Local Area Activities

THINGS TO DO

So Many Things to Do in Kennebunkport

There’s far more to do in Kennebunkport than one could possibly accomplish in a single visit during the summer. Once in Kennebunkport’s magical seaside village, you’ll discover why visitors return year after year to enjoy the beautiful seasons of New England’s coast.

Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, or the “Kennebunks” as they’re known, offer arts, architecture, antiques, shopping, boating and much more. Both have historic districts steeped in local lore and offer tours of the homes of sea captains and shipbuilders. Shoppers in search of unique gifts and treasures will find them in the shops and galleries of Dock Square, the Lower Village and downtown Kennebunk.

Visit a historic Maine lighthouse, see the area on bike, foot, by car or by trolley. Or explore the seas aboard a lobster boat, on a whale watch, a charter boat, a kayak or a canoe. You will not want to miss a drive around Ocean Avenue with its Blow Holes, sweeping ocean vistas and view of President George Bush’s Summer Home – Walker’s Point.

Then there is Cape Porpoise, a classic Maine fishing village with a stunning view of Goat Island Lighthouse. A couple of miles further is the fabulous Goose Rocks Beach, truly one of the country’s most extraordinary beaches.

Spring brings still more special promotions and packages. Fall is the season for spectacular foliage and quiet walks along the beach. Celebrate a real old-fashioned holiday during Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude and rekindle memories of Christmas festivities from long ago.

Whatever the season, whatever the reason, you’ll find the Kennebunks have it all. Award-winning restaurants, gracious accommodations, remarkable boutique shopping and activities for all ages.

A beach filled with people and umbrellas on a sunny day

Kennebunk Beaches

Kennebunkport Beaches are some of the most beautiful and accessible beaches on the Atlantic Seaboard. Everything from beach-combing and sunbathing to beach walks and surfing can be enjoyed at our Kennebunkport Beaches!

Kennebunk, Mother’s & Gooch’s Beach: Located on Beach Avenue off Routes 9 and 35. Long, sandy beaches to walk, sun, or play in the water. There are lifeguards and public restrooms at both Gooch’s Beach and Mother’s Beach, July through Labor Day. The string of beaches stretch along Beach Avenue from Gooch’s Beach past Lord’s Point are all connected by sidewalks making it a favorite to walkers, joggers and roller-bladers.
Goose Rocks Beach: Located on King’s Highway off Route 9 North of Kennebunkport Village. This beach is 3 miles long and a favorite for beach walks and playing in the sand, it also provides great views of Eastern Goose Rocks and Timber Island. At low tide, you can just see a barrier reef rock formation offshore known as “Goose Rocks.” Sand dunes and beach grasses provide a sheltered nesting ground for local birds.
Arundel Beach: Located off Ocean Anenue, near the Colony Hotel. This beach is also known as Colony Beach and is liked by those that love to clamber up it’s rocks.
The Parson’s Way Shore Walk: A favorite ocean-side walk. Begin just past Dock Square and the marina. You’ll begin at Colony Beach, a beautiful beach across the road from the old Colony Hotel. Down the way, past St. Ann’s Church and on the way to Walkers Point you’ll see Spouting Rock and Blowing Cave, two dramatic seaside features of the Kennebunks. For more sightseeing you can make a long loop by continuing past Turbat’s Creek and take a left onto Wildes District Road for a walk back towards town or stop in to your room at The Lodge at Turbat’s Creek for an afternoon nap or dip in the pool.

Kennebunkport Sightseeing

Shoreline Explorer Trolley Route: Connecting Trolleys from York Harbor to Kennebunkport including York Beach, Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.
Guided Tours of the Kennebunks: Enjoy a 45 minute narrated sightseeing tour of the Kennebunkport area. Points of Interest include President Bush’s Estate, Franciscan Monastery, beaches, Spouting Rock, Blowing Cave and more.
Nott House and the First Families Museum: Guided tours present stories and artifacts from sea captains and shipbuilders to rusticators to Kennebunkport’s most famous summer resident, former President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush and their family.
Seashore Trolley Museum: the largest and oldes museum of public transportation. The collection includes vehicles from major cities that had streetcar systems, as well as from other cities across the globe.
Wells National Estuarine Reserve: Located at Laudholm Farm includes 1600 scenic acres of research reserve including a 19th century saltwater farm, Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge area, Laudholm Farm Visitors Center, exhibits, and seven miles of spectacular marsh walkways and trails along marshes, fields, and wetlands. Open year round. 342 Laudholm Farm Road, Wells.
Scarborough Marsh Nature Center: The Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center is a great place to explore the state’s largest salt marsh by foot, canoe, or kayak. The center provides a variety of naturalist-guided and self-guided tours, as well as exhibits, a nature trail, canoe/kayak rentals, and a Maine Audubon Nature Store.
Maine Narrow Gauge RR Co. & Museum: The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum is dedicated to the preservation and operation of Maine’s two foot gauge railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of the public. 58 Fore St, Portland
Maine Wildlife Park:
open every day from 9:30-4:30 pm. Moose, Bear, Deer, Cougars, Eagles and more. Nature Trail and Displays. Rt 26, 56 Game Farm Road, Gray

Kennebunkport AND Nearby Lighthouses

Portland Headlight & Museum: Maine’s oldest lighthouse. Situated along the spectacular shores of Fort Williams Park, at 1000 Shore Road (off Rt. 77) Cape Elizabeth. One of the most photographed lighthouses in the state of Maine. On-site museum and lighthouse tower tours. Open daily from Memorial Day until October 31, and weekends from mid-April through mid-December. A must-visit for any trip to the Maine coast.
Wood Island Lighthouse: From Route 9 go thru Cape Porpoise and past Goose Rocks Beach, take a right at traffic light (Route 208). Follow Route 208 to end and take left on Route 208 thru Biddeford Pool. The lighthouse is on right. The tour is run by the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse, an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The lighthouse is located off the coast of Biddeford Maine and tours leave from Vine’s Landing in Biddeford Pool. The guided tour takes about 1 1/2 hours and is subject to Mother Nature and her weather and sea conditions. The tower is open to those who wish to make the climb to the top. The tower received a set of double handrails in 2008, making the journey to the top safe for lighthouse guests.
Nubble Light: In nearby York, Maine located on a peninsula between Short and Long Sands Beaches. A beautiful landmark that is an active light. One of the most scenic and photographed lighthouses in the world. The Nubble is about a half hour south of Kennebunkport.
Boon Island Lighthouse: Located in York Harbor. the Boon Island Light is six miles offshore and visible in clear weather from Harbor Beach. Erected in 1811 on a barren rock island, the 132 foot lighthouse operates today, as in the past, as a continual beacon to sailors. It can be seen up to 21 miles at sea.
Goat Island Lighthouse: built in 1834 and is an iconic landmark in Cape Porpoise Harbor. I has been a beacon for boaters since that time. Today, Goat Island and Goat Island Lighthouse is owned and maintained by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. During the summer months, you’re invite to visit by boat or you can view the lighthouse from the landing at the end of Pier Road in Cape Porpoise. There’s a small dock available for guests arriving by boat, which is accessible at high tide. The lighthouse keepers live in the keepers quarters and if home, they will gladly give you a tour of the tower. Please be mindful that it is also a private residence

Kennebunkport Maine Restaurants

Registered guests of The Lodge at Turbat’s Creek enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast served from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in our cozy lobby or on the outdoor patio. When it comes to taking in a little local flavor, our convenient location is just minutes from the splendid variety of restaurants, diners, cafés and bars in downtown Kennebunkport and nearby Kennebunk. For your convenience, we’ve listed a few of our favorites located within 1.5 miles of The Lodge at Turbat’s Creek. Distances from the inn are located after the address.

Rococo Ice Cream | 6 Spring St | 1 mile
Nunan’s Lobster Hut | 9 Mills Rd | 1.3 miles: For a no frills lobster dinner, it doesn’t get any better than this. Just a couple of miles from Dock Square, you can experience a delicious lobster meal any night of the week.
Alisson’s Restaurant | 11 Dock Square | 1 mile: With more than forty years of serving Kennebunkport and entering its fourth generation of family ownership, Alisson’s Restaurant is a local favorite. Get ready to enjoy quality meals in a casual atmosphere.
Mabel’s Lobster Claw | 124 Ocean Ave | 1.1 miles : Since the 1950s, this restaurant has been serving visitors and locals alike. You can enjoy fresh fish dinners, lobsters and fine-quality steaks. Just don’t leave without trying a piece of homemade pie, baked right on the premises every morning.
Old Vines Wine Bar | 173 Port Rd Lower Village | 1.3 miles
Mornings In Paris | 21 Western Ave | 1.2 miles
Salt & Honey https://thesaltandhoney.com | 24 Ocean Ave | 1 mile
Hurricane Restaurant | 29 Dock Sq | 1.1 miles: Serving the freshest seafood and mouth-watering lobster, Hurricane Restaurant has a delicious array of tempting dishes. Steak lovers and those who prefer vegetarian options will find great meals here as well.
Port Lobster Co. | 122 Ocean Ave | 1 mile
On The Marsh | 46 Western Ave | 1.5 miles
Ben & Jerry’s | 5 Union St | 1 mile
Stripers Waterside Restaurant | 133 Ocean Ave | 1.1 miles

Clam Shack | 2 Western Ave | 1.1 miles: As seen On The Travel Channel’s “Food Wars,” The Clam Shack was awarded the “Best Lobster Roll.” Adding to its distinctions, it also serves award-winning fried food. Traditional boiled lobster dinners can be devoured at this charming establishment as well.
Ports of Italy | 4 Western Ave | 1.1 miles
Pier 77 Restaurant | 77 Pier Rd | 1.4 miles
The Ramp Bar and Grill | 77 Pier Rd | 1.3 miles
Pilot House Restaurant | 4 Western Ave | 1.1 miles
Cape Porpoise Chowder House | 79 Pier Rd | 1.3 miles
Roma Pizza | 24 Ocean Ave | 1 mile
H B Provisions | 15 Western Ave | 1.2 miles
Federal Jacks Restaurant and Brewpub 8 Western Ave | 1.1 miles: Amazing views, innovative pub fare and award-winning hand-crafted ales make Federal Jack’s Brew Pub stand out in a great way. As the birthplace of Shipyard Brewing Company and one of the state’s first brew pubs, this is the place to enjoy an ice cold beer. You can also experience a delicious meal, including Maine seafood, burgers and vegetarian options.
Ryan’s Corner House Irish Pub & Restaurant | 17 Western Ave | 1.2 miles: Do you crave Shepherd’s Pie or a plate heaping with potatoes? Then look no further. Ryan’s Corner House Irish Pub has all of the classic staples that are sure to delight your palate. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff will also make sure your visit is memorable.