Kennebunkport is coastal Maine at its most polished: a compact, upscale seaside town built around Dock Square, with grand shingle-style "cottages" lining the ocean and a few excellent beaches nearby.
What Kennebunkport is good for
- Dock Square — the walkable center, full of boutiques, galleries and restaurants on the Kennebunk River.
- Ocean Avenue drive — a scenic loop past crashing surf and summer mansions, including a view of Walker's Point, the Bush family compound.
- Beaches — Goose Rocks Beach (long and sandy) and Gooch's Beach are the local favorites.
- Cape Porpoise — a genuine working lobster harbor just up the road, and the town's best sunset-and-seafood spot.
Best time to visit
Summer and early fall for beaches and boating. Kennebunkport is also famous for Christmas Prelude in early December — the whole town lights up and it's a beloved holiday tradition.
Where to stay in Kennebunkport
Inns near Dock Square keep you walkable to shops and dinner; oceanfront inns along the water are the splurge. It's a small town with big demand, so summer and Prelude weekends book early. See current rooms on the Kennebunkport where-to-stay map.
Getting there
Kennebunkport is an easy 30-minute drive south of Portland, just off I-95.
Best for: couples, an upscale coastal getaway, classic New England charm, and holiday visitors.