Kennebunk MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kennebunk, Maine.
1. Gooch's Beach
POPULAR SANDY SHORELINE
Gooch's Beach is a beloved sandy shoreline in Kennebunk that attracts locals and tourists alike. The beach offers beautiful views and is known for not being overcrowded, especially during high tide. After 5 PM daily, visitors can bring their dogs for a relaxing walk along the beach.
2. Parsons Beach
SECLUDED COASTAL RETREAT
Parsons Beach is a beautiful, secluded stretch of coastline in Kennebunk perfect for those seeking tranquility. This hidden gem offers no amenities, making it an ideal escape from crowded tourist spots. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Maine's coast without the distraction of large crowds.
3. St. Anthony's Monastery
SERENE RELIGIOUS SANCTUARY
St. Anthony's Monastery is an active Franciscan friary situated on a sprawling 66-acre estate in Kennebunk. The grounds feature lovely rolling lawns, riverside walking paths, and meticulously maintained English Gardens open to the public. Visitors can attend daily mass, explore the peaceful gardens, or browse the gift shop which offers religious books, jewelry, and other items from March through December.
4. Maine Art Hill
PREMIER ART DESTINATION
Maine Art Hill is a unique art destination celebrating over thirty years as a premier gallery in Kennebunk. The complex features seven galleries spread across three adjacent properties, showcasing works from various artists. Open year-round, this cultural hub allows visitors to park once and explore the diverse artistic offerings on display.
5. Mother's Beach
ROCKY COASTAL BEAUTY
Mother's Beach offers visitors a beautiful rocky coastline experience in Kennebunk. The beach features distinctive rocky formations alongside sandy areas, creating a picturesque Maine coastal setting. Visitors should note that parking fees apply, typically around $25 even for short stays.
6. Kennebunk Free Library
HISTORIC COMMUNITY RESOURCE
Kennebunk Free Library serves as both a literary resource and historic landmark in downtown Kennebunk. The library offers a welcoming atmosphere for readers, researchers, and those interested in local history. Highly rated by visitors, it represents an important cultural institution for the community.
7. The Brick Store Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Brick Store Museum has been a community staple since 1936, preserving and showcasing the rich history of The Kennebunks. Various exhibits cover the region's shipbuilding heritage, shipwrecks, devastating fires, elaborate gardens, and art collections. This year-round museum is recommended as one of the first stops for visitors wanting to understand the area's historical significance.
8. Old House Parts
ANTIQUE ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE
Old House Parts is a unique antique shop in Kennebunk specializing in architectural elements and salvaged building materials. The store offers vintage doors, windows, fixtures, and other historical home components for restoration projects. This highly-rated establishment attracts both serious renovators and casual browsers interested in historical architecture.
9. Maine Classic Car Museum
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE COLLECTION
Maine Classic Car Museum showcases approximately 50 automobiles from different eras, located just 5 miles east of downtown Kennebunk on Portland Road. This self-proclaimed "holy grail of car collecting" offers visitors a glimpse into automotive history through its impressive vehicle collection. The museum also features Maine history exhibits demonstrating how early settlers creatively adapted to the region's unique landscape.
10. White Barn Inn Spa
LUXURY WELLNESS RETREAT
White Barn Inn Spa has earned recognition as one of the "Best Spas in Maine," offering premium wellness services in Kennebunk. The facility provides a range of treatments including ritual therapies, couples massages, sensory rain showers, and hot bathtub soaks. This luxury spa destination allows visitors to indulge in relaxation while experiencing high-end pampering in a refined New England setting.
11. Cottage Breeze Day Spa & Boutique
RELAXATION AND RETAIL
Cottage Breeze Day Spa & Boutique offers a combination of pampering services and beauty products in Kennebunk's Lower Village. Visitors can enjoy spa treatments while also browsing a selection of retail items in a single location. The establishment provides a convenient way to relax and shop during a Kennebunk visit.
12. Kennebunkport's Dock Square
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Kennebunkport's Dock Square is an inviting open-air village where visitors can wander in and out of various shops and restaurants. The dense district makes excellent use of space, with hidden gems tucked away in alleyways and up stairwells waiting to be discovered. This charming shopping area embodies the quintessential coastal Maine experience just a short distance from Kennebunk.
13. Schooner Eleanor
CLASSIC SAILING EXPERIENCE
Schooner Eleanor offers memorable sailing excursions from the Kennebunk River out to the open Atlantic Ocean. Passengers aboard this traditional vessel can experience the thrill of wind-powered maritime travel along Maine's picturesque coast. This nautical adventure provides a quintessential New England experience just minutes from Kennebunk.
14. Rugosa Lobster Tour
AUTHENTIC FISHING EXPERIENCE
Rugosa Lobster Tour invites visitors to roll up their sleeves and learn the art of lobstering hands-on near Kennebunk. Participants gain insight into this traditional Maine industry while experiencing authentic lobster harvesting techniques. This interactive maritime adventure offers a deeper understanding of coastal New England's seafood heritage.
15. Maine Foodie Tour
CULINARY EXPLORATION ADVENTURE
Maine Foodie Tour offers a unique and informative way to explore Kennebunkport's culinary scene through guided tastings. Participants sample local specialties while learning about the region's food culture and history from knowledgeable guides. The tour combines abundant food sampling with cultural insights, making it a satisfying experience for visitors to the Kennebunk area.