A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Kennebunkport for Attractions, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Tulum or Kennebunkport?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Kennebunkport can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a active, lively, and ancient town. Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Tulum travel costs.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a charming, quaint, and character-filled town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Kennebunkport is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Kennebunkport travel costs.

Tulum and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Kennebunkport?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Kennebunkport are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kennebunkport is known for its small town charm. Tulum is more touristy than Kennebunkport and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. Kennebunkport is popular for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline.

How is Tulum different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tulum is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Tulum from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

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 Tulum or Kennebunkport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Tulum and Kennebunkport.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Kennebunkport has a huge number of terrific 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 Tulum or Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

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

Tulum is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Tulum is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Tulum is a great choice. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Kennebunkport. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Is Tulum or Kennebunkport Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kennebunkport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Tulum a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Kennebunkport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Kennebunkport Better for Beaches?

Tulum is very popular for its beaches. However, Kennebunkport is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Tulum. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

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 Tulum or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Tulum 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 Tulum for the hiking trails. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

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 Tulum or Kennebunkport?

Both Tulum and Kennebunkport are excellent shopping destinations.

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

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

Is Tulum or Kennebunkport More Beautiful?

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

Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

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

Is Tulum or Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Kennebunkport are excellent to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kennebunkport is very family-friendly. 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 Tulum or Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Tulum is very popular for romance. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Tulum makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Kennebunkport is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

Is Tulum or Kennebunkport Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Tulum is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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

Tulum 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 Tulum offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

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

Is Tulum or Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Tulum is great for its walkability. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either Tulum or Kennebunkport. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Tulum due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kennebunkport.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the archeological destination of Tulum. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kennebunkport. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the lively destination of Tulum. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Kennebunkport is a fun place to experience. Kennebunkport is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

A week in Tulum or Kennebunkport?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beautiful town of Tulum. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Kennebunkport?

Tulum has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum 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 Tulum or Kennebunkport in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Kennebunkport. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tulum is a little warmer than Kennebunkport in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kennebunkport. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Kennebunkport. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 282 hours of full sun.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Kennebunkport. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

Both Kennebunkport and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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.

In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kennebunkport averages at about 49°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Kennebunkport during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Kennebunkport. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Tulum or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

Both Kennebunkport and Tulum during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Kennebunkport can be very cold. In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 163 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Kennebunkport. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Kennebunkport. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year.

Tulum is much warmer than Kennebunkport in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kennebunkport this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Kennebunkport during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Kennebunkport. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Tulum