A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Simons vs. Kennebunkport for Food, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Simons or Kennebunkport?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Kennebunkport? 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a charming, quaint, and character-filled town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Saint Simons and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Kennebunkport?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Simons. Although Saint Simons and Kennebunkport are both popular with visitors, Saint Simons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Simons is more popular for its beaches, while Kennebunkport is known for its museums, nightlife, and resorts. Saint Simons is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. It is also home to East Beach. Kennebunkport is popular for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline.

How is Saint Simons different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Simons or Kennebunkport?

Saint Simons
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Kennebunkport is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.


Is the Food Better in Saint Simons or Kennebunkport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Simons
Kennebunkport

Dining out at restaurants in both Saint Simons and Kennebunkport can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Simons makes for a great culinary experience. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Kennebunkport has a huge number of terrific 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.

Is Saint Simons or Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

Saint Simons
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a popular place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Saint Simons or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Kennebunkport is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Simons makes a nice vacation spot. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.


Is Saint Simons or Kennebunkport Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons
Kennebunkport

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

Saint Simons is considered a top beach destination. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

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 Saint Simons or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons
Kennebunkport

If you're looking to go hiking, Saint Simons and Kennebunkport both have good trails.

Saint Simons is a good destination for hiking. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kennebunkport. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Kennebunkport?

Saint Simons
Kennebunkport

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kennebunkport and Saint Simons.

Saint Simons is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Kennebunkport is well-known for its shopping. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.


Is Saint Simons or Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Saint Simons
Kennebunkport

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Saint Simons or Kennebunkport.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kennebunkport is very family-friendly. 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 Saint Simons or Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Saint Simons
Kennebunkport

With fun activities for couples, both Saint Simons and Kennebunkport make for a high quality place to visit.

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

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

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

Saint Simons
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options 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 Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.


Is Saint Simons or Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Saint Simons
Kennebunkport

Saint Simons and Kennebunkport both are good when exploring on foot.

Saint Simons is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Simons or Kennebunkport. In our opinion, Kennebunkport has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kennebunkport than Saint Simons. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Saint Simons or Kennebunkport?

Even though Saint Simons is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

In Kennebunkport, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this quaint town offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Simons. 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 fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Saint Simons or Kennebunkport?

Saint Simons is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming small town of Kennebunkport. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Saint Simons or Kennebunkport?

Saint Simons is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 popular place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kennebunkport or Saint Simons?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Simons is $176, 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 Saint Simons and Kennebunkport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Simons $100
    Kennebunkport $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Simons $200
    Kennebunkport $248
Compare Hotels in Saint Simons and Kennebunkport

Looking for a hotel in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons


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: Saint Simons Hotel Prices and Kennebunkport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Simons $49
    Kennebunkport $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Simons or Kennebunkport?

Prices for flights to both Kennebunkport and Saint Simons 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
    Saint Simons $48
    Kennebunkport $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Simons $16
    Kennebunkport $21

Tours and Activities in Kennebunkport

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

  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $27
  • Ghost Tour with Folklore, Gossip & Scandals: $29
  • 90 Minutes Ghost Walking Tour in Kennebunkport: $30
  • Historic District Walking Tour: $45
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Simons $60
    Kennebunkport $31


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

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


Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Kennebunkport?

Saint Simons has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or Kennebunkport?

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 Saint Simons or Kennebunkport in the Summer?

Both Kennebunkport and Saint Simons during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year.

Saint Simons is a little warmer than Kennebunkport in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In Kennebunkport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. In the summer, Saint Simons often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 282 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually gets more rain in July than Kennebunkport. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Simons 82°F (28°C) 
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Kennebunkport. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Simons is much warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Simons in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 49°F (9°C).

In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Kennebunkport during autumn. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Kennebunkport. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Simons 70°F (21°C) 
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Kennebunkport. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kennebunkport can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saint Simons is generally much warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 53°F (12°C), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 163 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kennebunkport. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Simons 53°F (12°C) 
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Saint Simons or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

Both Kennebunkport and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Saint Simons is much warmer than Kennebunkport in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

It's quite sunny in Kennebunkport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Kennebunkport during spring. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Kennebunkport. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Simons 68°F (20°C) 
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Saint Simons

Saint Simons Kennebunkport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)