Curator’s statement
With quaint seaside villages, rocky coasts, and breathtaking ocean vistas, Kennebunkport is a charming New England town blending relaxation, adventure, and mouthwatering cuisine. Sail the breathtaking coastline or stroll on foot, visiting the local boutiques, art galleries and historie inns, Kennebunkport’s sophisticated yet laid-back vibe will refresh your spirit and have you longing for your next visit before you even depart.
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Things to do in Kennebunkport
Walks
Walker’s Point (on Ocean Avenue) - breathtaking views of the Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush family’s summer compound.
Summit Avenue (behind Cape Arundel Inn) - beautifully manicured lawns and traditional New England-style homes to fawn over.
Marginal Way - Marginal Way is a scenic 1.5-mile cliff walk starting in Ogunquit that includes stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, tide pools, shallow beaches and also the Lobster Point Lighthouse.
Drives
Rt. 1 - experience this drive through small coastal towns
Ocean Avenue or Millionaire’s Row of stunning seaside mansions
Shopping
Check out Minka for local, all-natural and handmade home goods and Sea Love to create your own custom candle and so many other boutiques and gift shops that line Kennebunkport’s streets Docks Square.
Spas
Tours
Pinetree Helicopter Tours - Soar over the stunning coastline on an exhilarating aerial tour for breathtaking bird's-eye views of Maine landmarks, lighthouses, beaches, and more.
Intown Trolley Tour of Kennebunkport - A vintage 45-minute, narrated, hop-on, hop-off trolley ride. Trolley leaves hourly and runs seven days a week from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day.
Rugosa Lobster Tour - Experience hauling traps on a traditional wooden lobster boat and learn about the region's iconic industry firsthand.
Schooner Eleanor Sailing Tour - This traditional gaff-rigged beauty will whisk you down the Kennebunkport River out to the vast open Atlantic Ocean for a unique maritime adventure.
Allagash Brewery Tour (Portland) - Sip award-winning, lip-smacking craft brews straight from the source at Alagash Brewery, where you can taste distinctive Belgian-style and barrel-aged ales and tour the facility.
Lighthouse tours - Goat Island Lighthouse - lighthouse is only accessible by boat; tour runs 2 hours and Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours allows you to see multiple lighthouses (includes a sunset cruise option).
Beaches - despite Maine's rocky coastline, there are in fact sand beaches in Maine including Colony Beach, Gooch's Beach, Middle Beach, and Mother's Beach.
Sports & Fitness
Quest Fitness - Full-service gym offers day passes
Golf - Cape Arundel Golf Club - 18 holes, par 69 course (a favorite of presidents like President George H.W. Bush, President George W. Bush, President Bill Clinton and President Richard Nixon and Webhannet Golf Club- 18 holes, par 71 course.
Hikes for all ages and skill levels
Day Trips
Portland - Foodie and brewery town; 40 minutes north of Kennebunkport
Freeport - Home to LL Bean and lots of clothing outlets, 50 minutes north of Kennbunkport
Places to eat & drink in Kennebunkport
Coffee & breakfast
Satellite donuts - Art-worthy miniature donuts and coffee.
Fiafia - great coffee, and a huge assortment of smoothie and acai bowl options.
Backyard (Ogunquit)- best coffee in town; serves delicious sandwiches too.
Boulangerie Bakery - A proper bakery where breads are made in-house. Great breads, croissants, scones and muffins. Light lunches served as well.
Lunch & dinner
Nunan’s Lobster Hut - No frills, no credit cards - cash only! Opens at 5pm.
The Lobster Pound (Wells, ME) - By far the best lobster rolls!
Old Vines - American cruise and craft cocktails, fun atmosphere and covered patio.
Clam Shack - Kennebunkport famous (and serves on round rolls) - expect long lines!
The Lost Fire - Patagonian grill & bar - meat-heavy, filling - and delicious.
Ocean (Cape Arundel Inn) - Cape Arundel Inn’s restaurant. Get there early to enjoy a cocktail on the front porch and enjoy the amazing ocean views - and The Bush Compound.
Musette - Quintessential coastal Maine vibes. Gorgeous and delicious faire.
Need to know
Need to know:
Seasonality - Maine’s coast’s high season is between Memorial Day through Columbus Day, so be prepared for reduced hours or days open for business during the off-season.
Rent a car - though getting from one coastal town to another doesn’t take long, it will require a drive.
Expect a laid-back vibe - Kennebunkport and surrounding coastal towns provide good reason to start your day early, meander either by foot or car around town, and be in bed by 11:00 pm.
Christmas Prelude - Kennebunkport perks back up the first two weeks of December with a host of events including Santa’s arrival by lobster boat. A picture-perfect New England holiday.
Don’t leave the state without trying both style lobster rolls and Maine’s craft beers.
Travel Advisor
Sarah Eppler
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