New England is known for its charming, quaint towns (among other things). And Kennebunkport consistently makes the "top New England towns to travel to" lists, which will come as no surprise when you do get the chance to visit.
Not only is it "charming" and "quaint," but it is also located in the southern portion of Maine. This makes it a perfect destination for a complete New England road trip because it's not a far drive to and from the New Hampshire and Massachusetts borders. You'll still get a taste of Maine.
Kennebunkport is a coastal town too, allowing for a wider range of activities (aka beach time) and stunning ocean views. Plus, it has a rich history as a productive fishing ground and a shipbuilding and trading center.
Because of these diverse attributes, you can spend a lovely day (or more) in and near Kennebunkport, Maine. Here's my itinerary to do just that.
Pin this post for later!
Grab a Coffee or Smoothie from Fiafia
Begin your morning in the main hub of Kennebunkport at Fiafia, a cafe that offers coffee, smoothies, acai bowls and breakfast/brunch food. You can eat and drink your goodies inside the shop or take a walk outside as you do so. If you decide to stroll the street, enjoy this more peaceful view of the town as it wakes up (because it will get busy later!).
Visit St. Ann's Stone Chapel
Next, go on a short coastal drive. Your first stop is St. Ann's Stone Chapel, or St. Ann's Episcopal Church. Built in 1892, it is one of 18 historic summer chapels in Maine. This church is picturesque with stone walls, wooden beams, stained glass windows and gardens. While you must go inside, the church's location also offers a beautiful view of the ocean as it is located near some clifftops.
Stop at Blowing Cave Park
Your second stop along the coast is Blowing Cave Park. This area where the rugged cliffs of Maine meet the Atlantic Ocean creates a stunning view. Traverse the rocky environment or simply sit and enjoy the waves crashing against the shore, creating the "blowing cave" effect.
I must also note that if you want to wake up early and start your Kennebunkport day here, this would be a beautiful spot to watch the sunset.
Parking: There is a small pullout near Blowing Cave Park, but it can be easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled.
Walk Goose Rocks Beach
Your final ocean vista, Goose Rocks Beach, is about a 10-minute drive away. There was an intense fog when I stopped there, and since I was traveling through New England in the fall, it was chilly too. In spite of those two factors, the beach was beautiful. In fact, with the fog, it almost felt magical with its miles of white sand and gentle waves. The ocean remained shallow for a good distance too, perfect for getting just your feet wet.
Whether you go to Maine in the spring, summer or fall, you can enjoy a swim at Goose Rocks (even if it's a cold plunge!), a walk on its soft white sand or even a nap on the beach. Just keep in mind that during the warm months, it will be fairly crowded.
Parking: If you're staying at The Tides Beach Club, you can park in its parking lot. If that's not the case, you can park on the street, but you will need a parking sticker if you visit between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day from 8 AM to 5 PM. It's $30 a day or $125 for the week. Head to the Kennebunkport website for more information on where you can buy this parking sticker.
Bathrooms: Although there are no restrooms on the beach, if you stop at The Tides Beach Club for a meal, you can use its bathroom.
Food/Drinks: There are a few close restaurant options when you get hungry. The Goose Rocks Beach General Store is open daily in season (starting in May) and offers coffee, breakfast and lunch. The Tides Beach Club is another great choice for lunch and dinner. It's also possible that some local food trucks will be parked nearby.
Eat Lunch at The Tides Beach Club
When you need a break from your beach adventure, stop in at The Tides Beach Club. You'll find a lunch and dinner menu in addition to a cocktail list. (I enjoyed the tuna poke bowl. It was healthy and fresh.) The meals aren't cheap, but I don't think it's too pricey, especially when compared to other New England spots.
Peruse Kennebunkport's Shops and Museums
Now it's time to return to the main street of Kennebunkport (Dock Square) where you'll find an array of boutiques, galleries, restaurants and other sights. Shops filled with clothing, decor, furniture, jewelry and gifts line the streets, so pop into the ones that pique your interest. Check out the signs displayed along the bridge, which offer some background information about the town, and visit the Kennebunkport Historical Society for more insights or to go on a historic walking tour.
Eat Dinner and Blueberry Pie at Alisson's
Finish your day at Alisson's, a locally owned restaurant and bar. It offers soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta and seafood dishes. But, in my opinion, the real reason to visit Alisson's is its blueberry pie.
Before you write off this suggestion, hear me out. Firstly, Maine is the largest producer of blueberries in the United States, so you have to try something with a blueberry base when you travel there. Secondly, the blueberries in this pie are sweet, small and mashed just enough. (Usually, I find the texture of blueberry pie to be a problem because I hate how large the blueberries are in them.) Finally, the crust is flaky and so buttery. All together, these qualities make for the BEST blueberry pie I've ever tasted!