A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Kennebunkport vs. Hood River for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kennebunkport or Hood River?

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Hood River? 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 quaint, character-filled, and charming town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Kennebunkport is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Kennebunkport travel costs.

Hood River

Hood River is a scenic, charming, and agricultural town. Hood River is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Hood River travel costs.

Kennebunkport and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Kennebunkport or Hood River?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hood River. Although Kennebunkport and Hood River are popular destinations, Hood River has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hood River is very popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kennebunkport attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, resorts, shopping, and small town charm. Kennebunkport is famous for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. Hood River is famous for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. It is also well known for Multnomah Falls.

How is Kennebunkport different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kennebunkport or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Kennebunkport
Hood River

Hood River is a popular place for skiing. However, Kennebunkport is not a skiing destination.

Hood River is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Kennebunkport is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kennebunkport or Hood River?

Kennebunkport
Hood River

Kennebunkport is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its 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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Kennebunkport
Hood River

Both Kennebunkport and Hood River offer high quality 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 Hood River. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

Is Kennebunkport or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Kennebunkport
Hood River

The vibe at night is nice in both Kennebunkport and Hood River.

If you're looking for night time activities Kennebunkport has a few options to choose from. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hood River. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.


Is Kennebunkport or Hood River Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport
Hood River

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Hood River 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.

Hood River is not a resort destination.

Is Kennebunkport or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Kennebunkport
Hood River

Hood River 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 Hood River for the hiking trails. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

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 Kennebunkport or Hood River?

Kennebunkport
Hood River

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Kennebunkport is well-known for its shopping. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

Many visitors go to Hood River to go shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.


Is Kennebunkport or Hood River More Beautiful?

Kennebunkport
Hood River

Hood River is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

Hood River is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

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

Is Kennebunkport or Hood River Better for Families?

Kennebunkport
Hood River

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kennebunkport or Hood River.

Kennebunkport is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Hood River is a very kid-friendly town. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

Is Kennebunkport or Hood River Better for Couples?

Kennebunkport
Hood River

With fun activities for couples, both Kennebunkport and Hood River make for a high quality 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.

Hood River is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.


Is Kennebunkport or Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kennebunkport
Hood River

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

Hood River is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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

Kennebunkport
Hood River

Kennebunkport and Hood River both offer reasonable 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 Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Kennebunkport or Hood River a more walkable city?

Kennebunkport
Hood River

Kennebunkport is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.


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

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Kennebunkport?

How long in Kennebunkport or Hood River?

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

Families should spend more time in Kennebunkport than Hood River. 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 Hood River. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River 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 Hood River.


  • How many days in Kennebunkport or Hood River? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kennebunkport 2-4 
    Hood River 2-3

One day in Kennebunkport or Hood River?

Kennebunkport might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Hood River. 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.

A weekend in Kennebunkport or Hood River?

Even though Kennebunkport is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hood River. 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.

Five days in Kennebunkport or Hood River?

Kennebunkport, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Hood River. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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 Hood River?

Kennebunkport is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful town of Hood River. 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.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Hood River or Kennebunkport?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Kennebunkport Prices
    USA Prices
    Hood River Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kennebunkport $269
    Hood River $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Kennebunkport is $269, while the average daily cost in Hood River is $174. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kennebunkport and Hood River in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kennebunkport $124
    Hood River $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kennebunkport $248
    Hood River $156
Compare Hotels in Kennebunkport and Hood River

Looking for a hotel in Kennebunkport or Hood River? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Kennebunkport


Hotels in Hood River


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kennebunkport Hotel Prices and Hood River Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kennebunkport $49
    Hood River $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Kennebunkport or Hood River?

Prices for flights to both Hood River and Kennebunkport change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kennebunkport $115
    Hood River $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kennebunkport $21
    Hood River $18

Tours and Activities in Kennebunkport

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kennebunkport.

  • 90 Minutes Ghost Walking Tour in Kennebunkport: $35
  • From Boston: Kennebunkport Day Trip & Optional Trolley Tour: $125
  • Kennebunkport, Maine: Lunchtime Culinary Walking Tour: $150
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $160
  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $35

Tours and Activities in Hood River

For Hood River, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Columbia Gorge Kayak Tour: $100
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $179

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kennebunkport $31
    Hood River $19


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

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


Which is Bigger, Kennebunkport or Hood River?

Hood River has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Kennebunkport and Hood River, 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 Hood River?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Hood River in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kennebunkport and Hood River. The summer months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

In the summer, Kennebunkport is around the same temperature as Hood River. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kennebunkport in July average around 69°F (20°C), and Hood River averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In Kennebunkport, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kennebunkport usually receives less sunshine than Hood River during summer. Kennebunkport gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Hood River. Kennebunkport gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C) 
    Hood River 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Hood River in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kennebunkport as well as Hood River. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hood River for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kennebunkport is generally cooler than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 49°F (9°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Kennebunkport often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Kennebunkport gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun.

Kennebunkport usually gets more rain in October than Hood River. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C) 
    Hood River 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Hood River in the Winter?

Both Hood River and Kennebunkport are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hood River in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hood River can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kennebunkport. Kennebunkport is much colder than Hood River in the winter. The daily temperature in Kennebunkport averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Hood River fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Kennebunkport usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during winter. Kennebunkport gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hood River. In January, Kennebunkport usually receives less rain than Hood River. Kennebunkport gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C) 
    Hood River 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Hood River in the Spring?

Both Hood River and Kennebunkport during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hood River for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Kennebunkport is much colder than Hood River. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kennebunkport in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Hood River averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Hood River, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kennebunkport. In the spring, Kennebunkport often gets less sunshine than Hood River. Kennebunkport gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun.

Kennebunkport usually gets more rain in April than Hood River. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C) 
    Hood River 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Hood River and Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport Hood River
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)