A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chapel Hill vs. Kennebunkport for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a collegiate, southern, and student-oriented town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Chapel Hill travel costs.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a character-filled, charming, and quaint town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Kennebunkport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Kennebunkport travel costs.

Chapel Hill and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kennebunkport than Chapel Hill, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kennebunkport is better known for its food, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Chapel Hill is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Kennebunkport is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is popular for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. Also, Kennebunkport is famous for Dock Square. Chapel Hill is well known for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Chapel Hill different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport?

Chapel Hill is great for its historical sights. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Chapel Hill offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

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.

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

Kennebunkport is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Kennebunkport is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chapel Hill. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

Is Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Chapel Hill for the nightlife scene. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

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 Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport is well known for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Kennebunkport is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Is Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Kennebunkport is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Kennebunkport is a good destination for hiking. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport?

Kennebunkport is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chapel Hill. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

Is Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport More Beautiful?

Kennebunkport is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Chapel Hill is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Chapel Hill is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Kennebunkport is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Kennebunkport is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Chapel Hill offers lots of family activities. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Is Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Kennebunkport is well known for couples. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Kennebunkport frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

Chapel Hill is a nice destination for couples. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

Is Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport Better for Students?

Chapel Hill is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Kennebunkport is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Chapel Hill. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Kennebunkport is not popular with students.

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

Chapel Hill is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Chapel Hill offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

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

Is Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Chapel Hill and Kennebunkport both are notable when exploring on foot.

Chapel Hill is a somewhat walkable town. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kennebunkport due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chapel Hill, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kennebunkport.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill.

One day in Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the southern destination of Chapel Hill. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Kennebunkport is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chapel Hill. 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the southern destination of Chapel Hill. This 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.

Because Kennebunkport is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Chapel Hill. 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.

Since Kennebunkport is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chapel Hill and Kennebunkport, we can see that Kennebunkport is more expensive. And not only is Chapel Hill much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chapel Hill would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill.

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

Which is Bigger, Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport?

Chapel Hill has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport in the Summer?

Both Kennebunkport and Chapel Hill during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Chapel Hill because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year.

In the summer, Chapel Hill is a little warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chapel Hill in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 69°F (20°C).

In Kennebunkport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. In the summer, Chapel Hill often gets less sunshine than Kennebunkport. Chapel Hill gets 259 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 Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill usually gets more rain in July than Kennebunkport. Chapel Hill gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chapel Hill and Kennebunkport. The shopping scene are the main draw to Chapel Hill this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Chapel Hill is generally much warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Chapel Hill average around 61°F (16°C), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In Chapel Hill, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chapel Hill usually receives more sunshine than Kennebunkport during autumn. Chapel Hill gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chapel Hill usually receives less rain than Kennebunkport. Chapel Hill gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chapel Hill as well as Kennebunkport. Many travelers come to Chapel Hill for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kennebunkport can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill is much warmer than Kennebunkport in the winter. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Chapel Hill often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport. Chapel Hill gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 163 hours of full sun.

Chapel Hill usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kennebunkport. Chapel Hill gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Chapel Hill is much warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chapel Hill in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 43°F (6°C).

It's quite sunny in Kennebunkport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill usually receives more sunshine than Kennebunkport during spring. Chapel Hill gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chapel Hill usually receives less rain than Kennebunkport. Chapel Hill gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Chapel Hill