A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Kennebunkport for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Ensenada or Kennebunkport?

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

Should I visit Ensenada or Kennebunkport? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a historic, cultural, and outdoorsy city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a quaint, character-filled, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Ensenada and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or Kennebunkport?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kennebunkport. Although Ensenada and Kennebunkport are popular destinations, Kennebunkport has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kennebunkport is very popular for its resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ensenada attracts visitors for its beaches. Ensenada is famous for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. Kennebunkport is famous for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. It is also well known for Dock Square.

How is Ensenada different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ensenada or Kennebunkport?

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Ensenada and Kennebunkport.

Ensenada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kennebunkport. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

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

Both Ensenada and Kennebunkport offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ensenada. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

Kennebunkport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Ensenada or Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Ensenada or Kennebunkport has a better nightlife scene.

Ensenada has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Kennebunkport has a few options to choose from. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Is Ensenada or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport is a great destination for its resorts. However, Ensenada is not a resort destination.

Kennebunkport is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Ensenada is not a resort destination.

Is Ensenada or Kennebunkport Better for Beaches?

Ensenada is adequate for its beaches. However, Kennebunkport is not a beach destination.

Ensenada is a good spot to see the beach. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

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 Ensenada or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Kennebunkport is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Kennebunkport is a good destination for hiking. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Kennebunkport?

Kennebunkport is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Kennebunkport is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

Ensenada has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

Is Ensenada or Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Kennebunkport is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Kennebunkport is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Ensenada offers lots of family activities. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Is Ensenada or Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Kennebunkport is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Kennebunkport frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

Ensenada is a good city for couples to visit. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

Is Ensenada or Kennebunkport Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ensenada. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

Kennebunkport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find cabins and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ensenada and Kennebunkport.

Public transit is generally limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

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

Is Ensenada or Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

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

Ensenada is very walkable. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either Ensenada 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 Ensenada, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kennebunkport.

Families should spend more time in Kennebunkport than Ensenada. 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 Ensenada. 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 Ensenada than Kennebunkport 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 Ensenada.

One day in Ensenada or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Ensenada. 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.

Kennebunkport is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Ensenada or Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ensenada. 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.

Kennebunkport is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kennebunkport, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Kennebunkport?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Ensenada. This city 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 is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Ensenada or Kennebunkport?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Ensenada. 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 great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ensenada and Kennebunkport, we can see that Kennebunkport is more expensive. And not only is Ensenada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ensenada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ensenada and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Kennebunkport would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kennebunkport than you might in Ensenada.

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

Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Kennebunkport?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada 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.