Things To Do
in Kittery
Kittery is a charming coastal town located in the state of Maine, United States. It is known for its rich maritime history and picturesque waterfront views. Visitors can enjoy exploring historic sites such as the Fort McClary State Park and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Kittery also offers a variety of dining options, boutique shops, and outdoor recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $75
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Fort McClary State Park. Enjoy the scenic views of the ocean and walk along the historic grounds.
Head to Kittery Foreside for some unique shopping at local boutiques. Don’t miss the chance to grab lunch at one of the charming cafes.
Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant with fresh seafood. Take a stroll by the harbor and soak in the sunset.
Spend the morning hiking at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. Look out for various bird species and enjoy the natural beauty.
Have a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by nature. Afterward, explore the coastal trails.
Visit a local brewery for a tasting tour. Enjoy a casual dinner with friends while chatting about your day outdoors.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery with access to beaches and waterfront activities.
- Rich historical significance with various landmarks and museums.
- Small-town charm with a tight-knit community feel.
- Proximity to larger cities like Portsmouth, NH, and Portland, ME, offering more amenities and job opportunities.
- Variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and boating.
- Active local arts scene with galleries and festivals.
- Limited job market with fewer employment opportunities compared to urban areas.
- Higher cost of living, especially in coastal areas.
- Tourism can lead to crowded times, particularly in summer months.
- Public transportation options may be limited.
- Harsh winters with potential for heavy snowfall and icy conditions.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities.
Best Activities in Kittery
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A scenic park located on the southern tip of Kittery, offering walking trails, beaches, and views of the Piscataqua River and the coastline.
A beautiful seaside area perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and enjoying stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands.
A popular beach area for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing, known for its soft sand and gentle waves.
A wildlife refuge offering trails for walking and birdwatching, with diverse habitats and an opportunity to see local wildlife.
A hub for outdoor activities including sports fields, walking paths, and organized events for community engagement.
Tours
Uncover the best of Kittery with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kittery
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic site offering panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the Piscataqua River. The fort's structure adds an interesting backdrop for photography.
A scenic point that overlooks the ocean and Kittery Harbor, providing stunning sunset views and opportunities for capturing marine life.
A beautiful beach known for its sandy shores and great views of the Atlantic Ocean. Ideal for sunrise and sunset photography.
Offers a diverse landscape of salt marshes and tidal rivers, perfect for nature photography and watching wildlife in their natural habitat.
An intriguing location with historical significance and unique architecture, making it a compelling subject for photography.
Just across the river, this shipyard provides interesting views of ships and the waterfront, along with the iconic bridge connecting Kittery to Portsmouth.
A hidden gem with cliffs and rocky shores offering breathtaking views of the water and occasional seal sightings, great for capturing rugged coastal landscapes.
Food in Kittery
Kittery Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Maine dish, featuring fresh lobster meat served in a grilled bun with melted butter or mayonnaise. Must-try at The Beach Plum or Bob's Clam Hut.
Must-Try!
Kittery is known for its rich and creamy clam chowder, made with local clams, potatoes, and onions. Enjoy this comforting dish at Robert’s Maine Grill.
Indulge in a classic New England dessert made with wild Maine blueberries. Head to Lil's Cafe for a delightful slice.
Sample crispy battered fish served with thick-cut fries, a beloved dish available at Warren's Lobster House.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kittery better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Experience the vibrant local food scene at Kittery Farmers' Market, offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and ready-to-eat treats.
Explore the flavors of Kittery from food trucks and street vendors, with options ranging from gourmet grilled cheese to authentic tacos.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Kittery, as in much of New England, being polite is highly valued. A friendly greeting such as 'hello' or a nod can go a long way. It's customary to maintain eye contact and smile when interacting with others.
Kittery is known for its beautiful natural surroundings. It is important to show respect for the environment by following local guidelines regarding littering, wildlife protection, and keeping outdoor areas clean.
Kittery has a strong sense of community. Participating in local events, supporting local businesses, or attending town meetings can demonstrate respect for the culture and foster positive relationships with residents.
Safety
Tipping in Kittery
Ensure a smooth experience
In Kittery, Maine, tipping practices generally align with national standards in the United States. It is customary to tip service workers, such as waitstaff, bartenders, and taxi drivers, typically ranging from 15% to 20% of the total bill depending on the quality of service. In restaurants, tipping is expected as a way to supplement the often lower base wages for servers.
Payment methods in Kittery include cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and there are ATMs available for cash withdrawals. Local shops and restaurants may also accept personal checks, although this is less common for smaller establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) in Kittery brings mild temperatures and blooming flowers. It's a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring local parks. Expect temperatures to range from the 40s to high 60s °F, with occasional rain showers.
Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Kittery. The weather is warm, with temperatures often in the 70s to 80s °F. Visitors can enjoy beaches, boating, and outdoor festivals. However, it can be crowded, especially on weekends.
Fall (September to November) offers beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures. Expect temperatures to range from the 50s to 70s °F. It's an ideal time for scenic drives, apple picking, and enjoying local harvest festivals. Crowds diminish after the summer peak.
Winter (December to February) in Kittery can be cold, with temperatures often ranging from the 20s to 40s °F. While some attractions may close, the winter scenery is beautiful, and activities like snowshoeing and winter festivals are available.
Kittery at Night
Hiking in Kittery
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful wildlife refuge with hiking trails that offer scenic views of the coastline and diverse habitats.
A historic site featuring trails that explore the grounds of an old fort with views of the river and ocean.
Offers a walking trail along the shoreline with stunning ocean views and access to beach areas.
A beach area with nearby trails that lead to scenic overlooks and coastal walking paths.
This preserve features various trails through coastal forest and wetlands, perfect for hiking and exploring nature.
Aiports
How to reach Kittery by plane.
Located approximately 60 miles southwest of Kittery, Boston Logan is the largest airport in New England and serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights.
Situated about 50 miles northwest of Kittery, PWM offers a range of domestic flights and some international services.
Located approximately 45 miles southwest of Kittery, MHT serves both domestic and limited international flights, making it a convenient option for travelers in the region.
Located around 90 miles southwest of Kittery, Bradley serves the Hartford/Springfield area and offers both domestic and limited international flights.
Situated about 80 miles southwest of Kittery, PVD offers flights primarily to domestic destinations, along with some international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority racial demographic in Kittery, comprising a significant percentage of the population.
A smaller demographic group that includes individuals of various backgrounds with Hispanic or Latino heritage.
A minority racial demographic in Kittery, contributing to the cultural diversity of the area.
A demographic group that includes individuals of Asian descent, representing a small segment of the population.
A mixture of various racial groups that do not fit into the aforementioned categories, including Native American and mixed-race individuals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely played team sport in Kittery, popular among youth and adults alike.
A fast-paced sport played in schools and local leagues, attracting many players and spectators.
A traditional American sport that enjoys popularity in community leagues during the summer.
A popular sport in the winter months, with local junior leagues and ice rinks for practice.
An increasingly popular individual sport with local running clubs and events, including marathons.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kittery.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Kittery offers several eateries with dedicated vegetarian menus, ensuring a delightful dining experience for vegetarians.
Visitors can find vegan-friendly options at various restaurants and cafes, with creative plant-based dishes to enjoy.
Many establishments in Kittery cater to gluten-free dietary needs, providing a range of delectable gluten-free dishes and baked goods.