A day trip to Kennebunkport fits nicely into a stay at Anchorage Inn. The drive takes about 35 to 40 minutes, which puts one of Maine's most recognizable coastal towns well within reach.
You might be thinking, "Why Kennebunkport?”
Because it offers another great day along the southern Maine coast. Spend the morning around Dock Square, enjoy fresh seafood for lunch, explore a few favorite coastal landmarks during the afternoon, and still make it back to York in time for dinner and a walk on the beach.
Think of this guide as a starting point. Follow it from beginning to end, choose a few favorite stops, or spend a little longer wherever you're having a good time. Vacation days have a funny way of taking on a life of their own, and that's part of what makes them memorable.
One quick note before you head out: weekdays are usually a little quieter, especially around Dock Square during the summer. It's also worth checking restaurant hours before leaving York, since they can vary throughout the season.
If you're wondering what to do in Kennebunkport, Dock Square is a great place to begin. The streets around the harbor are full of locally owned shops, bookstores, cafes, galleries, and little surprises that seem to appear when you aren't looking for them. Start with a coffee, browse a few storefronts, and see what catches your eye before heading toward the waterfront.
It’s not uncommon for one stop to lead to another. Maybe it's the bookstore or the shop with handmade Maine goods you hadn't planned on visiting. Before long, the morning has filled itself, and you've enjoyed far more than the cup of coffee you started with.
If time allows, Goose Rocks Beach is worth the short drive. The wide shoreline offers a quieter side of Kennebunkport and a chance to enjoy the coast before lunch.
Fresh seafood deserves a place on any Kennebunkport itinerary. It’s a Maine coastal town, so of course, it has some of the best.
The Clam Shack is a longtime local favorite, known for its famous lobster roll and relaxed waterfront setting. If your idea of lunch includes fresh lobster and a picnic table, this is a great place to start.
For a classic sit-down meal, Mabel's Lobster Claw has welcomed visitors for generations. Lobster, fried seafood, chowder, and other New England favorites have made it a longtime staple in Kennebunkport.
If everyone at the table is craving something different, Alisson's Restaurant offers plenty of variety along with local seafood favorites.
Lunch here is a chance to relax for a while, enjoy another view of the water, and decide what sounds good for the rest of the afternoon.
Speaking of the afternoon, it’s a great time to explore another side of town.
St. Ann's Episcopal Church is one of Kennebunkport's best-known attractions, and the ocean views alone make the stop worthwhile. A few quiet minutes along the shoreline are usually all it takes to appreciate why so many visitors return here year after year.
Continue along Ocean Avenue toward Walker’s Point, the longtime summer home of the Bush family. While the private compound isn’t open to visitors, you can see it from the road as you drive by, making it an easy addition to a coastal sightseeing loop.
From there, Cape Porpoise offers another memorable stop. Lobster boats come in and out of the harbor, working waterfronts carry on much as they always have, and the slower pace gives the area its own personality. It's one of those places that feel authentic because it simply is.
If you're ready to spend a little more time on the water, sightseeing cruises, lobster boat tours, kayaking, and fishing charters all offer another perspective on the coast.
One of the nicest parts of exploring Kennebunkport is that the day still leaves room for a surprise or two. Those little discoveries become the stories you tell when you get home.
By late afternoon, Anchorage Inn is only a short drive away, and there's still plenty of time to enjoy the evening. Dinner at our own restaurant, Sun & Surf, followed by a walk along Long Sands Beach is a pretty good way to end a day on the coast.
That's what makes Kennebunkport such a perfect addition to your stay. You experience another side of southern Maine, then return to York for the evening with a full day behind you and another beach sunset still waiting.
If you're looking for what to do in Kennebunkport, Maine, this day trip covers many of the town's favorite experiences.
Anchorage Inn makes a comfortable home base for exploring the southern Maine coast, whether you're discovering Kennebunkport attractions, planning more Kennebunkport things to do, or simply enjoying a few relaxing days by the beach.
Book your stay at Anchorage Inn and discover some of the best things to do in Kennebunkport during your next Maine getaway.