Blake Walsh

18 Best Things to Do in Kennebunkport, ME

  • Published 2022/04/06

Kennebunkport, Maine, is an exuberant destination.

It is a vacation spot for all seasons.

A place becomes a complete destination when it consists of something for everyone, and Kennebunkport tops the list in this matter.

It has everything that a wanderer’s soul desires: stunning beaches, quaint town squares, delicious food, and versatile shopping options.

The resorts are a pleasure to stay in, too.

The town’s atmosphere is dynamic and high-spirited from dawn to dusk.

Here are the best things to do in Kennebunkport, Maine:

Explore the Coastal Town on a Boat Tour

Boat tour in Kennebunkport

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Kennebunkport is popularly known as a coastal town.

That said, the best way to explore it is through its waters.

Multiple operators provide different boat tours for different durations.

Boat docked near Kennebunkport's restaurants

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You can choose one that suits your preferences and explore the town.

The boat tours are one to two hours long, depending on your chosen package.

They take you around the town and offer scenic views of the destination.

It will surely be a pleasure to view the place from an aquatic perspective.

Three boats on the waters of Kennebunkport

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Seek Blessings at Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church

Exterior of Saint Ann’s Church in Kennebunkport

Yingna Cai / Shutterstock.com

Saint Ann’s is an episcopal church in Kennebunkport.

It is a pretty old cathedral sculpted in a Gothic manner.

The church aims to welcome people from all faiths.

Closer view of Saint Ann's Episcopal Church's exterior

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It may not be open to the general public if some private ceremonies are being held.

The architecture is magnificent and so intricate, and the interior is well-preserved and is still the same as it was built.

It also boasts fascinating stonework.

You must visit it at least once to admire the architecture and worship the divine.

Far view of Saint Ann's Episcopal Church

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Enjoy the Views from Walker’s Point

View of Bush's house from Walker’s Point

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This point is known for its view of the Bush House.

Former US President George Bush used to retreat to his summer home here.

You will be amazed by looking at the house.

It is vast and beautiful.

Edge of Walker's Point overlooking the water

EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Unfortunately, you cannot enter the property.

Walker’s Point is a vantage point for absorbing innumerable scenic views.

You can visit the spot early in the morning.

It will be a fabulous experience to bask in the sun’s glow and watch the historic house right in front of you.

View of the Summer White House of George H. W. Bush at Walker's Point

Thomas Kloc / Shutterstock.com

Watch the Mesmerizing Sunset at Kennebunk Beach

Sunny day at Kennebunk Beach

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Kennebunkport has a lot of beaches.

Out of all those, Kennebunk Beach must be your first stop.

A sandy beach in itself, Kennebunk is not too vast.

The small, sandy beach is dotted with rocks making it look aesthetically pleasing.

It’s a nice place to spend the evening, which is when it’s most magical.

Watching the sun go deeper into the ocean and the wind flow silently will be enchanting.

You can also your toes in the cold waters and soothe your feet.

You can take some food along, but make sure you do not litter.

People go surfing here, too.

If you plan to visit, make it a point to check the level of the tides beforehand.

Sample Different Types of Beer at Local Breweries

Kennebunkport is a paradise for all those who love beer.

The local breweries have an excellent selection of quality beers.

One interesting fact is that there are many flavors that you probably did not even know about.

Numerous beer companies offer tasting sessions.

You can go for the session in the afternoons.

It will probably be hot outside, and sipping on chilled beers indoors will be totally refreshing.

Unleash Your Inner Barista and Take up a Cocktail Class

If you’re interested in preparing your own cocktails, you can take a one-day class.

They will help you learn the basics and aid you with a few recipes.

For reference, Old Vines offers the best cocktail class in Kennebunkport.

They have a one-hour interactive class to equip you with the recipes from scratch.

They instruct you in stirring, pouring, and garnishing.

Their classes are small so that you can have personal guidance as well.

Meander through Dock Square

Restaurants along Dock Square in Kennebunkport

Debbie Eckert / Shutterstock.com

Kennebunkport’s real aura lies in Dock Square.

This part of the town is peppered with quaint cafes, boutiques, and impressive streets.

The best time to visit is summer.

The atmosphere is pleasant and lively, and there are many things you can do here.

Exterior of an ice cream shop at Dock Square

quiggyt4 / Shutterstock.com

You can shop here—the collection is unique and segregated according to different niches.

The prices are quite affordable too, and you can catch hold of some local products as well.

If you don’t plan on shopping, you can grab lunch at any of the local cafes.

They have a patio overlooking the street, making it an interesting place to sit and enjoy the view.

Cars driving along Dock Square

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Go for a Ride at the Seashore Trolley Museum

An old trolley at Seashore Trolley Museum

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Known as the world’s largest electric museum, the Seashore Trolley Museum is a delightful experience.

The museum aims to disclose the history and importance of public transportation.

The heritage trolley has been in use since the late 1900s and still proves to be as impressive as it was on day one.

Name sign of Seashore Trolley Museum

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There is a wide range of vintage cars, buses, and trolleys collections.

The museum offers several tours that are approximately one hour long and take you deep into the woods.

It will be a nature-friendly ride.

Sundays are the busiest, so make sure you go on a weekday to avoid traffic and waiting.

An old train at Seashore Trolley Museum

EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Treat Your Taste Buds on a Foodie Tour

Walking down the streets and relishing mouth-watering delicacies is always a good idea.

Many different operators can take you on a foodie tour.

Maine Foodie Tours is one of them.

They will take you to the best places in Kennebunkport that offer delicious food.

Your taste buds are in for a joyride—every penny you spend will be worth it.

Each tour lasts for more than an hour.

Hike up the Parson’s Way Trail

Peace is in abundance along this trail.

It is an offbeat destination that offers nothing but serenity and peacefulness.

It is around 3.2km long, with hidden benches and wildflower bushes along the way.

The view from here is pretty amazing, and fresh air is guaranteed here.

You can take along binoculars to spot some distant sea animals or birds, or you can walk the entire trail and tone your muscles.

Either way, it will be a productive experience for you.

There is an adjoining beach where the tides are low, and you can go swimming.

Snap Photos of the Wedding Cake House

Exterior of the Wedding Cake House

Pernelle Voyage / Shutterstock.com

Dating back to the 1800s, the Wedding Cake House is one of the most picturesque locations in Kennebunkport.

Anyone who visits this place makes sure to take photos of it.

White fence details of Wedding Cake House

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It appears like a giant wedding cake.

The architecture is intricately detailed and graceful.

It is well-preserved and deserves a lot more attention.

A white bench in front of Wedding Cake House

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Catch the Sunset at the Mathew J. Lanigan Bridge

A person at the Lanigan Bridge

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The Mathew J. Lanigan Bridge is one of the most important bridges in town.

It offers a scenic view of Kennebunkport, and you can spend a few hours here.

Name sign of Mathew J. Lanigan Bridge

Charlotte Evelyn / Shutterstock.com

Visit this place in the evening, just in time to watch the sunset.

During this time, the sky’s colors merge into shades of orange, creating an awe-inspiring scene.

Sunset illuminating the people at Mathew J. Lanigan Bridge

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Go for a Succulent Dinner at The Boathouse Restaurant

Exterior of The Boathouse Restaurant

Yingna Cai / Shutterstock.com

The Boathouse Restaurant is one of the most fantastic dining spots in Kennebunkport.

It is a waterfront hotel that offers a marvelous view of the waters.

The food is well-presented and tastes heavenly, too.

Side exterior of The Boathouse Restaurant

Yingna Cai / Shutterstock.com

The best dish to try is lobster fried rice.

Having a meal on the waters is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Do snap some amazing pictures and enjoy your food to the fullest.

Taste the Famous Lobster Rolls at The Clam Shack

Exterior of the Clam Shack

quiggyt4 / Shutterstock.com

The Clam Shack serves the most delectable lobster rolls, which are the talk of the town.

They make the best lobster rolls around Kennebunkport.

People lined up in front of The Clam Shack

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Their rolls have the right amount of lobster chunks and mayonnaise.

It is a scrumptious blend of spiciness and sweetness.

A person ordering at The Clam Shack

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Drive to Cape Porpoise

Sunset at Cape Porpoise

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Cape Porpoise is a small coastal village in Kennebunkport.

It has a fishing harbor and is a little seaside haven in itself.

The old-fashioned village is tranquil and offers majestic views that are best enjoyed from the pier.

Far view of Cape Porpoise's houses

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There are no elaborate beaches or coastlines, but you can go river kayaking or canoeing.

You can spend a night here at a local lodge or inn.

A day is enough to venture and explore the village.

Cape Porpoise holistically emanates the real feel of Maine and how it used to be in the good old days.

A woman admiring the sunset at Cape Porpoise

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Absorb Innumerable Scenic Views at Goat Island Lighthouse

Far view of the Goat Island Lighthouse from the water

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The southern coast of Maine is home to a string of small, treeless islands and rocky escarpments near Cape Porpoise.

Goat Island, which lies southeast of the cape, is an outer island that spans roughly 7.7 hectares.

The lighthouse on its southern shore shares space with a keeper’s house that sits just north of it.

Exterior of the Goat Island Lighthouse

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Goat Island Light is one of the oldest operating lighthouses in Maine, standing at over 185 years already.

This warm and inviting locale was established in 1835 to guard the entrance to Cape Porpoise Harbor.

When you visit Kennebunkport, you’ll find it off Cape Porpoise, near Kennebunkport can be seen from shore or by boat.

Spiral staircase in Goat Island Lighthouse

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Take a Sightseeing Tour at Cape Arundel Summer Colony Historic District

Exterior of a house at Cape Arundel Summer Colony Historic District

Upstateherd, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Cape Arundel Summer Colony Historic District is among the most stunning areas on the coast of Kennebunkport, Maine.

Made up of large summer estates, this cozy and quiet area is a haven for healthier living.

It’s a popular destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle and set down roots somewhere more quaint.

Since its inception in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it has faithfully hosted visitors.

The Cape Arundel Summer Colony Historic District includes many notable landmarks, including Walkers Point and the Kennebunk River Club.

It’s also home to the Bush compound, a historic neighborhood of Shingle-style homes constructed in the early 1900s.

In 1984, this tourist destination in Kennebunkport was added to the National Register of Historic Place.

Fill Your Ears with Thunderous Crashing Wave Sounds at Blowing Cave Park

A secluded rocky shoreline on the coast of Kennebunkport, Blowing Cave Park is a sea grotto that becomes an explosive psychedelic natural phenomenon at high tide.

Waves hit the rocks with a splash and spray up into the air like waterfalls of mist, evoking awe.

Some visitors say that standing at the park is like being inside a giant wave organ that fills your ears with booming sounds as wave after wave hits you in all directions.

If you’re looking for a place where waves are everywhere but not in your face, Blowing Cave Park is the place to be!

Blowing Cave Park sits on the border of some great neighborhoods, so you’d be pretty hard-pressed to find a better view of the Bushes’ estate than the one you can get from the cliffs or out over the cove.

With ocean spray bathing the rocks, they can be a bit slippery, and it might seem like you’re wading into dangerous territory.

So when you do visit this place, make sure you know that as long as you’re careful, this is a place where you can come to admire the force of nature in its rawest form.

Final Thoughts

Maine’s quaint little town of Kennebunkport offers several things for visitors to enjoy.

Both natural and historical treasures make a trip to this charming destination worthwhile.

With fresh seafood, local attractions, and plenty of activities to enjoy, you’ll discover countless reasons to visit the coastal town with this list of the top things to do in Kennebunkport.

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