If the many vacation hotspots on the coast of Southern Maine convened for a "Vacationland" family reunion, Kennebunk would be the cool aunt who always plans perfect day trip itineraries. You'd find yourself combing the beach for shells, meandering through museums and galleries, exploring the coastline by way of kayak, and concluding the day with dinner and drinks at one of the town's many eateries.
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Yes, 33 of our Kennebunk homes allow dogs—so feel free to bring Fido along. (Just make sure to check individual home listings for any limits on the number and size of dogs they allow).
Browse dog-friendly homes >Yes. 120 of our Kennebunk vacation rentals have internet access, so you can stay connected throughout your trip.
Browse homes with internet access >Absolutely. Our local Kennebunk team includes professional housekeepers who care for all our homes here. They’ll clean thoroughly and restock amenities, so everything is ready for your arrival—and all you have to do is settle in and relax.
Learn more about Vacasa Premium Clean >Kennebunk's natural beauty and charm is accentuated by its lively villages, and its wide array of expeditions and activities make it a versatile vacation spot for families, friends, couples, or a combination of all three. Find a temporary home away from home in one of our lovely Kennebunk vacation rentals and plan your ideal coastal getaway in this vibrant coastal New England location.
Kennebunk boasts a trifecta of beautiful beaches all connected by sidewalks and that are ideal destinations for sunbathers, Frisbee tossers, and amateur sandcastle architects alike. Plan a day at Gooch's Beach, Kennebunk Beach, and Mother's Beach (complete with a playground, making it the go-to locale for families with children), or hit up all three before the tide rolls in. Search for sea creatures amongst the rocks surrounding Mother's Beach or take man's best friend for a refreshing jog in the sea air along Beach Avenue, beginning at Gooch's Beach and extending past Lord's Point. Kennebunk's beaches are dog-friendly and are accessible by trolley. Daily, weekly, or seasonal parking requires a permit, available at several locations in town including the Chamber of Commerce and Town Hall. If you manage to nab a Kennebunk beach house rental, you might get to walk to the shore!
Consider purchasing a membership at the KBIA, a local recreational program that has been around for over 100 years! Children ages three through 17 are welcome to enjoy all sorts of activities, including tennis lessons, basketball lessons, and free swimming sessions. Whatsmore, families can participate in events like family sailing and kayaking sessions, movie nights, and weekly barbecues. Though membership is required, the KBIA is open to the public and welcomes visiting families!
As the curator for local history and culture on the Southern Coast of Maine, The Brick Store Museum, located on Main Street in Kennebunk's downtown historic district, aims to inspire meaningful connections with the region's past through exhibitions and educational programs. In addition to displaying local stories and art meant to illustrate the essence of the human experience in Kennebunk and its surrounding areas, the establishment features a schedule of six rotating exhibits throughout the year. Lose yourself in local art, marvel at the innovation of the pioneers behind twentieth-century inventions, or feed your nostalgia with priceless antique furniture displays. The Brick Store Museum is the place where history and culture collide with local pride.
The Wedding Cake House is another must-see for history junkies, those who appreciate the beauty of Gothic architecture, or vacationers who just want a glimpse of what has been dubbed "the most photographed house in Maine." Built in 1825 by shipbuilder George W. Bourne, the yellow brick house is buttressed by lacy trim and dripping in cozy elegance, bringing to mind its sweet, celebratory namesake.
Complete your culture kick with a perusal through the paintings and sculpture in the Maine Art Gallery. Airy and glowing with natural light, the Maine Art Gallery features more than thirty artists in multiple mediums, meaning there's something framed, hung, or displayed to pique even the pickiest of artistic palates.
Coastal Maine Kayak and Bike offers guided tours and allows rentals for independent coastline excursions for those looking for a new perspective of the area. Stand up paddle board lessons and rentals are also available. All of this natural beauty surrounds our Kennebunk vacation rentals!
If summer fun or sunny serenity is your end goal, you'll find it in the fireworks display on the Fourth of July on Gooch's Beach, or strolling through history during Old Homes Week.
Whether you choose to tour Kennebunk on bike or to simply spend the day lounging on Gooch's Beach, you're sure to work up an appetite. Inevitable mid-day seafood cravings can be satisfied with a juicy, no-frills lobster roll from The Clam Shack at lunch time. Kick off your flip-flops and trade your bikini for a favorite summer dress at the classy and favorably reviewed White Barn Inn, where fresh, seasonal ingredients are prominently featured on the dinner menu. For sophistication without all the snobbery, enjoy a glass of wine or specialty cocktail, and share a selection of various tapas at Old Vines Wine Bar. The motto "eat good, feel good" is an all-around solid philosophy, but holds especially true for the folks at 50 Local, whose commitment to the Kennebunk community means that they're serving up delicious dishes made of ingredients from local farms and fisheries, making your vacation dining experience a pleasure without any guilt.
Kennebunk is also only 90 miles north of Boston, 25 miles south of Portland, and is hugged by Kennebunkport, Old Orchard Beach, and Wells, so there are a myriad of possibilities for day trips outside of the town.
Between the fresh seafood, sandy beaches, and rich local history, a trip to this Maine destination and a stay in one of our Kennebunk vacation rentals offers the best of a coastal New England getaway.
