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Perhaps best known as the summer retreat of the Bush family, the town of Kennebunkport and neighboring Kennebunk are located on the Kennebunk River, some 30 miles north of Portsmouth and nearly the same distance south of Portland.
The river mouth is flanked by a pair of stone jetties, and caution should be used on the outgoing tide, especially when the current opposes an easterly wind. Mean low water depth in the channel is around 6 feet. Some 500 feet north of the river mouth, on the east bank, is a small public dock for temporary tie-ups. This dock provides access to several shops and a few restaurants south of downtown; however, there are no public bathroom or shower facilities.
Continuing north past daymarker “R12” and approaching buoy RN “12A,” you’ll notice the manicured lawn and buildings of the Nonantum Resort, which offers moorings and a dinghy dock for its boating guests. The family-friendly resort is also home to an acclaimed restaurant, 95 Ocean.
For a fascinating and entertaining tour of the surrounding area, hop aboard the Intown Trolley for a look at Kennebunkport’s interesting historic sites, including Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church, the Colony Hotel, various ship captain’s homes, the Customs House, the St. Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery, Gooch’s Beach and, of course, the Bush estate.
The town of Kennebunkport sits between the Kennebunk River and the Atlantic Ocean, 30 miles south of Portland and 85 miles north of Boston. Many know Kennebunkport as the summer home of former President George H.W. Bush (the oceanfront Bush Compound is set on Walkers' Point). The town offers something for everyone, from outdoor activities such as whale watching and kayaking to great shopping,dining and art. Several excellent docking options along the Kennebunk River mean that the area can be readily explored.Kennebunkport has a rich maritime heritage dating back to the 1600s. It was a shipbuilding center for five-masted ships and large schooners, and since its founding it has been known as a fishing village due to its safe harbor along the Kennebunk River and its easy ocean access.
These days, Kennebunkport is a full-fledged tourist destination with beautiful seaside estates that have been converted into bed and breakfasts and hotels. Dock Square, one of the liveliest areas, is filled with seafood restaurants, galleries and souvenir shops. And don't miss the beautiful strand of sand along Beach Avenue, a short walk from Dock Square. In the off-season, bring your four-legged friends to romp on the beach, too.