How many hours to visit Kennebunk/port & where to park
Hi, my spouse & I will drive in for a day mid Sept from Portland & would love any suggestions for where to park & how much time to allocate to this area. Would we have time to visit Ogunquit too?
Many thanks!
Kennebunk and Kennebunkport are charming coastal towns that make for a perfect day trip from Portland, especially in mid-September when the summer crowds have diminished but the weather is still pleasant. For a full experience of the area, including walking around the village, visiting shops, and enjoying a waterfront lunch or seafood stop, you should plan to allocate about 3–4 hours.
Parking in Kennebunkport is generally easy but can vary depending on the time of day. There are several public parking areas and metered spots near the downtown area and Dock Square, which is the heart of the town. Some key parking options include:
- Dock Square public parking lots – central and convenient for walking around shops and galleries.
- Beach Street parking – close to the harbor and local restaurants, often free or short-term metered.
- Long Sands Beach or Goose Rocks Beach parking – if you want a scenic walk along the beach, these lots are available for a small fee.
If you plan to have lunch or grab a coffee, arriving mid-morning will give you plenty of time to park, stroll the shops, and enjoy the waterfront. For dining, the Lobster Shack at Two Lights (a short drive) or local dockside seafood restaurants in the village are highly recommended.
Regarding Ogunquit, it is approximately a 30–40 minute drive from Kennebunkport, making it feasible to visit in the same day if you start early. Ogunquit is famous for its Marginal Way coastal walk, which is scenic and mostly paved, so even with limited mobility it can be enjoyed in part. Plan to spend 1.5–2 hours there, walking along the ocean, checking out shops, and perhaps grabbing a quick bite. If you do both towns in one day, an early start from Portland (around 9 AM) and a return by early evening is realistic.
- Approximate total time in Kennebunkport: 3–4 hours
- Approximate total time in Ogunquit: 1.5–2 hours
- Drive time between Portland → Kennebunkport → Ogunquit → Portland: about 2–2.5 hours total
In summary, a day trip from Portland to Kennebunkport and Ogunquit is very doable, especially in September when traffic is lighter. Arrive early, plan for parking near Dock Square in Kennebunkport, enjoy a waterfront stroll and lunch, then head south to Ogunquit for a scenic coastal walk and a brief stop before returning to Portland.
