Kennebunkport Travel Guide | Best Coastal Towns In Maine
In this Kennebunkport Travel Guide, we’ll help you get to know one of the best coastal towns in Maine by sharing boutique hotels, delicious farm-to-table restaurants, and a few of the best things to do during your stay.
Kennebunkport has all the coastal charm and this town in southern Maine is just an hour and a half from the city of Boston. Plus, it’s small enough that you can get to know it in a weekend. What’s more, Kennebunkport is about to be the perfect destination for a New England fall getaway as the leaves change.
Our Kennebunkport Travel Guide
We went for a girls weekend in September, on a mission to find the house that used to belong to our great grandparents. What we discovered was salty air mingled with lush forests, fresh seafood, and some of the cutest inns and shops that give this town a classic New England feel.
If you’re looking for a coastal destination in New England perfect for a weekend getaway – Kennebunkport, ME is your perfect match.
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Table of Contents
What is special about Kennebunkport Maine?
With rich maritime history and picturesque coastal charm – Kennebunkport is easily one of Maine’s most enchanting coastal destinations. It feels a bit like you’ve stepped back in time here. But the boutique hotels and new restaurants add a modern flare that makes a visit to Kennebunkport feel like a vacation. Oh, and everything here is super patriotic – picture American flags, everywhere.
Kennebunkport FAQs
Is Kennebunkport touristy?
Kennebunkport is touristy, especially during the peak summer season. Even in September, the main street in town was lined with visitors perusing the many shops and restaurants.
However, the summer crowds begin to subside as the leaves start to change, and Kennebunkport becomes a quieter destination in the fall. Fall festivities keep it lively enough that it’s the perfect place for a shoulder-season visit.
Is Kennebunkport walkable?
Downtown Kennebunkport is quite compact and walkable, so you can explore shops, restaurants, and attractions in the same place. You can even walk to some beaches from town.
Does Kennebunkport have a boardwalk?
Kennebunkport lacks a formal boardwalk, and the main downtown is situated on the Kennebunk River rather than the ocean. But the waterfront areas here are bustling with fishing boats and yachts, and still offer great views.
An Easy Weekend Trip from Boston
One of the main reasons we chose Kennebunkport from all the other towns in Maine is because it’s such a quick drive from Boston. It took us about 2 hours to get there from the city during busier traffic times, and just 1.5 hours to get back on a Monday morning.
If you have just a few days to explore, this Kennebunkport travel guide is perfect for you. Head out Friday after work, and spend all day Saturday getting to know the area. On Sunday, you can sleep in and enjoy brunch and a long walk along the waterfront before driving back to the city. Trips like this have a relaxing effect – leaving you refreshed for the week ahead without causing major travel fatigue.
If you live in Boston and have just one day to explore, this Coastal Maine Group Day Trip is a great option. This tour includes stops in Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, and York, Maine.
The Nonantum Resort
Kennebunkport, Maine
Where to Stay in Kennebunkport
The Nonantum Resort
We chose The Nonantum Resort for two key reasons: its prime location and commitment to sustainability. But this boutique hotel far exceeded our expectations, from the delicious complimentary breakfast buffet to the gorgeous waterfront view from our room.
The Nonantum is walking distance to town and the nearby Colony Beach, and its set right along the Kennebunk River. This hotel has an inn / cottage core style that feels right on par with the rest of Kennebunkport. On Saturday, we watched a beautiful couple get married on the lawn as the sun set, and realized this would be the perfect New England wedding destination.
Sustainability at The Nonantum
The Nonantum works to weave sustainability into the guest experience and the hotel itself. The onsite restaurants serve fresh local produce from Blackrock Farm and energy is sourced from a solar panel grid in Rumford, Maine.
What’s more, guest amenities are eco-friendly, single use plastics have been eliminated, and leftover soap is repurposed through a Clean The World partnership. The Nonantum shares our belief that small changes add up to make a big impact. That’s precisely why we chose to support this business in Kennebunkport during our weekend trip.
Breakfast at the Nonantum
The Marina at the Nonantum
The Tides Beach Club
On the other hand, if you want to be directly on the beach we recommend booking your stay at The Tides Beach Club. This boutique inn has just 21 colorfully decorated rooms, and it’s directly across the street from Goose Rocks Beach. Additionally, this adorable hotel felt like it would be the perfect place for a girls bachelorette party in Maine – or a fun couples getaway!
The Tides Beach Club
The Tides Beach Club
Beaches in Kennebunkport
Here are 3 of the best beaches in Kennebunkport:
Goose Rocks Beach
First on the list, this beach has a wide and soft sandy shoreline, making it a great spot for sunbathing and walking along the water in Kennebunkport.
Colony Beach
Secondly, this beach is located near the heart of downtown Kennebunkport, just a short walk from the Nonantum Resort. It’s smaller, a bit quieter, and close to the beautiful St. Ann’s Church if you want to stop there too.
Gooch’s Beach
Last but not least, Gooch’s Beach is known to be family-friendly and ideal for swimming and picnicking.
Gooserocks Beach
Vaughn's Island Traill
Best Restaurants in Kennebunkport
In truth, the restaurants in Kennebunkport are reason enough to visit – serving up a fresh, local fare with an east coast flare. Below, we recommend the best restaurants we tried ourselves along with one that we desperately wanted to try, but couldn’t get a reservation for.
Ultramar
This seafood grill and raw bar has elegant ambience and an upscale vibe. It’s modern and trendy, and also located right on the water. Go here for dinner and try whatever seafood dish looks best to you on the menu.
Boathouse
This restaurant is part of a hotel and located right downtown Kennebunkport. We recommend eating here for lunch and sitting on the patio to enjoy the fresh air and water views. You’ll find fresh seafood and some great healthy options along with the classics at this restaurant.
Earth at Hidden Pond
We probably would have fallen in love with the farm to fork menu at this earthy restaurant, featuring organic produce from onsite gardens and local meats and seafood. Book a reservation in advance when planning your trip to Kennebunkport.
The Boathouse Restaurant
Maine Oysters at the Boathouse Restaurant
Things To Do in Kennebunkport
FREE Things To Do in Kennebunkport
In Kennebunkport, you can enjoy several free activities. Explore the beaches like Goose Rocks Beach, Colony Beach, and Gooch’s Beach for your sun and sea fix. For hiking, Vaughn’s Island Preserve offers a 1.4 mile nature walk out to an island at low tide. We’re willing to bet it will be absolutely beautiful as the leaves change.
Additionally, St. Ann’s Church is a historic gem worth visiting and there are many historic homes to view along the same road that the church is on. These attractions won’t cost you a thing, making it easy to experience Kennebunkport’s charm on a budget.
Vaughn's Island Hike
Kennebunkport, Maine
Fall in Kennebunkport, Maine
Here are the 3 key reasons we think Kennebunkport is the perfect destination for a New England fall trip:
- The Scenic Foliage: Kennebunkport’s fall foliage is breathtaking. The vibrant colors of changing leaves transform the town.
- The Peaceful Atmosphere: Fall brings a quieter and more relaxed vibe to Kennebunkport as summer crowds dwindle. Enjoy the crisp autumn air, cozy up at a local inn with your book of choice, and sip warm coffee or tea from your porch.
- Delicious Dining: Have we mentioned the food? Savor the classic, fresh Maine lobster; and enjoy trying the seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients. Fall is more than a season – it’s a way of eating too.
@baggagegirls If you have just one day to spend in Kennebunkport, Maine — this Kennebunkport Itinerary is made 4 you 💌 This coastal New England town is the perfect weekend getaway from Boston and it’s about to be one of the most charming times of year for a visit 🍂🍁 You can head to our Baggage blog if you want help planning your trip to Maine 🐚⚓️🦞 xoxo #kennebunkport #mainetravel #newenglandfall #kennebunkportmaine #newenglandtravel #thingstodoinkennebunkport #baggagegirls #travelblog
♬ For Emma - Bon Iver
Sustainable Travel in Kennebunkport
Stay Green
Let’s talk about a few ways to travel more sustainably in Kennebunkport. Start by choosing accommodations like the Nonantum, where eco-friendly practices are made a priority.
Eat Local
When eating out, opt for restaurants that source locally caught food and ask for the day’s freshest catch. Be sure to support the small, locally owned businesses that you encounter during your trip. This Kennebunkport travel guides includes some farm-to-table restaurant recommendations that you can enjoy during your trip.
Shop Smart
What you put your money toward when you travel has the power to help local economies and encourage sustainable practices in the place you visit. Think of your dollars as your voice – what you spend your money on as a traveler shows what you value. Our choices have the power to shape the tourism industry for the better.
Embrace Weekend Trips
On one final sustainability note, we’ve recently been learning to take pleasure in discovering the hidden gems and unique charm of places close to home. Weekend trips like this give us all a chance to realize just how beautiful our own backyards can be and reduce our carbon footprints by minimizing long-distance travel.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport, Maine
Wrap It Up
Hopefully this Kennebunkport travel guide will help you have a little love affair with one of the best coastal towns in Maine. Combine its historical charm, fall foliage, and culinary scene, and Kennebunkport is a total catch.
This coastal town in Maine is worth adding to your list of places to visit in New England. If you’re looking for other New England destinations or easy weekend trips from Boston, check out our Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Guide.
When visiting, make sure to leave a positive impact by supporting local and staying green, so we can help to preserve the places we explore.
xoxo,
Baggage girls
