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

Should you visit Kennebunkport or Monterey?

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Monterey? 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. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Kennebunkport and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kennebunkport or Monterey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monterey than Kennebunkport, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monterey is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Kennebunkport is more popular for its resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Kennebunkport is well known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. Monterey is well known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Also, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How is Kennebunkport different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Monterey 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 Monterey?

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

Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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 Monterey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Kennebunkport and Monterey offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kennebunkport. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Monterey. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Is Kennebunkport or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is great for nightlife. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Monterey for the nightlife scene. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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.

Is Kennebunkport or Monterey Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Monterey is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Kennebunkport to choose from. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Monterey is not a resort destination.

Is Kennebunkport or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kennebunkport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few good snorkeling spots. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Kennebunkport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kennebunkport or Monterey Better for Beaches?

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

Monterey is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

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 Kennebunkport or Monterey Better for Hiking?

Kennebunkport is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

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

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kennebunkport or Monterey?

If you're looking to go shopping, Kennebunkport and Monterey both offer plenty of superb spots.

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

Monterey is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Is Kennebunkport or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Monterey is a very family-friendly destination. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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.

Is Kennebunkport or Monterey Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Kennebunkport and Monterey make for a superb 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.

Monterey is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Is Kennebunkport or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

Kennebunkport and Monterey 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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Kennebunkport or Monterey a more walkable city?

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

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Kennebunkport?

How long in Kennebunkport or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kennebunkport and Monterey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kennebunkport than in Monterey. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Kennebunkport, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monterey.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey 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 Monterey.

One day in Kennebunkport or Monterey?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the nature-oriented destination of Monterey. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Kennebunkport or Monterey?

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.

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

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.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the nature-oriented destination of Monterey. 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.

A week in Kennebunkport or Monterey?

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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Monterey. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kennebunkport or Monterey?

Monterey has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Kennebunkport and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kennebunkport and Monterey. Most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kennebunkport is generally a little warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 69°F (20°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Monterey. Kennebunkport gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kennebunkport as well as Monterey. The autumn months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Kennebunkport is much colder than Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kennebunkport averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Kennebunkport usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey and Kennebunkport are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Kennebunkport in the winter. In the winter, Kennebunkport is much colder than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kennebunkport in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Monterey. Kennebunkport gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Kennebunkport during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Kennebunkport is generally much colder than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 43°F (6°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Kennebunkport usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Kennebunkport