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

Should you visit Mystic 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 Mystic 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a charming, quaint, and laid back town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a charming, quaint, and character-filled town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Mystic and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm


Is there more to do in Mystic or Kennebunkport?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mystic. Although Mystic and Kennebunkport are both popular with visitors, Mystic has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mystic is more popular for its museums and beaches, while Kennebunkport is known for its food, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Mystic is popular for its New England charm and local character. It is also home to the Mystic Seaport Museum. Kennebunkport is popular for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline.

How is Mystic different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mystic
Kennebunkport

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

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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 Mystic or Kennebunkport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mystic
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Mystic or Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

Mystic
Kennebunkport

Both Mystic and Kennebunkport have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Kennebunkport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Is Mystic or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Mystic
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a resort destination.


Is Mystic or Kennebunkport Better for Beaches?

Mystic
Kennebunkport

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

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

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 Mystic or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Mystic
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Kennebunkport?

Mystic
Kennebunkport

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Mystic and Kennebunkport.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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


Is Mystic or Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Mystic
Kennebunkport

Both Mystic and Kennebunkport are superb family-friendly destinations.

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Mystic or Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Mystic
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Kennebunkport makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

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

Mystic
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.


Is Mystic or Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Mystic
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a good destination for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Kennebunkport?

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

Families should spend more time in Kennebunkport than Mystic. 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 Mystic. 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 Kennebunkport than Mystic 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 Mystic or Kennebunkport? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mystic 2-3 
    Kennebunkport 2-4

One day in Mystic or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Mystic. 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.

Kennebunkport might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Mystic or Kennebunkport?

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

Kennebunkport is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Mystic or Kennebunkport?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Mystic. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kennebunkport. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Mystic or Kennebunkport?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Mystic. 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.

Kennebunkport is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kennebunkport or Mystic?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mystic is $210, 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 Mystic and Kennebunkport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mystic $125
    Kennebunkport $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mystic $250
    Kennebunkport $248
Compare Hotels in Mystic and Kennebunkport

Looking for a hotel in Mystic 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 Mystic


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: Mystic Hotel Prices and Kennebunkport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mystic $56
    Kennebunkport $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Mystic or Kennebunkport?

Prices for flights to both Kennebunkport and Mystic 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
    Mystic $52
    Kennebunkport $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mystic $24
    Kennebunkport $21

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $35
  • Moonlit Mystic Graveyard Ghost Tour: $35
  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $31
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30

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
    Mystic $31
    Kennebunkport $31

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100


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


Which is Bigger, Mystic or Kennebunkport?

Mystic has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Mystic 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.


When is the best time to visit Mystic 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 Mystic or Kennebunkport in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Kennebunkport. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mystic this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Mystic is a little warmer than Kennebunkport in the summer. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kennebunkport this time of the year. In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mystic usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport during summer. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mystic usually receives more rain than Kennebunkport. Mystic 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
    Mystic 73°F (23°C) 
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Kennebunkport. Many travelers come to Mystic for the shopping scene. Additionally, 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 the autumn, Mystic is a little warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mystic in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the autumn, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 196 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kennebunkport. Mystic 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
    Mystic 53°F (12°C) 
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

Both Kennebunkport and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Mystic in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kennebunkport can be very cold during winter. Mystic can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Mystic is generally much warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 28°F (-2°C), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

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

In January, Mystic usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kennebunkport. Mystic 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
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C) 
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Mystic or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

Both Kennebunkport and Mystic during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mystic for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Mystic is a little warmer than Kennebunkport in the spring. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In Kennebunkport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mystic. In the spring, Mystic often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 212 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in April than Kennebunkport. Mystic 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
    Mystic 48°F (9°C) 
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Mystic

Mystic 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)