Maine Magic: The Kennebunks Recognized as Top U.S. Towns for Summer Travel

Summer is a typical time of year when Maine appears on many travel lists. This should come as no surprise, considering that much of the region is made up of summer tourist destinations—especially with so much of it located on or near the coast.

The Pine Tree State is constantly being compared, contrasted, dissected, observed, and reviewed by travel websites from around the globe. These articles often serve as valuable reference guides for future vacationers or even potential residents.

Where are America's Best Small Towns to Visit in the Summer?

One of the latest pieces to fall into this category is a list from the popular magazine Travel + Leisure. The original content on their site includes travel recommendations, detailed trip profiles, rankings, and reviews. It’s essentially an encyclopedia for any travel aficionado.

One of Travel + Leisure's latest articles is titled "10 of the Best Small Towns for a Summer Getaway." It should come as no surprise that Maine is represented on this prestigious list.

In fact, Maine technically has two representatives, though the article combines them into one. It's a defensible move by the magazine, as these towns could certainly be considered sister towns. Yes, we’re talking about Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.

The Kennebunks are Some of the Best Small Towns to Visit in the Summer

Located in coastal York County, these two towns complement each other remarkably well. Kennebunk is known as a more traditional Maine town, while Kennebunkport carries a well-earned reputation as a resort destination. But make no mistake, both are exquisite.

Kennebunkport is best known for its wonderful downtown area, Dock Square. This coastal spot is filled with local shops, galleries, restaurants, and beautiful places to stay. It’s also a great place to stroll around and take in the coastal beauty of the region.

Visitors should also consider hopping in the car to explore the area's charming and historic homes, including, of course, the very famous Bush family compound.

Then it's off to Kennebunk, which should definitely start with a visit to one of Maine's most popular and beautiful attractions: Beach Avenue. Home to Gooch’s, Mother’s, Middle, and Parsons Beach, this stretch is simply exquisite and offers beachgoers everything they could want for a perfect beach day or scenic walk. Visitors can even bring their furry friends—with some restrictions.

You'll find world-class dining, breweries, as well as charming inns and relaxing spas in both towns. Plus, it’s an easy drive up the coast to other summer hotspots like Old Orchard Beach and Portland—close enough to visit, yet far enough to escape the hustle and bustle.

READ MORE: 23 Experiences That Make Summer in Southern Maine Special

This is a great selection by Travel + Leisure. The Kennebunks perfectly encapsulate what makes Maine so unique in the summer—two charming hamlets nestled in a picturesque corner of the state, offering some of the very best Maine has to offer, especially when it comes to hospitality.