A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Williamsburg vs. Kennebunkport for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a well-preserved, historic, and charming town. Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Williamsburg 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 food, hiking, and shopping. See Kennebunkport travel costs.

Williamsburg and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
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


Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Kennebunkport?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Williamsburg than Kennebunkport, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Williamsburg is better known for its museums and attractions and historical sights, while Kennebunkport is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, hiking, and small town charm. Williamsburg is well known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Also, Williamsburg is famous for Colonial Williamsburg. Kennebunkport is well known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline.

How is Williamsburg different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Williamsburg
Kennebunkport

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

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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 Williamsburg or Kennebunkport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Williamsburg
Kennebunkport

Foodies will find both Williamsburg and Kennebunkport both to be superb destinations.

Dining out in Williamsburg is an experience not to be missed. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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.

Is Williamsburg or Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

Williamsburg
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Kennebunkport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Williamsburg or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Williamsburg
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a great destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

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

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.


Is Williamsburg or Kennebunkport Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg
Kennebunkport

Williamsburg is very popular for its historic old town. However, Kennebunkport does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg has a world-famous historical area. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Kennebunkport does not have a historic old town.

Is Williamsburg or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Williamsburg
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Kennebunkport offers some nice hiking trails. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Kennebunkport?

Williamsburg
Kennebunkport

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kennebunkport and Williamsburg.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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


Is Williamsburg or Kennebunkport More Beautiful?

Williamsburg
Kennebunkport

You'll find a similar quality of notable scenery and beauty in both Williamsburg and Kennebunkport.

Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

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

Is Williamsburg or Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Williamsburg
Kennebunkport

Williamsburg is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Williamsburg is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

Kennebunkport is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Williamsburg or Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Williamsburg
Kennebunkport

Williamsburg and Kennebunkport both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Williamsburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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.


Is Williamsburg or Kennebunkport Better for Students?

Williamsburg
Kennebunkport

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

Many students frequent Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Kennebunkport is not popular with students.

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

Williamsburg
Kennebunkport

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

Public transit is generally limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

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

Is Williamsburg or Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Williamsburg
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either Williamsburg or Kennebunkport. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kennebunkport than Williamsburg. 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.


  • How many days in Williamsburg or Kennebunkport? Ideal Length of Stay
    Williamsburg 2-4 
    Kennebunkport 2-4

One day in Williamsburg or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the well-preserved destination of Williamsburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Kennebunkport is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Williamsburg or Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Williamsburg or Kennebunkport?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Williamsburg. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

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. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


A week in Williamsburg or Kennebunkport?

You'll find museums and food around the town of Williamsburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kennebunkport or Williamsburg?

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

  • Williamsburg Prices
    USA Prices
    Kennebunkport Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Williamsburg $135
    Kennebunkport $269

The average daily cost (per person) in Williamsburg is $135, while the average daily cost in Kennebunkport is $269. 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 Williamsburg and Kennebunkport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Williamsburg $66
    Kennebunkport $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Williamsburg $132
    Kennebunkport $248
Compare Hotels in Williamsburg and Kennebunkport

Looking for a hotel in Williamsburg or Kennebunkport? 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 Williamsburg


Hotels in Kennebunkport


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: Williamsburg Hotel Prices and Kennebunkport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Williamsburg $11
    Kennebunkport $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Williamsburg or Kennebunkport?

Prices for flights to both Kennebunkport and Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg $54
    Kennebunkport $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Williamsburg $34
    Kennebunkport $21

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

Here are a few actual costs in Williamsburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Stories and Walking Tour: $25
  • 1 Hour Christmastide Walking Tour in Virginia Past and Present : $25
  • 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Williamsburg Walking Tour: $250
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg Admission Ticket: $82
  • Civil War Ghost Tour: $25
  • Colonial Contradictions Self Guided Walking Tour of Williamsburg: $9.99
  • Colonial Ghosts: Ghostly Whispers of Williamsburg Ghost Tour: $26
  • Colonial Ghosts: Ghostly Whispers of Williamsburg Ghost Tour: $26
  • Colonial History Tour in Williamsburg Virginia: $25
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $25
  • Colonial Colonial History Guided Walking Tour: $25

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Williamsburg -
    Kennebunkport $31

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:

  • Williamsburg Ghosts and Brews Haunted Pub Crawls: $29
  • Colonial Ghosts Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48


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

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


Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Kennebunkport?

Williamsburg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg or Kennebunkport in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Williamsburg is a little warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the summer temperatures in Williamsburg in July average around 78°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 Williamsburg. In the summer, Williamsburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport. Williamsburg gets 279 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 Williamsburg. Williamsburg usually gets more rain in July than Kennebunkport. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C) 
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Kennebunkport. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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.

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

In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Williamsburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport during autumn. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C) 
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

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

Kennebunkport can be very cold during winter. Williamsburg can get quite cold in the winter. Williamsburg is much warmer than Kennebunkport in the winter. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 38°F (4°C) in January, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Williamsburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport. Williamsburg gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 163 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kennebunkport. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C) 
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Williamsburg or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

Both Kennebunkport and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Williamsburg 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 the spring, Williamsburg is much warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the spring temperatures in Williamsburg in April average around 57°F (14°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 Williamsburg. Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Kennebunkport during spring. Williamsburg gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Williamsburg usually receives less rain than Kennebunkport. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C) 
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Williamsburg

Williamsburg Kennebunkport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)