Hotels in Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport: Saltwater Village on the Southern Maine Coast

Kennebunkport sits at the mouth of the Kennebunk River in York County, Maine, roughly 90 miles north of Boston and 30 miles south of Portland. The town is defined by its shingled sea captains' mansions along Ocean Avenue, the lobster wharves of Dock Square, and a working harbor that has operated commercially since the 17th century. The Bush Compound on Walker's Point — the summer residence of the 41st and 43rd presidents — draws visitors who recognize the rocky peninsula from decades of news coverage.

Where to Stay

Accommodations cluster in three zones: Dock Square for walkable access to galleries and restaurants, Ocean Avenue for water-facing rooms, and Kennebunk Beach for direct sand access roughly 2 miles south. Properties range from Federal-era inns dating to the 1800s to boutique hotels with heated pools. Summer rates peak between late June and Labor Day; shoulder season in May and October offers the same scenery at lower nightly costs.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Amtrak's Downeaster stops in nearby Wells; a taxi or rideshare covers the final 8 miles to Dock Square.
• Getting around: Parking in Dock Square fills by 10 a.m. on summer weekends — arrive early or use the trolley that runs late May through October.
• Weather: Pack a waterproof layer; coastal fog is common even in July, and evening temperatures drop noticeably near the water.
• Dining: The lobster roll at The Clam Shack on the Kennebunk River bridge has been a local fixture for over 30 years.