United States

Kittery

Kittery

Kittery is a town located in York County, Maine, United States. Situated on the southernmost part of the state, it is known for its rich hi…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Walkable sightseeing
  • Beach activities travelers
  • Shopping travelers
  • Visiting in Summer
Recommended stay
3-5 days
Best time
Summer
Walkability
Compact
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Kittery is a strong pick for beach activities & shopping — plan about 3-5 days, with sights close enough to walk between. Peak season: Summer.

Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 90/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Compact density — Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together. (≈5.7 km span)

50 Places to explore
3-5 Recommended days
Summer Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: Summer

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: September · October · November

Weather

Fall

50°F - 70°F

Spring

50°F - 70°F

Summer

70°F - 85°F

Winter

20°F - 40°F

How to get there

By Air:

If you are traveling from outside the United States or from a distant location within the country, the best way to reach Kittery is by air. The nearest major airport is Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, located just a short drive away. From the airport, you can easily rent a car or take a taxi to reach Kittery.

By Road:

Kittery is conveniently located near major highways, making it easily accessible by road. If you are traveling from nearby cities or states, you can take Interstate 95, which runs along the eastern coast of the United States. Kittery is situated just off I-95, so you can simply follow the signs to reach the town. If you prefer a more scenic route, you can also take the coastal Route 1, which offers beautiful views along the way.

By Train:

Another option to reach Kittery is by train. The closest Amtrak station is located in nearby Dover, New Hampshire. From there, you can take a short taxi or bus ride to reach Kittery. Amtrak offers various train routes connecting major cities across the United States, so you can plan your journey accordingly.

By Bus:

If you prefer traveling by bus, there are several bus services that operate in the area. Greyhound and Concord Coach Lines are two popular bus companies that provide transportation to Kittery. You can check their schedules and book your tickets in advance to ensure a smooth journey.

By Sea:

Kittery is situated on the coast of Maine, making it accessible by sea as well. If you have your own boat or yacht, you can sail into one of the marinas in Kittery or nearby Portsmouth. There are also ferry services available, such as the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, which offers scenic cruises and transportation to nearby islands.

No matter which mode of transportation you choose, reaching Kittery is relatively easy due to its strategic location. Plan your trip accordingly and enjoy exploring all that this charming town has to offer!

Getting to know Kittery

Kittery is a town located in York County, Maine, United States. Situated on the southernmost part of the state, it is known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant community. The town is bordered by the Piscataqua River and the Atlantic Ocean, providing residents and visitors with stunning waterfront views and a variety of recreational activities.

Established in 1647, Kittery is one of the oldest towns in Maine and has a deep historical significance. It was originally a fishing and trading village, playing a vital role in the early development of New England. Today, remnants of its maritime past can be seen in the charming architecture of its buildings, including the iconic John Paul Jones House, which was once the home of the famous Revolutionary War naval hero.

Aside from its historical attractions, Kittery is also renowned for its outlet shopping. The town is home to the Kittery Outlets, a collection of more than 120 brand name stores offering discounted prices. Shopaholics from all over the region flock to this shopping destination, making it a significant economic driver for the town.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in Kittery. The town boasts several beautiful parks and beaches, such as Fort Foster Park and Seapoint Beach. These natural gems provide opportunities for hiking, picnicking, swimming, and wildlife spotting. Kittery is also a popular destination for boating and fishing enthusiasts, with its many marinas and access points to the water.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Visit Fort McClary State Historic Site
  • Explore Kittery Outlets for great deals
  • Try local seafood at Bob's Clam Hut

Places worth exploring

50 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 3-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Kittery?

Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Kittery, United States.

When is the best time to visit Kittery?

High season is typically Summer.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Kittery?

Travelers often find better value in September, October, November.

What kind of trip is Kittery good for?

Kittery suits Beach activities, Shopping, Historical tours.

Is Kittery walkable?

Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together.

Any local tips for Kittery?

Visit Fort McClary State Historic Site

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Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Kittery → Kittery Point → York Harbor · ≈11 km
  • Kittery → Kittery Point → Cape Neddick · ≈15 km
  • Kittery → Kittery Point → Portsmouth · ≈11 km

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