Kennebunkport is a small coastal town with a long maritime history and a character all its own. Originally settled in the 1600s, it grew as a shipbuilding center before becoming a quiet summer escape. Today, its working waterfront meets charming streets lined with boutiques, historic homes, and small galleries. Dock Square, the town’s walkable heart, is where visitors can browse local crafts, sample Maine-made ice cream, or pick up a hand-carved wooden buoy as a souvenir.

One of the most iconic sights in Kennebunkport is Walker’s Point, the summer home of the Bush family, which draws plenty of curious glances from Ocean Avenue. But the town isn’t just for presidential photo ops. Goose Rocks Beach offers soft sand and calmer waters perfect for wading or simply watching the tides roll in. Nearby, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge includes trails that wind through salt marshes and spruce forests, especially peaceful in the early morning light.

Kennebunkport has embraced its coastal roots in the kitchen. Lobster rolls are everywhere, but each spot offers its own take. The Clam Shack, perched at the bridge into town, serves theirs on a round bun with butter, mayonnaise, or both. For a sit-down experience, Earth at Hidden Pond offers a seasonal menu in a candlelit cottage setting surrounded by birch trees and herb gardens. And for those with a sweet tooth, Rococo Ice Cream spins up unique flavors like goat cheese blackberry chambord or Maine whoopie pie.

Boat tours are a great way to see the town from a different perspective. From whale-watching cruises to sailing trips aboard a vintage schooner, the coast reveals its quiet coves, lighthouses, and working lobster boats best from the water. Cape Porpoise, a short drive from town, is a tiny fishing village with a scenic harbor, a cluster of casual seafood shacks, and views of Goat Island Light, which has stood guard since 1833.