Kennebunkport is Maine’s most glamorous beach town — a place where Shingle-style summer cottages line the rocky coast, lobster boats bob in the harbor, and the streets of Dock Square are filled with galleries, boutiques, and excellent restaurants. It’s the kind of place that feels simultaneously exclusive and welcoming, and it’s one of the finest coastal destinations on the entire East Coast.
⭐ Why Kennebunkport Stands Out
The Kennebunks (Kennebunkport and neighboring Kennebunk) have been a summer retreat for wealthy New Englanders since the 1870s. The Bush family’s Walker’s Point estate sits dramatically on a headland just outside town, visible from the road and from the water. But despite its upscale reputation, Kennebunkport doesn’t feel pretentious. The lobster pounds are casual, the beaches are open to all, and the town has a genuine warmth that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
🚗 Getting There
Kennebunkport sits about 25 miles south of Portland, Maine, and about 90 miles north of Boston. The drive from Boston takes roughly 90 minutes via I-95 North (more in summer traffic). There is no Amtrak service directly to the Kennebunks, though Amtrak’s Downeaster stops in Wells, about 8 miles south, with taxi/rideshare service available. The best approach is driving — you’ll need a car to explore the beaches and surrounding area properly.
🏖️ The Beaches
🏖️ Gooch’s Beach
The most popular beach in the area, Gooch’s is a long, wide crescent of sand on the Kennebunk side. It’s the classic Maine beach experience — white sand, cold-but-refreshing water, dunes, and consistent summer crowds. Arrive early on weekends in July and August for parking.
🏖️ Goose Rocks Beach
Goose Rocks, north of the center of Kennebunkport, is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in southern Maine. The sand is wide and pristine, and the beach faces a tidal flat that extends for hundreds of yards at low tide — perfect for exploring with kids. The surrounding area is quiet and residential, giving it a less crowded feel than Gooch’s.
🏖️ Colony Beach
A smaller, more sheltered beach near the Colony Hotel, Colony Beach has calm water and a wonderfully scenic setting. The view back toward the rocky headland and the grand hotel is one of the most photographed in Maine.
🎯 What to Do in Kennebunkport
Wander Dock Square
The commercial heart of Kennebunkport, Dock Square is a compact cluster of galleries, boutiques, ice cream shops, and restaurants centered around a small bridge over the Kennebunk River. It’s entirely walkable and genuinely charming — far less touristy-tacky than many comparable New England beach town centers.
Ocean Avenue Drive
One of the great scenic drives in New England, Ocean Avenue follows the rocky coastline out from Dock Square past magnificent summer estates, rocky outcroppings, and the Walker’s Point Bush compound. Drive it, bike it, or walk it — the views are spectacular at every point.
🐋 Whale Watching
Kennebunkport’s whale watching trips head out into the Gulf of Maine, one of the richest marine environments on the East Coast. Humpback, finback, minke, and occasional right whales can all be seen. The season runs from late spring through fall, and the trips are genuinely excellent — calm water offshore and experienced naturalist guides make for memorable outings.
Cape Arundel Golf Club
One of New England’s most historic and beautiful golf courses, Cape Arundel winds along the coast with spectacular ocean views. It’s a classic links-style course in a spectacular setting — a must for golfing visitors.
🏛️ The Kennebunkport History Center
For anyone interested in the history of this remarkable place — its shipbuilding past, its transformation into a summer colony, and its remarkable preservation — the History Center is well worth an hour of your time.
🎯 Browse tours and activities in Kennebunkport on Viator →
🍽️ Where to Eat
The Clam Shack
No visit to Kennebunkport is complete without a lobster roll from The Clam Shack. Open seasonally and perpetually popular, they serve what many argue is the best lobster roll in Maine — served hot with butter, as the Maine tradition demands. Lines form early and move fast.
🦞 Mabel’s Lobster Claw
An institution since 1953, Mabel’s is a sit-down lobster experience in a classic Maine seafood shack setting. The Bush family has been eating here for decades, and the whole lobster is as good as you’ll find anywhere in southern Maine.
🎨 Earth at Hidden Pond
If you want fine dining in Kennebunkport, Earth at Hidden Pond is the answer. Chef Ken Oringer’s seasonal menu focuses on local ingredients and is consistently one of the best meals you can have in Maine. Reservations are essential.
The Pilot House
For a casual meal with fantastic harbor views, The Pilot House delivers fresh seafood, good chowder, and the relaxed atmosphere that makes Kennebunkport so appealing.
🍽️ Reserve a table in Kennebunkport on OpenTable →
🦞 Looking for the best lobster rolls near Kennebunkport? See our full guide: Best Lobster Rolls on the Maine Coast. Also check out our guide to the Best Fried Clams on the New England Coast.
And our Best Fish & Chips on the New England Coast guide.
🏨 Where to Stay
The Colony Hotel
The grande dame of Kennebunkport, the Colony is a white-painted oceanfront resort hotel that has been welcoming guests since 1914. The location is extraordinary — right on the rocky coast with direct beach access and sweeping Atlantic views. The inn has been meticulously maintained and has genuine old-fashioned resort elegance.
Hidden Pond
Set in the woods a few minutes from the beach, Hidden Pond is a collection of beautifully designed cottages and bungalows in a private woodland setting. It’s luxurious without being stuffy, and the on-site spa and Earth restaurant make it a complete resort experience.
The Captain Lord Mansion
For those who want to stay in Kennebunkport’s historic district, the Captain Lord Mansion is a beautifully restored Federal-style mansion with opulent rooms and an exceptional breakfast. One of the finest bed and breakfasts in New England.
🏨 Search hotels in Kennebunkport on Booking.com →
Don’t leave anything behind. Our Complete Beach Vacation Packing List covers everything you need for a Maine coast trip — from cold-water beach gear to the right layers for a rocky shoreline walk.
📅 Best Time to Visit
July and August are peak season — the beaches are at their best, all restaurants are open, and the town is fully alive. That said, September is increasingly popular and arguably the ideal month: the crowds thin, the water is still warm from the summer sun, prices drop, and the first hints of fall foliage begin to appear in the surrounding countryside. May and early June are lovely for a quieter visit when everything is freshly opened for the season.
🗺️ Combining with Other Maine Destinations
Kennebunkport pairs perfectly with a drive up the Maine coast. Portland, just 25 miles north, is one of America’s best small food cities and deserves at least a day. Continue further up the coast to Ogunquit (a great alternative or addition for beach lovers), York Beach, and ultimately Camden and Acadia National Park for a more extended Maine coastal road trip.