Free
Goose Rocks Beach
A long, quiet sandy beach east of Cape Porpoise. Summer parking needs a permit.
Southern Maine coast
Kennebunkport
A shipbuilding village turned summer town: Dock Square's shops on the Kennebunk River, a rocky drive along Ocean Avenue, long sandy beaches and lighthouses down the coast.
Photo: Dock Square, Kennebunkport, Messerjdx, CC BY-SA 4.0
Kennebunkport grew up around shipyards on the Kennebunk River. Dock Square is now its busy centre of shops and galleries, ringed by sea captains' houses.
Ocean Avenue follows the rocky shore past Spouting Rock and Blowing Cave to Walker's Point, the Bush family summer home, which you can see from the road. Cape Porpoise, a working lobster harbour, is a few minutes east.
Outdoors and nature
Trails, lookouts, waterfalls, beaches and time on the water come first.
Free
Ocean Avenue drive
The rocky shore road past Spouting Rock, Blowing Cave and the view of Walker's Point.
Free
Cape Porpoise harbour
A working lobster harbour with a view of Goat Island Light.
Free
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
A salt-marsh trail loop in Wells, about 15 minutes south.
Free
Marginal Way, Ogunquit
A paved cliff walk along the rocks to Perkins Cove. About 25 minutes south.
Free
Nubble Light
Cape Neddick Light on its rock island, seen from Sohier Park in York. About 35 minutes south.
Sights and attractions
Museums, landmarks and the places people come here for.
Cheap
Brick Store Museum
Local history and art in an old brick store block in Kennebunk.
Paid
Seashore Trolley Museum
A large collection of old streetcars, with rides on a short line.
Markets, shops and festivals
Main streets, markets and the dates worth planning around.
Free
Christmas Prelude
Early December: tree lighting, carols and a busy village. Some events are ticketed.
Free
Kennebunk Lower Village
Shops and restaurants across the bridge from Dock Square.
Book a tour or activity
Cruises, tours and experiences people book here. Each one goes to the operator's official page, and you can still add it to your trip.
Whale watching from Kennebunkport
Boat trips to see whales in the Gulf of Maine.
Season Seasonal, check official site.
Lobster boat tour
Watch lobster traps hauled on a working boat.
Season Seasonal, check official site.
Part of our Maine and New Hampshire seacoast guides.
Make it a weekend
Why stay the night
- Watch the sunset at Cape Porpoise, then have dinner in Dock Square.
- Ogunquit's Marginal Way and York's Nubble Light make an easy second day.
- December's Christmas Prelude fills the village.
Nearby and worth the drive
Portsmouth, NHabout 35 min · Guide ↗
A harbour city of colonial streets.
Ogunquitabout 25 min · Guide ↗The Marginal Way and a big beach.
Portland, MEabout 40 min · Guide ↗The Old Port and lighthouses.
Ready-made trips with Kennebunkport
Good to know
- Tourism: gokennebunks.com.
- Beach parking: Many beaches need a parking permit in summer. Check with the town before you go.
- We list only places we can check against an official source. Hours, seasons and prices change, so confirm before you go.
Photos on this page
Photo: Dock Square, Kennebunkport, Messerjdx, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport, InAweofGod'sCreation, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Oarweed Cove on the Marginal Way, Ogunquit, EgorovaSvetlana, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nubble Light (Cape Neddick Light), York, Hidden Fox Photography, CC BY-SA 4.0