Can you visit Kennebunkport as a day trip from Portland?
Yes, but staying overnight gives you more time for Dock Square, the coast, local dining and things to do around Kennebunkport without fitting everything around the return journey.
PORTLAND TO KENNEBUNKPORT: PLAN YOUR COASTAL MAINE GETAWAY
A SHORT DRIVE, A CHANGE OF PACE
Just down the Maine coast from Portland, Kennebunkport makes it easy to turn a short drive into a
few days by the water. Stay close to Dock Square, settle in beside the Kennebunk River or continue
toward Goose Rocks Beach, Ocean Avenue and quieter coastal retreats. With Portland less than an
hour away, a Kennebunkport stay is an easy way to add more of the Maine coast to your trip.
Neighbors of New England
View Neighbors of New England
Neighbors of New England
Living close to the Maine coast has its perks. Residents of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Vermont can save up to 10% off the Standard Daily Rate at participating Kennebunkport
hotels and resorts. A valid state ID must be
presented upon arrival.
Find Your Kennebunkport Base
Choose from participating stays in the heart of town, beside the river, along the coast or tucked
into quieter corners of the Kennebunks. Each offers a different way to turn the short trip from
Portland into a few days away.
Kennebunkport Inn
Stay in the heart of Dock Square at Kennebunkport Inn, with local shops, galleries and dining just outside the door. It is an easy base for travellers who want to arrive, park and explore Kennebunkport on foot.
The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel
Set directly on the Kennebunk River, The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel puts Dock Square, marina views and waterfront dining within easy reach.
Yachtsman Hotel + Marina Club
Watch the activity along the river from Yachtsman Hotel + Marina Club, a waterfront stay within walking distance of Dock Square.
The Grand Hotel
Set in Lower Village, The Grand Hotel offers easy access to local galleries, shops and restaurants, with Dock Square just across the river.
Cape Arundel Inn & Resort
Follow Ocean Avenue toward the Atlantic and settle in at Cape Arundel Inn & Resort, where the oceanfront setting brings a distinctly coastal feel to your stay.
The Tides Beach Club
For a stay centered on the shoreline, The Tides Beach Club sits steps from Goose Rocks Beach.
Hidden Pond
For more space to slow down, Hidden Pond offers a peaceful woodland setting near Goose Rocks Beach, with Tree Spa and Earth at Hidden Pond on property.
The Cottages at Cabot Cove
Settle into an individual cottage overlooking the tidal cove at The Cottages at Cabot Cove, with a quieter waterside setting close to town.
The Lodge on the Cove
Set along a tidal cove near Dock Square, The Lodge on the Cove offers a relaxed base for travellers looking to combine time by the water with easy access to town.
How Far Is Kennebunkport From Portland, Maine?
How Far Is Kennebunkport From Portland, Maine?
The drive from Portland, Maine to Kennebunkport is approximately 28 miles and typically takes around 35–40 minutes, depending on traffic and where in Portland you begin.That makes Kennebunkport easy
to add to a Portland trip without spending much of
the day on the road.
Portland → Kennebunkport
Approx. 28 miles
Around 35–40 minutes by car
Getting From Portland to Kennebunkport
Getting From Portland to Kennebunkport
From Portland, take I-95 South toward
Kennebunk, then use Exit 25 for Kennebunk.
From there, follow Route 35 east toward
Kennebunkport, connecting with Route 9 as
you approach town. This route brings you into
the Kennebunks with easy access to Dock
Square, Ocean Avenue and the
surrounding coast.
Stay A While
WHY STAY OVERNIGHT INKENNEBUNKPORT
Stay A While
WHY STAY OVERNIGHT INKENNEBUNKPORT
The drive may be short, but staying overnight gives you more time to experience Kennebunkport beyond a quick afternoon visit.
Spend the day exploring things to do in Kennebunkport, stay for dinner, then wake up with time for the beach, local shops or another walk along the coast before heading back toward Portland.
Make a Day of It
What to Do Once You Arrive
Explore Dock Square
Browse local shops and galleries, stop for coffee or a drink and take your time exploring the center of Kennebunkport.
Spend Time at Goose Rocks Beach
Make your way to Goose Rocks Beach for a slower stretch of the day beside the water.
Follow Ocean Avenue
Head toward the coast for views of the Atlantic, historic homes and classic Maine shoreline scenery.
Stay for Dinner
Choose from restaurants throughout the Kennebunks, with waterfront, oceanfront and woodland settings across the collection.
Eat by the Coast
Make Dinner Part of the Trip
Staying overnight means there is no need to time dinner around the return drive. Dining around Kennebunkport ranges from waterfront tables along the Kennebunk River to Atlantic views and evenings surrounded by the woods.
Try The Boathouse Waterfront Restaurant, Ocean Restaurant or Earth at Hidden Pond.
Turn the Drive Into a Maine Coast Getaway
Explore Our Hotels & Resorts
Turn the Drive Into a Maine Coast Getaway
Portland may be less than an hour away, but Kennebunkport gives you plenty of reasons not to rush back. Stay for dinner, wake up by the coast and give yourself another day for the beaches, shops, restaurants and slower pace of the Kennebunks. Explore Our Hotels & Resorts
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where should I stay when travelling from Portland to Kennebunkport?
For a walkable stay, consider Kennebunkport Inn, The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel, Yachtsman Hotel + Marina Club or The Grand Hotel. For more of a coastal escape, Cape Arundel Inn & Resort, The Tides Beach Club, Hidden Pond and The Cottages at Cabot Cove offer settings closer to the water or quieter areas of the Kennebunks.
How far is Kennebunkport from Portland, Maine?
Kennebunkport is approximately 28 miles from Portland by road. The exact distance can vary depending on your starting point in Portland.
Is Kennebunkport an easy trip from Portland?
Yes. Kennebunkport is less than an hour from Portland by car, making it easy to combine both destinations within the same Maine trip.
How long does it take to drive from Portland to Kennebunkport?
The drive from Portland to Kennebunkport typically takes around 35–40 minutes, although seasonal traffic and weather can affect travel times.