Kennebunkport is one of our favorite spots in New England! We’ve been to KPT many times over the years, but we haven’t been back in a while (too long) — loved thinking back to our previous trips while putting together this travel guide. As with any other New England town it’s great to visit during the warmer months, and in the fall (for the foliage!), but some of the hotels are seasonal (including the Nonantum Resort), and some of the restaurants and shops are seasonal, as well. While there’s always more going on during the peak season, I recommend visiting Kennebunkport whenever you have the chance – during the off-season there are fewer crowds, less expensive room rates, and more parking!

Where to Stay

Nonantum Resort (closed mid-December through mid-April):

• All hotel guests will receive a free breakfast buffet, but the restaurant is also open to the public. I highly recommend this breakfast buffet whether you’re staying at the Nonantum or another hotel in Kennebunkport — the food is delicious, and you’ll be able to look out at views of the beautiful hotel property!
• Grab a drink or a meal at Heckman’s Pub (located right off of the lobby). Not only do they have a great cocktail menu, they also have a selection of local beers, as well as an extensive wine list.
• Grab dinner at 95 Ocean
• If you are visiting in the Fall you will want to take advantage of Nonantum’s Fall Dining Specials – (Mondays/Tuesdays – 1 appetizer, 1 entrée, 1 dessert – for $33.00), Wine Wednesday (50% off the purchase of a bottle of wine with your meal!), and Thursday Date Night (a meal for 2 for just $65.00).

Highlights: Kid-friendly resort, outdoor heated pool, on-site shop, Adirondack chairs overlooking the water, kid-friendly activities (including s’mores, crafts, and games), walking/quick shuttle ride to restaurants and shops, as well as plenty of on-site dining options.

Other options: The Boathouse, The Grand Hotel, The Kennebunkport Inn

Favorite Spots

Kittery Outlets – great shops just under 40 minutes from Kennebunkport. If you’re driving up from Boston it’s a good place to stop along the way.

Dock Square Coffee House is our go-to coffee shop in Kennebunkport – located right in Dock Square!

Alisson’s Restaurant was a recommendation from a friend years ago, and we’ve been eating lunch and dinner there ever since. Their menu has a lot of great options, and it’s one spot where we get our lobster rolls when we visit KPT. Also – it’s been in business for 40 years!

H.B. Provisions is a charming general store, located just across the street from The Grand Hotel – it’s a bit of a walk from some of the other hotels in KPT. You can start with a cup of coffee/tea and breakfast (I recommend the pancakes, but everything was so good), and then you can get snacks, a bottle of wine, and takeout to bring back to your hotel or A‌i‌r‌b‌n‌b‌.

Walk up and down Ocean Ave. for local shops, art galleries, and restaurants. You can also hop in the car and take a drive up Ocean Ave. to see the beautiful homes and water views!

Other area attractions: Seashore Trolley Museum, Goose Rocks Beach

Restaurants to try: Salt & Honey, The Clam Shack (closed for the season), Mabel’s Lobster Claw, Earth at Hidden Pond, Rococo Artisan Ice Cream

Kennebunkport, Maine is 40 minutes from Portland, 30 minutes from York, 1.5 hours from Boston, and 5.5 hours from NYC. There are so many places to visit in Kennebunkport, but I just wanted to share some of our go-to spots with you. I would love to hear about some of your favorite spots in KPT!