Kittery, Maine - Gateway to Maine

Kittery is the first town you come to in Maine, just over the border and over the bridge from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. And Kittery was the first incorporated town in Maine in 1647. Kittery has an amazing history dating back to 1623 when it was first settled and established as a fishery. Kittery encompasses Badger Island and the Isle of Shoals off shore from Portsmouth Harbor.

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is actually located in Kittery Maine, despite its name implying that it is in New Hampshire. Here the USS Constitution and The USS Kearsarge were built on Seavey Island, which later became a prison and is now defunct. A tour of Portsmouth Harbor and the Piscataqua River is the best way to see this southern most Maine shoreline including Pepperrell Cove, Kittery Point and Whaleback Light that guards the entrance to Portsmouth Harbor.

Kittery Point juts out as a peninsula dotted with beautiful seaside homes and peaceful coves. When you are in Kittery, you should visit Seapoint Beach and Fort McClary, a 19th century military fort that protected the mouth of the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor. Named for N.H. Major Andrew McClary who died in the Revolutionary war at the Battle of Bunker Hill, Fort McClary is a state historic site and museum, not to mention a beautiful seaside park for a picnic. Fort Foster Park is another great Kittery sight, home to Whaleback Beach and Rocky Beach. "The oldest continuously run family store in North America” is located on Kittery Point too, Frisbee’s Market since 1828.

Kittery is probably best known for having some of the best outlet shopping in New England. There are over 120 Kittery outlets along a one-mile stretch of Route 1, just off I-95. The most famous shop is Kittery Trading Post, a three story shopping experience for outdoor enthusiasts with everything from camping, hunting and fishing supplies to ski, snowboard and kayak equipment.

Kittery also hosts great Maine restaurants, whether you hanker for a clam or lobster roll at a roadside shack or a classic waterfront restaurant like Cap’n Simeons, or a trendy café like Anneke Jans.

Lodging in Kittery ranges from hotels and motels near the outlets to cozy bnbs and inns near the waterfront.

Kittery Trading Post - Kittery Maine Shopping Since 1938, Kittery Trading Post has been outfitting people for the great outdoors. When you enter the Kittery Trading Post, you'll be impressed with a vast collection of brand name sportswear, outerwear, accessories and footwear for the whole family. A hike up to the upper level will find you venturing into our camping, rock climbing, winter and water sports departments. A stroll across our walkway will bring you into the largest shooting sports department in New England. Our archery & fishing departments are sure to capture the attention of every fishing & archery enthusiast. You'll find everything for the great outdoors on three levels of the most extensive selection of outdoor recreational equipment, clothing and footwear in New England.

Kittery Maine Lodging and Hotel Accommodations