In the Southern part of Maine you will find the charming coastal town of Kennebunkport. It is the place most commonly known as being the summer home of former president George H. W. Bush. But, there is so much more to Kennebunkport besides ogling Walker’s Point, the location of the Bush compound. It is also a city where you can take your beloved pooch on a foodie tour, kayak on the river and indulge in fresh lobster at every meal.
Kennebunkport also borders the town of Kennebunk, together they are known as the Kennebunks.
Twice the bucket list pleasure.
Kennebunkport Bucket List: 12 Things To Do In Maine’s Coastal Town
1. Eat a Lobster Roll
It doesn’t get much more quintessential Maine than eating fresh lobster, and some of the best is at The Clam Shack. Their lobster roll, simply made with fresh lobster meat, mayonnaise, and melted butter, warrants the dozen people deep line that commonly forms in front of their order window. This $17.95 sandwich is stuffed with a whopping one pound of fresh lobster meat and has been mentioned in everything from Gourmet magazine to the New York Times. No surprises there, because it is amazing.
Though The Clam Shack is truly delicious, many of the locals also swear by Port Lobster or Mabel’s to get their lobster roll fix. You may just have to do a lot of research (lobster roll sampling) to find your favorite. Bummer.
The Clam Shack | 2 Western Ave, Kennebunk, Maine | Website | Map
Port Lobster |122 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, Maine | Website | Map
Mabel’s | 124 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, Maine | Website | Map
Read More > Lobster Rolls at The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport, Maine
Read More > America’s Best Lobster Rolls
2. Take a Lobster Boat Cruise
You have eaten your lobster roll(s), now get a glimpse into the life of a lobster fisherman. The Rugosa Lobster Tour will take you on a one and a half hour scenic tour of the Kennebunk River in a classic New England wooden lobster boat. On this cruise, you can get your hands dirty (if you choose) while assisting in the hauling of the lobster traps.
If a more relaxing cruise is what you seek, then sail with Schooner Eleanor Sailing Cruises who will take the schooner along the beautiful Kennebunks coastline. This is an experience that will have you feeling like a millionaire yachter on a boat that is a beautiful example of fine (and local) craftsmanship.
Rugosa Lobster Tour | departs Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport | Website | Map
Schooner Eleanor Sail Tour | 43 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, Maine | Website | Map
Read More > 4 Reasons to Take a Scenic Sailing Trip on Schooner Eleanor
3. Sleep in a Historic Bed and Breakfast
Historic Bed and Breakfasts are plentiful in the coastal town of Kennebunkport. But, which one will you choose? One of the best, and the one that I called home for a few lovely nights, is Captain Lord Mansion. This authentic shipbuilder’s mansion can be found in a quiet residential neighborhood, just a block from the beach and a few minutes from Dock Square.
Not only does the inn offer a delicious 3-course family style breakfast each morning, but the sheets were the softest EVER. After tearing the bed apart, I found the maker to be Comphy Company. But, you don’t need to go far to get a set for yourself at home, the Captain Lord Mansion sells them in their eclectic store on the bottom floor.
Other Favorite Inns: The White Barn Inn, Captain Jefferds, 1802 House and Maine Stay
Captain Lord Mansion |6 Pleasant St, Kennebunkport, Maine | Website | Map | Booking
4. Eat a Whoopie Pie
The Whoopie Pie is a delightful dessert that has two pillowy chocolate cakes (cookies) sandwiched around a sweet frosting filling. An Oreo on steroids. Originally, these treats were made from leftover cake batter, but now their popularity warrants their own recipe and nonstick pan.
Though the origin of the whoopie pie has been a batttle between Pennsylvania and Maine, the latter of the two has claimed it as the official state treat. And what a treat it is.
You can stop into HB Provisions, an inviting general store where the Bush clan have been known to frequent, to test their version that is truly delicious.
HB Provisions | 15 Western Ave, Kennebunk | Website | Map
Read More > Old-Fashioned Whoopie Pie Recipe
5. Take Your Dog on a Foodie Tour
Kennebunkport is one of the most dog-friendly towns that I have ever traveled to. You can bring your pooch to the beach, buy them designer gear at one of the many shops, sleep with them at a friendly Inn and even take them on a doggie food tour, a perfect addition to your dog bucket list. Maine Foodie Tours will accompany you and your four-legged friend on a walking tour featuring doggie treats and good eats. {photo by patchattack}
If your “best friend” had to skip out on this vacation to the Kennebunks, opt for a human food tour where lobster and whoopie pies are a feature stop.
Maine Foodie Tours | Website | Book
6. Spot a Celebrity
Kennebunkport sees its fair share of celebrities, besides the Bush family and other dignitaries. It is a secret getaway to many of the famous. You may see them eating lobster rolls at The Clam Shack, sleeping at the luxurious White Barn, having a cup of coffee at HB Provisions or catching a play at the nearby the Ogunquit Playhouse.
Some of the celebrities rumored to sneak off to the Kennebunks are Taylor Swift, Quentin Tarantino and Billy Joel.
7. Do a Beer Tasting of the Local Brew
Directly beneath Federal Jacks Restaurant and Brew Pub, you will find their seven barrel brewery, Kennebunport Brewing Company. Not only can you take a tour of the facilities, but you can also choose the sampler where you will be tasting beers with names like Old Thumper and Fuggles. Who could resist?
Federal Jacks |8 Western Ave, Kennebunk, Maine | Website | Map
8. Take a Cocktail Class
Taste, learn and celebrate with a cocktail class at a Table culinary event. Their calendar is stocked with tempting lessons, like an On The Rocks Monday Mixology, that are held at different locations around the Kennebunks. If drinking cocktails is not your thing, opt to learn how to make a Boozy Dessert instead. I took the mixology class held at the Kennebunkport Inn’s bar where I learned how to stir, shake, and sip from a master.
9. Eat a Blueberry Pie
The whoopie pie is the official state treat of Maine, but the blueberry pie is the official state dessert. During the peak season you will see this fruit featured in many restaurant dishes, like blueberry barbecue ribs or blueberry cornbread. But, there’s nothing like a homemade bubbling blueberry pie hot from the oven. Mabel’s is not only a place for a killer lobster roll (see #1), but they also serve a scrumptious blueberry pie a la mode. Another contender is Alisson’s in Dock Square. {photo by Mike Bitzenhofer}
Mabel’s | 124 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, Maine | Website | Map
Alissons |11 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, Maine | Website | Map
Read More > Maine Wild Blueberry Pie Recipe
Read More > The 1 Easy Trick Professional Bakers Use for the Best Blueberry Pies
10. Book “Table #16” at On the Marsh
On the Marsh restaurant has been named one of the top 100 most romantic restaurants in America and Table #16 is the most romantic of them all. Tucked away in a hidden corner, it has been the location of over forty marriage proposals. This intimate table, overlooking the gardens can be requested when making a reservation.
On the Marsh | 46 Western Ave, Kennebunk, Maine | Website | Map
Read More >Couples Bucket List: 68 Fun Activities & Romantic Things to Do
11. Eat an Exotic Flavored Ice Cream
Each day Rococo Artisan Ice Cream has fourteen delectable flavors in their rotation. You can indulge in a scoop of traditional chocolate, but for this bucket list check you must order a more creative cone. Though the Goat Cheese & Blackberry Chambord Swirl is delightful and the Spicy Rocky Road will give you tongue a divine kick, why not give the Sweet Avocado Cayenne a shot? Or how about the Sunfish Wheat Ale Beer with Candied Ginger & Apricots. Head into their shop and select the most unique flavor they have that day! {photo by Rococo}
Rococo Artisan Ice Cream |6 Spring St, Kennebunkport, Maine | Website | Map
Read More > The Craziest Ice Cream Flavors in America
12. Kayak the Kennebunk River
Get a different perspective of the Kennebunks by kayaking along the picturesque tidal river. This working river is a major part of the economy and local culture, which you can experience from the water. At Coastal Maine Kayak you can choose to take one of their Kennebunk river tours or opt for a self-guided kayak adventure.
Coastal Maine Kayak | 8 Western Ave, Kennebunkport | Website | Map
Essential Tips for Visiting Kennebunkport, Maine
Getting There: Portland International Jetport is a major hub and most airlines will fly into it. You can easily check for the best fare deals at Skyscanner, which also has the option to choose ‘cheapest month’ as the departure to find the lowest priced dates to fly to your destination. It is a 30 minute drive from the airport to Kennebunkport, so you could book a rental car with RentalCars.com, or you could take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft.
Where to Stay in Kennebunkport: It’s best to stay near the city center, public transportation or the area that you will be spending the most time in. I stayed at Captain Lords, which was perfect, but there are plenty of other options. The Lodge at Turbat’s Creek (moderate), or Franciscan Guest House (moderate) are great choices in Kennebunkport. For something on the less expensive side, try the Footbridge North Hotel located in Wells. For a hotel with a little more extravagance, book a room at Captain Jefferds Inn (luxury). Or search some great deals on hotels of your choice at Booking.com. If you’re looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to Airbnb that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Getting Around: Renting a car in Kennebunkport is the best way to really experience the area and RentalCars.com has some great deals. If you are not renting a car, there are plenty of options. A popular way to get around is with Kennebunkport’s Sightseeing Trolley. Kennebunkport is also surprisingly easy to navigate by foot or bicycle. Taxis, Lyft and Uber are also available all over the city.
Best Tours in Kennebunkport: You can find some of the top tours at Get Your Guide or Viator, and here are some of the top ones:
Thank you for this post, I love reading about travels almost as much as I love to travel
I love to write about travel almost as much as I love to travel 🙂
Same here……I also write about travel but not as good as you….you can check my blog too….
Lobster roll on boat and boozy dessert in Maine are new things to me. Great adventures in America with familiar locations such as Kennebunkport. Can you suggest some in Maryland?
I haven’t traveled to Maryland yet, though would love to go and find some bucket list worthy adventures there!
Hi! Your blogs are amazing reads. I enjoyed reading each one of them; they are very much informative as well. Also, I would like to invite you to read mine. It would be a pleasure to know your opinion on the same. Thanks!
Thanks for the Kudos. I’ll check out your blog too.
Fabulous post! You really captured the essence of Kennebunkport. What a special place! Loved your photos!
Thanks Suzanne! It’s easy to take pretty photos of a such an amazing place 🙂
Very intersting article. Out of all your experience, I think i vwould like to try the Lobster Roll. How good was it?
It was delicious!!
Annette, You are delight and this is a GREAT list. I love that you have included all the senses and the full scope of experiences in Kennebunkport. I feel honored and proud to see this list. You are welcome to Maine ANYTIME. Our best to you for safe and happy travels.
Thank you Kristin. I would absolutely adore coming back to the Kennebunks 🙂
Kennebunkport is home to a number of public or publicly-accessible beaches.You can easily enjoy them if the weather is good.
Yes! And some of them are dog friendly 🙂
I’ve never heard of this place before, it seems so cool. I like that celebrities go there to relax, it seems like a peaceful town for it!
It’s pretty peaceful and filled with plenty of lobster!!
These are some cute photos. Specially the photo of that lobster roll brought water in my mouth. Looks really tasty. I would probably pay more than $17.95 for that right now.
At the time, I though $17.95 was quite high, but then I tasted the lobster! Yum!
I loved every single detail in this post from the word go. I am a travel freak, but usually I prefer the hard and rough treks. But after this post I have this sudden urge to experience all these luxuries too! The Whoopie Pie and the Blueberry Pie had me drooling while beer and cocktails are a weakness!
This is a great list! I grew up in central Maine and travel back often, but haven’t explored as much in southern Maine. Might have to take my dog there sometime this year! And that photo of the lobster roll is making me excited for summer!
That lobster roll was delicious!!
Eat a bean supper at the local church. Sounds crazy but tourists do it often 😉
Thanks for the suggestion!
Would you spend a night in Portsmouth or do you think more time in Portland would be better? We are staying two nights at the White Barn Inn. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!