Kennebunkport is a charming coastal town in Maine that’s perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. With its beautiful beaches, quaint shops, and delicious restaurants, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Kennebunkport. And with its convenient location just a short drive from Boston and Portland, it’s easy to get to Kennebunkport for a day trip or a longer stay.
If you’re planning a trip to Kennebunkport in May 2024, be sure to check out these 11 top things to do:
1. Visit the Kennebunkport beaches
Kennebunkport is home to several beautiful beaches, including Goose Rocks Beach, Mother’s Beach, and Kennebunk Beach. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. And with their stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, they’re also great places to relax and enjoy the scenery.
2. Take a boat tour
One of the best ways to experience Kennebunkport is to take a boat tour. There are several different boat tours available, ranging from short sightseeing cruises to longer whale-watching excursions. And with its abundance of marine life, Kennebunkport is a great place to spot whales, dolphins, and seals.
3. Visit the Seashore Trolley Museum
The Seashore Trolley Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in transportation history. The museum houses a collection of over 200 historic trolleys, and visitors can take a ride on one of the trolleys to learn about the history of transportation in Kennebunkport. The museum also has a number of exhibits on the history of trolleys and the role they played in the development of Kennebunkport.
4. Shop at the Dock Square
Dock Square is the heart of Kennebunkport, and it’s a great place to shop for souvenirs, gifts, and antiques. There are also several restaurants and cafes in Dock Square, so you can stop for a bite to eat or a drink while you’re shopping.
5. Visit the Walker’s Point Estate
The Walker’s Point Estate is the former summer home of President George H. W. Bush. The estate is now a museum, and visitors can take a tour of the house and grounds. The tour includes a look at the Bush family’s private quarters, as well as a visit to the estate’s beautiful gardens.
6. Visit the Kennebunkport Art Colony
The Kennebunkport Art Colony is a group of artists who live and work in Kennebunkport. The colony has a gallery in Dock Square where visitors can view and purchase the artists’ work. The colony also offers classes and workshops for people of all ages.
7. Visit the Brick Store Museum
The Brick Store Museum is a local history museum that tells the story of Kennebunkport. The museum has exhibits on the town’s shipbuilding, fishing, and tourism industries. The museum also has a collection of artifacts from Kennebunkport’s past, including furniture, tools, and clothing.
8. Take a walk or bike ride along the Marginal Way
The Marginal Way is a 1.5-mile paved path that runs along the oceanfront in Kennebunkport. The path is perfect for walking, running, or biking, and it offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The path is also home to several benches and picnic tables, so you can stop and enjoy the scenery along the way.
9. Visit the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is a 5,500-acre wildlife refuge that’s located just a short drive from Kennebunkport. The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. There are several trails in the refuge that are perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.
10. Go kayaking or canoeing
Kennebunkport is a great place to go kayaking or canoeing. There are several different kayaking and canoeing tours available, and you can also rent kayaks or canoes from local outfitters. And with its calm waters and beautiful scenery, Kennebunkport is a great place to paddle.
11. Enjoy the local food
Kennebunkport is home to several great restaurants that serve a variety of local seafood dishes. Be sure to try the lobster rolls, clam chowder, and mussels. And for dessert, don’t miss the blueberry pie.
Culture
Kennebunkport is a town with a rich history and culture. The town was founded in 1653 by English settlers, and it has been a shipbuilding and fishing center for centuries. Kennebunkport is also home to a number of artists and writers, and the town has a thriving arts community. Visitors to Kennebunkport can enjoy the town’s many museums, galleries, and theaters. The town also has a number of historical sites, including the Walker’s Point Estate and the Brick Store Museum.
Best Months to Visit
The best time to visit Kennebunkport is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, Kennebunkport is also a great place to visit in the spring and fall, when the weather is milder and the crowds are smaller. Winter in Kennebunkport is cold and snowy, but the town still has a lot to offer visitors, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
Nearby Transportation
Kennebunkport is easily accessible by car. The town is located just off of Interstate 95, and it is a short drive from Boston and Portland. Kennebunkport is also served by Amtrak, and there is a train station in the town center. The town also has a public transportation system, and there are several buses that run between Kennebunkport and other towns in the area.
Local Food
Kennebunkport is home to several great restaurants that serve a variety of local seafood dishes. Be sure to try lobster rolls, clam chowder, and mussels. And for dessert, don’t miss the blueberry pie. Kennebunkport is also home to several local farms, and visitors can purchase fresh produce, meat, and dairy products at the town’s farmers market.
Best Hotels
There are several great hotels in Kennebunkport, including the Kennebunkport Inn, the Nonantum Resort, and the White Barn Inn. These hotels offer a variety of amenities, and they are all located within walking distance of the town center. Visitors to Kennebunkport can also choose to stay in a bed and breakfast or a vacation rental.
Conclusion
Kennebunkport is a charming coastal town that offers something for everyone. With its beautiful beaches, quaint shops, and delicious restaurants, Kennebunkport is the perfect place for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. And with its convenient location just a short drive from Boston and Portland, it’s easy to get to Kennebunkport for a day trip or a longer stay. So if you’re looking for a great place to visit in Maine, be sure to add Kennebunkport to your list.
