Six years ago, my husband and I visited Kennebunkport for the first time. From that moment, I was completely hooked. Maybe it’s the fresh lobster rolls that taste like a buttery slice of heaven, or the quiet, intimate beaches where the waves gently roll in, creating the perfect backdrop for a long, lazy afternoon. It could be the nautical dining scene, where cozy waterfront restaurants serve up classic New England fare with a side of salty ocean air. And then there are the boutiques, filled with stylish finds and locally made accessories that embody the town’s coastal elegance. Whatever the reason, every time I set foot in Kennebunkport, I know one thing for sure — it feels like peak summer.
Clearly, I’m not the only one who knows about Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. The former is more of a residential area, known for its charm and community. Kennebunkport is a coastal resort town famous for its picturesque harbor (and as the Bush family’s summer retreat). It has that postcard-pretty, vacation-destination energy. While the downtown is almost always humming with traffic during the summer, if you know where to go, the beloved New England town can offer an intimate, laid-back experience. The preppy destination keeps visitors coming back — it’s the kind of place that gets under your skin — in the best, cable-knit kind of way.
Where to Stay in Kennebunkport
Goose Rocks Beach House
There’s a certain chaos when traveling with two children under five, but some places make it easier — Goose Rocks Beach House (GRBH) is one of them. The Jonathan Adler-designed, suites-only beach property offers Airbnb-style space with boutique hotel luxury. It’s located right on Goose Rocks Beach, my favorite shoreline in all of Kennebunkport. It feels like a private nook with pristine, soft sand and charming beach houses to ogle. Parking is nearly impossible, keeping crowds low — honestly, the GRBH parking spot alone is worth it. Just step outside, cross the street, and your toes are in the sand — we ordered rosé and poke bowls to our chairs.
We loved our visit so much that we’re hoping to make GRBH a yearly tradition. Our two-story, two-bedroom unit featured three full bathrooms, including a bathtub (a lifesaver when washing sand off a diaper-wearing baby). The full kitchen made mealtime easy as it was stocked with everything from a juicer to an electric wine opener (because who has time for a corkscrew these days?). There’s even a grill on the deck for casual cookouts and a Peloton bike. Every detail felt intentional, making our stay seamless.
One of my favorite perks is that its sister property, The Tides Beach Club, is right next door, giving you access to its restaurant, beach club service, and top-tier amenities while still enjoying the extra space and privacy of GRBH. The convenience factor is next level. Forgot milk? Run out of paper towels? Simply text the attentive staff and they will bring it right over. They even offered daily housekeeping, which is just about the sexiest thing you can say to a mom on vacation (“We’ll clean your house…after the kids come in off the beach.”). This allowed us to fully relax.
The Tides Beach Club
The Tides, a charming, iconic inn, is perfect for couples seeking a romantic, festive spot. Staying here puts you in the heart of the beach action. Roll out of bed, grab brunch downstairs, then head to the beach club just steps away. You’ll also have access to Hidden Pond’s amenities (and vice versa), plus a complimentary shuttle to town. And when happy hour strikes, this is the place to be. Locals and insiders gather on the oversized porch, sipping cocktails and slurping oysters as the sun sets.
Hidden Pond
When my husband and I visited Maine solo, we escaped to Hidden Pond for a rustic getaway. This beautiful resort, located in the woods of Kennebunk, is made up entirely of standalone suites, complete with screened-in porches and outdoor showers. (I spent half a day just reading and napping on my porch, which was pure bliss.) We took advantage of lounging at the adults-only pool, booking treatments at Treehouse Spa (more on that later), and dining at Earth, the fabulous farm-to-table restaurant. One of my favorite moments was taking an outdoor yoga class in a flowery field. If you opt to bring your kids, there are multi-room suites with kitchens, a family pool, and nightly s’mores by the fire pit.
Where to Dine in Kennebunkport
White Barn Inn
It was worth hiring a babysitter so my husband and I could sneak away to this elegant restaurant. After our meal, we put this restaurant in our top-10-dining-experiences-of-all-time list. The restaurant is stunning — dark wood walls, candle-lit tables, intimate vibe. If you judge a restaurant by its bread-and-butter situation (I do), you’ll be delighted by the whole wheat sourdough, brioche, and homemade butter topped with salt and chicken skin. Choose from a blind-tasting menu, a lobster-tasting menu, or a four-course fixed-price option. We went with the latter and devoured the tomato tartar with burrata ice cream (familiar flavors, new textures), lobster tagliatelle (with just the right amount of spice), a buttery mini lobster roll topped with caviar, a black sea bass with wood ear mushrooms and salsa verde, and lemon soufflé dessert.
Earth
While many restaurants claim to be farm-to-table, at Earth, you can actually stroll through the enchanting vegetable garden before your meal. Expect a relaxed, yet refined vibe with a veggie-forward menu. Choose from a creative blend of seasonal dishes, with a focus on sustainability and quality. We’re talking savory pastas, stews, meat, and seafood dishes with sauces you’ll want to lick off the plate. I still dream about the honey-glazed roasted carrots appetizer.
The Boathouse
Escape the tourists in town at this harborside restaurant with gorgeous sunset views on its oversized deck. The nautical vibe extends from the decor to the menu. And if you’re sick of seafood, butter, and mayo, it also offers options with an Asian spin (sometimes a tuna poke bowl just hits the spot). Whether you’re a lady who lunches or you prefer to stick an iPad in front of a school-aged kid, you’ll feel welcome here.
Alisson’s
Of all the casual spots in town, I always go back to Alisson’s. It’s the perfect place to go after a long drive or a morning at the beach to grab a perfectly executed lobster roll, cup of chowder, and sour beer (there are 26 craft brews on tap). And if you don’t feel like waiting in line at Clam Shack, you can get most of the same classic New England favorites in a comfortable, air-conditioned space. And you won’t regret going here for brunch (lobster omelet, anyone?).
What to Do in Kennebunkport
If you’re not spending your time at the beach or on a boat, it’s worth walking around Dock Square to peruse the indie boutiques and shops. Daytrip Society is the ideal little boutique for gifts and locally made accessories, such as Maine’s famous Sea Bags (handcrafted from recycled sailboat sails in Portland). Stop by H.B. Provisions, a general store in a building that’s been there since 1865. Whether you want a sandwich, baked goods, blueberry coffee, or nostalgic knick-knacks, this charming space will transport you back in time. Finish your walk around town with an ice cream cone from Rococo, known for scooping out unexpected (and delicious!) flavors like goat cheese blackberry chambord, strawberry basil, and whoopie pie.
It’s not a vacation if I haven’t spent at least two hours in a spa. My spa of choice in Kennebunk is the Tree Spa at Hidden Pond. Treatments are done in individual huts, meant to look like chic treehouses. I opted for my usual, deep tissue massage, and between my masseuse’s strong hands, the essential oils, and the peaceful setting, I was able to totally relax. I’d love to go back and try the Oxygenating S’mores Facial featuring a kitschy coco enzyme mask.
No matter what you’re seeking in Kennebunkport — a memorable family vacation or a romantic getaway — you can find it. And if you also enjoy a fresh lobster roll and a lazy afternoon at the beach, then you’re officially living your best life at this coastal gem.
Featured image courtesy of The Tides Beach Club.
