A Local's Guide to Kennebunkport, Maine, Home to Sandy Beaches, Low-key Lobster Shacks, and Tons of Quaint New England Charm

The ideal trip here marries the best of both small-town charm and windswept coastal beauty — here's how to do it.

On the coast of southern Maine, the towns of Kennebunkport and its neighbor across the river, Kennebunk, have been bolstering their joint reputation as must-see New England summertime idylls since tourism first picked up here in the 1860s. These days, they’re the ultimate quintessential Maine coastal getaway: lobster by the sea, rocky points and sandy beaches, crisp white Federal mansions, and rambling cedar-shake cottages.

The Kennebunks, as they’re collectively known, have a reputation for drawing in the wealthy and pedigreed — for evidence of that, look no further than Walker’s Point, which is to the Bush family what Hyannisport is to the Kennedys, not to mention all the mansions built by affluent sea captains and shipbuilding tycoons that now serve as summer homes. To be sure, there’s plenty in the way of ultra-preppy New England ambiance if that’s what you’re looking for. But this being Maine, exploring the woods and waters and basking in the beauty of the landscapes should also be high on your list.

The ideal trip marries the best of both small-town charm and windswept coastal beauty: Mornings strolling Goose Rocks Beach with a coffee in hand or paddling to the islands of Cape Porpoise Harbor, afternoons browsing the shops in Dock Square and housing lobster rolls and fried clams at the Clam Shack, evenings sipping grüner at sea beneath the billowing sails of the Schooner Eleanor. And for off-season visitors, there’s a whole other side of the Kennebunks to unlock, with autumns that look plucked straight from Stars Hollow and the cozy cheer of the Christmas Prelude feeling like a Hallmark movie writ large.

Ahead, here’s a look — with a generous helping of local expertise — at all the best spots to explore, shop, eat, and stay on your next visit to the Kennebunks.

Kennebunkport, Maine

• The White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection, is an upscale stay with deep roots in the region, an unimpeachable culinary program, and a robust collection of year-round activities that connect visitors with the real Maine.

• Claiming one beach reigns supreme in the Kennebunks is a surefire way to sow discord — there are plenty of great ones to choose from — but Goose Rocks, with its long, sandy stretch and protected waters, is excellent for strolling and splashing.

• There’s lobster to be found on nearly every corner, but for a beautifully simple, down-to-earth Coastal Maine experience, Nunan’s Lobster Hut is hard to beat.

• Four-year-old Seacraft Vintage, with its impeccably curated selection of coastal antiques and curiosities, is the place to go for a Maine souvenir that you won’t find elsewhere: vintage maritime signal flags, oil paintings of salty dogs, and all manner of preppy-nautical objet.

• Getting out on the water is a must, either on a set tour with a company like First Chance, Pineapple Ketch, or Schooner Eleanor, or by renting a boat from Kayak Excursions and exploring the gentler rivers and coastal waters by paddle.

Best Hotels & Resorts

White Barn Inn

This tony 27-room Kennebunkport icon has hosted guests since the 1870s, and now, under the helm of Auberge Resorts Collection, the White Barn Inn’s reputation is only growing. “They refreshed the design and got a new chef, but the attention to detail is still there,” says Jackie Greaney, owner of Seacraft Vintage in Kennebunk. Matthew Dyer, co-owner of Wandby Landing, agrees. “If you’re looking for absolute luxury, the White Barn Inn is it,” he says. “All the amenities, the hospitality—we’re lucky to have that in our area.”

Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club

This cheerful, color-splashed stay on the Kennebunk River is a prime option for waterfront views with easy access to the heart of town. “The Yachtsman is a former motel that they refreshed, and it’s one single story along the river, so you walk out of your room, you have a little patio right on the water with the lobster boats — it’s idyllic,” says Greaney.

The Wanderer Cottages

These 17 cozy, updated standalone cottages feel like vintage Maine with an of-the-moment design spin. The Wanderer’s digs are chic yet compact, but an array of thoughtful, stylishly executed touches—daily cookie and cocktail hour, morning breakfast drops, a fire pit with s’mores kits — and amenities like a bocce court, heated pool, and beach chairs and cruisers for loan make a stay here feel more luxurious than the square footage might suggest.

The Tides Beach Club

Situated right on Goose Rocks Beach, this 21-room hideaway is the ultimate beach vacation destination. The design is coastal-modern, and the beach-club amenities (umbrellas, chairs, kayaks, paddleboards, and attendants who’ll schlep all your gear to the sand and deliver food and drink right to your lounge chair) give this an authentic resort feel.

“The Tides has a spectacular location,” says Steve Kingston, a self-described Kennebunkport “summer brat” who now owns and operates the Clam Shack. “And great food, too — their haddock chowder is pretty fantastic, and they have an awesome watermelon margarita. I love just sitting on the porch there with a watermelon margarita.”

Hidden Pond

The 60-acre expanse of Hidden Pond offers a welcome reprieve from the action of Dock Square and the heart of the Kennebunks, and with the lengthy list of on-property options: two pools (one adults-only), a spa, an art studio, forest bathing, workshops in mixology, yoga, and floral arranging, and more. There’s plenty of temptation to settle in for a few days and never explore beyond the resort’s front entrance.

Luckily, the property makes it easy, with a shuttle service to sister spot the Tides Beach Club, loaner cruisers, paddleboards, and kayaks, and plenty of touring and adventuring options offered in partnership with local outfitters. Don’t miss a meal or two at the much-lauded Earth at Hidden Pond, where Greaney suggests asking to take your dessert course out by the fire pits for an atmospheric capstone to the evening.

Related: 10 of the Best Luxury Hotels in Maine

Best Things to Do

Goose Rocks Beach

This expansive, sandy beach is an ideal place to post up on hot days or stop by after an action-packed day for a sunset stroll along the sand. “I think Goose Rocks is one of the best beaches in the world,” says Dyer. “It's a little protected, so it's never too choppy and always a little warmer than the ocean.” Kingston agrees: “It is one of the nicest, longest beaches, the sand is unbelievably soft, almost like powder, and if you catch it at certain times — late afternoon, early evening — it sometimes is deserted. It's just a wonderful long walk,” he says.

If you’re traveling with a four-legged friend in tow, swing by in the morning or evening with provisions, suggests Greaney. “Our beaches are dog friendly before 9 and after 5. Getting up early with your coffee or bagel and going to the beach with your dog is really fun.”

Harbor Cruises + Boating

“Any chance you can get on a boat,” says Dyer. There are many options, but three in particular stand out to Dyer. “First Chance is a great one for a whale watch or a cruise out in the harbor — they leave right from the Pilot House, and when you get back, you can stay and have a drink with the locals. Pineapple Ketch is great for a sunset cruise and the Schooner Eleanor is run by super hospitable folks.”

If you’d rather travel under your own steam, Kingston recommends renting a kayak (Kayak Excursions is reliable and offers multi-day rentals) and putting in around Cape Porpoise. “The kayaks to the islands are amazing down there. Kennebunkport Conservation Trust owns several islands, and going out there is such a novice paddle — you do not need to be expert to see them,” Kingston says.

Timber Island

“Pick up breakfast at Boulangerie, then if you can time the tide right, you can walk out at low tide to Timber Island, between Goose Rocks and Biddeford Pool. There won’t be anyone with you, and it’s just perfect, rocky coast,” says Dyer.

“It's always great to take a picnic out there,” Kingston suggests. “When we have friends and family, that usually involves my lobster rolls, but my daughters sometimes bring bread and cheese or tinned fish and a bottle of wine.”

Garden Street Bowl

Should lousy weather drive you indoors, let it take you straight to Garden Street Bowl in Kennebunk, where knocking over a few pins feels downright luxurious. “Garden Street Bowl shouldn't be missed — there’s an awesome bar, bowling, an arcade, and a full kitchen. Jake [Peterson] is a great chef. It’s pretty perfect for a rainy day,” says Dyer.

Snug Harbor Farm

Snug Harbor Farm is technically a garden center and retail shop, but it’s just as much an activity unto itself. “Everything is so beautiful — Martha Stewart buys her pigeon baths there! They have fancy pigeons and peacocks and ducks walking around. It’s a good place to go with kids because they can see the animals — it’s just a really, really special place,” says Greaney. Dyer, too, is a Snug Harbor aficionado. “If you're ever having a bad day, it’s the most magical nursery in all the land, and a cup of coffee and a walk through their greenhouses will cure any of that,” he says.

Best Shopping

Daytrip Society + Daytrip Jr.

This design-driven Dock Square shop is a destination for discovery and always seems to stock a quirky collection of housewares, accessories, and decor that can’t be found elsewhere. “Daytrip Society is great for any occasion, whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift or just something helpful in your day-to-day,” says Dyer. “It’s a great spot to be, and you always know people will be really nice.”

Greaney sings the praises of the kid-friendly selection at Daytrip Jr.: “The kids’ store is exceptional — I recently spent an hour there and got vintage stacking robots that were a huge hit, and they stock cute sweatshirts or clothing that you’re not going to find anywhere else in Maine.”

Seacraft Vintage

Greaney’s own shop, in the Galleries at Morning Walk in Kennebunk, feels like a distillation of pure New England Americana. Seacraft Vintage, which stocks a mix of vintage and new finds, is eclectic with, true to its name, a heavy nautical bent, and gives the feel of wandering through the attic of an old seaside family compound. “Jackie and Paul at Seacraft — their stuff is very, very cool. They've brought another level of just fun, professionalism, and cool to the area,” says Kingston.

Minka

This little Dock Square shop has an arty, organic vibe and stocks a wide range of jewelry, body care products, and home goods. “Minka has an awesome selection,” Dyer says. “They represent Maine well, but they also have their own unique style.” If you’re tapped out on coastal chic, this is the place to go — Minka feels like a retail nod to the state’s more woodsy, back-to-the-land side.

Farm + Table

Maine has a long history of nurturing emerging artists, craftspeople, and creatives, and this shop in Cape Porpoise is a celebration of that legacy, stocking a wide range of products — hand-thrown berry bowls, candles, homemade marshmallows, condiments — from small local makers. “Farm + Table is in a beautifully appointed old barn, and they have the best gifts from local craftsmen. It’s a magical spot,” says Dyer.

Best Restaurants

Nunan’s Lobster Hut

This no-frills seasonal spot is a 71-year local fixture with good reason. “Our number one thing during the season is just getting lobster at Nunan's,” says Greaney. “The shack sits out over the marsh, and the menu is really just lobster, clam chowder, and blueberry pie. It's like pretty bare bones. But it's always a big hit, and the whole experience feels like authentic Maine,” she explains.

Wandby Landing

This Italian-inflected spot, run by Dyer and his wife, Mariah, is beloved among locals for its always-excellent food and warm hospitality, plus a bar program that’s ambitious yet approachable. Expect dishes such as agnolotti cacio e pepe with braised leeks, wood-fired salsiccia pizza, and chicken Milanese with fried capers and Calabrian chili aioli.

“People visiting don’t always want to eat lobster every day, so Wandby is always a nice way to break up the fish but still eat local, delicious food,” says Greaney. “Late in the summer, my wife and I will be going in to see Matt [Dyer] once a week and getting a pizza, just to get the seafood out of our blood,” says Kingston.

The Clam Shack

The Clam Shack is on every traveler’s must-do list with good reason: it’s a local icon that lives up to the hype, with fried seafood, frozen drinks, and lobster rolls piled high with fresh-from-the-sea meat. “Steve Kingston’s spot shouldn’t be missed,” says Dyer. There’s no better location — it’s on the bridge between Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. It’s the best spot to people-watch.”

Boulangerie

All three of our local experts agreed that Boulangerie is a must-visit destination for breads and pastries, with Dyer calling the baked goods here “world-class.” “I'm as plain Jane as they come, but the plain and chocolate croissants are both fantastic,” says Kingston. Greaney recommends the everything croissant, an everything-seasoning-sprinkled dough with a cream cheese filling.

The Lost Fire

Argentine chef Germán Lucarelli is behind this live-fire grill, which serves up what Dyer calls “the best steak in Maine,” along with empanadas, ceviche, and other South American dishes. “Germán Lucarelli is as legit as they come,” says Kingston. “By the end of summer, I want anything but lobster, so Lost Fire is always where I go to have a great steak.”

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kennebunkport is from May to September when the weather warms up and the sky is blue and bright — early spring in Maine is mud season and tends to live up to its name. If you have your heart set on ocean swims, late summer is ideal, as the water can still be forbiddingly brisk well into June.

With fall colors ablaze through October and November, there are charms to be found in the Kennebunks even if beach-hopping is off the table, and the annual October HarvestFest is a modest but fun family-friendly celebration, with pumpkin activities, live music, and a costume parade.

The towns also have their own particular magic come wintertime, when snow blankets the streets, the lobster-trap Christmas tree lights up Dock Square, and crowds flock in for the annual Christmas Prelude. If you’re visiting come December, book well in advance: Prelude crowds can rival those of the peak summer season.

How to Get There

Fly into Portland’s Jetport or Boston Logan. Either way, your most convenient option is to rent a car to reach the Kennebunks and to get around once you’re there. The Jetport is only about 30 minutes away, but airlift options can be limited. Boston, meanwhile, is an hour and a half by car and often a better choice for cheaper, conveniently timed flights.

For Bostonians, the short jaunt makes this an ideal road trip destination for weekend getaways or even day trips. For the most scenic route, hop on Route 1 as soon as you get to Maine and catch a glimpse of York, Ogunquit, and Wells en route.

How to Get Around

On foot: Much of the Dock Square, Lower Village, and downtown Kennebunk areas are easily walkable and pedestrian-friendly — and since parking in the central areas can be tricky, it’s best to ditch the car if you plan on spending several hours shopping, dining, and exploring.

By bike: Several local hotels have complimentary loaner bikes available for getting around town, but if you’re after a more heavy-duty setup, Mainely Bicycle has multi-day rental options for e-bikes, cargo bikes, trailers, and family-friendly setups. This coastal area has minimal hills, so getting around on two wheels is manageable, even if you’re not a serious cyclist.

By car: You won’t need a car to get around the Lower Village or downtown points, but if you plan to explore Goose Rocks Beach, Cape Porpoise, or any of the farther-flung corners of the Kennebunks, a rental or rideshare makes life easier. Uber is available in town, and car rentals are easy to snag at PWM or BOS. RideMaine is another excellent option — the locally owned service offers transportation by golf cart in town and to the beaches or has a fleet of vehicles available for airport and train station shuttle services, among others.

Shoreline trolley: This seasonal trolley service typically runs from late June to September between Ogunquit and Lower Village Kennebunk, with stops at the Kennebunk beaches and in Wells. Service is suspended for the 2024 season due to a driver shortage, but check the website for updates regarding future service.

Intown trolley: Though it’s less a standard transportation means than a tour, the Intown Trolley nonetheless, it is a great way to get the lay of the land and glimpse the town’s history and key points. Narrated, hour-long tours run daily, with a fare of $28 for adults.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.