The DL: Kennebunkport is a southern coastal town in Maine, made famous by the Bush family who owns a compound nearby. The little downtown, known as the “dock square” is set along the water filled with the cutest little shops and restaurants. This is a very walkable town for the most part and weather is a big factor since you will be outside a lot. The season really starts Memorial Day – October, so know that things can be closed but we went mid-may and most everything was open except the boating tours. Kennebunkport is only 5 miles from Kennebunk.
Where to Stay in Kennebunkport
Stay somewhere you can walk to the downtown area since parking is hard and most people tend to walk around, the below are all near the downtown:
- Kennebunkport Captains Collection – all are super cute and done well, part of the lark hotels, there are multiple historic homes that you can book one of the rooms, convenient location
- Nonantum Resort – set on the water and has great Adirondacks for hanging out and watching boats go by, if booking the night of the wedding just know they take up a lot of the grounds, has a lot to offer, about .5 to downtown, have their own restaurants and activities, an older building.
- White Barn – an auberge resort, super posh, walkable to the dock square
- The Boathouse – in the middle of the town, good views, newer
- Yachtsman Hotel and Marina – Great location, pool, on the water
- Grand Hotel – in the middle of downtown, boutique hotel, local art on display throughout the hotel
How to Get Here
- Car – about 4.5 hour drive from NYC
- Local Airports – Portland, Maine about 30 minute drive is your best option, Boston, MA is about 1.5 hours away
Where to Eat in Kennebunkport
Breakfast
- Satellite donuts
- Mornings in paris
- Coffee Roaster of the Kennebunks
- Live Cafe
- Dock Square Coffee
Lunch:
- Boathouse – get a table outside with a view
- Allisons
- Hurricanes
- Ramp Grill
- Clam Shack
- Port Lobster
Dinner:
- Batson River Brewing and Distilling – We didn’t get dinner here but got apps and drinks around dinner time and all were delish. We sat by the fire pit overlooking downtown and the water. All drinks are distilled locally.
- Ramp Grill – really popular, water view
- Allisons – bar food
- White Barn Inn – Splurge meal
- Arundul Wharf – water view
- Pearl Kennebunk
- Clam shack – in the heart of downtown
- Chez rosa – French
- Mabels Lobster Claw – water view
- 95 Ocean at Nonantum – water view
- Pier at 77 – water view
- Federal Jacks – water view
Drinks
- Batson River – all liquor made local (right image)
- Old Vines Wine Bar
- Pedros for margaritas
- Kennebunkport Brewing Co
- Spirit Restaurant – Grab a cocktail on the Spirit, a 125-foot schooner
- Boathouse deck (left image)
Dessert
- Aunties House of Chocolate
- Roccos Ice Cream
- Whoopie Pie (you can get one at HB provisions)
- Blueberry pie – any of the local restaurants should be serving
- The Candyman – fudge and candy shop
What to Do in Kennebunkport
- Walk around the downtown “dock square” – its super cute and walkable, you can spend a day stopping at spots through out, its also mostly along the water which is an added bonus. Some of my favorites were docs emporium (first shop after the Kennebunkport sign), the spice shop and home ingredients
- Drive east down ocean ave and you will find Walker’s Point the family retreat for the Bush family for over a century (just past Endcliffe Road). The homes along this drive are beautiful on one side and then you have water views on the other.
- Visit the beach – Kennebunk/Gooch Beach or Goose Rocks
- See Cape Porpoise – little working fishing village right outside of town, also head to the pier to see the Goat Island Lighthouse
- Do a boat tour – note that many are seasonal so check online. There are sailing experiences to whale watching, to lobster tours. Other options include kayaking or paddle boarding if you don’t want to go to far out.
- Seashore Trolley Museum – we didn’t get to this, but its supposed to be a fun and popular indoor outdoor museum.
- Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge – talk a walk in nature, just a few minutes from town
- See a performance at Vinegar Hill Music Theater – just 10 minutes from the downtown in a rustic barn
- Visit nearby towns – Portland (30 minutes) view my guide here or go up to Boothbay Harbor (1.5 Hours), for southern towns – visit the beaches at Wells and Ogunquit or spend a few nights in Portsmouth, NH only 40 minutes away.
What to wear:
- No matter what time of year pack a light jacket just to be safe
- Good walking shoes
- Bathing suit
I created a whole Maine inspired selection of clothes you can shop from here (fall looks and summer looks).
Other:
I will definitely be back to this cute little town, here is a little video glimpse:
Leave a Comment