A Visit to Ogunquit and Kennebunkport in the Fall
Two fabulous coastal towns in Maine you must visit on a road trip through New England are Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. These coastal gems are where rugged cliffs meet serene beaches, and these charming seaside towns beckon you with their quintessential New England charm.
Ogunquit and Kennebunkport stand as epitomes of coastal beauty, each offering its own unique allure. These are two of Maine’s coastal treasures, from the rocky shores of Ogunquit to the historic streets lined with boutiques and seafood shacks of Kennebunkport.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a newcomer to New England, prepare to be swept away by the undeniable magic of Ogunquit and Kennebunkport.
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Ogunquit, Maine
As my sisters and I continued our five day New England road trip, our first stop was in Ogunquit, where we intended to sail off the coast of Maine.
We woke up early, dressed in adorable boating outfits, and were ready to walk out the door when my sister received a text that the weather would not permit the boat to leave the harbor.
I was so bummed! Sailing the coast of Ogunquit in the fall to see the lighthouses was a planned highlight of the road trip.
Our sailboat trip had also been the main reason for staying overnight in Ogunquit at the Gorges Grant Hotel instead of in Kennebunkport for the night.
Friends who opted for a scenic harbor cruise with Finestkind Cruises had a fabulous trip, so you should consider the harbor cruise when you visit. As you can see, the lighthouses and other sailboats in the water are spectacular.
Getting Around in Ogunquit
Ogunquit is a quaint beach town, only four square miles. It has adorable shops and fabulous restaurants. The downtown area is very walkable.
It offers fishing, sailing, and boat tours from its harbor in Perkins Cove.
For a unique way to see this charming town, hop on the Ogunquit Trolley. It makes multiple stops, including one in front of the Gorges Grant Hotel, and will take you to many spots around town for a low fee.
Perkins Cove
One highlight of Ogunquit is Perkins Cove, a charming part of town that houses shops and restaurants and an adorable harbor.
As with other places around Ogunquit in the fall, many restaurants and shops in Perkins Cove close for the season.
Although you might miss some dining and shopping, the benefit is having the beautiful area almost entirely to yourself.
Marginal Way
Nestled between the small harbor and the Atlantic Ocean, Perkins Cove is where you will find Marginal Way, a scenic path along the water’s edge with benches and overlooks.
The Marginal Way walk is a little over a mile long and an easy paved path along the ocean.
There are breathtaking views and park benches along the way to sit and enjoy the scenery along the rocky edge.
Coastal Town of Kennebunkport, Maine
After a morning walk along the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, head north to Kennebunkport for a visit to see the Bush Compound and shop.
While few businesses are open in the fall, you will find a pleasant surprise in a quaint diner called Squaretoes Restaurant on the way from Ogunquit to Kennebunkport.
The fabulous nursery across the street, Wallingford Farm, also surprised us with its large assortment of pumpkins and mums.
READ NEXT: Visit one of the best Pumpkin Patches in Connecticut
The flowers and pumpkins here are unbelievably beautiful. I also found and purchased a Wallingford Farm birdhouse in the shape of a buoy here.
I gifted it to my parents, but after seeing it hang in their yard, I wish I had picked up one for myself.
The Bush Compound at Walker’s Point
After breakfast, drive out to the Bush Compound, where our 41st President, George H. W. Bush, and his family stay in the summer.
The Bush Compound jets out to the water’s edge at Walker’s Point at the end of a residential neighborhood. The flag flying indicates the Bush family is in residence.
You cannot get too close, but there is a small spot to pull off to the side of the road for pictures. We stopped, walked to the water’s edge, took pictures, waved, and then went back to town to shop.
Kennebunkport Historic District
Spend the afternoon exploring the Kennebunkport Historic District and Dock Square. This area gives a classic coastal town vibe with small boutique shops and historic architecture.
This part of the country makes me feel so welcome and at home.
Kennebunkport is walkable, with restaurants and shops that are easy to access. Although we visited Kennebunkport in the fall towards the end of September, there were still plenty of crowds here.
Parking in Kennebunkport is fairly easy. There is a large free lot within walking distance of the shops.
Look at how the street signs, shop art, and flowers add to this town’s charm.
Explore Kennebunkport in the Fall
For a historic tour of Kennebunkport, consider taking a sixty-minute ride on the Intown Trolley. The open-air trolley includes a narrated tour and takes you to the Bush Compound, so you don’t have to drive.
Enjoy the cooler fall weather and take a two-hour bike tour with Coastal Maine Kayak & Bike as a second option. This over nine-mile tour takes you to all the Kennebunkport places of interest, including the Goat Island Lighthouse viewpoint.
As a third option, enjoy walking and shopping along Dock Square. There are shops for all tastes. Trendy art galleries and more touristy souvenir shops dot the street.
When you finish exploring and shopping in the coastal towns of Maine, you can continue with our road trip itinerary south to visit beautiful Cape Cod in the fall.
TRIP TIP: Do you need a place to stay in Kennebunk? Check out the Wanderer Kennebunk Beach Cottages.
In Conclusion
As you bid farewell to the coastal towns of Maine, particularly Ogunquit and Kennebunkport, it’s clear that this corner of New England holds a special place in the hearts of travelers.
From the stunning vistas of Marginal Way in Ogunquit to the stately mansions and lobster boats of Kennebunkport, the charm of these towns is undeniable. Whether indulging in fresh lobster rolls by the harbor, strolling along sandy shores at sunrise, or simply taking in the timeless beauty of a coastal sunset, the experiences found here are as authentic as they are unforgettable.
So, to all those who have yet to venture to New England’s coast, I urge you to add Ogunquit and Kennebunkport to your travel bucket list. With their undeniable allure and endless coastal delights, these towns promise to leave you enchanted and longing to return time and time again.
