A Travel Price Comparison for Maine Bar Harbor vs. Kennebunkport for Food, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a picturesque, relaxed, and quaint coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a charming, quaint, and character-filled town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm


Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kennebunkport. Although Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport are both popular with visitors, Kennebunkport has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kennebunkport is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and resorts, while Bar Harbor is known for its beaches, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Kennebunkport is popular for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. It is also home to Dock Square.

How is Bar Harbor different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kennebunkport and Bar Harbor. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport?

Bar Harbor
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Kennebunkport is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bar Harbor
Kennebunkport

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bar Harbor makes for a great culinary experience. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Kennebunkport has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

Is Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

Bar Harbor
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a town with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a well-known place for its resorts. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

In Kennebunkport, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.


Is Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor
Kennebunkport

Bar Harbor is a popular place for its beaches. However, Kennebunkport is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor is a good option for a beach vacation. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Kennebunkport is not a beach destination. It's lined with rocky and sandy coastlines that are perfect for finding critters at low tide or searching for seashells. Mother's Beach is popular with families and Gooch's Beach is a popular place for walking. Middle Beach is a great spot for climbing over rocks.

Is Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor
Kennebunkport

Both Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport are destinations which offer good hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Bar Harbor. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Kennebunkport offers some nice hiking trails. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport?

Bar Harbor
Kennebunkport

Both Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport are excellent shopping destinations.

Bar Harbor is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Kennebunkport is well-known for its shopping. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.


Is Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Bar Harbor
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Kennebunkport is a very family-friendly place to visit. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal town. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor
Kennebunkport

Both Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Kennebunkport makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bar Harbor
Kennebunkport

Both Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.


Is Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor
Kennebunkport

Bar Harbor is great for its walkability. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

Bar Harbor is very walkable. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Kennebunkport is a somewhat walkable place. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Kennebunkport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kennebunkport due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bar Harbor, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kennebunkport.

Families should spend more time in Kennebunkport than Bar Harbor. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kennebunkport, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kennebunkport than Bar Harbor. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kennebunkport that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kennebunkport than Bar Harbor if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Kennebunkport.


  • How many days in Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bar Harbor 2-3 
    Kennebunkport 2-4

One day in Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport?

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and nightlife around the character-filled town of Kennebunkport, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With nightlife and food around the small town destination of Kennebunkport, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.


Five days in Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Kennebunkport, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kennebunkport is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


Which place is cheaper, Kennebunkport or Bar Harbor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bar Harbor is $202, while the average daily cost in Kennebunkport is $220. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bar Harbor $117
    Kennebunkport $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bar Harbor $234
    Kennebunkport $248
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport

Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bar Harbor


Hotels in Kennebunkport


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bar Harbor Hotel Prices and Kennebunkport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bar Harbor $35
    Kennebunkport $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport?

Prices for flights to both Kennebunkport and Bar Harbor change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bar Harbor $57
    Kennebunkport $67
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bar Harbor $39
    Kennebunkport $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee
    $25
  • Sunset Cruise (for 4)
    $96

Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:

  • 3 Hour Private Tour: Insiders tour of Acadia National Park: $675
  • 4 Hour Private Tour: Acadia, Fjord, Gardens & Mansions: $775
  • 6 Hour Private Tour: Ultimate Acadia Tour with Lobster Lunch: $1,000
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $30
  • Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour: $299
  • Acadia Full-Day Private Bike & Hike Tour: $1,295
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $12
  • Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour: $25
  • Acadia NP: Half-Day Private Tour with Cadillac Mountain: $995
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $22
  • Acadia National Park Private Bike Tour: $1,095
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $85

Tours and Activities in Kennebunkport

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kennebunkport.

  • Ghost Tour with Folklore, Gossip & Scandals: $29
  • Historic District Walking Tour: $45
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bar Harbor $30
    Kennebunkport $31


When comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport, we can see that Kennebunkport is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bar Harbor Expensive? and Is Kennebunkport Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport?

Bar Harbor has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Kennebunkport. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bar Harbor is around the same temperature as Kennebunkport in the summer. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in July than Kennebunkport. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C) 
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

Both Kennebunkport and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bar Harbor is around the same temperature as Kennebunkport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bar Harbor in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 49°F (9°C).

In October, Bar Harbor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kennebunkport. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C) 
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

Both Kennebunkport and Bar Harbor during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Kennebunkport can be very cold. Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. In January, Bar Harbor is generally cooler than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 18°F (-8°C), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in January than Kennebunkport. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport. The spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year.

Bar Harbor is around the same temperature as Kennebunkport in the spring. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Bar Harbor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kennebunkport. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C) 
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Kennebunkport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)