A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Kennebunkport vs. Lancaster for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kennebunkport or Lancaster?

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Lancaster? 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.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a character-filled, charming, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kennebunkport and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Kennebunkport or Lancaster?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kennebunkport than Lancaster, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kennebunkport is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and small town charm, while Lancaster is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Kennebunkport is more touristy than Lancaster and is known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. Also, Kennebunkport is famous for Dock Square. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Kennebunkport different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kennebunkport
Lancaster

Lancaster is great for its historical sights. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Lancaster offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

Kennebunkport offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Kennebunkport or Lancaster? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kennebunkport
Lancaster

Kennebunkport is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Lancaster offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Kennebunkport or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Kennebunkport
Lancaster

Kennebunkport is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Kennebunkport or Lancaster Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport
Lancaster

Kennebunkport is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Kennebunkport is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.


Is Kennebunkport or Lancaster Better for Hiking?

Kennebunkport
Lancaster

Kennebunkport is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Kennebunkport has hiking trails worth exploring. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kennebunkport or Lancaster?

Kennebunkport
Lancaster

If you're looking to go shopping, Kennebunkport and Lancaster both offer plenty of very good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

Lancaster is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

Is Kennebunkport or Lancaster Better for Families?

Kennebunkport
Lancaster

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kennebunkport or Lancaster.

Kennebunkport is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Lancaster is a very kid-friendly town. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.


Is Kennebunkport or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Kennebunkport
Lancaster

With fun activities for couples, both Kennebunkport and Lancaster make for a very good place to visit.

Kennebunkport is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

Lancaster is a very popular place to visit for couples. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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

Kennebunkport
Lancaster

Kennebunkport and Lancaster both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Kennebunkport or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Kennebunkport
Lancaster

Kennebunkport is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

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

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Kennebunkport?

How long in Kennebunkport or Lancaster?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kennebunkport and Lancaster. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kennebunkport than in Lancaster. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Kennebunkport, and 2-3 days is enough time in Lancaster.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kennebunkport than Lancaster 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 Kennebunkport or Lancaster? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kennebunkport 2-4 
    Lancaster 2-3

One day in Kennebunkport or Lancaster?

Even though Kennebunkport is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the picturesque destination of Lancaster. 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.

A weekend in Kennebunkport or Lancaster?

Kennebunkport is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Kennebunkport or Lancaster?

Kennebunkport is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the picturesque destination of Lancaster. This 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.


A week in Kennebunkport or Lancaster?

Kennebunkport is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful town of Lancaster. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Lancaster or Kennebunkport?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kennebunkport is $220, while the average daily cost in Lancaster is $183. 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 Kennebunkport and Lancaster in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kennebunkport $124
    Lancaster $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kennebunkport $248
    Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in Kennebunkport and Lancaster

Looking for a hotel in Kennebunkport or Lancaster? 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 Kennebunkport


Hotels in Lancaster


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: Kennebunkport Hotel Prices and Lancaster Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kennebunkport $49
    Lancaster $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Kennebunkport or Lancaster?

Prices for flights to both Lancaster and Kennebunkport 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
    Kennebunkport $67
    Lancaster $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster

For Lancaster, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • International Food Tour Lancaster, Pennsylvania: $62
  • Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kennebunkport $21
    Lancaster $19

Tours and Activities in Kennebunkport

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

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

Tours and Activities in Lancaster

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

  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $47
  • Authentic Tour & Meal with the Amish!: $89
  • From Philadelphia: Lancaster County Amish Community Tour: $179
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
  • Guided Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $12
  • Historic Columbia, PA: Guided Tour of the Bank Museum: $14
  • Historic Lancaster Photo Shoot Tour: $100
  • Lancaster County: Amish Farmlands, Museum Tour, Farm Visit: $36
  • Lancaster County: Tour and Meal with an Amish Family: $79
  • Lancaster Electric Bicycle Tour: $130
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kennebunkport $31
    Lancaster $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lancaster:

  • Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79
  • Lancaster City: The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour: $79


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kennebunkport and Lancaster, we can see that Kennebunkport is more expensive. And not only is Lancaster much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lancaster would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lancaster 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 Lancaster.

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


Which is Bigger, Kennebunkport or Lancaster?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Kennebunkport and Lancaster, 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 Kennebunkport or Lancaster?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Kennebunkport are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kennebunkport is generally cooler than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 69°F (20°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kennebunkport. Kennebunkport usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during summer. Kennebunkport gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kennebunkport usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Kennebunkport gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C) 
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Kennebunkport during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Kennebunkport is cooler than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kennebunkport averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Kennebunkport often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster. Kennebunkport gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

Kennebunkport usually gets more rain in October than Lancaster. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C) 
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kennebunkport and Lancaster. Most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lancaster can be very cold. Kennebunkport can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Kennebunkport is much colder than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kennebunkport in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Kennebunkport usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster during winter. Kennebunkport gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Kennebunkport gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C) 
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kennebunkport as well as Lancaster. The spring months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In April, Kennebunkport is generally much colder than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 43°F (6°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kennebunkport this time of the year. In the spring, Kennebunkport often gets less sunshine than Lancaster. Kennebunkport gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Kennebunkport usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lancaster. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C) 
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport Lancaster
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)