For over 150 years, Kennebunkport has been a summer retreat for well-heeled East Coasters. Today little has changed, and the town continues to lure sunseekers in with its beautiful beaches, boutique shopping and sumptuous seafood restaurants.

Things to do

In downtown Kennebunkport, most of the action is centred around Dock Square, a lively plaza lined with stylish cafes, upscale boutiques and independent art galleries. A scenic drive down Ocean Avenue offers a glimpse at Kennebunkport's luxe waterfront mansions and hotels, including a sprawling compound owned by George HW Bush.

The First Families Kennebunkport Museum showcases the town's illustrious past. It's housed in a 19th-century Greek Revival mansion and is filled with exhibits celebrating the legacy of the Bush family. The Seashore Trolley Museum is another highlight, displaying antique buses, vintage trams and public-transit memorabilia.

Enjoy the sun and sand on Kennebunk Beach, where you can relax under an umbrella, swim in the waves or stroll along the beach in search of sand dollars. Soft sand and calm water make nearby Goose Rocks Beach a favourite with families.

Owned by a pair of local fishermen, Nunan's Lobster Hut has been cracking crustaceans since 1953. Whether you want yours steamed, stewed, chilled or stuffed into a fluffy white roll, this local institution delivers. Expect maritime decor, with clapboard walls adorned in buoys and fishing nets.

Getting around

Kennebunkport is easy to get around on foot, especially around the Dock Square district. Trolleys run throughout downtown Kennebunkport, while its flat terrain is perfect for bicycles. Rental cars are an easy way to explore the Kennebunks.