One Day in Kennebunkport, Maine

When I was staying in Ogunquit, Maine, we decided to take a day trip to Kennebunkport. The only concept I had in my head was President Bush, but we found a lovely town with many beautiful landscapes, villages, a busy downtown, and great food.

Kennebunkport is about 1 1/2 north of Boston and 1/2 hour south of Portland. If you are hitting up Kennebunkport as part of a road trip or bus trip, this guide should help you plan what to do in Kennebunkport.

Things to do in Kennebunkport, Maine

Cape Porpoise

I love lighthouses and wanted to start my day by exploring the small fishing village of Cape Porpoise.

Grab breakfast at Cape Porpoise Kitchen

Head down to Cape Porpoise Harbor

See a working fishing harbor. We sat on the rocky beach and watched the lobstermen pulling in their fresh catches. We had great views of the surrounding islands from the harbor, including Goat Island and its lighthouse.

One day I would love to return and take the tour over to the lighthouse with New England EcoAdventures.

At lunchtime, grab a bite at the Cape Porpoise Chowder House in the pier’s parking lot. Parking here is tricky, so you may have to walk down Pier Street from in town.

Goose Rocks Beach

We visited in the fall, but I have heard Goose Rocks Beach is one of the best Maine beaches.

Take a Walk along Ocean Avenue

There is a parking lot along the water right before you reach Walker’s Point. This one-mile each-way, flat, paved walk along the Atlantic Ocean’s cliffs passes many mansions and inns. We walked from this parking lot to St Ann’s and back.

Walker’s Point

While walking up Ocean Avenue, you can see the Bush family summer estate of Walker’s Point. It has been in the Bush family for over 100 years and was George HW Bush’s “Summer White House.”

St. Ann’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church

This is a gorgeous sea-washed stone church with a pine ceiling and slate floors built in 1887 with gorgeous stained glass windows. The grounds are also worth seeing, with an outdoor chapel looking out onto the bay. It is the Bush Family’s local church, and President George HW Bush parachuted to its lawn for his 90th birthday.

Kennebunkport Historic District

We then spent the rest of the day in this area, walking along the bridge, enjoying the views, shopping, and eating.

Federal Jacks

We enjoyed lobster and crab rolls overlooking the harbor at Federal Jacks.

Rococo Ice Cream

This artisanal ice cream shop in the middle of downtown makes my list of best ice cream in the world. It tastes rich and flavorful and has no trace of ice.

Although you can get plainer but still delicious flavors such as dark chocolate, I was drawn in by the sour cream and cherry, blueberry goat cheese, and garam masala.

We enjoyed our day in Kennebunkport, Maine, especially the gorgeous stone church! Have you been to the area? What do you love about it?

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