Visit Kennebunkport, Maine
Discover Kennebunkport, a classic Maine coastal village known for its historic charm, beautiful beaches, and vibrant summer scene.
Kennebunkport occupies a special place in the geography of classic New England coastal towns. This is where wealthy summer visitors built their “cottages” beginning in the late 1800s, where sea captains’ houses line quiet streets, and where the rocky coast alternates with sandy beaches in a way that feels almost designed for postcards. The town manages to be both exclusive and welcoming, maintaining high-end shops and restaurants while preserving the small-town character that makes it special. It’s become famous as a presidential retreat and wedding destination, but beneath the glossy surface, it remains authentically Maine.
Dock Square
The heart of Kennebunkport is Dock Square, where several streets converge near the Kennebunk River bridge. This compact area packs in galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and the kinds of shops that specialize in items you didn’t know you needed until you saw them displayed in a carefully curated window.
The square maintains a village scale despite the volume of visitors it handles during peak season. Buildings are mostly historic structures housing contemporary businesses. Several galleries showcase work by established Maine artists, with a focus on coastal landscapes and maritime subjects. Boutiques sell everything from resort wear to home goods to jewelry, generally leaning upscale.
A few shops specialize in Maine-made products - pottery, textiles, specialty foods, and traditional crafts. These mix with national retailers that have opened Kennebunkport locations to capture the summer trade.
The area gets genuinely crowded on summer weekends and during special events like Christmas Prelude. Visit on weekday mornings during shoulder season for a more relaxed browsing experience.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
Kennebunkport’s beaches range from the popular and accessible to the exclusive and hidden. Each has its own character and draws different crowds.
Goose Rocks Beach, technically in the neighboring community of Goose Rocks but considered part of greater Kennebunkport, stretches for three miles of sandy shoreline. This is a classic Maine beach - long stretches of sand at low tide, tidal pools to explore, and water that’s bracing even in August. The beach has limited parking with resident stickers getting priority, but public parking is available nearby. Arrive early on summer days, as parking fills up quickly.
Gooch’s Beach and Middle Beach in Kennebunk proper (just across the river) offer easier access and more parking. These beaches draw family crowds and are popular for swimming, though the water temperature still requires commitment.
Colony Beach sits near the Kennebunkport Resort Collection hotels and sees less day visitor traffic due to limited parking. Mother’s Beach, small and protected, works well for young children and features calmer waters.
Beyond the sandy beaches, rocky coastline provides dramatic scenery and opportunities for tidal exploration. Several small parks and access points along Ocean Avenue allow you to pull off and scramble over rocks or simply enjoy the views.
Walker’s Point and Ocean Avenue
Ocean Avenue forms a scenic loop from Dock Square past rocky coastline, historic homes, and beaches. This drive has become something of a pilgrimage for visitors, and with good reason - the views are consistently spectacular, and the architecture represents Maine coastal elegance at its finest.
Walker’s Point, the Bush family compound, sits on a rocky peninsula visible from Ocean Avenue and nearby Spouting Rock. The property has been in the family since the late 1800s and served as the summer White House during George H.W. Bush’s presidency. You can’t access the property itself, but the views from the road and Spouting Rock parking area are excellent.
The drive is about 3.5 miles one way and can be done as a loop, returning via different roads. Consider doing this drive more than once - the changing light and tides make it look different at various times of day. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography and fewer traffic challenges.
Spouting Rock, a natural formation that throws spray when waves hit at the right angle, gives its name to a small parking area that provides excellent coastal views. It’s become a popular spot for watching sunsets, so arrive early if planning an evening visit.
Historic Homes and Architecture
The streets extending from Dock Square showcase remarkable architecture spanning several centuries. Sea captains’ houses from the early 1800s demonstrate the prosperity of the maritime era, while later summer cottages show the influence of wealthy visitors who discovered Kennebunkport as a resort destination.
Several historic inns occupy these grand houses, now operating as lodging. The Captain Lord Mansion and the Captain Fairfield Inn are particularly fine examples. Even if not staying in these properties, the exteriors are worth viewing during a walking tour of the residential streets.
The Kennebunkport Historical Society maintains several properties open to visitors during summer months, including the Nott House, a Greek Revival mansion filled with period furnishings and local artifacts. Tours provide context for understanding the town’s development from working seaport to summer resort.
Wedding and Romantic Destination
Kennebunkport has carved out a niche as a destination for weddings and romantic getaways. Several factors contribute to this: dramatic coastal scenery, upscale accommodations, excellent restaurants, walkable village character, and reliable summer weather by New England standards.
Multiple properties specialize in hosting weddings, from intimate inns to larger resort venues. The White Barn Inn, Hidden Pond, and several other establishments offer comprehensive wedding packages. Churches and outdoor venues provide ceremony locations with coastal views.
The town sees a steady stream of anniversary celebrations, proposals, and honeymoons. Several restaurants cater specifically to romantic dinners, with harbor views and white tablecloth service. Sunset cruises and coastal walks provide built-in romantic activities.
Dining Scene
Kennebunkport’s restaurant scene punches well above its weight, with several establishments earning regional recognition. The dining options range from casual lobster spots to sophisticated fine dining, with most falling into the upscale casual category.
The White Barn Inn’s restaurant has earned accolades for years, serving contemporary New England cuisine in a converted barn. Several other restaurants offer similar quality in various settings - waterfront locations, historic buildings, modern spaces.
For seafood in more casual settings, several spots serve lobster rolls, fried clams, and other Maine classics. The Clam Shack, literally a shack by the bridge, has gained near-cult status for its lobster rolls and fried seafood.
The town supports a good coffee and breakfast scene, with several cafes serving the morning crowd. These places fill up quickly during summer, so arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Fine dining reservations during peak season should be made well in advance. Popular restaurants book up weeks ahead for summer weekends. Shoulder season offers easier availability and often the same menu quality without the pressure.
Christmas Prelude
The Christmas Prelude, held over two weekends in early December, transforms Kennebunkport into a holiday celebration that draws visitors from across New England. This isn’t a single event but rather a series of activities and town-wide participation in creating a festive atmosphere.
Activities include the lighting of a massive Christmas tree in Dock Square, Santa’s arrival by lobster boat or Coast Guard vessel, caroling, house tours of decorated historic homes, hayrides, craft sales, and special shopping hours. Restaurants offer special menus, and many properties host holiday parties.
The event requires planning if you want to attend. Accommodations book up months in advance, sometimes a year ahead for preferred properties. Restaurant reservations are essential. The town gets genuinely crowded, particularly during the evening tree lighting and Santa arrival.
Despite the crowds, Christmas Prelude succeeds in creating genuine holiday magic. The village scale, historic architecture, and coastal setting combine to create something special. It’s become a tradition for many families who return year after year.
Practical Information
Parking in Kennebunkport challenges visitors during peak season. Dock Square has limited public parking, with spaces filling early in the day during summer. Several municipal lots serve the downtown area, but these also fill up. Many visitors stay at accommodations within walking distance to avoid parking hassles. A trolley system provides transportation during summer months.
The town gets busy. July and August weekends bring crowds that can make Dock Square feel overwhelmed. Consider visiting in June or September for a similar experience with fewer people. May and October offer pleasant weather for exploring, though some businesses reduce hours or close for the season.
Most shops and restaurants operate on seasonal schedules, with full hours from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Many businesses close or significantly reduce hours during winter months, with the exception of Christmas Prelude in December.
Kennebunkport is about 90 minutes from Boston by car via I-95 and local roads. The nearest commercial airport is Portland International Jetport, about 30 minutes north. No public transportation serves the town, so a car is essentially necessary unless staying within walking distance of Dock Square.
Dress tends toward resort casual, though fine dining restaurants appreciate more formal attire. Even on warm summer days, bring layers for evening or time near the water. The beaches require parking permits or use of public parking areas - check regulations before heading to the beach to avoid tickets.