A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Martha's Vineyard vs. Kennebunkport for Resorts, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Martha's Vineyard and Kennebunkport. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

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 food, hiking, and shopping.

Martha's Vineyard and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • 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 Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard than Kennebunkport, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Martha's Vineyard is better known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Kennebunkport is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Martha's Vineyard is well known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Also, Martha's Vineyard is famous for the Aquinnah Cliffs. Kennebunkport is well known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline.

How is Martha's Vineyard different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport?

Martha's Vineyard
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard
Kennebunkport

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Martha's Vineyard and Kennebunkport can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Martha's Vineyard has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kennebunkport makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

Martha's Vineyard
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard
Kennebunkport

Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Martha's Vineyard is a great choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Kennebunkport. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.


Is Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard
Kennebunkport

Martha's Vineyard is great for its beaches. However, Kennebunkport is not a beach destination.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard
Kennebunkport

Hiking trails can be found around both Martha's Vineyard and Kennebunkport, and they are notable.

Martha's Vineyard offers some nice hiking trails. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport?

Martha's Vineyard
Kennebunkport

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

Kennebunkport is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.


Is Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Martha's Vineyard
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kennebunkport. 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard
Kennebunkport

Martha's Vineyard is very popular for romance. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Martha's Vineyard makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

Kennebunkport is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Martha's Vineyard
Kennebunkport

Martha's Vineyard and Kennebunkport both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

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


Is Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Martha's Vineyard
Kennebunkport

Martha's Vineyard and Kennebunkport are notable when it comes to walkability.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable island. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting? and Is Kennebunkport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Martha's Vineyard?

How long in Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kennebunkport due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Martha's Vineyard, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kennebunkport.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kennebunkport than Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport? Ideal Length of Stay
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3 
    Kennebunkport 2-4

One day in Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport?

Even though Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

With shopping and museums around the small town destination of Kennebunkport, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport?

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

With museums and nightlife around the charming town of Kennebunkport, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.


Five days in Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the character-filled small town of Kennebunkport. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kennebunkport is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Kennebunkport or Martha's Vineyard?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Martha's Vineyard is $241, 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 Martha's Vineyard and Kennebunkport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Martha's Vineyard $132
    Kennebunkport $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Martha's Vineyard $264
    Kennebunkport $248
Compare Hotels in Martha's Vineyard and Kennebunkport

Looking for a hotel in Martha's Vineyard 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 Marthas Vineyard


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: Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices and Kennebunkport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $83
    Kennebunkport $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport?

Prices for flights to both Kennebunkport and Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard $60
    Kennebunkport $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $30
    Kennebunkport $21

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $60
  • All Island Bus Tour: $65
  • Martha's Vinyard Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (APP/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Martha's Vineyard $22
    Kennebunkport $31


When comparing the travel costs between Martha's Vineyard and Kennebunkport, we can see that Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard Expensive? and Is Kennebunkport Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport?

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 Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport in the Summer?

Both Kennebunkport and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Martha's Vineyard is a little warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the summer temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 69°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Kennebunkport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. Martha's Vineyard usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport during summer. Martha's Vineyard gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Kennebunkport. Martha's Vineyard gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C) 
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

Both Kennebunkport and Martha's Vineyard during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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.

In October, Martha's Vineyard is generally a little warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 53°F (12°C), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. In the autumn, Martha's Vineyard often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. Martha's Vineyard gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 196 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kennebunkport. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C) 
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Martha's Vineyard and Kennebunkport. Many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kennebunkport can be very cold during winter. Martha's Vineyard can get quite cold in the winter. Martha's Vineyard is much warmer than Kennebunkport in the winter. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Martha's Vineyard usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport during winter. Martha's Vineyard gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Martha's Vineyard usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kennebunkport. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C) 
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Martha's Vineyard as well as Kennebunkport. Most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Martha's Vineyard is a little warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the spring temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 43°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kennebunkport. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In the spring, Martha's Vineyard often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport. Martha's Vineyard gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 212 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in April than Kennebunkport. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C) 
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard Kennebunkport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)


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