13 Romantic Kennebunkport Experiences Perfect for Your Next Couples Getaway
Nestled on Maine’s southern coast, Kennebunkport offers the perfect blend of New England charm and coastal beauty for couples seeking romance. With its picturesque harbors, stunning beaches, and quaint downtown, this seaside gem creates the ideal backdrop for making memories with your special someone. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or simply need time together, these 13 experiences will help you create the perfect romantic escape in Kennebunkport.
1. Sunset Sail on the Schooner Eleanor
The gentle rocking of the boat beneath you, salty breeze in your hair, and your partner by your side – nothing beats the romance of sailing Kennebunkport’s waters at sunset. The historic Schooner Eleanor glides silently through the waves, offering unmatched views of the Maine coastline bathed in golden light. Pack a light jacket even in summer as evening breezes can be cool.
Many couples bring a bottle of champagne to toast the spectacular color show as the sun melts into the horizon. The crew’s stories about local maritime history add an extra layer of charm to this unforgettable two-hour experience.
2. Stroll Hand-in-Hand Along Goose Rocks Beach
Morning fog often clings to Goose Rocks Beach, creating a dreamy atmosphere for early risers seeking solitude. This three-mile stretch of pristine white sand offers natural beauty without the crowds found at more popular Maine beaches. The gentle surf creates a soothing soundtrack for intimate conversations. Visit during low tide to explore fascinating tide pools together or hunt for sand dollars and sea glass – perfect little keepsakes from your getaway.
Local tip: The northern end of the beach typically has fewer visitors, making it ideal for couples wanting more privacy for that perfect beach kiss.
3. Enjoy a Candlelit Dinner at Earth at Hidden Pond
Fairy lights twinkle in the trees surrounding Earth at Hidden Pond, where rustic elegance meets culinary artistry. This magical woodland restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine in an enchanted forest setting that feels worlds away from everyday life. Tables are thoughtfully spaced for privacy, allowing whispered conversations and lingering glances. Chef’s tasting menus change with the seasons, featuring ingredients picked that morning from the on-site garden.
Request a table near the outdoor fireplace for extra ambiance. The restaurant’s signature cocktails incorporate herbs and flowers grown on the property, perfectly complementing the immersive natural dining experience that all your senses will appreciate.
4. Stay at a Cozy Waterfront Inn
Waking up to harbor views from a four-poster bed draped in luxury linens sets the perfect tone for romance. Kennebunkport’s historic inns combine coastal charm with upscale amenities – think clawfoot tubs, working fireplaces, and private balconies overlooking the water. The Tides Beach Club offers modern beachfront elegance with direct access to Goose Rocks Beach.
Meanwhile, Captain Fairfield Inn delivers historic charm in the heart of town with personalized service that makes you feel like the only guests. Many innkeepers provide special romantic packages including champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, and fresh flowers upon request.
5. Couples Massage at a Kennebunkport Spa
Aromatherapy scents fill the air as you and your partner unwind side-by-side during a therapeutic couples massage. Kennebunkport’s luxury spas specialize in treatments designed to relieve stress while creating shared moments of bliss. Many incorporate local elements like Maine sea salt scrubs or wild blueberry masks. The Tree Spa at Hidden Pond offers unique treetop treatment rooms connected by wooden walkways through the forest canopy.
White Barn Inn Spa provides classic elegance with heated massage tables and champagne service. Book your appointment for late afternoon, leaving you both relaxed and glowing for an intimate evening dinner afterward.
6. Take a Scenic Bike Ride Along Ocean Avenue
Pedaling together along Ocean Avenue creates the perfect balance of light activity and sightseeing. This iconic coastal route hugs the shoreline, revealing breathtaking views around every bend. You’ll pass magnificent summer estates, hidden coves, and dramatic rock formations where waves crash dramatically. Stop at Blowing Cave to feel the impressive power of the ocean as waves force air through narrow rock passages.
Walker’s Point, the Bush family compound, makes an excellent landmark for a quick photo. Local bike shops offer comfortable cruisers with baskets perfect for packing a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic pullouts overlooking the Atlantic.
7. Explore the Kennebunk River by Kayak or Paddleboard
Gliding silently across the glassy morning waters of the Kennebunk River creates an intimate adventure for two. Rental shops provide everything needed for a self-guided paddle through this protected waterway where harbor seals often pop their curious heads above the surface.
The peaceful river offers a different perspective of Kennebunkport’s charm. Double kayaks let you work as a team while navigating past bobbing lobster boats and historic shipbuilding sites. Beginners should stick to the calmer upper river, while more experienced paddlers can venture toward the harbor entrance.
Early morning outings reward couples with misty, magical conditions and the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
8. Sip Local Wines at Maine’s Cellardoor Winery Pop-Up
Crystal glasses clink as you toast to love at Cellardoor Winery’s seasonal Kennebunkport tasting room. This vineyard brings Maine’s emerging wine culture directly to the coast, offering flights of locally produced varieties in an atmosphere that balances sophistication with relaxed coastal vibes. The knowledgeable staff guides couples through tasting notes, sharing stories about each wine’s creation and the unique challenges of cold-climate viticulture.
Seasonal fruit wines showcase Maine’s famous blueberries and apples. Purchase your favorite bottle to enjoy later on your inn’s porch or during a beach sunset picnic.
9. Visit the Goat Island Lighthouse
Standing since 1833, this historic lighthouse creates the quintessential Maine coastal moment for couples. While boat tours take you close to this still-functioning beacon, many couples prefer viewing it from shore at Cape Porpoise Harbor, especially at sunset when golden light bathes the white tower.
The small island creates a dramatic silhouette against colorful skies, perfect for those wanting frame-worthy couple photos. Local seafood restaurants overlooking the harbor provide front-row seats to this romantic view. During lower tides, adventurous pairs can sometimes walk part of the way out on a natural land bridge for a closer perspective.
10. Share a Lobster Roll at The Clam Shack
Nothing says Maine romance quite like splitting The Clam Shack’s award-winning lobster roll while perched on the bridge overlooking the river. This iconic white stand has served fresh-off-the-boat seafood since 1968, creating a quintessential coastal experience that’s casual yet memorable.
Their famous roll features a whole lobster’s worth of meat on a freshly baked round bun – enough for two to share. Choose between mayo or warm butter (locals recommend butter). Grab extra napkins and find a spot along the water’s edge to enjoy your feast while watching fishing boats return with the day’s catch.
11. Catch a Show at Vinegar Hill Music Theatre
Housed in a restored 1887 barn, Vinegar Hill Music Theatre combines rustic New England charm with surprisingly excellent acoustics. The intimate venue hosts everything from folk musicians to jazz quartets, creating perfect date nights during summer and early fall seasons. Arrive early to enjoy pre-show cocktails in the garden or historic farmhouse lounge.
The limited seating means you’ll never be far from the performers, creating an exclusive concert experience that feels curated just for you two. Many couples make this their special tradition, returning each year to celebrate anniversaries with live music under the historic wooden beams.
12. Take a Carriage Ride Through Town
Hoofbeats echo on historic streets as your private horse-drawn carriage tour transports you back in time. Snuggled under a light blanket (even in summer evenings), you’ll clip-clop past Kennebunkport’s Federal-style sea captain homes and charming shops while your driver shares local history and folklore.
Tours typically last 30-45 minutes – just enough time to create a magical interlude in your day without overwhelming your schedule. Request the route along Summer Street to see the grandest historic homes. Most carriage companies allow you to bring aboard a small bottle of champagne to enhance the old-world romance of this timeless experience.
13. Toast with Cocktails on a Rooftop Bar
Elevated above Kennebunkport’s harbor, The Boathouse rooftop bar provides front-row seats to spectacular sunsets and twinkling boat lights. Sophisticated yet relaxed, this open-air lounge serves creative cocktails featuring Maine spirits and fresh-picked herbs, perfect for toasting special moments together. Nautical-inspired decor creates a stylish coastal vibe without being kitschy.
Arrive before sunset to secure prime seating near the railing where you’ll have unobstructed water views. Their signature blueberry mojito pairs perfectly with small plates designed for sharing, creating a light dinner alternative or sophisticated prelude to an evening out.
