A Travel Price Comparison for Maine Kennebunkport vs. Portland, Maine for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine? 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. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Kennebunkport and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kennebunkport than Portland, Maine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kennebunkport is better known for its museums, food, resorts, shopping, and small town charm, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its beaches and impressive beauty. Kennebunkport is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. Also, Kennebunkport is famous for Dock Square. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Kennebunkport different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine?

Kennebunkport is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kennebunkport is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Kennebunkport is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Portland, Maine. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Is Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Kennebunkport and Portland, Maine.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Portland, Maine. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Is Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport is well known for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is great for its beaches. However, Kennebunkport is not a beach destination.

Portland, Maine is considered a top beach destination. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

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 Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Kennebunkport and Portland, Maine both have notable trails.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine?

Kennebunkport is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is adequate for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Kennebunkport does not offer Christmas activities.

Portland, Maine has some seasonal activities during Christmas. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Kennebunkport does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Kennebunkport is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Kennebunkport is known to be 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.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Kennebunkport is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

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

Kennebunkport is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Kennebunkport is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable town. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Kennebunkport?

How long in Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine?

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

Families should spend more time in Kennebunkport than Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine 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.

One day in Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine?

Kennebunkport is a small town with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the seaside destination of Portland, Maine. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Portland, Maine?

Kennebunkport might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Portland, Maine?

Kennebunkport is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the seaside destination of Portland, Maine. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A week in Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine?

Since Kennebunkport is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful coastal town of Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Kennebunkport and Portland, Maine, 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 Kennebunkport Expensive? and Is Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Kennebunkport and Portland, Maine, 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 Portland, Maine?

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 Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kennebunkport as well as Portland, Maine. The summer months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In July, Kennebunkport is generally around the same temperature as Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 69°F (20°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kennebunkport this time of the year. In the summer, Kennebunkport often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Kennebunkport gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun.

Kennebunkport usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Portland, Maine. Kennebunkport gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

Both Portland, Maine and Kennebunkport are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kennebunkport is around the same temperature as Portland, Maine in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kennebunkport averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

Kennebunkport usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during autumn. Kennebunkport gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine and Kennebunkport during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland, Maine can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kennebunkport. In the winter, Kennebunkport is around the same temperature as Portland, Maine. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kennebunkport in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Kennebunkport often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine. Kennebunkport gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun.

Kennebunkport usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Portland, Maine. Kennebunkport gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kennebunkport and Portland, Maine. Many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Kennebunkport is generally around the same temperature as Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 43°F (6°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Kennebunkport, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kennebunkport usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during spring. Kennebunkport gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Kennebunkport