While the state of Maine may seem like a long distance from Massachusetts, Kittery Maine is just a short drive from Boston. Located right over the New Hampshire border in Southern Maine, Kittery is a wonderful place to visit for delicious food, great outlet stores, and beautiful views.
We try to visit at least once a year – preferably in the summer, but it’s also fun in the winter. Here are some things to do in Kittery Maine.
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Must-Do Things to Do in Kittery Maine Including Shopping, Outdoor Activities, and Restaurants
Kittery Outlet Shopping
Kittery, Maine was one of the first places where I went outlet shopping, and it remains one of my favorites. Drive down Route 1, and you’ll find a number of outlet shops and an outlet mall with some of the most popular stores, including Crate and Barrel, Lululemon, kate spade, Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren, Under Armour, and Nike.
Unlike most of the newer outlet malls, the Kittery outlets are spread out in different plazas along the street from each other. So, you’ll probably need to get in your car and drive up and down Route 1.
In the frigid cold, we experienced in December, that was preferable to walking. There’s plenty of parking at each location.
It also makes it easy to drop off all of your purchases in the car before continuing your shopping. Walking to all of the Kittery outlets is possible in the warmer weather, but probably isn’t optimal.
If you have a AAA card when shopping at the outlets in Kittery, I recommend stopping at the customer service office located adjacent to Old Navy in the Premium Outlets complex.
With the card, you’ll receive a complimentary coupon book loaded with special deals and discounts. Not every store offers a coupon, but we definitely save money during our shopping trips when we use the coupon book.
During the busy months, this road does get backed up. It’s always easiest to shop on one side of the road first, then go to the end and turn around, rather than crossing traffic.
Other Shopping in Kittery, Maine
In addition to outlet shopping in Kittery, you’ll also find some other fun shops. The Kittery Trading Post is an iconic building featuring lots of brand name outdoor gear.
It’s not an outlet but does offer a huge selection of gear that you may need to enjoy an authentic New England vacation. It’s an icon in Kittery, so you’ll definitely want to stop in.
Candy lovers will appreciate a stop at Yummies, which offers over 10,000 pounds of bulk and packaged candy. My kids enjoyed spending a bit of their Christmas money on their favorites including Swedish fish.
Definitely set a budget before you go, because it’s easy to want to buy just about everything. We usually let our kids choose one or two items at Yummies.
Restaurants in Kittery Maine
You can’t leave Kittery without a taste of some of that famous Maine lobster. There are several restaurants located right in Kittery that are great places to stop for lunch or dinner.
Robert’s Maine Grill – (lobster roll with chowder combo pictured above) offers delicious modern seafood. It’s a popular spot, so make a reservation if you are visiting during a busy time. They are on Open Table, which makes it easy to reserve a time.
When Pigs Fly Pizzeria – if you love pizza and beer, this is where you’ll want to go. Located just down the road from the outlets, this popular restaurant offers salads, pizzas, and more. It’s a great place to visit if you aren’t really a seafood eater.
Bob’s Clam Hut – for more casual dining, you’ll want to visit Bob’s Clam Shack right in the heart of the outlets. This authentic clam shack offers fried clams, lobster rolls, chowder, and other fried seafood.
Guests order at the counter and then find a seat while waiting for your number to be called, so visit early for the shortest wait. The parking lot can get very busy.
Other Things to Do In Kittery, Maine
Kittery and the surrounding area are also home to other things to do. Adventurous families will enjoy a visit to Take Flight Adventures, an aerial park with ziplines. Make reservations in advance and be sure to wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes.
For outdoor activities, there’s also the Fort McClary State Historic Site, located along the Piscataqua River in Kittery Point, as well as Badger’s Island, Seapoint Beach (along the Atlantic Ocean), and the Isles of Shoals.
Kittery is right over the New Hampshire line from Portsmouth, NH, where you’ll find a number of things to do with kids, including Water Country, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Naval Museum, and the Strawbery Banke Museum.
Downtown Portsmouth offers lots of restaurants and shops and is a great spot to walk around. You can find one spot to park and then take a short walk to any of the shops and restaurants.
Another quick trip is to the Nubble Lighthouse, located in York, Maine. Portland and Freeport Maine are also nice day trips from Portland.
Looking to visit one of the famous Maine coastal beaches? A few options are the nearby Ogunquit Beach and Long Sands Beach.
Where to Stay in Kittery, Maine
Many families who visit Kittery go for only a day trip. but there are several hotels nearby to stay. If you’d like to stay in nearby Portsmouth, the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside is beautiful, and conveniently located (see reviews here).
There is also a Residence Inn (reviews here). Most of the lodging right in Kittery is motel-style. The top-rated is the Kittery Inn and Suites. There’s also a brand-new Hampton Inn and Suites located adjacent to the outlets.
Have you been to Kittery Maine? What is your favorite thing to do?
