12 Best Things To Do In Kittery That You Are Missing Out On

Kittery, Maine, is a charming coastal town brimming with history, natural beauty, and modern attractions. As the oldest incorporated town in Maine, Kittery’s roots stretch back to the early 17th century, a legacy reflected in its preserved buildings and landmarks. Visitors can dive into the town’s rich maritime past at the Kittery Historical & Naval Museum, which showcases fascinating artifacts and exhibits tracing its evolution from a colonial settlement to a vital port town.

Kittery’s appeal extends beyond its borders, thanks to its proximity to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. A short, scenic drive connects the two towns, offering visitors the chance to enjoy Portsmouth’s historical sites and lively downtown, making it a perfect complement to the Kittery experience.

For those exploring things to do in Kittery, the town boasts scenic coastal walks, historic sites, and quaint local shops. Whether admiring its heritage, indulging in shopping, or enjoying the area’s natural beauty, Kittery promises a memorable experience for every kind of traveler.

1. Explore Fort McClary State Historic Site

📍 Location: Pepperrell Rd (ME-103), Kittery Point, ME 03905

Fort McClary State Historic Site isn’t just a relic—it’s a layered archive of American coastal defense. Perched on a bluff in Kittery Point overlooking the mouth of the Piscataqua River, this fort saw use from the 1600s to the Spanish-American War. Though it never fired a shot in combat, its evolving architecture—from wooden palisades to granite bastions—reflects the military strategies of five different eras. Named after Major Andrew McClary, a Revolutionary War officer who died at Bunker Hill, the site became a state historic property in 1969.

Visitors can walk through its massive blockhouse, climb stone gun emplacements, and stand where watchmen once scanned the Atlantic for sails. The views are reason enough to come—on a clear day, you’ll see up the river to Portsmouth and across the water to the Isles of Shoals.

But beyond the scenery, Fort McClary offers perspective. It's a place to consider how geography shaped war, trade, and national security. It's ideal for picnics, photography, or simply contemplating what it meant to defend this part of the coast. History isn’t behind glass here—it’s underfoot, all around, and waiting to be understood.

2. Visit the Kittery Outlets

📍 Location: U.S. Route 1, Kittery, ME 03904

The Kittery Outlets aren’t just for shopaholics—they’re a key part of the region’s modern identity. Stretching along U.S. Route 1, this shopping district features over 100 stores, from national brands like Nike, J.Crew, and Coach to local outfitters and specialty boutiques. The outlet village began in the 1980s and has grown steadily, attracting millions annually, especially from nearby Boston and New Hampshire, thanks to Maine’s tax-free status on clothing.

What makes shopping here worthwhile is not just the prices—it’s the experience. You can explore the legendary Kittery Trading Post, a three-story outdoor gear hub founded in 1938, grab lunch at a lobster shack or brewery, and take advantage of deep discounts on quality goods. Everything is walkable or a short drive apart, with free parking and seasonal sidewalk sales adding to the appeal.

In a world where online shopping dominates, there’s something refreshing about browsing in person, feeling fabrics, and walking out with a real bag in hand. Plus, it’s one of the few outlet centers where you can pair your haul with a side of clam chowder and a salty breeze.

3. Stroll through Kittery Foreside

📍 Location: Walker St & Government St area, Kittery, ME 03904

Kittery Foreside is where the town’s maritime past meets its creative present. This revitalized neighborhood, just over the bridge from Portsmouth, was once a cluster of shipbuilders’ homes and dry docks. Today, it’s a stylish, walkable stretch filled with indie boutiques, art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, and old brick storefronts that still bear the patina of the past.

What sets the Foreside apart is how it blends charm with authenticity. You won’t find chains or souvenir shops here. Instead, expect record stores, wine bars, handmade ceramics, and cafés where the latte comes with a local artist’s gallery next door. It’s also home to craft breweries, fresh oyster spots, and casual spots like Anju Noodle Bar or Tulsi—hailed as some of the best dining in the Seacoast region.

It’s not a big area, but that’s part of the magic. Spend an afternoon exploring, and you’ll stumble into an art opening, live music on a patio, or a pop-up market. Kittery Foreside isn’t trying to be something—it just is. And that quiet confidence makes it a standout.

4. Take a Harbor Tour

📍 Location: Departures from nearby Portsmouth Harbor or Pepperrell Cove

Seeing Kittery from the water is like reading the town’s story in its original language. Harbor tours departing from Pepperrell Cove or Portsmouth’s docks offer a front-row view of centuries of naval history, natural beauty, and working waterfront life. These boat rides aren’t flashy—they’re honest, immersive, and full of perspective.

The Piscataqua River has long served as a vital channel for trade, shipbuilding, and defense. Harbor tours typically pass landmarks like the still-operational Portsmouth Naval Shipyard—founded in 1800 and the oldest continuously running shipyard in the U.S.—as well as lighthouses, old forts, and the weathered buildings of historic seafaring neighborhoods.

Depending on your tour provider, you might sail past Wood Island Life Saving Station, spot seals lounging on the rocks, or witness lobster boats hauling traps the same way they have for generations. Sunset cruises add a golden glow to the story, while narrated trips bring history alive with tales of colonial smugglers, Civil War ironclads, and Cold War submarines.

5. Enjoy Kittery’s Beaches

📍 Location: Seapoint Beach & Crescent Beach, Kittery Point, ME 03905

Kittery isn’t known for its beaches, and that’s exactly why they’re worth discovering. Unlike the packed tourist sands elsewhere in southern Maine, Seapoint Beach and nearby Crescent Beach offer a quiet, uncrowded, and deeply local coastal experience. Located near Kittery Point, these beaches aren’t built for boardwalks or sun umbrellas—they’re built for reflection, dog walks, and driftwood-collecting.

Seapoint Beach is the larger of the two, with a rugged, natural shoreline ideal for tide pooling, walking, and picnicking. It’s free, public, and open year-round, though amenities are minimal. Crescent Beach is smaller and more tucked away, but similarly peaceful.

The views here are what stay with you—Wood Island Light in the distance, fishing boats slipping through morning fog, and seabirds tracing the tides. Locals come not to be seen, but to unwind. For visitors willing to veer off the postcard path, Kittery’s beaches offer salt air, solitude, and the sound of real waves, not crowds.

6. Dine at Local Seafood Restaurants

📍 Location: Throughout Kittery and Kittery Point

You can’t come to Kittery without eating seafood—it would be like skipping the Eiffel Tower in Paris. What makes it special here is how unfussy and authentic the experience remains. From clam shacks to chef-driven bistros, Kittery’s seafood scene balances heritage with fresh, seasonal catch pulled straight from nearby waters.

Longtime favorites like Bob’s Clam Hut have been serving crispy fried clams and lobster rolls since 1956, while spots like Warren’s Lobster House—founded in 1940—offer views of the river along with mile-high pie and a sprawling salad bar. Both are institutions, with stories woven into local lore and menus that haven’t changed much in decades.

For a more modern take, try The Black Birch in Kittery Foreside, where small plates meet bold flavors and the oysters are shucked right behind the bar. Whether you want buttery lobster, grilled swordfish, or a pint of chowder so rich it could stand on its own, Kittery’s seafood is a lesson in doing the basics beautifully—and doing them fresh.

7. Visit the Kittery Historical and Naval Museum

📍 Location: 200 Rogers Rd, Kittery, ME 03904

Kittery may be Maine’s oldest incorporated town, but its history goes far beyond that title—and the Kittery Historical and Naval Museum is where those deeper stories live. Opened in 1977, the museum sits along Route 103 and is run by volunteers with a mission to preserve the maritime and military legacy of the region, particularly its deep ties to shipbuilding and the U.S. Navy.

Inside, you’ll find models of historic warships built at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, naval artifacts dating back to the 1800s, and personal memorabilia from Kittery’s own veterans and shipbuilders. The exhibits cover everything from the Revolutionary War to the Cold War, and highlight the town’s role in building submarines, destroyers, and other naval vessels still in use today.

It’s not a large museum, but it’s dense with meaning. Every object tells a story—of craftsmanship, patriotism, and the people who built an entire industry by hand. If you’re interested in naval history, or want to understand why Kittery matters beyond its beaches and outlets, this is where to start.

8. Explore the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

📍 Location: 321 Port Rd, Wells, ME 04090 (about 30 minutes from Kittery)

Named after the pioneering marine biologist and conservationist, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for both wildlife and weary humans. Established in 1966, the refuge stretches across multiple sites in southern Maine, including a serene section in nearby Wells—just 20 minutes from Kittery. It's managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and was created to protect salt marshes and estuaries vital to migratory birds.

Visitors can hike a flat, one-mile trail that loops through forests and saltwater marshes, with interpretive signs explaining the fragile ecosystem Carson herself helped advocate for. Birdwatchers are drawn to the area for glimpses of herons, egrets, and migratory songbirds, especially during spring and fall.

What makes the refuge so compelling is its quiet. No crowds. No noise. Just wind in the grasses, bird calls, and the rhythmic pull of the tides. It’s a place to walk, to think, and to witness the kind of natural beauty that Carson believed should be protected—for its own sake, and for ours.

9. Check Out the Wood Island Life Saving Station

📍 Location: Wood Island, accessible via boat from Pepperrell Cove

Perched off the coast of Kittery on Wood Island, this restored life saving station tells one of Maine’s most heroic and often overlooked maritime stories. Built in 1908 by the U.S. Life-Saving Service (a precursor to the Coast Guard), the station served as a base for rescue crews who braved brutal storms to save shipwrecked sailors.

After decades of disuse, the station was nearly lost—until a local nonprofit spearheaded a painstaking restoration that began in 2011. Now fully revived, the station offers summer tours that begin with a boat ride from Pepperrell Cove. Once on the island, visitors are guided through the boathouse, crew quarters, and watch tower, all while hearing gripping real-life rescue tales.

It’s not just a historical site—it’s a story of community perseverance and coastal bravery. With 360-degree ocean views and deep historical resonance, a trip to Wood Island feels like stepping into a piece of New England’s maritime soul.

10. When Pigs Fly Restaurant & Pizzeria

Located at 460 US Route 1 in Kittery, this wood‑fired pizzeria is part of the well-known When Pigs Fly Bakery brand founded in York, Maine. The bakery, established in 1993, expanded into this restaurant location, where they bake Neapolitan-style pizzas using dough made on-site and fresh mozzarella produced daily.

The restaurant seats 160 guests and features screened porches, a beer-and-wine bar, and casual indoor seating. Menu staples include more than fifteen pizza varieties—plus appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entree specials. The bricks-fired crusts have a chewy, smoky edge that keeps diners coming back.

It’s the rare local spot where you can breathe in the steam from a paddle-oven pizza and know you’re tasting both local craft and the region’s entrepreneurial spirit.

11. Yummies Candy & Nuts

At 384 US Route 1, Yummies Candy & Nuts is a throwback to the kind of confection shop you remember from childhood. Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, it’s packed floor to ceiling with nostalgic sweets—saltwater taffy, jelly beans, fudge, chocolate-covered treats, nuts, dried fruit, and flavored popcorn.

Customers rave about the variety: some say it’s not the cheapest, but the selection is unmatched. One reviewer on TripAdvisor noted the store carries favorite treats you often can’t find elsewhere, especially vintage candy bars. With over 10,000 pounds of candy in stock, it’s a favorite quick stop for families, road-trippers, and sweet-tooth pilgrims alike.

12. Bob’s Clam Hut

Operating on Route 1 since 1956, Bob’s Clam Hut is a Kittery institution—and a must for fried seafood lovers. Born from founder Bob Kraft’s backyard operation near Spruce Creek, the shack grew into a roadside legend praised for its consistently crispy whole‑belly clams, scallops, haddock, shrimp, and especially its lobster rolls.

The lobster roll recipe hasn’t changed in over five decades: chilled lobster meat tossed with mayonnaise and nestled in a buttered, grilled hot dog bun—a classic Maine style that earns praise from locals and food writers alike. The seasonal staff—often local college students—handle high summer weekend lines with efficiency, though stories abound of employees joking about tossing their shoes afterward due to clam batter residue.

Conclusion

Kittery, Maine, offers a perfect blend of historical charm and modern attractions, making it a standout destination in coastal New England. From the rich maritime history at the Kittery Historical & Naval Museum to the serene beauty of Kittery beaches and the vibrant shopping experience at the Kittery Premium Outlets, visitors can enjoy a diverse range of activities.

So, pack your bags and plan a visit to Kittery to discover all the charm and excitement this delightful town has to offer. Do not also forget to check amazing deals on Kittery vacation rentals from Karta!

FAQ

1. What is the weather like in Kittery, Maine throughout the year?

Kittery offers warm summers for beach outings, snowy winters for cozy retreats, and mild spring and fall seasons ideal for outdoor exploration.

2. How would you describe the local culture in Kittery, Maine?

Kittery blends maritime history, a thriving arts scene, and a strong community spirit. Its historic architecture, artisan shops, and seafood restaurants make it uniquely charming.

3. What can visitors expect when exploring Kittery Foreside?

Kittery Foreside features boutique shops, artisan studios, and trendy restaurants, offering visitors a vibrant and historic waterfront experience.

4. How far is Kittery, Maine from Portsmouth, NH, and what’s the best way to get there?

Kittery is about 5 miles from Portsmouth, NH, accessible via Route 1, offering scenic views and quick access to both towns.

5. What are the best routes to explore Kittery, Maine?

Interstate 95 provides direct access, while Route 1 offers a scenic coastal drive perfect for leisurely exploration. Both routes make navigating Kittery easy and enjoyable.

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