Dock Square is only minutes from the inn, and it rewards a slow walk more than a quick glance. The old commercial buildings crowd close to the river, their clapboard and brick reflecting a town that has changed less than you might expect, and the drawbridge at the center of it all pulls the whole scene together. Cross over to the other side and follow the water a little, where the tidal basin opens up and the light off the river softens everything. The shops and galleries are worth wandering, but what stays with you is the feeling of the place itself, compact and unhurried, where the architecture and the water seem to be in quiet conversation with each other.
Within 25 miles · ranked by scenic score
9 Places Worth Seeing
Kennebunkport, ME
Dock Square
The historic center of Kennebunkport where the Kennebunk River meets the tidal basin. The square features 18th and 19th-century buildings, the arched bridge over the river, and views of the working waterfront. Lobster boats and pleasure craft moor along the river banks.
Kennebunkport, ME
Walker's Point
A rocky peninsula known as the Bush family compound, Walker's Point is visible from Ocean Avenue and Parsons Way. The dramatic coastline includes wave-carved granite, tidal pools, and views across Cape Arundel. The adjacent Spouting Rock produces geyser-like effects during high surf.
Kennebunkport, ME
Goose Rocks Beach
A two-mile crescent of sandy beach in a quiet residential area of Kennebunkport. At low tide, the beach expands dramatically, revealing tidal pools and sandbars that create reflective surfaces. The Batson River salt marsh borders the northern end of the beach.
Kennebunkport, ME
Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse
Built in 1879 on a small rocky island just offshore from Cape Neddick Point in York. The lighthouse and its red-roofed keeper's house are separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in New England and was included on the Voyager spacecraft's golden record.
Portland, ME
Portland Head Light
Commissioned by George Washington in 1791, Portland Head Light is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. It stands 80 feet tall on a rocky promontory at the entrance to Portland Harbor in Fort Williams Park. The lighthouse and keeper's house together form one of the most recognized lighthouse compositions in America.
Portland, ME
Old Port District
Portland's Old Port is a historic waterfront neighborhood with cobblestone streets and 19th-century brick commercial buildings. The district includes working wharves, fishing boats, and a mix of restaurants and galleries. The area retains its character as a working maritime commercial center.
Portland, ME
Portland Observatory
Built in 1807 on Munjoy Hill, this is the last remaining maritime signal tower in the United States. The octagonal shingled tower stands 86 feet tall and was used to signal approaching merchant ships. The surrounding hill provides panoramic views of Casco Bay, the Portland skyline, and the White Mountains.
Portland, ME
Bug Light (Portland Breakwater Lighthouse)
This small Greek Revival-style lighthouse built in 1875 stands at the end of a granite breakwater in South Portland. Its ornate classical design is unique among New England lighthouses. Bug Light Park provides views across Portland Harbor with the city skyline as a backdrop.
Portland, ME
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
This caisson-style lighthouse built in 1897 is connected to shore by a 900-foot granite breakwater. It marks a dangerous ledge at the entrance to Portland's main shipping channel. The walkable breakwater offers unusual vantage points of the lighthouse with Fort Gorges and the harbor behind.
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