Guide to Kittery, Maine
Great shopping and fresh seafood are just a few of the things we love about the oceanside town of Kittery, Maine.
Guide to Kittery, Maine
Photo Credit : EB Adventure Photography / Shutterstock.comAt the eastern end of the iconic Piscataqua River Bridge, which straddles coastal Maine and New Hampshire, lies Kittery, Maine — the state’s oldest town as well as a famous outlet shopping hub and a go-to for seafood dining. Here are some of our favorite things to do, places to stay, and restaurants to try in Kittery, Maine.
Photo Credit : EB Adventure Photography / Shutterstock.com
Guide to Kittery, Maine | Things to Do
When Pigs Fly Company Store
Foodies make a beeline here to load up on freshly made bread and bakery items, plus jams, jellies, oils, vinegars, and toast toppings, all made from old Maine family recipes.
Take Flight Aerial Adventure Park
Up for a challenge? The whole family can get in on the fun at this obstacle course, which is filled with tube nets, swinging platforms, ziplines, and more.
Kittery Premium Outlets
Shoppers will delight in this stretch of 120-plus stores, which include both uniquely New England wares (see: the famous Kittery Trading Post) and global brands such as Polo and Ralph Lauren.
Kittery Historical & Naval Museum
Kittery’s history is grounded in the maritime world — from shipbuilding to lighthouses — and you can dive into all of it at this petite but fascinating museum.
Badgers Island
A small gem connecting downtown Portsmouth to Kittery, Badgers Island is perfect for a bike ride or stroll (or a meal with an ocean view, at the Pointe).
Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Guide to Kittery, Maine | Restaurants
Lil’s
Beloved by locals and visitors alike, Lil’s is a laid-back neighborhood café offering made-from-scratch pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salad, plus expertly crafted coffee drinks.
Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier
This “lobster in the rough” (and BYOB) dining destination has a prime location on the Chauncey Creek River, meaning diners can arrive by boat as well as by car.
Robert’s Maine Grill
Handy for those who’ve worked up an appetite shopping at the outlets, Robert’s is located right off Route 1 and has classic Maine cuisine such as lobster rolls, clam chowder, and fried seafood.
The Black Birch
This rustic, cozy restaurant features indoor and outdoor dining, a bar with a drink menu that changes daily, and food that showcases local ingredients in hearty dishes such as brick chicken, panko-fried pork chops, and gourmet burgers.
Bob’s Clam Hut
Bob’s has been serving up fresh seafood from the same Kittery shack since 1956, which means tradition runs as deep here as the flavor.
Photo Credit : Courtesy The Hotel Portsmouth
Guide to Kittery, Maine | Hotels
Kittery Inn & Suites
This isn’t your typical motel: Originally opened in the 1950s, it mixes vintage charm with all the updated comforts and amenities of a well-appointed hotel.
Water Street Inn
This modern Victorian retreat has eight comfortable guest rooms and is conveniently located just half a mile from both downtown Portsmouth and Kittery.
The Hotel Portsmouth
Stay just across the river from Kittery at this hip Portsmouth boutique hotel, situated in an 1881 Queen Anne mansion and offering 32 rooms that blend Victorian courtliness with up-to-date flair.
This post was first published in 2019 and has been updated.
SEE MORE:
Kittery Point, Maine | A Quiet Summer Destination
Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier in Kittery Point, Maine
Dining Guide to Kittery, Maine | Where to Eat
Cathryn McCann
As Digital Assistant Editor, Cathryn writes, manages, and promotes content for NewEngland.com and its social media channels. Prior to this role, she lived and worked on Martha’s Vineyard as a newspaper reporter, covering everything from environmental issues and education to crime and politics. Originally from New Hampshire, Cathryn spends most of her time out of the office on the trails, slopes, or by the water.
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