Family Travel Guide: Kennebunkport, Maine

This summer, James and I packed up Jeb and Poppy and headed to the charming coastal town of Kennebunkport, Maine. Between the salty sea air, postcard-perfect beaches, and more lobster rolls than we could count, it was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. We loved wandering the local shops, finding kid-friendly spots to play, and soaking in those New England summer vibes together as a family. I’m so excited to share our favorite places to eat, shop, and play from our trip—because this little corner of Maine truly stole our hearts.

Where to Stay

We wanted something that felt relaxed and close to everything, so we booked the sweetest little Airbnb just a short stroll from Dock Square. It made morning walks for coffee and evening ice cream runs so easy! For those looking for a cozy in-town stay, the Kennebunkport Inn is a beautiful spot right in the heart of it all.

Where to Eat

Kennebunkport is full of amazing food, and we made it our mission to try as much as we could! Morning bagels from KPort Bagel were a family favorite, while The Clam Shack served up the best lobster roll (and yes, we tried the frosé too!). Arundel Wharf stole the show with its patio views and the most delicious blueberry pie. For a nice night out, The Boathouse Restaurant was incredible, and when we needed an easy beach picnic, Bennett’s Sandwich Shop had us covered.

What to Do

One of our favorite things to do was simply wander Dock Square—grabbing ice cream cones and popping into all the charming shops. Most days, though, we grabbed sandwiches and made our way to the beach. Mother’s Beach and Goose Rocks Beach were perfect for the kids to play, explore, and soak in that New England sunshine.

Kennebunkport has no shortage of fun shops to browse. The Lobstore is a must—everything is lobster-themed and so cute! Kennebunk Outfitters has a great mix of coastal classics, while Good Stock was a highlight for Poppy and me—we built charm bracelets together at their charm bar and had the best time. If you love antiques, don’t miss SEACRAFT at Port for unique finds and seaside treasures.