A Dunes Day Trip: Things to Do in Kennebunkport, Maine
While we love our little town of Ogunquit, we know it’s not the only great place to visit on the Maine coast. If you’re looking for a change of pace, you’ll find lots of great things to do in Kennebunkport, Maine, located only a few miles away from The Dunes. With its rich history and one-of-a-kind character, Kennebunkport is the perfect place to explore with the whole family.
Things to Do in Kennebunkport
Narrated Trolley Tours
If you want to see the sights and sounds of of this coastal town, one of the best things to do in Kennebunkport is to take the Intown Trolley, a narrated trolley tour which guides visitors around the town and its surroundings. On your 45 minute tour you’ll explore the magnificent Maine coastline and the 300-year history of Kennebunkport as you’re whisked around on a classic trolley-style bus.
First Families Kennebunkport Museum
Located in a gorgeous 1853 Greek Revival home, the First Families Museum showcases the history and people of Kennebunkport in style. Visitors learn about the town’s humble origins as a shipbuilding port along with its storied residents and buildings, from early merchants to the summer home of President George H.W. Bush. You can also tour the historic home itself and learn about its previous owners, the Perkins family.
Authentic Maine Lobster Tours
Ever wondered what it’s like to pull those delicious Maine lobster out of the sea? Find out by taking a Lobster Tour aboard Kylie’s Chance. This authentic 65-foot lobster boat departs on tours of Kennebunkport and the Kennebunk River — you’ll see President Bush’s compound at Walker’s Point and seals sunning on Bumpkin Island. Along the way, you’ll get to watch as the lobstermen pull traps and show you how the lobsters get from the ocean to your plate. Great for kids and families, this tour is one of the best things to do in Kennebunkport, Maine.
Places to Explore in Kennebunkport: Ocean Avenue
One of the best ways to see the sights of Kennebunkport is to stroll (or drive) up and down Ocean Avenue. This two-mile stretch of coastal road will take you from the heart of town out to the gates of Walker’s Point and beyond. Along the way you’ll see some of the biggest houses and best views on the Maine Coast. You’ll also get stunning vistas from St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, a historic chapel built in 1887 that overlooks some of Kennebunkport’s beaches.
Kennebunk River Kayaking
If you’d rather experience the ocean than Ocean Avenue, you can always try your hand at some kayaking on the Kennebunk River. There are several shops that rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards; some also offer guided tours from the center of town out to the coast and back. Coastal Maine Kayak is a great choice — their guides are licensed Maine Guides and their tours cater to all abilities and skill levels.
This list is just a taste of all the wonderful things to do in Kennebunkport, Maine. Spending a day in this quirky, seaside town is sure to make any trip to Maine more memorable. After a long day of sightseeing, boat rides, and museum hopping, retreat to the quiet relaxation of Dunes on the Waterfront, only a few miles away and only a rowboat ride from Ogunquit Beach.