Thoughts on my itinerary, Kennebunkport to Portsmouth

Question

Friends - this is my draft itinerary . Welcome advise on feasibility for 3 days and what’s worth or not worth doing. : Maine

Driving from Gilford , NH day one to Kenbebunkport

To Kenbebunkport

Spending

2 nights in Kennebunkport at The Colony

Plan -

Kennebunkport : Check

Out dock square, walk sumner steer and view historic mansions , go to goat Island lighthouse on nearby Cape porpoise, visit blowing cave to see dramatic waves, go down ocean Avenue and view bush compound.

WELLS - enjoy the Rachel Carson

Ogonquit- not going , already visited there

York- visit Cape Neddick Lighthouse , Fisherman’s walk, ice cream at Dunnes, visit some historical museums , wiggly bridge

Kittery - we’re not into outlets . Maybe see naval museum . Find Lils Cafe for donuts .

Portsmouth : shopping around Market Street, Prescott park,

Drive home late Tuesday to Gilford NH

Answer

Your itinerary from Kennebunkport to Portsmouth over three days is quite feasible and nicely balanced between coastal sightseeing, light walking, and historic/cultural stops. Here’s a detailed breakdown and some thoughts on optimizing your time and experience.

Kennebunkport (2 nights at The Colony)

Dock Square: Excellent choice for shops, galleries, and cafes. Morning or late afternoon visits are ideal to avoid crowds.
Sumner Street & Historic Mansions: Walking the scenic streets with historic homes is very doable; allow 1–2 hours.
Goat Island Lighthouse & Cape Porpoise: The lighthouse is picturesque; if time is short, a quick drive-by viewpoint can suffice.
Blowing Cave: Dramatic coastal waves are best viewed at mid to high tide. About 20–30 minutes for the stop.
Ocean Avenue & Bush Compound: Drive along Ocean Avenue for iconic coastal views; the Bush compound can be seen from a distance.

Wells

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge: Walking trails are flat and easy; great for a nature stroll and birdwatching. Allow 1–2 hours.

York

Cape Neddick Lighthouse ("Nubble Light"): Iconic and worth visiting; parking can be limited during peak times, but early morning is ideal.
Fisherman’s Walk: Easy coastal walk; couple with a lighthouse visit.
Ice cream at Dunnes: Great local treat; fits well after a walk.
Historical Museums & Wiggly Bridge: If interested in history, allocate 1–2 hours; otherwise, prioritize the lighthouse and scenic walk.

Kittery

Naval Museum: Interesting stop if you enjoy maritime history; about 1–1.5 hours.
Lils Cafe for donuts: Local favorite; quick stop for breakfast or snack.
Since you’re not interested in outlet shopping, you can skip the main shopping areas.

Portsmouth, NH

Market Street: Quaint shops, galleries, and cafes; nice for a stroll.
Prescott Park: Beautiful gardens and harbor views; especially nice if the weather is good.
Consider a casual lunch here before starting your drive back to Gilford.

General Suggestions:

The itinerary is well-paced, but if you want a more relaxed experience, consider cutting one minor stop in York or Kittery to give more time in Kennebunkport or Portsmouth.
Try to schedule lighthouse visits early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
Allow some flexibility for scenic photo stops along Ocean Avenue or the coast.

Overall, your plan is doable for three days and balances iconic sights with local charm, coastal drives, and easy walking—perfect for a short New England coastal getaway.

Thoughts on my itinerary, Kennebunkport to Portsmouth

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