This article has links to products and services we love, which we may make commission from.
Looking for the best things to do in Kennebunkport, ME? This coastal town is one of our favorites at any time of year, but it really shines in the summertime!
Whether you’re local or visiting, this guide will help you plan your time and enjoy the highlights of one of Maine’s most charming destinations.
Quick tip: Kennebunkport is also written as KPT for short, just in case you spot that around town.
You might also like our guide to the best things to do in Kennebunk, which is often joined together with Kennebunkport as “the Kennebunks”.
Kennebunkport also features in our guide to the perfect Maine summer vacation spots.
And be sure to check out all the best places to visit in Maine and especially more of our favorite beautiful towns in Maine while you’re here.
If you want to visit Kennebunkport but you don’t have a car, check out this day trip from Boston to enjoy the quaint coastal towns of Maine without having to worry about navigating or parking.
Things to Do in Kennebunkport
Our guide features the top things to do in Kennebunkport, starting in the iconic Historic District and then working our way out from there.
Kennebunkport Historic District
Making up much of the village center, the Kennebunkport Historic District is one of the most popular local attractions.
It has the highest concentration of historic buildings in town, with some dating back to the 1700s!
The historic district holds so many amazing stories; take a walking tour of the historic district to learn as much as you can about the area!
White Columns House Tour
If you’re wondering what to do in Kennebunkport, the easy answer is to enjoy the rich history of the town with a house tour of the iconic White Columns estate (8 Maine St).
This Victorian-era property was built in 1853 and still has its original furnishings.
The tour of the home includes the story of the family who lived here for three generations, the deep history of Kennebunkport, and its incredible maritime traditions.
Kennebunkport is rich with history, generally; you should go on a city-wide walking tour to learn about the best stories.
Dock Square
Dock Square has some of the best things to do and see in Kennebunkport, including the best boutique shopping and the best coffee.
You’ll find galleries with fine arts and crafts, bookstores, candy stores, antique shops, and a charming cafe called the Dock Square Coffee House (18 Dock Sq).
Taste their award-winning coffee and local pastries before you set out on your shopping adventure.
Intown Trolley
Check out an Intown Trolley Sightseeing Tour (21 Ocean Ave).
For decades, the trolley has shown visitors around the historic city, all in keeping with the hundred-year-old tradition of trolleys transporting summer tourists from the train station.
Tours include several points of interest, including beautiful beaches and President Bush’s summer estate!
The Boathouse Restaurant
Head to the best upscale seafood restaurant in the area, The Boathouse Restaurant (21 Ocean Ave).
Located at The Boathouse Kennebunkport hotel, the restaurant overlooks the waterfront and features creative cocktails and innovative, innovative dishes, and more.
Northlight Gallery
When in KPT, you have to gallery hop and take in all the amazing works by local artists.
Northlight Gallery (33 Ocean Ave) should be at the top of your gallery-hopping list, featuring more than a dozen painters and photographers inspired by natural scenery and the world around them.
Drinks at Arundel Wharf
One of the best Kennebunkport activities for adults is to grab a cocktail at Arundel Wharf Restaurant (43 Ocean Ave), a maritime-themed restaurant with views of the Kennebunk River.
With cocktails like the Blueberry Lemon Mimosa and a Blueberry Sangria, you’ll love watching the boats on the dock as you sip your drink in the sunset.
Pineapple Ketch
Being on the water means you can enjoy a wide variety of boat tours and excursions, so head out on a sailing adventure on the beautiful Pineapple Ketch (95 Ocean Ave).
Choose from a few different sailing trips, enjoy local points of interest, and sit back and relax or help the crew haul lines and set sail!
Rugosa Lobster Tour
If you’re looking for something even more hands-on, you should go out on a Rugosa Lobster Tour (95 Ocean Ave), one of the top Kennebunkport attractions.
Located on a traditional, wooden lobster boat, Rugosa Lobster Tours offers an educational cruise that includes live demonstrations, stories of Maine’s lobstering history, and so much more.
This is a truly memorable activity in Kennebunkport for the whole family.
Parson’s Field
Playing at Parson’s Field (20 Recreation Way) is another one of the best Kennebunkport family activities for an afternoon of fun.
From a baseball diamond to a playground, kids will love the huge amounts of open space to play.
Stop by the concession stand for some snacks if you get hungry!
Stripers Waterside Restaurant
Make a reservation at Stripers Waterside Restaurant (127 Ocean Ave) for a locally sourced meal filled with New England classic dishes.
Located at The Breakwater Inn & Spa, dining at the restaurant is a must-do in Kennebunkport if you love fresh, local seafood and ingredients.
Stop at the spa, as well, or book an overnight stay!
Colony Beach
Colony Beach (Ocean Ave) is one of two public beaches in town.
You can walk from downtown to access Colony Beach, and you’ll love the beautiful scenery with its rocky shoreline.
See if you can spot shorebirds and butterflies while you’re here.
A parking pass is not required to park at the beach, but it can be crowded and tough to find a space during peak season.
Saint Ann’s Church
At the top of your Kennebunkport sightseeing list should be Saint Ann’s Church (167 Ocean Ave), a stone chapel that is one of 18 historic chapels in the Diocese of Maine.
Opened in 1892, the building was created using stones that washed onto shore.
Its stained windows, organ, and gardens are also amazing sights to behold, so be sure to take your time and look around if you get a chance to visit.
Blowing Cave Park
Blowing Cave Park (Ocean Ave) is a famous Kennebunkport attraction that features a fantastic natural water-fountain experience.
When the waves hit a rocky opening at this spot as the tide comes in, water is forced up into the air, creating a beautiful spouting.
Make sure to find the iconic wood-carved dolphin nearby!
Walker’s Point and Estate
Just two miles from Dock Square on Ocean Ave, you’ll find Walker’s Point and Estate, the site of the Bush Family Compound.
The Bush family, across multiple generations, has summered here for more than 100 years.
While Walker’s Point is not open to the public, it is still one of the most popular Kennebunkport tourist attractions.
It is easily viewed at the parking overlook if you want to take a photo; do not stop on the side of the road for a picture, you can only stop at the designated parking area.
Nunan’s Lobster Hut
Grab a classic fresh seafood meal from Nunan’s Lobster Hut (9 Mills Rd).
Their lobster dinners are served in the very same ways they were back when the hut opened in 1953, making it a nostalgic meal that can’t be missed.
If you’re looking for a local’s complete lunchtime recommendations list, you should go on a walking culinary tour with a knowledgeable guide.
Cape Porpoise
Cape Porpoise is a Kennebunkport must-see, thanks to its quiet village vibes, quaint galleries, and one of the oldest lighthouses in the state.
Today, it remains a quiet fishing harbor, but when you visit, you can enjoy a general store, views of beautiful seaside cottages, and some of the best fresh seafood in the area.
For an even cooler Cape Porpoise adventure, take this half-day kayak/SUP rental tour!
Goat Island Lighthouse
Located on Cape Porpoise, Goat Island Lighthouse is one of the most beautiful local spots you’ll want to visit.
The lighthouse was built in 1833 and was one of the very last of its kind to be automated.
Secret Service agents also use it as a spot to watch over the Bush Compound.
Rotary Park at Beachwood
For active kids, head to Rotary Park at Beachwood (105 Beachwood Ave).
This is the only place in KPT where you’ll find public tennis courts, and you’ll also find a basketball court and a playground.
Dogs are not allowed, unfortunately, and the park is only open from sunrise to sunset.
Seashore Trolley Museum
One of the coolest Kennebunkport area attractions is the Seashore Trolley Museum (195 Log Cabin Rd).
The museum is the first and largest electric railroad museum, featuring restored trolleys, transit artifacts, and a super cool Restoration Shop!
Earth at Hidden Pond
Foodies should go to Earth at Hidden Pond (354 Goose Rocks Rd), an upscale restaurant that boasts some of the finest dining in the area.
Much of your meal’s produce comes from the Chef’s Gardens on site, and the rest of your meal is locally sourced.
Earth at Hidden Pond boasts “an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you yearning for more.”
Goose Rocks Beach
Goose Rocks Beach (Kings Highway) is the other public beach in town, and its soft, white sand and scenic views make it one of the top spots in Kennebunkport.
It’s a long, 3-mile stretch of sand with grassy dunes and amazing harbor seal spotting.
Parking passes are required during the summer months, and they can be purchased at kiosks or at the GRB General Store.
Final Words
Have you tried all these things to do in Kennebunkport? We hope this guide helped you plan!
Share your favorite local spots in the comments below.