing followed, and that prosperity led to the creation of summer resorts comparable to Bar Harbor’s Millionaire’s Row. Eventually, the community split into three towns—Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel.
By 1918, shipbuilding needs had grown in scope, pushing plans to wider ports. The established affluent community turned full throttle into tourism, a tradition that continues today.
Where Is Kennebunkport?
Kennebunkport is located in a region known as the Southern Maine Beaches, less than 30 miles south of Portland and 90 miles north of Boston. The town is tucked between Wells and Biddeford and bordered by the Kennebunk River to the south and the Little River to the north.
The shape of the Maine coastline is due to the Ice Age glacier retreat, where Kennebunkport’s shoreline is made of rugged metamorphic bedrock that creates dramatic rocky ridges and a collection of offshore islands.
Take a bird’s eye view at a map, and you’ll see that long stretches of beaches flank either side of this geological masterpiece.
Within KPT, there are several communities and notable points of interest.
- You’ve got Dock Square, the buzzing heart of town, where locals and tourists mingle at shops, galleries, and waterfront restaurants.
- Then there’s Cape Porpoise, a peaceful fishing village. Think lobster boats bobbing in the harbor and quiet evenings with a view of Goat Island Lighthouse.
- Visible from shore are the Cape Porpoise Islands. We’ll talk later in this article about how to visit these gems.
- Goose Rocks Beach is a long stretch of sand perfect for lazy walks and family beach days.
- Cape Arundel is the original summer colony in Kennebunkport.
- Walker’s Point is home to the presidential Bush family summer retreat, a family tradition since 1903 when George Herbert Walker started building his dream home.
The coastline is still a hot piece of real estate, with the most expensive home sold in York County history topping $12 million and it took just 90 minutes to make it happen.
Kennebunk vs. Kennebunkport
The trio of cities here is often referred to as The Kennebunks, but it’s important to know that Kennebunk and Kennebunkport are separate towns split by the Kennebunk River in the heart of Dock Square.
For this guide, we’re hyper-focused on Kennebunkport, but you can read our articles about the beauty of Kennebunk, including the beaches, downtown, and the Lower Village.
Top Things to Do in Kennebunkport
Don’t write Kennebunkport off as a summer retreat only. This four-season community offers plenty to do indoors and outdoors.
Wander Around Dock Square
The old soul of Kennebunkport thrives along the banks of the Kennebunk River. Dine on fresh seafood, stroll through the collection of shops, and enjoy the awe of sea captains’ homes lovingly preserved. While compact, it packs a lot of charm.
Come Sail Away
It’s hard to resist those water views from Dock Square. Tours and scenic boat rides are available seasonally.
Take a tour on the Pineapple Ketch, a 38’ boat that might look like a pirate ship to some. Tours are available three times a day in the morning, afternoon, and evening, each last about 90 minutes.
If you prefer a schooner, let the wind be your guide with a ride on the Schooner Eleanor. (Mid-May through mid-October)
Spend the day helping lobstermen haul in the crates with Rugosa Lobster Tours. Tours last about 75 minutes, and there’s a special Adults Only option that includes a lobster roll on the ride (available late May through mid-October).
Paddle the Coastline
Rent a kayak through vendors like Southern Maine Kayaks or the Kennebunkport Marina and explore the rivers or ocean in single or tandem rides. Fishing kayaks are also available to rent. Just be sure to get a fishing license before you paddle away. (Late May through early October)
Take a Tour
When you’re trying to fit a lot of activities into one trip, a walking tour from Maine Day Ventures can help you cover a lot of ground.
Walking tours generally last two hours or less, giving in-depth history accounts, strolling through the elaborate gardens, or sampling some food around the town.
Traveling with a pet? Consider the “Doggy and Me” tour.
See the Seashore Trolley Museum
The Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport offers a unique step back in time, with the world’s largest collection of restored streetcars and trolleys. Visitors can ride an antique trolley along a scenic route while learning about freight and passenger trolley transportation in coastal Maine.
Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. The trolley also connects with Edwin L. Smith Preserve, covering 1,100 acres for hiking.
Go Back in Time at the Kennebunkport Historical Society
Housed in an 1853 Greek revival mansion called White Columns, the Kennebunkport Historical Society impeccably preserves the storied history of this busy port town.
Docent-led tours walk you through room by room, telling stories of the city and the family that lived in White Columns for generations. The George H.W. Bush Hometown Collection is also on site.
Open seasonally.
Find Solace by the Sea at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church
While not technically a museum, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church is a seaside treasure in Kennebunkport. The footprint dating back to 1892 includes a stone chapel, seaside chapel, columbarium, and restored rectory.
Check the schedule before you visit, as private events are held here. Bring a picnic to enjoy the sensational views from the grounds.
Enjoy the Beach
While Kennebunk has three connected beaches, Kennebunkport isn’t left out of the seaside selections.
Goose Rocks Beach spans three miles, with a beach walk great for a morning run or evening stroll. Don’t expect a lot of amenities. It’s just a more secluded beach spot with natural scenery.
Tip: Go at low tide to get the most beach access.
Walk the Working Waterfront of Cape Porpoise
The peak summer crowds of Dock Square might make you want to find a more laid-back port escape. That’s just what you’ll find at Cape Porpoise, three miles away.
This village is part of Kennebunkport and is rich in fish and history. Captain John Smith and explorer Champlain both noted this spot in their writings back in the 1600s.
The stunning shiplap of Dock Square gives way to weathered wood buildings with an authentic working waterfront vibe. This makes a great spot to launch a kayak or SUP, with the islands helping calm the harbor waters.
Head for the Islands
Off the coast of Cape Porpoise, you’ll see a scattering of islands. Many of those are open to explore through the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. Several islands offer free (but by reservation only) campsites, and you can even get up close to the Goat Island Lighthouse if you have a boat or want to paddle there.
No worries if you don’t have your sea legs yet. The trust also has several wooded preserves and riverside options with either historical buildings or wildlife (or both!) along the way.
Kennebunkport Annual Events
Between Kennebunk and KPT, events happen every month that can draw crowds. However, it’s the Christmas Prelude that quickly became as synonymous with Christmas as Santa Claus.
The two-week event includes parades, daily events, Santa arriving by lobster boat, and so much more. It’s hard to wrap your head around all the holiday fun. Book early for this event, as hotels can sell out long before the first fireworks on the 4th of July.
The dead of winter means lots of love for Kennebunkport in February. Paint the Town Red is an event that brings out the romance of this seaside community while offering deep discounts on some of the most luxurious options.
Memorial Day brings a parade, and the 4th of July includes fireworks, also officially kicking off the summer tourist season.
Fall visitors can enjoy the Seashore Trolley Museum Pumpkin Patch and seasonal decorations around town.
Tip: Want to see celebrities in Kennebunkport? Consider visiting during the Bush Family Classic golf tournament.
Kennebunkport Restaurants
Alisson’s Restaurant
As a Dock Square staple, Alisson’s Restaurant is now more than half a century old and still brings in the crowds. They serve up about 30,000 bowls of chowder and 42,000 lobster rolls a year, but the menu spans plenty of other options and a robust list of drinks for adults and kids.
Reservations aren’t accepted, but you can get on the waitlist. In a rush? Place a to-go order.
Ocean Restaurant
It’s hard to figure out which is better, the food or the views at Ocean Restaurant located at Cape Arundel Inn. Menus change with the seasons but always bring fine dining mixed with creative a la carte or prix-fixe options.
Sip the night away with wine pairings or enjoy some snuggle time on the veranda under the moon. Whether you’re here for romance or just a hard-earned relaxing night savoring every bite, Ocean Restaurant delivers.
Boathouse Restaurant
When you want to dine filled with the vibrant energy of Dock Square, the Boathouse Restaurant is the center of it all. Serving traditional Maine foods with a twist, look for specials like the haddock casserole or lobster fried rice.
Lunch and dinner are served on the deck, inside, or to-go, and with wall-to-wall windows, there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Tip: Winter guests should consider the unique dining rooms at the Coastal Lighthouse Village, with cozy private quarters to celebrate with up to eight people.
Cape Pier Chowder House
Leave the crowds of Dock Square behind and head to Cape Porpoise for a casual classic Maine meal at Cape Pier Chowder House. Seafood here is doled out by the plate, rolls, or pound.
Dine inside or grab a picnic table by the water to watch the lobstermen work.
The Lost Fire
Find your way to The Lost Fire of Kennebunkport, and you’ll be transported to the tip of South America with big flames searing big flavors into beef and seafood. Touted as a Patagonian Barbecue restaurant, everything is cooked over the fire.
While it’s a great place to warm up in the winter, summer weather means outdoor dining on the Boho patio space called Luna. Plus, it’s one of the few places in town you can make a reservation.
Chez Rosa
A taste of Paris comes to Kennebunkport at Chez Rosa. The menu doesn’t get tempted by the lobster and haddock concoctions you’ll find all over other local dining spots.
French classics steal the show here, like beef bourguignon, charcuterie options made in-house, and fondue fountains of cheese or chocolate.
Nunan’s Lobster Hut
The epitome of a Maine roadside lobster shack sits far from the maddening crowds of Dock Square. Nunan’s Lobster Hut has been a Kennebunkport tradition for more than 70 years.
The menu hasn’t changed much in that time because why mess with a good thing? Your food is cooked to order with seating inside the shack or outside on the patio.
Kennebunkport Places to Stay
The accommodations of Kennebunkport are as versatile as ever, with seaside chic, stately surroundings, or wooded wonders.
Colony Hotel
The mile drive down Ocean Avenue feels like a million miles away at the Colony Hotel. Perfectly perched where the Kennebunk River meets the ocean, this stately hotel, dating back to 1914, is everything you want in a seaside escape.
With 140 guestrooms spread across five buildings, amenities include a private beach and heated saltwater pool. Newly renovated cove-side rooms give a more modern appeal.
This is Maine’s first green hotel. It’s also pet-friendly.
Other notable places to consider in this area around Cape Arundel are the Cape Arundel Inn, facing the sea; Breakwater Inn, facing the river; and the Nonantum Resort, also on the river.
1802 House
If you prefer the quaint calm of a bed and breakfast over a large resort, look to 1802 House, less than a mile from Dock Square, tucked back in a tree-lined residential area.
With only half a dozen rooms, you’ll get quiet time and personalized service, not to mention the multi-course breakfast.
Hidden Pond
Like staying in the land of fairy tales, Hidden Pond offers wooded hideaways that still drip with luxury. Ranked as one of the best New England resorts by Conde Nast in 2024, Hidden Pond gives upscale adult summer camp vibes.
Cottages, bungalows, treehouse options, and lodge rooms decorated in the spirit of L.L. Bean cater to couples, families, and even your pampered pet.
Set back and surrounded by 60 acres of woods, this resort leaves no amenity missing. Two pools mean one is kid-free and only for adults. A treetop spa relieves whatever stress you might have left after seeing the serene surroundings.
Plus, staying here means shuttle access to Tides Beach Club and beach access, with a full setup waiting for you in the sand.
Did we mention the nightly s’mores out back? Plus, people can’t stop raving about Earth, the on-site restaurant.
Kennebunkport Captains Collection
Honor the seafaring traditions of the Kennebunks by staying in one of four sea captains’ restored homes at the Kennebunkport Captains Collection.
The Nathaniel Lord Mansion oozes romance with its antique-filled rooms and is ideal for couples seeking a sophisticated escape. James Fairfield House has a more relaxed, artsy vibe, perfect for smaller groups or families wanting a cozy but stylish stay.
William Jefferds House offers chic style with its simple white decor and carriage house, which can accommodate up to 15 people (and pets!). Large groups will love the option to rent the entire Action Patterson house.
Check out the nearby AWOL Kennebunkport for a more woodsy option in this family, with cabins, suites, and deluxe rooms.
Rhumb Line Resort
One of the most budget-friendly options in Kennebunkport is along Ocean Avenue Rhumb Line Resort between Dock Square and Cape Porpoise.
While set back on four acres of woods, you’ll have easy access to the shoreline, but you still get amenities like indoor and outdoor pools, nightly summer lobster bakes on site, and a free continental breakfast each morning.
Choose from king or queen-sized rooms, with suites available.
Is Visiting Kennebunkport Worth It?
Kennebunkport is great for first-time visitors but also has a special place for generational trips over the years. While we don’t pick favorites, there’s something special about KPT that keeps it in headlines and top-ranking lists each year. Just be sure to venture beyond Dock Square.
I LOVE Kennebunkport, Maine !
Poppy
Park City, Utah
I grew up in Cape Porpoise and Kennebunkport. Graduated from Kennebunk High School in 1955. Live now in Texas, but miss my hometown dearly!! Hope to visit there sometime soon!