Trying to decide between Kennebunkport and Maine for your upcoming trip and feeling overwhelmed? I get it, and I’ve been there! But I’m also really happy you found this post because by the end, you’ll have a much better idea of what each town has to offer, its vibe, and my personal recommendations.
Hi there! I’m Sam, and I live locally in the northeast. Not only that, but I’ve spent the last 20 years traveling all over New England, and I’ve spent a lot of time in both Kennebunkport and Ogunquit in Maine. I’m so excited to help you plan your trip, and share all my expertise and insight with you.
With that, let’s get started!
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Key Differences Between Kennebunkport & Ogunquit
First thing’s first – let’s start with the biggest differences between both towns. While both are similar in that they offer a quaint downtown area, beaches, and lots of coastal New England charm, they also each have their own vibe.
Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:
→ Ogunquit has more of a laid-back, beachy, artist community vibe, and Kennebunkport has more of an upscale coastal vibe.
→ The beach in Ogunquit is walkable from most places in the downtown area, while Kennebunkport’s beaches are a short drive away from the center of town.
→ I find the beaches in Ogunquit more beautiful and impressive than Kennebunkport’s beaches, but both towns have really nice beaches. I’ll get more into beaches later in the post, so if your primary reason for visiting is the beaches, there are some things you definitely need to know. Be sure to read that section if this applies to you 😉
→ While both are similar in their types of visitors, I’ve experienced more younger folks in Ogunquit, and a more mature crowd in Kennebunkport. However, both appeal and cater to all types of people, and this is a very general observation.
→ There’s definitely more of a nightlife scene in Ogunquit, which is likely why it attracts more younger folks.
General Recommendations On Choosing Between Kennebunkport & Ogunquit
I usually tell people that if you’re planning a summer trip that’s focused on beach days, Ogunquit is the better town to stay in.
If you’re looking for more upscale coastal New England scenery with a bigger downtown area, and beaches are a smaller focus on your trip, Kennebunkport is what I’d recommend.
Which Town Has A Better Location?
Both towns are located along the coast of southern Maine, and they’re only about 30 minutes from each other, so they’re both very similar in this regard. You likely don’t need to pick between the two based on location.
However, if this is something you need more insight on, Ogunquit is closer to places like Nubble Lighthouse on Cape Neddick, as well as York, so if you’re wanting to take a day trip to these areas to explore, it’s only about a 10-15 minute drive from Ogunquit. However, these areas are about 25 minutes from Kennebunkport.
In the flip side, Kennebunkport is closer to Portland than Ogunquit, so if you planned on visiting the city, Kennebunkport has the more convenient location.
Overall, though, I think other factors like hotels, beaches, and things to do will be more important than location for most people. They’re close enough that one isn’t dramatically more convenient than the other unless you have a very tight schedule and specific plans.
Kennebunkport Vs. Ogunquit: Beaches
Both Kennebunkport and Ogunquit make my list of the best beach towns in New England, so you definitely can’t go wrong with either. But like I mentioned earlier, I do think Ogunquit has the prettiest and best beaches, and the beaches here are also a lot more convenient to get to from downtown, and many hotels.
Ogunquit Beaches Breakdown
Ogunquit Beach is the main beach in town, which is walkable from downtown. There are also a few different hotel options either right on the beach, or very close to it. Just about a mile down the road is also Footbridge Bridge, which is an extension of Ogunquit Beach, and equally as beautiful.
Ogunquit Beach is often regarded as the best beach in Maine, and I happen to also agree with that. It stretches for over 3 miles, and never really feels super crowded because of how much room there is. It’s also very sandy, making it nice to walk and play on.
Parking at the beaches in both towns also varies, so this is something to consider. Ogunquit Beach’s parking is one giant lot that can hold about 400 cars, so parking here is usually pretty easy (but it can also fill up fast on summer weekends). Footbridge Beach also has a large designated lot, but it’s a bit smaller.
Kennebunkport Beaches Breakdown
The actual town of Kennebunkport has two beaches: Goose Rocks Beach, which is the more popular of the two, and Colony Beach, which is smaller than Goose Rocks. Goose Rocks Beach is about a 10-15 minute drive from downtown Kennebunkport, and Colony Beach is just over a mile from downtown, or a quick 5-minute drive.
If you go outside Kennebunkport to Kennebunk (it’s a little confusing, but these are two separate towns!), you can also go to Mother’s Beach, Gooch’s Beach, and Kennebunk Beach. These beaches are all about 2 miles from downtown, or a quick 5-minute drive.
The Kennebunkport and Kennebunk beaches are all beautiful, but I find them to be a bit more rocky than Ogunquit’s beaches. However, they’re still wonderful examples of New England beaches, and not to be underestimated!
Parking at most Kennebunkport and Kennebunk beaches is along the road, and more limited than Ogunquit’s beaches.
Both Kennebunkport and Ogunquit beaches charge daily fees in-season that are about the same, so there’s not a big price difference between the two when it comes to fees for parking. The Kennebunkport beaches only require paid permits to park until 5pm in season, whereas Ogunquit’s beaches require paid permits to park until 8pm.
Helpful resources for beach parking in the different towns:
→ Beach parking in Ogunquit
→ Beach parking in Kennebunkport
→ Beach parking in Kennebunk
Good To Know: Both beaches in Ogunquit and Kennebunkport have cold water. This is common in pretty much all New England beaches because of how far north they are. The warmest water will usually be in August, and doesn’t often get above 65-66°F.
Which Town Has Better Hotels
In my experience, Kennebunkport has more and better hotel options than Ogunquit, but both towns have great places to stay. In general, I’ve just found the options and overall quality of my stays better in Kennebunkport, however, Kennebunkport does tend to be a little pricier, too.
In general, you’ll find a lot more beachy options in Ogunquit that are more basic in style and amenities, while Kennebunkport has more upscale options that offer a lot of style and amenities. So, if the hotel itself matters a lot to you, you’ll have more to choose from in Kennebunkport.
My favorite hotels in Kennebunkport:
→ Captains Collection: Historic houses-turned-inns walkable to Dock Square.
→ Tides Beach Club: The best place to stay for beaches, with Goose Rocks across the street.
→ Hidden Pond: Best resort with a quintessential Maine vibe.
→ Cottages at Cabot Cove: Unique property with individual storybook cottages along a cove.
My favorite hotels in Ogunquit:
→ Anchorage By The Sea: Right on Marginal Way, with an awesome lawn overlooking the ocean.
→ Terrace By The Sea: Cozy spot that’s a 5-minute walk to the beach, and right in downtown.
→ Dunes On The Waterfront: Incredible luxury cottages with water views and lots of amenities.
Kennebunkport & Ogunquit: Things To Do
Both towns offer wonderful things to do, including scenic boat tours, downtown shopping, and fun attractions. In my opinion, both are fairly equal in this category, with maybe Ogunquit winning by a slight percentage. But it’s so slight that it doesn’t make a huge difference.
My favorite things to do in Kennebunkport (in addition to the beaches):
→ Head out on a lobster and sight-seeing tour with Rugosa.
→ Stroll through Dock Square, which is filled with character, and the shopping hub of town.
→ Take a walk to the Morning Walk cottage shops, which is about 15 minutes from Dock Square.
→ Drive out to Cape Porpoise for scenic coastal views.
→ Visit the Seashore Trolley Museum.
→ Walk the Parson’s Way trail, which offers nice coastal views, and distant looks at the Bush family compound.
My favorite things to do in Ogunquit (in addition to the beaches):
→ Walk Marginal Way, an amazing coastal pedestrian path that hugs the rocky shoreline, and ends at the cute Perkins Cove harbor.
→ Stroll through the quaint downtown, and visit the shops, art galleries, and eateries.
→ Get tickets to a show at the Ogunquit Playhouse.
→ Head out on a boat tour with Finest Kind Tours.
Psst! I have a full guide on things to do in Ogunquit, ME, if you need more ideas 😉
Which Has A Better Downtown?
Both destinations have a really nice downtown area with great shops, cafés, and restaurants. Kennebunkport’s downtown area is a little bigger, and many of the shops are along the Kennebunk River, which offer lovely coastal views. Kennebunkport’s downtown also has a lot of colorful storefronts in unique buildings with lots of character, and just has more shopping overall.
That said, Ogunquit’s downtown is also wonderful, and offers a lot of coastal charm. It’s just smaller than Kennebunkport’s, but also has nice shops and restaurants to choose from.
Between the two, I think Kennebunkport slightly wins in this regard, but both downtowns are worth checking out.
Restaurants & Dining In Both Towns
Both towns have wonderful dining options, so this should not be your deciding factor when deciding where to stay. Each destination offers places for great lobster rolls, upscale dining experiences, and casual spots.
Both towns have a focus on New England cuisine, of course, so you’ll find a lot of fresh seafood on menus.
Some of my favorite places to eat in Kennebunkport are:
→ Alisson’s
→ Earth at Hidden Pond
→ Old Vines Wine Bar
→ Cape Porpoise Lobster Co
→ Mabel’s Lobster Claw
Some of my favorite places to eat in Ogunquit are:
→ Footbridge Lobster
→ Ogunquit Beach Lobster House
→ Treehouse Taqueria
→ BeachFire Bar & Grille
→ The Crooked Pine
Comparing The Nightlife
Between the two towns, Ogunquit definitely has a better nightlife scene. While you’ll find some bars and such in Kennebunkport, most are not open super late, and overall, this town isn’t a party scene.
Ogunquit isn’t exactly known for its nightlife, either, however, it definitely has a lot more going on in the evenings. The Front Porch Piano Bar is a popular place to go with fun sing-a-longs and live music. The Leavitt Theater is also a great option, and is has a theater, music venue, and restaurant.
Ogunquit is also home to the Playhouse, which is a fantastic summer theater featuring live performances and musicals for a more unique night out.
Kennebunkport definitely has bars and restaurants that stay open later, like Batson River, Old Vines Wine Bar, and Bentley’s Saloon, but the nightlife here is more on the chill side.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Both Towns
This depends entirely on what you’re looking to get out of your trip!
The most popular time to visit both destinations is the summer season, from June through mid-September. This is when you’ll experience the warmest weather (which is especially important if you want to swim in the cold ocean water!), and fewest days of rain. However, the summer is when you can also expect the most crowds and highest prices at hotels.
Do I think summer is worth it in Kennebunkport and Ogunquit? Absolutely! There’s something very special about seeing the coastal towns come alive in the summer, and all seasonal businesses are open and in full swing, too.
Kennebunkport is the better destination for a year-round visit. This town does such a fantastic job offering fun things to do year-round, even in the winter with their very cool Paint The Town Red events in February. Kennebunkport also has some really nice fall foliage, and makes for a wonderful autumn vacation. While some seasonal businesses close down during the fall season in Kennebunkport, it does make for a great getaway year-round as many places stay open.
Ogunquit is definitely the more seasonal destination between the two, and you’ll notice a much quieter and secluded vibe here outside of the summer months. You’ll still see tourists in the fall, but late fall through early spring is pretty quiet in Ogunquit. Many seasonal businesses will also close down once fall hits.
I have a lot of seasonal guides on Maine you may find helpful:
- Best Time To Visit Maine
- Summer In Maine
- Spring In Maine
- Maine In November
- Maine In October
- Winter In Maine
Is Kennebunkport Or Ogunquit More Expensive?
Honestly, they’re both pretty similar in terms of cost, and it’s good to know that anywhere along the coast of New England in late spring through the end of summer is going to be expensive. These two towns are no exception.
I’ve found Ogunquit’s accommodations to offer slightly less expensive options than Kennebunkport’s. However, not enough of a difference to really base my decision on where to stay. And as mentioned, I also think Kennebunkport has more and better hotel options than Ogunquit, so that’s also something to factor in.
Alternatives To Kennebunkport & Ogunquit
While I definitely think Kennebunkport and Ogunquit are the best towns to stay in along Maine’s southern coast, especially for first-time visitors, there are some other options in the area.
Both York and Wells are great alternatives, and tend to also be a little less expensive. So whether budget is a big factor for you, or you booked last minute and are having a hard time finding availability, you can definitely check out these two towns.
Wells is a great place to stay, and I’ve stayed here a few times in the summer. Wells Moody Beach is beautiful, and it also has a lot more affordable hotel options. While there’s no quaint or walkable downtown in Wells, as everything is along the main road through town, it’s still a nice place to stay with a great beach!
York does have a small downtown to explore that’s really cute, as well as a few different beaches to visit. York’s beaches are very nice, but probably my least favorite between the four towns. However, there are some fantastic places to stay in York, and while it does get very busy in the summer, it doesn’t feel as crowded as Kennebunkport or Ogunquit.
More of my travel guides you may find helpful:
- My PERFECT Maine Lighthouse Road Trip Itinerary
- My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary
- Must-See Towns On The New England Coast
- Best Places For A Maine Vacation
- Is Cape Cod Or Maine Better For Your Next Vacation?
That’s A Wrap On Kennebunkport Vs. Ogunquit In Maine!
And that’s my full breakdown on the differences between Kennebunkport and Ogunquit in southern Maine. I hope you’re now feeling ready to decide which is best for your own plans, but at the end of the day, both towns are wonderful, and I highly recommend both. You really can’t go wrong when staying in either! Happy planning 😉
