Ocean Avenue
A scenic coastal drive in Kennebunkport, Maine, featuring beautiful homes, ocean access, and the historic Bush compound.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light paints the coast
Ocean Avenue
Best Time
Golden hour light paints the coast
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic coastal drive in Kennebunkport, Maine, featuring beautiful homes, ocean access, and the historic Bush compound.
"This drive was awesome!!! Great areas alone the drive to park, set and take in the magnificent you are blessed to experience."
Start from Kennebunkport
Begin your drive on the Kennebunkport end and follow it to Highway 1 for the full experience. :road:
Park for Views
Utilize designated parking areas to safely stop and soak in the magnificent ocean vistas. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coastal Scenery
Breathtaking ocean views and picturesque shoreline access along a winding, scenic route.
Bush Compound
Roadside pullout
See the historic family compound with a marked roadside pullout and informational marker.
St. Ann's Church
A lovely historic church offering a moment of quiet reflection along the drive.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Scenic Drive
Respecting Private Property
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Suggestions between Kennebunkport and Freeport for next eek
Start from Kennebunkport
Begin your drive on the Kennebunkport end and follow it to Highway 1 for the full experience. :road:
Park for Views
Utilize designated parking areas to safely stop and soak in the magnificent ocean vistas. :camerawithflash:
Kennebunkport Proposal
Heading to Kennebunkport for a rainy weekend
Respect Private Property
Be mindful that many beautiful homes are private residences. Use pull-offs for photos only. :housewithgarden:
Destination of the Week: USA - New England
Tips
from all over the internet
Start from Kennebunkport
Begin your drive on the Kennebunkport end and follow it to Highway 1 for the full experience. :road:
Park for Views
Utilize designated parking areas to safely stop and soak in the magnificent ocean vistas. :camerawithflash:
Respect Private Property
Be mindful that many beautiful homes are private residences. Use pull-offs for photos only. :housewithgarden:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ocean Avenue for its beautiful ocean views, picturesque homes, and the unique opportunity to see the Bush family compound. The drive is described as very pretty and a great place to witness sunrise or sunset. Some note the limited parking and the need to respect private property.
"This is a nice drive, taking you by beautiful homes, notable scenery, the Bush compound (clearly marked with a roadside pullout & marker), and St Ann's church, which is lovely in and of itself. Start on the Kennebunkport end and take it all the way to Hwy 1, on the other end. Very pretty!"
Aleisa McKinlay
"Another historical bucket list challenge
meet !!! This drive was awesome!!!
Great areas alone the drive to park , set
and take in the magnificent you are blessed
to experience. 15 minutes parking allowed.
Seeing the late President Bush's family
compound and the tributes was an experience I will never forget."
lady wise
"Awesome drive by the sea, I am positive a place where you can spot sunrise or sunset both in very short distance"
Amitesh Kumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ocean Avenue is a scenic road accessible from Kennebunkport, Maine. You can start your drive from the Kennebunkport end and follow it towards Highway 1. It's a popular route for a leisurely drive.
Ocean Avenue is a two-way street, allowing you to drive in either direction. However, many recommend starting from Kennebunkport for the most scenic progression.
While possible, Ocean Avenue is primarily a driving route. Be aware of vehicle traffic if you choose to walk or bike, especially during peak times.
A GPS or map app can be helpful, but the road is generally straightforward. The key is to take your time and enjoy the views from the designated pull-offs.
Ocean Avenue is a continuous road. You can join it from various points in Kennebunkport, with the most common starting point being near the town center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or entry fees required to drive on Ocean Avenue. It's a public road open to everyone.
While the drive itself is free, some designated pull-offs might have limited parking. Fees are generally not associated with these scenic overlooks.
Ocean Avenue is a public road and is accessible 24/7. However, the best experience is during daylight hours for the views.
Yes, there are designated pull-offs and parking areas where you can safely stop your vehicle to enjoy the scenery and take photos.
Ocean Avenue is generally accessible year-round. However, winter weather conditions might affect road accessibility and views.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for designated pull-offs that offer unobstructed views of the ocean, coastline, and the beautiful homes. The area near the Bush compound also has a marked spot for photos.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting a warm glow on the landscape. Midday can be bright but offers clear views.
You can photograph the exterior from the designated roadside pullout, which includes a marker. Remember to be respectful of the private property.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local ordinances and be aware of privacy concerns, especially around residential areas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the homes or distant boats.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a part of a larger day trip to Kennebunkport, where you can find more family-friendly activities like beaches and ice cream shops. The drive itself is a gentle introduction to the beauty of the Maine coast without being overly demanding for younger travelers.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Start from Kennebunkport and allow ample time to stop at the various overlooks. The drive is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, allowing you to truly appreciate the traditional architecture and the stunning natural beauty. It's a classic New England coastal experience that fits perfectly into a broader road trip itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Ocean Avenue
The route is particularly famous for passing by the Bush family compound, a significant landmark that draws many visitors. A clearly marked roadside pullout allows for a moment of reflection and a chance to acknowledge this historical site. Beyond this notable residence, the avenue is dotted with other impressive homes and offers numerous opportunities to park and simply absorb the magnificent scenery.
Travelers often describe the drive as a chance to 'set and take in the magnificent you are blessed to experience,' highlighting the profound impact of the natural surroundings. Whether you're seeking a peaceful drive, stunning photographic opportunities, or a connection to local history, Ocean Avenue delivers a memorable coastal exploration.
Capturing the Coastal Charm
When exploring, keep an eye out for the designated pull-offs. These are not just for parking; they are prime spots for capturing panoramic shots of the ocean and coastline. The Bush compound area also offers a specific point of interest for photographers, with a marker indicating its significance. Remember to be respectful of private property while framing your shots.
For the best results, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the ocean and the sweep of the avenue. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details of the historic homes or distant boats. The key is to embrace the natural light and the serene atmosphere to create truly memorable images.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit