Kennebunkport

This prestigious destination has been the summer home of the Bush family, including two former American presidents (George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush), for many years. The family owns a large estate there, which attracts the curious but is not open to the public.

Over the last century, the town has evolved from a fishing port to a resort town.

You will be charmed by its art galleries, its typical New England architecture, its food, its delicious lobsters and its beautiful beaches.
 

Beaches

Kennebunk Beach (on Beach Avenue) is very popular but is less crowded than Ogunquit and Old Orchard beaches. It stretches for nearly 3 km and is divided into three sections: Gooch's Beach is the favorite for surfing and has lifeguards on duty during the summer, Middle Beach is the perfect spot to relax to the sound of the waves, and Mother's Beach is popular with families. Mother's Beach has a children's playground and lifeguards on duty. You can walk along the sidewalk that joins the 3 sections of beach along Beach Avenue to Lord's Point (6 km round-trip). Parking is paid on site at the pay station.

Goose Rocks Beach (on Kings Highway) is a 5-km stretch of beach between Kennebunkport and Cape Porpoise. It offers good views of Timber Island and Eastern Goose Rocks, a rocky formation that can be seen at low tide. A parking permit is required and can be obtained at Kennebunkport Town Hall (6 Elm Street) or Goose Rocks General Store (3 Dyke Road).

Arundel Beach (on Ocean Avenue) is also known as Colony Beach . It is across from the Colony Hotel, near the mouth of the Kennebunk River. The nearby Parson's Way Shore Walk is a scenic walk along the oceanfront that leads past a series of luxurious summer homes, including the Bush estate at Walker's Point . The view is particularly gorgeous at high tide!

Those looking for peace and quiet will appreciate the fine sands of Parson's Beach , which is just outside of town (on Parsons Beach Road, Kennebunk).

Swimming is sure to be refreshing, as the water is not very warm in the region (average sea temperature between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius in July-September)!
 

Dock Square

This is Kennebunkport's popular shopping district, located in the center of town. There are numerous art galleries along Ocean Avenue and Highway 35. The Kennebunkport Historical Society on Main Street is dedicated to preserving and sharing the city's history. It operates Nott House , also known as White Columns, and features several pieces of historical art. The First Family Bush Museum houses a collection of photos of the Bush family vacationing in Kennebunkport (8 Main Street). In addition, you will find a number of boutiques and good restaurants in this area. It's the perfect place do so some shopping!

Dock Square (near the Kennebunk River), Kennebunkport

Ocean Avenue

Ocean Avenue is another good shopping option! You can also walk all the way to Cape Porpoise along the Parson's Way Shore Walk which follows Ocean Avenue, passing several luxury summer homes including the Bush estate at Walker's Point . The view is particularly gorgeous at high tide!

St. Ann's Episcopal Church

This magnificent stone chapel built in 1887 faces the Atlantic Ocean in a beautiful setting surrounded by gardens. You are sure to be charmed by the chapel's unique architecture and calm, peaceful grounds. It will be a quick visit, but well worth it!

Seashore Trolley Museum

Learn about the history of public transit at the oldest and largest electric railway museum in the world! On site you will find a large collection of vehicles, three exhibit barns, a restoration workshop, hiking trails and a boutique. You can also take a ride on a heritage railroad in a vintage trolley from the early 1900s.

Lobster tour

Maine has the largest lobster fishery in the country. A boat tour with an experienced lobster fisherman is a great way to learn all about this iconic crustacean while enjoying the magnificent Kennebunk River and the Kennebunkport coast. Rugosa Lobster Tours offers 90-minute tours from late May to mid-October, with 2 or 3 departures per day. Children under 6 are not permitted. Reservations necessary, (95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport).

NEARBY

Portsmouth

Portsmouth , in the state of New Hampshire, is a nice place to stop between Boston and Kennebunkport. This colonial port city has several interesting historic sites to visit.

Strawberry Banke Museum

This outdoor museum near Prescott Park and the Piscataqua River is dedicated to bringing 300 years of American history to life. You can stroll along tree-lined walkways and visit the 32 historic buildings and 8 heritage gardens. Tours are self-guided, but there is a suggested itinerary, and interpreters in period costume are on hand to answer your questions. The site includes a gift shop, a cafeteria and a restaurant.

14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth.

Warner House

Built in 1716, this Georgian-style historic house is the oldest urban brick house in New England. Before being transformed into a museum, it was a family home for 6 generations, over nearly 300 years. You will see furnishings and murals dating from the 18^th century. 45-minute guided tours are available.

150 Daniel Street, Portsmouth.

Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach has long been a favourite vacation destination for tourists and Maine residents alike, and is especially popular with visitors from Quebec. 

Its 10 km long stretch of beach is crowded with vacationers of all kinds.

The Pier

The famous Old Orchard Beach Pier extends 150 m into the Atlantic. It features many seafood dives and restaurants, souvenir shops filled with trinkets, and activities for all ages. At night, the Pier becomes a hotspot for nightlife and live entertainment, (2 Old Orchard Street, Old Orchard Beach).

Palace Playland

This seaside amusement park has been a feature of Old Orchard Beach since 1902. It is a very lively site offering a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, rides, a giant arcade room, kids' games, restaurants and gift shops. There are even fireworks some evenings.

Open every day from mid-June until the end of August from 10 am (rides open at noon) and from 9 am on weekends (rides open at 11 am). Plan to visit in the evening. More restricted schedule in off-season, (1 Old Orchard Street, Old Orchard Beach).