15 Best Things To Do In Kennebunkport, Maine (2024)

Maine is full of beautiful coastal towns, and Kennebunkport is one among them. Located in Southern Maine, Kennebunkport though has a very small population, but it is quite popular amongst tourists. Its enduring small-town vibes and reliably beautiful ocean views make this town a great addition to Maine’s top holidaying destinations.

Kennebunkport is popularly known for housing long, sandy, and scenic beaches, mesmerizing lighthouses, long fishing and shipbuilding history along with authentic Maine seafood.

Kennebunkport is the nicest and most beautiful town in Maine. It has several focal points that a visitor will never run out of options while seeking entertainment and adventure. Whether you want to enjoy sea adventure, explore nature trails, eat good food, or shop for antiques, Kennebunkport will always serve you the best. This typical coastal New England makes one of the best summer vacation spots in Maine. Of the millions of people who visit Maine every year, a lot of them always consider Kennebunkport as well.

15 Best Things To Do In Kennebunkport, Maine

Here are all the Popular things to do when in Kennebunkport, Maine. Have a look:

Kennebunkport Beaches

Kennebunkport is popular for its beaches, and the town houses some of the truly best coastlines of Maine. Throughout the summer, these beaches are popular for everything from Sun to Fun. Here are the best beaches in Kennebunkport, Maine.

1. Gooch’s Beach

Gooch’s Beach is surely the best beach in Kennebunkport, and no one can deny that. The beach is located in the town of Kennebunk, nearly 5 miles from the port. This large picturesque beach features a wide, soft-sand coastline that attracts both locals and tourists. The glorious white sand at Gooch’s is quite tricky to find anywhere else, and that’s how it is unique and famous. Strolling through the sand and searching for sand dollars is a popular activity here. Gooch’s Beach also attracts beach-goers for recreational opportunities like swimming, surfing, kayaking, and playing on the sand.

2. Goose Rocks Beach

Arguably the most scenic beach in Kennebunkport and Maine, Goose Rocks Beach is another addition to the list. Goose Rock is slightly secluded since it is located quite a few miles away from the center of the town. This 3-mile-long white sandy beach has Granite Point to its north and Cape Porpoise to its south. Since the beach is a little off-beat, it is less crowded with tourists and frequented by individuals who come back annually for it. Surrounding the beach and the nearby area are quintessential Maine summer homes, historic hotels, boutiques, seafood joints, and ice cream joints. Since lifeguards aren’t on duty, visitors must behave extra carefully here while in the sea.

3. Colony Beach

Colony Beach is a small stretch of beach, but its size never lessens its popularity. This tiny picturesque beach is located at the mouth of the Kennebunk River. Locals, as well as visiting guests, choose Colony Beach for Morning and Evening walks. The beach offers small waves along its rocky sands and is never too crowded. It is popular amongst locals who are into fishing as a hobby. Besides that, the beach is also where one can walk on the breakwater rocks and grab some exciting views of boats in the harbor. Waves at Colony Beach are pretty calm, but it isn’t very popular for swimming activities.

Kennebunkport Tours

Not many people know, but Kennebunkport operates a range of tours across the town and in its nearby settings. And if you are a tourist or someone new to the town, you should definitely consider hopping on one of these tours. Here are some of the most popular tours to try in Kennebunkport, Maine.

4. Intown Trolley Tour

A first-timer in Kennebunkport should start touring the town via Intown Trolley. Operating for over 3 decades now, this 45 minutes long tour introduces participants to the depth of the town. Every trolley has a narrator/ guide who talks about centuries of history from Native Americans to shipbuilding bringing the story to the present time. The tour passes through different tourist attractions, including a Franciscan Monastery, President Bush’s estate, the Maine coastline, Spouting Rock and Blowing Cave.

5. Rugosa Lobster Tours

Rugosa Lobster Tours features a picturesque cruising and mouthwatering dining opportunity. It passes through unique photo opportunities and the gorgeous scenery of the town. This 1.5-hour tour on Kennebunk River operates on a wooden lobster boat. Participants can be in-house expert crews trapping lobsters directly from the sea. The crew even encourages participants if they want to join the live-action and catch a lobster or two. In addition, they also narrate how Maine’s lobstering business flourished and several other interesting stories.

6. Maine Foodie Tours Kennebunkport

A true food lover can never miss the chance to join Maine Foodie Tours in Kennebunkport. This is basically a 2.5 to 3-hour walking tour that departs from Dock Square and ends up at the Lower Village area. Within less than a mile walk, the walking tour takes participants to 6 dining venues. The experience isn’t just about dining but learning culinary history and unique food scenes. The tour consists of a knowledgeable guide that involves every participant in the fun. Not only that but the vendors, shopkeepers, and food artisans are extremely warm and welcoming. Maine Foodie Tours also includes sampling a range of snacks, mocktails, cocktails, and seafood, along with other food options.

7. Schooner Eleanor Sailing Tours

For over 25 years, Captain Rich Woodman has been successfully running the Schooner Eleanor Sailing Tour. This 2 hours sailing tour is a historical tradition, and it runs the Kennebunk River proceeding along coastal Maine. Departing from Arundel Wharf, the sailing tour makes its way into different sections of the river. Every tour has a guide who narrates the area’s maritime history and talks about everything that comes the way. Participants can sit back, relax and enjoy the astounding sea view and sailing process. Or, for adventure lovers, the sailing team allows assisting with the sailing process, which is an experience on its own.

Kennebunkport Museums

If the sea isn’t your love, then do consider checking out the range of museums and galleries in Kennebunkport. Here are a few popular museums to visit in Kennebunkport, Maine.

8. Seashore Trolley Museum

Seashore Trolley Museum is a huge 330-acre open-air living history museum. It is basically a parkland housing a Visitor Center, numerous transportation exhibits, and more such entertainment venues. The museum has car barns with a lot of cars, a modern urban mass transit rapid rail vehicle exhibit, a bus exhibit, a restoration shop where the streetcars can be seen, etc. Visitors can enjoy unlimited rides on meticulously restored streetcars. The ride goes 1.5 miles long on an interpretive railway, and that’s quite an enjoyable experience.

9. W. Robert Paine Gallery

If you are an art enthusiast, the W. Robert Paine Gallery in Kennebunkport will welcome you with open hearts. This facility is home to the excellent artwork of Robert Paine, who is commonly known as Bob. Paine, aka Bob, has a long-term goal of opening his gallery, and he did that in Kennebunkport. The gallery consists of unique as well as classic paintings that feature oil, watercolor, and egg tempera usage. Bob, in his artwork, has captured New England’s people, places, and lifestyle, and no doubt this man is excellent at his work.

10. First Families Kennebunkport Museum

For someone who is into presidential history or history in general, the First Families Museum is the best place to visit in Kennebunkport. This historical museum is right on the main street, inside the 1853 Greek Revival home. The museum exhibit consists of a wealth of Bush family memorabilia and 200 years of local history. Individuals can enjoy guided tours and learn about Bush’s family, maritime collectibles, local historical treasures, and much more. The First Families Museum is open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day and in December for Christmas Prelude.

11. Brick Store Museum

Operating since 1936, the Brick Store Museum talks about Maine’s art and cultural history. The museum is home to over 70,000 different artifacts that are presented through several rotating exhibits and educational programs. Every next time when you visit this place, you will have something new, unique, and exciting to check. Some of the highlights from the collection here include New England’s largest WWI and WWII propaganda poster collection, old stone tools, maritime artifacts, a wooden chest from 1685, and much more. The museum operates Tuesday through Friday and on Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm/4 pm.

Other Popular Places to visit in Kennebunkport

12. St. Ann’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church

An active and vibrant parish, the St. Ann’s by-the-Sea Episcopal is a top-rated tourist attraction in Kennebunkport. This lovely stone church was built back in 1892, overlooking Kennebunk River and the grand Atlantic. This historic church offers a peaceful worshiping place and gathers a lot of people. Sunday services, Mass prayers, and private prayers are some public events that welcome all. However, if not from the spiritual point of view, one can visit St. Ann’s for its stunning stone architecture, lush gardens as well as an outdoor chapel. The beautiful stone structure is unique from other churches in Maine and yet is definitely to be seen. It is also popular amongst photography enthusiasts and as a wedding venue.

13. Wedding Cake House

Formerly known as the George W. Bourne House, Wedding Cake House in Kennebunkport is where people come back again and again. Built back in 1825, this historic house is also known as one of the most photographed houses in the state of Maine. The house got its name after its “wedding cake-like appearance,” and a view of the same will truly justify that. The idea behind this unique structure was by George W. Bourne, who was keen on building something similar to the Gothic beauty of cathedrals of Europe. George gave his entire life to detailing the house’s exteriors by using hand tools. It wasn’t an easy task, but the outcome was mesmerizing enough to pay off all the tough efforts.

14. Dock Square

When in Kennebunkport, you cannot overlook Dock Square. Looks like a quaint New England fishing village; Dock Square is located in the heart of the town. Locals and tourists gather here to enjoy a walk along Ocean Avenue while exploring downtown Kennebunkport and its historic neighborhood. The square is always full of tourists, literally a crowd for most parts of the day. Dock Square is also a popular place for shopping, visiting a local art gallery, and enjoying some mouthwatering Lobster rolls of Maine. In addition, it is where gorgeous views of the fishing boats and gorgeous views of the fishing boats are to be seen.

15. Goat Island Lighthouse

Whenever in a coastal town of Maine, you cannot overlook the lighthouses nearby. And when in Kennebunkport, it is the Goat Island Lighthouse which everyone needs to check out. This 1833 lighthouse is nestled along the rugged and rocky coastline of the grand Atlantic. To get near, one has to reach Cape Porpoise Pier via Pier Road from Highway 9. People cannot visit the lighthouse from the inside but can definitely grab the stellar views from some distance. Or, for a closer look, take a boat tour and enjoy an up-close and personal lighthouse viewing experience. Local touring companies like New England EcoAdventures operate tours to the lighthouse.