A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Kennebunkport for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Hiking

Should you visit Asheville or Kennebunkport?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Kennebunkport. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a open-minded, eclectic, and outdoorsy mountain town. Asheville is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Asheville travel costs.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a quaint, character-filled, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Kennebunkport is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Kennebunkport travel costs.

Asheville and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Kennebunkport?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and Kennebunkport are popular destinations, Asheville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Asheville is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, hiking, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Kennebunkport attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, resorts, and small town charm. Kennebunkport is more touristy than Asheville and is popular for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue. It is also well known for The Biltmore Estate.

How is Asheville different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kennebunkport and Asheville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Kennebunkport?

Kennebunkport is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Kennebunkport offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Kennebunkport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Asheville and Kennebunkport can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Kennebunkport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

Is Asheville or Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

Asheville is great for nightlife. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Asheville for the nightlife scene. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Is Asheville or Kennebunkport Better for Music?

Asheville is great for live music. However, Kennebunkport is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Asheville draws a good crowd. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Kennebunkport is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport is well known for its resorts. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Kennebunkport to choose from. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Is Asheville or Kennebunkport Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is adequate for its historic old town. However, Kennebunkport does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Kennebunkport does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Asheville is great for hiking. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Asheville for the hiking trails. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kennebunkport. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Kennebunkport?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kennebunkport and Asheville.

Asheville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

Is Asheville or Kennebunkport More Beautiful?

Asheville and Kennebunkport are somewhat similar when it comes to the nice scenery.

Asheville is a beautiful place to visit, too. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Kennebunkport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's scenic coastline and dramatic lighthouses make this a beautiful area.

Is Asheville or Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Both Asheville and Kennebunkport are superb family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kennebunkport. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

Is Asheville or Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Asheville and Kennebunkport both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Kennebunkport is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

Is Asheville or Kennebunkport Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination for backpackers.

Asheville is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Kennebunkport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find cabins and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

Is Asheville or Kennebunkport Better for Students?

Asheville is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kennebunkport is not popular with students.

Asheville is a very popular mountain town for students and younger travelers. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Kennebunkport is not popular with students.

Is Asheville or Kennebunkport Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Kennebunkport.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

Is Asheville or Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Asheville and Kennebunkport both are nice when exploring on foot.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Kennebunkport is a somewhat walkable mountain town. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Kennebunkport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either Asheville or Kennebunkport. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kennebunkport due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kennebunkport.

Families should spend more time in Asheville than Kennebunkport. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Asheville, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Asheville than Kennebunkport. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Asheville that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Kennebunkport if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Asheville. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Kennebunkport is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Asheville. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Kennebunkport is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Kennebunkport?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Asheville. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Kennebunkport is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Asheville or Kennebunkport?

You'll find live music and food around the mountain town of Asheville. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kennebunkport is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asheville and Kennebunkport, we can see that Kennebunkport is more expensive. And not only is Asheville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asheville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asheville and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Kennebunkport would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kennebunkport than you might in Asheville.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asheville Expensive? and Is Kennebunkport Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Kennebunkport?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Kennebunkport, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Asheville or Kennebunkport?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Asheville or Kennebunkport in the Summer?

Both Kennebunkport and Asheville during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Asheville is generally a little warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 82°F (28°C), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In Kennebunkport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Asheville. In the summer, Asheville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 282 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets more rain in July than Kennebunkport. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Kennebunkport. Many travelers come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Asheville is much warmer than Kennebunkport in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Kennebunkport during autumn. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Asheville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kennebunkport. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Asheville or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Kennebunkport. Many visitors come to Asheville in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kennebunkport can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Asheville is much warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asheville in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 163 hours of full sun.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the winter. Asheville usually gets more rain in January than Kennebunkport. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

Both Kennebunkport and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Asheville for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Asheville is generally much warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

It's quite sunny in Kennebunkport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Kennebunkport during spring. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. In April, Asheville usually receives more rain than Kennebunkport. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Asheville