Location: Kittery
Top Things to do in Kittery
What to do and see in Kittery, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Sitting at the southernmost corner of Maine, Kittery is a charming small town and one of the most historic communities in the state. First settled in 1623, Kittery features some of the oldest architecture in Maine, including the John Bray House, built back in 1662. Nearby Fort McClary has been guarding the entrance to the Piscataqua River for over 275 years, having been manned through five wars. Another nearby attraction is York's Wild Kingdom, the state's largest zoo and amusement park.
Restaurants in Kittery
1. Discover Portsmouth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
Start you visit at Discover Portsmouth. We offer a 12 minute film on the city's history, a beautiful museum shop, changing exhibitions, walking tours (Memorial Day - Columbus Day), city map, and public rest rooms. We are open April 1-December 23/
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
Discover Portsmouth, a welcome center operated by the Portsmouth Historical Society, is the first place visitors should go to find all you need to know about Portsmouth, New Hampshire, its history, arts and culture. If you are planning to stay for one, two, three or more days, you will be able to obtain information on historical sites, tourist attractions, plays, movies, art exhibits, hotels, restaurants and tours. View 400 years of Portsmouth history via a 13-minute video. Obtain a map of the downtown area and plan a route to meet your interests. Take a 75-minute walking tour with an experienced Discover Portsmouth guide. Explore the Museum Shop, which offers a great selection of history books, cards, prints, unique jewelry and apparel made by local artists and craftsmen. Located at 10 Middle Street, the welcome center provides visitors with an opportunity to fully explore historic Portsmouth, the hub of the New Hampshire seacoast.
2. When Pigs Fly Company Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
When Pigs Fly is an all natural bread bakery featuring over 25 flavors of breads baked fresh each day. We also bake Bavarian pretzels, a variety of cookies and we are making fresh donuts on weekends. We sell olive oils, Vinegars , jams , artisanal butter and other items that accompany bread. Come in and check out our sampling table where you can sample all of our breads
Reviewed By Noreen M - Poughkeepsie, New York
We go to this bakery every time we are in the area 2-3 times a year. Everything is always spectacular! And delicious! They seem to have seasonal items as well as regular items we can get all the time. I am always amazed at how well their staff knows the products and ingredients. There is usually a line to get your bread sliced, but that makes it easier to snack on during the ride home. Some of their breads are so good, they make wonderful desserts. There is a pizza restaurant next door, but we have never been in.
3. Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, located next to Fort Constitution in New Castle, New Hampshire, is open for guided tours every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., late May through mid-October. For a small suggested donation, visitors can climb to the top and see the Fresnel lens as well as a breathtaking view of Portsmouth Harbor. Visit our website for more information on open houses and special events.
Reviewed By maxrebos - Boston, Massachusetts
It was a cold windy cloudy day in May but worth the time to get in and see the views from the top. The volunteers were helpful. Groups of 8 go up at a time so the wait can be long if it is busy. Hopefully your group does not have children as todays visit the parents did nothing to curb their yelling and screaming children making the visit sometimes unenjoyable. They do ask for a donation to enter
4. Fort Foster
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Philly2VT - Shelburne, Vermont
Strolled the well-manicured paths on a weekday before the park is officially open on Memorial Day, Spotted song birds and water fowl.
Lots of people with dogs with very few on leashes, despite the numerous signs that dogs must be leashed. I assume this is because there was no staff visible. A Kittery police car cruised thru when we were strolling and apparently made an impression on a young girl who started with here two dogs off leash and finished with them on.
5. Kittery Trading Post
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 452 reviews
Visitors entering our store will enjoy shopping a vast selection of brand name recreational gear, clothing, footwear and specialty gifts for the entire family. Walk upstairs and immerse yourself in outdoor gear & sport-specific apparel for a wide range of outside activities-camping, hiking, paddling, cycling, skiing, snowshoeing & more! Our upper level is also home to one of the most recognized & extensive shooting sports department in New England. Downstairs, an entire level of fresh/saltwater fishing tackle & accessories awaits! You'll find rods, reels, lines, lures, fly fishing & fly tying gear to capture the attention of avid fishers everywhere. We invite you to browse & shop our family store in Kittery; where no matter the season or reason, you can count on our staff for the resources, knowledge and personal service to make your outdoor adventures enjoyable, successful & memorable.
Reviewed By machhh - Trade, Tennessee
After over 20 years of buying most of my hunting, fishing and camping equipment here including numerous guns, I’m done. I live in a neighboring state and they refused to sell me a bolt action rifle without shipping it to an FFL dealer in my state even though it was legal in my state for me to purchase the rifle and walk out with it and I had all appropriate credentials. I went as far as to call the firearms unit in my state and had a supervisor advised them that it was legal in my state to buy the bolt action rifle without it being shipped to and FFL dealer in my state. They still refused to do it ...it’s sad to say but I will take my business somewhere else. This is a very sad day.
6. Odiorne Point State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
A 330-acre park on the coastline.
Reviewed By Karen Z - Chicago, Illinois
We took the beach trail (the trails aren't really marked, and we didn't see any trail maps, so we just walked towards the beach). It was very quiet, not many people around. The beach is pretty and the trails we took through the woods were very easy.
7. Great Island Common
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By westie2 - Kensington, CT
We took a detour on our way to Portsmouth to visit this 32 acre town-owned park that includes a small beach, picnic area, playground and, most importantly, restroom facilities. We enjoyed walking around the park before settling in on a bench to watch the harbor traffic. There is a nominal fee for non residents.
8. USS Albacore Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 459 reviews
Kids will love exploring this retired 1953 U.S. Navy submarine which served as a test bed for other submarine systems and now gives visitors a feel for the tight quarters, tiny berths and general submarine lifestyle.
Reviewed By pitterpat000 - Gainesville, Georgia
We stopped in this little park to see the Albacore. The gentleman running the museum was especially friendly and talkative - helped us know how the sub got there and what else there was in the area to enjoy.
Unfortunately, NOTHING else in the area is open the first week of April!
But, the Albacore was wonderful. You can sit in the chairs and touch everything - not like some subs where they've got it all behind plexiglass. It was so much fun to be able to touch and see up close. We really enjoyed this tour! They did a great job with the audio tour and it was great to be able to push the buttons and hear as we walked through.
Plan to spend an hour or so here. There is a little shop and restrooms as well as a little video/museum area.
9. Fort McClary State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By PAWildheart - Bucks County, PA
I love history anyway, so it was no far stretch for me to visit this old fort. But what was unusual was how long my young niece stayed interested and engaged, and how much we talked about the history as we read the interpretive signs together. And how many other young people of all ages I saw while we were there. No surprise, really, though, because especially in the octagonal building, it's so easy to imagine soldiers guarding this critical approach to the coast during the long-ago wars. Great learning experience! This is also a picturesque place, perfect for family photos and even selfies, so bring your camera.
10. Strawbery Banke Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 929 reviews
Museum houses open in December only for Candlelight Stroll: Saturdays Dec 12 and 19, 5-9 pm and Sundays, December 13 and 20, 4-8 pm. Guided Holiday House Tours offered Dec 26-31, 10 am to 2 pm with last tour starting at 2 pm. Labrie Family Skate outdoor ice rink at the museum is open daily 9 am to 9 pm (except for occasional private rentals).
Reviewed By Patrick F - Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Strawbery Banke is an open air museum consisting of numerous old, historical houses - a few of which were always there, most of which were moved there. In the space of an afternoon one can experience over 300 years of life in Portsmouth, with houses from each era faithfully restored and filled with period pieces. One will also find guides often dressed in period clothing and they are all very knowledgeable. The grounds themselves are a nice stroll too.
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