Things to Do in Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is a small beach town located off the coast of southern Maine. Historically a shipbuilding and fishing village, for well over a century the town has been a popular summer colony and seaside tourist destination.
Goose Rocks Beach
Goose Rocks Beach is a family-friendly beach located a few miles outside of town. Tip: Purchase a parking permit at the Goose Rocks General Store just as you enter the community. Information on other beaches can be found here: https://kennebunkportmainelodging.com/beach/
Dock Square
Visit this adorable downtown area with shops and restaurants galore.
Walker's Point
Walkers Point is located just a short walk away from The Colony Hotel on Ocean Ave. Walker's Point is not open to the public, but you can walk or drive by, or stop briefly at the designated parking overlook to snap a quick picture. Vehicles may only stop in the designated area; no stopping on the road is permitted. The ride or walk alone is beautiful, with the Atlantic crashing against the rocks along the right side of the road.
The Seashore Trolley Museum is a fun place for families and train buffs, you can ride on restored rail cars into the Maine countryside, train trips are narrated by conductors to add to the authenticity, with special holiday events too. Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport, 207-967-2800.
Goat Island Lighthouse
Built in 1834. Viewed from Cape Porpoise Pier. Kennebunkport Conservation Trust manages the island light property and organizes tours, even overnights in the lighthouse.
Explore Kennebunkport...
By Foot: Thanks to its small size, abundance of scenic spots, and relatively flat terrain, Kennebunkport is ideal to explore by foot. If you'd like a guide, 1-hour historical walking tours depart from White Columns – the grand Greek Revival House, Maine Street, Kennebunkport, 207-967-2513.
By Bike: There are plenty of roads and trails to explore by bicycle. You may borrow a bike from the Nonantum, or rent one from several places in town, including Coastal Maine Kayak & Bike and Kennebunkport Bicycle Company.
By Kayak: Rent a kayak from the Nonantum or Coastal Maine Kayak & Bike, and paddle up and down the Kennebunk River to your heart's content!
By Trolley: Intown Trolley offers in season narrated rides from town stops. See signs in Dock Square, Ocean Ave, and Kennebunk Beach.
Mabel's Lobster Claw - A staple of Kennebunkport since the 1950s, Mabel’s Lobster Claw is a classic Maine restaurant serving a variety of seafood from fried clams to steamed lobsters. Enjoy a lobster roll on the porch with an ice-cold beer or grab some food to go at Mabel’s Lobster Shack.
The Ramp Bar and Grill - The Ramp has stunning views of Cape Porpoise Harbor and the working lobster boats that are moored there. During lunch, you can watch the lobstermen motor in and row to the dock in their dinghies while the sunsets in the evenings paint the entire harbor bright hues of magenta, pink and purple.
Boulangerie - Picture croissants, scones, and breads “as good as any you’d get in Paris,” all baked fresh (with local Maine butter, of course) in an old barn that was relocated to downtown Kennebunk. Try the “everything croissant,” filled with cream cheese and topped with everything bagel seasoning.
The Clam Shack - A quintessential Maine lobster shack, the Clam Shack is known to have excellent New England lobster rolls. They’ll ask you if you want ‘mayo, butter, or both’—say both! For those who care less about lobster, it’s also a great place to get fried scallops, fish sandwiches, and fresh fish to go. Oh, and if you look to the right of the shack there’s a little path that will take you to some great waterfront bar seating right over the river.
Earth at Hidden Pond - The “farm-to-fork” menu at Earth is comprised of house-made pastas, cheeses, breads, charcuterie, desserts, and locally sourced meats and seafood. Craft cocktails are prepared using ingredients from the garden, and a diverse wine menu complements the extraordinary experience.
Rococo Ice Cream - House-made, small-batch, and often experimental ice creams are this shop’s specialty: Think banana red hot, Earl Grey pepita, Maine whoopie pie, and spicy rocky road.
Antiques on 9
This shop offers a medley of furnishings old and new— all displayed in a pleasing, collected way that makes things extra covetable. Far-flung finds such as ginger jars and kilim pillows sit alongside model boats, antique flags, and other Americana favorites.
Daytrip Society
This Kennebunkport shop (and its kid-centric sister, Daytrip Jr.) “manages to sell gifty, didn’t-know-I-needed-it items in a tourist town while completely avoiding feeling like a tourist shop. It’s also a visual treat, as the shelves are arranged by color.
Farm + Table
Owned by a husband-and-wife team, this “big red barn” in Cape Porpoise stocks “beautiful linens and local woodwork like driftwood whales and locally salvaged barnwood cutting boards.