A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Kennebunkport vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea? 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.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a character-filled, charming, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Kennebunkport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Kennebunkport travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

Kennebunkport and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Kennebunkport have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Kennebunkport is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is more popular for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Kennebunkport is well known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is Kennebunkport different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Kennebunkport is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is the Food Better in Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Kennebunkport and Carmel-by-the-Sea offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kennebunkport. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Carmel-by-the-Sea. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

Is Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Kennebunkport is a town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

In Kennebunkport, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Is Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is great for its beaches. However, Kennebunkport is not a beach destination.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is considered a top beach destination. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Kennebunkport is not a beach destination. It's lined with rocky and sandy coastlines that are perfect for finding critters at low tide or searching for seashells. Mother's Beach is popular with families and Gooch's Beach is a popular place for walking. Middle Beach is a great spot for climbing over rocks.

Is Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Hiking?

Kennebunkport is a town with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kennebunkport. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

If you're looking to go shopping, Kennebunkport and Carmel-by-the-Sea both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Is Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

Kennebunkport is a beautiful place to visit, too. It's scenic coastline and dramatic lighthouses make this a beautiful area.

Is Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Kennebunkport is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Kennebunkport and Carmel-by-the-Sea make for a excellent place to visit.

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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Is Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kennebunkport and Carmel-by-the-Sea both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

Is Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is great for its walkability. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very walkable. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Kennebunkport Worth Visiting? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Kennebunkport?

How long in Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kennebunkport and Carmel-by-the-Sea. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kennebunkport than in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Kennebunkport, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Families should spend more time in Kennebunkport than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kennebunkport that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Even though Kennebunkport is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the picturesque small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

A weekend in Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Kennebunkport is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Your budget might influence how long you stay. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Five days in Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Kennebunkport is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A week in Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Kennebunkport is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

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 Kennebunkport and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Kennebunkport is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

Which is Bigger, Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Kennebunkport and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Kennebunkport during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Kennebunkport is generally a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 69°F (20°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Kennebunkport usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Kennebunkport gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kennebunkport and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kennebunkport is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kennebunkport averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kennebunkport as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. The winter months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

The weather in Kennebunkport can be very cold. In the winter, Kennebunkport is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kennebunkport in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Kennebunkport usually gets more rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Kennebunkport gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Kennebunkport are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Kennebunkport is generally much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 43°F (6°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Kennebunkport