Things To Do

KENNEBUNKPORT, ME

1. Dock Square

The harbor here is a wide portion of the Kennebunk River as it makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean. When you stand on the bridge over the river, you’re a little less than a mile from the ocean by boat. This was the center of Kennebunkport’s shipbuilding industry years ago, but now the area caters to tourists. Make sure you check out both sides of the bridge. There are shops, restaurants, and art galleries on both the east and west sides of the harbor. And if you want to take a sightseeing cruise out on the ocean, this is the spot to find one. You’ll find several boats to charter here as well as many deep-sea fishing excursions.

2. The Clam Shack

In Maine, we don’t count calories, we count lobster claws! Award-winning staple much lauded for its lobster rolls and fried clams. It's an easy walk from Captain Fairfield Inn, just over the bridge from Dock Square. You may face long lines and high prices for take-out food, but most diners leave deliciously happy.

3. Colony Beach

We love Colony Beach.. & so does Livvie! Just a quick walk from The Nonantum!

4. Walker’s Point

Take a scenic drive (or walk) out Ocean Avenue and snap a selfie at the lookout with Walker's Point in the background (the Bush family retreat for over a century).

5. Seashore Trolley Museum

Fall weekends bring this fun fall event to the Seashore Trolley Museum. Ride one of the historic trolleys out to the pumpkin patch and pick out your favorite pumpkin. Enjoy beautiful weather on the museum grounds, games, and even lunch at this fantastic fall activity in Kennebunkport. If you can't make it to the Pumpkin Patch Trolley event, the Seashore Trolley Museum is still worth a visit. Hundreds of historic trolleys from around the country have been donated to the museum, where you can tour them and see the various stages of repair and renovation. Many have even been restored to their original glory! You could spend an entire afternoon here learning about the history of trolleys in the United States. This is an indoor-outdoor museum, so try not to visit on a rainy day.

6. Coastal Maine Kayak and Bike

This kayak rental shop is located in Kennebunk's Lower Village, right next to the Kennebunk River. A variety of kayaks are available for rent, from ocean-going to sit-on-top for beginners in calm water. Stand-up paddleboards and single and tandem kayaks can be delivered, for a fee, to a residential address. Guided kayak and SUP tours are available, up the Kennebunk and Mousam Rivers or out to Cape Porpoise, among the islands of Stage Harbor with a view of the Goat Island Lighthouse.

7. Mothers Beach

Perfect for grabbing a bike and heading over!

8. Cape Porpoise

Today Cape Porpoise is a quaint quiet working fishing harbor. Drive out to the Cape Porpoise Pier and you will witness Kennebunkport's working fisherman, hauling lobster traps, fueling their boats and heading in and out of this pretty tidal harbor to the Atlantic Ocean.

9. Goose Rocks Beach Walk

Enjoy this 4.0-mile out-and-back trail near Kennebunkport, Maine. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 8 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, hiking, and running. Unfortunately it's not walking distance from The Nonantum (or Dock Square) so you will need a car!

10. Cape Arundel Golf Club

If you're looking to hit the links, Maine's southern coast offers a variety of courses. The Cape Arundel Golf Club in Kennebunkport not only has inter-coastal waters and tidal creeks, but this course is favored by former President Bush and golf professional Phil Mickelson captured the course record here in 2006.

11. New England EcoAdventures - Kennebunkport Boat Tours

WELLS, ME

1. Apple Picking at Spiller Farm

Maine is full of great apple orchards, and nothing says fall like picking a peck of apples. In neighboring Wells, Spiller Farm offers a picturesque fall activity near Kennebunkport. The staff can recommend an apple variety for fresh-eating or baking and point you in the direction of the appropriate trees. Grab a basket and an apple picker (a tool for helping you reach apples up high in the trees) and head out to the orchard. Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch or a snack by the pond, where ducks and geese complete the scenic picture.

OGUNQUIT, ME

1. Marginal Way

Only 1.25 miles long, the cliff walk wends its way starting at one end near The Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort on Shore Road and brings you along a paved path, past stately hotels and inns, and rocky beaches to Perkins Cove. There are 39 benches located at ideal viewing spots all along the path—perfect for sitting and contemplating the vibrant Atlantic Ocean, or perhaps sketching the sight to share with a friend. Admire the little lighthouse overlooking Ogunquit Beach, enjoy watching sailboats pass by or step off the path to explore a beach or rocky cove.

2. Perkins Cove

Once you reach Perkins Cove, you can watch the lobster boats come in and maybe pick up today’s catch for dinner or grab some take out from one of the many restaurants nestled along this tiny harbor. Be sure to stop for fresh clam chowder!

PORTLAND, ME

Worth the trip if you have a few extra days!