Things to Do in Kennebunkport, Maine
If you're looking for things to do in Kennebunkport during your stay at one of our Kennebunkport inns, then we've got all the information you'll need. Check out all of our suggestions below to enjoy this beautiful coastal Maine location!
Beaches
The Southern Maine Coast is unique in having many long sandy beaches, unlike the rest of Maine where the coast is mostly rocky. Kennebunkport offers several spectacular beaches within a few minutes walk or drive from the Inn. Whether you desire the relative seclusion of Parson’s Beach or you’d like to be in the middle of all the action at Kennebunk Beach, we will be happy to guide you to the perfect spot for a sunny summer day at the shore. We’ll even provide a beach tote and towels to take along. In the fall, winter and spring, a stroll on a deserted beach offers seclusion, romance, and the beauty of the Atlantic.
Bicycling
Just a couple of miles from our Kennebunkport, ME hotel, the Kennebunkport Bicycle Co. has a shop where you can pick up a beach cruiser, a mountain bike or a road bike. The coast around Kennebunkport is perfect for an afternoon ride. Even better, pack a picnic lunch from Market Day, our local boutique market, and pedal your way to the beach for an afternoon of relaxation. If you feel like joining a group, Coastal Maine Kayak, in Lower Village Kennebunk, offers hour-long beach cruiser tours.
Fall Foliage
There really isn’t any better place to be in Autumn than New England. The blazing fall foliage presents a dramatic contrast to the deep blue Atlantic. Whether you choose to stroll the back lanes of our quaint New England village or take a drive into the lakes region of Maine, we’ll be happy to help you search out the best spots. We've also crafted a unique Autumn Escape Package to help you experience the best of the season.
Golf
Hit the links at either of the two exceptional golf courses in the Kennebunkport area. Cape Arundel Golf Club in Kennebunkport is a links style course favored by former President Bush. Webhannet Golf Club in Kennebunk Beach is a picturesque course with sea breezes and undulating fairways. We’ll be happy to make tee times for you.
Historical Tours
Established in 1653, Kennebunkport offers much for the history buff. Just outside the Inn’s door you’ll find many historic homes that have been restored and maintained to their original splendor when the shipping trade made the town one of the wealthiest in New England. From self guided architectural tours, to the Brick Store Museum, you can take in the lore of this shipbuilding capital turned popular resort town. We suggest taking advantage of several tours that are offered in the summer months by the Kennebunkport Historical Society, or purchase a guidebook for a self-guided tour in the offseason.
Kayaking
On the Sea or the Kennebunk River, one of the most rewarding ways to get out on the water is in a single or double kayak. The Kennebunkport Marina, just a quarter of a mile from the Inn, rents kayaks, canoes and skiffs by the half or full day. Or just over the bridge, next to Federal Jack’s, you’ll find Coastal Maine Kayak where you can partake in group guided tours, tune up your paddling skills with a lesson or rent your own.
Lighthouses
Maine and Lighthouses go hand in hand, and we’ll be happy to provide you with a comprehensive driving tour of Southern Maine’s most exceptional Lighthouses. Our tour starts with Goat Island Light in historic Cape Porpoise Harbor and winds up the coast, popping through charming coastal villages and ending up in Portland’s Old Port, where you can grab lunch at Gilbert’s Chowder House or J’s Oyster Bar. Talk about authentic Maine!
Nature Hikes
While some prefer shopping and fine dining, others prefer lacing up their hiking boots and communing with nature. Kennebunkport and its neighboring towns have a plethora of options when it comes to experiencing the great outdoors. Perhaps a hike up Mount Agamenticus, Southern Maine’s highest peak. Or if you’d prefer flat land, a nice walk around the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm or the Rachel Carson Preserve will show you woodlands, fields, wetlands, beach and dunes, as well as their resident wildlife.
Restaurants
Click here for our full list of recommended local dining.
Sailing
Topping everyone's "things to do in Kennebunkport" list should be 'get out on the ocean!' From its inception in the 1600’s, Kennebunkport has been centered around the water. To this day, sailing and boating are integral parts of what make Kennebunkport special. If you’d like to get out on the water, we recommend the Schooner Eleanor or the Pineapple Ketch. One a gaff-rigged schooner and the other a ketch with crimson sails, both have large teak cockpits and spacious cushioned cabin tops to stretch out on. They’ll give you the feel of yachting in the 1930's.
Seasonal Events
While Kennebunkport is a wonderful spot for your Maine vacation anytime, there are certain times when the Town puts on its best face. These are just a few of the Kennebunkport seasonal events that happen in and around the Southern Maine Coast.
Kennebunkport Festival
Kennebunk Blueberry Fair
Yarmouth Clam Festival
York Harvest Festival
Fryeburg Fair
Christmas Prelude
February is For Lovers
Shopping
Take a stroll to the bottom of our street and into Dock Square for specialty shops, boutiques and world class galleries, or hop in your car and head to down Route 1 to Wells where you will feel like you’ve entered the Antiques Road Show. Freeport to the North and Kittery to the South -- and just 35 to 40 minutes from the Inn -- offer exceptional outlet shopping.
Skiing & Snowshoeing
Winter can be the most magical season to visit Kennebunkport. Stroll among snowcovered trees and historic homes, come back to a roaring fireplace, a novel and a glass of wine, and later on, dinner at a cozy tavern. What makes it all even more special? Cross country skiing at Harris Farm, offering groomed trails on a Maine dairy and Maple Tree farm, or at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm, where you'll find undisturbed snowscapes. Or maybe you'll choose an exhilarating sleigh ride at Rockin' Horse Stables. There are plenty of ways to earn a good night’s sleep.
Spa Treatments
Forget the rigors of daily life and experience the rejuvenation you've been longing for. We highly recommend three local spas; each will provide you with top shelf spa service during your stay. If you are interested in a day of relaxation, we hope you will allow us to make reservations for you at:
The Spa at Rivers Edge
The Breakwater Spa
Cottage Breeze Day Spa
Tastings
Just across the river in Lower Village Kennebunk is Federal Jack’s Brew Pub, the birthplace of Shipyard Ale. On occasion and by appointment, tours of the Brewery are available to the public. Anytime you’d like to sample their craft-brewed ales, just stop in. Other great spots to sample locally made beer are at The Sebago Brewing Company in Kennebunk and at The Run of the Mill in Saco.
Throughout the year, various Kennebunkport restaurants offer Wine Tasting Dinners. These are excellent occasions to learn more about the art of pairing wine and food.
For the ultimate tasting experience be sure to be in Kennebunkport during the first week of June for the Kennebunkport Fine Living Festival which celebrates fine food, art and wine.
Walks
Some of our favorite places to walk start just outside the door of the Inn. At the bottom of Greene Street, Ocean Avenue follows the Kennebunk River for half a mile to where it meets the sea. In the early morning, if you’re lucky, you’ll see the sea smoke rising off the calm river, and when you reach the breakwater, the morning sun will bring the Atlantic alive. If you’re ambitious, the sidewalk continues along the jagged shore and passes by the palatial homes of many of Kennebunkport’s summer residents, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, and finally ends at Walker’s Point where George and Barbara Bush make their home between May and October. All said and done, this is a 3 mile round trip that is just perfect for stimulating your appetite before breakfast.
There are many other fantastic walks in and around town that we’ll be happy to guide you towards.
Whale Watching
During the summer months, First Chance Whale Watches depart daily from Kennebunkport’s harbor. These half-day trips typically travel approximately 20 miles offshore to Jeffery's Ledge, a feeding ground for several species of whales, including minke, finback, white-sided dolphins, humpbacks, and the very rare and highly endangered right whale.
For a shorter excursion, a lobster cruise will take you down the Kennebunk River, and out onto the Atlantic Ocean along the coastline of the Kennebunks. The captain gives a brief history lesson and highlights points of interest, including the summer home of President George Bush and Bumpkin Island, home to a colony of harbor seals, and a demonstration of lobster harvesting is given on most trips.
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