Situated along the Piscataqua River at Maine’s southern edge, Kittery brings together maritime heritage, a vibrant village atmosphere, and easy access to neighboring Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In Kittery Foreside, historic buildings house independent shops and restaurants, while the surrounding coastline offers a quieter side of life on the Maine Seacoast. The town’s historic character and popular shopping district combine to offer traditional New England charm and modern convenience. For those drawn to coastal living, Kittery offers a range of settings, from village neighborhoods to waterfront properties.
Explore Kittery Foreside
Kittery Foreside offers a walkable downtown setting with independent businesses, galleries, cafés, and restaurants. Its historic streets and creative atmosphere provide a different experience from the town’s better-known shopping district, with plenty of opportunities to spend an afternoon browsing local shops or meeting friends for a meal.
Local favorites include Beach Pea Baking Co. for baked goods and café fare, Anju Noodle Bar for Asian-inspired cuisine, and The Black Birch for dinner. The neighborhood is also home to independent retailers and art spaces, including 3 Walker Contemporary Gallery.
Explore the Coast and Kittery’s Maritime History
Kittery’s coastal landscape offers opportunities to explore beaches, walking trails, and historic waterfront sites.
Fort Foster Park, on Gerrish Island in Kittery Point, features beaches, walking trails, picnic areas, and historic military remains, along with views toward the mouth of the Piscataqua River. It offers a way to experience the area’s natural setting while discovering part of its coastal history.
Nearby, Fort McClary State Historic Site overlooks the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor. One of Kittery’s notable historic landmarks, the fort preserves structures associated with coastal defense across several periods and reflects the town’s longstanding connection to the sea.
Kittery is also home to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, located on Seavey’s Island. Established by the federal government in 1800, the shipyard continues to overhaul, repair, and modernize submarines for the U.S. Navy.
The surrounding Kittery Point area offers a glimpse of the town’s historic character, with coastal roads, waterfront views, and neighborhoods shaped by its relationship with the sea. Nearby, the Memorial Bridge connects Maine and New Hampshire, with tribute panels sculpted by Boston artist Bashka Paeff in 1923 honoring Maine and New Hampshire sailors who died in World War I.
A Shopper’s Paradise
As you pass Kittery on I-95, there is little evidence of the magnificent coastal community brimming with history; but it’s hard not to detour off the highway for the 120 outlet stores along Rte. 1. From the eclectic mix of shops, visitors are known to stock the trunk with clothes, kitchen supplies, fishing equipment, luggage, shoes, furniture and gifts. The four-season shopping experience, especially around back-to-school and the holidays, keeps Kittery’s restaurants and hotels busy year-round.
Off the beaten path, the quaint cobblestoned downtown center, called Kittery Foreside, offers upscale restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and even a dance hall.
A Vibrant Arts and Culinary Scene
Kittery’s dining scene ranges from casual Maine favorites to creative independent restaurants, offering plenty of opportunities to explore the region’s food culture. Local businesses and makers add to the area’s character, while Kittery’s location just across the Piscataqua River from Portsmouth makes it an appealing part of Maine’s southern Seacoast.
For seafood and views of the Piscataqua River, visit Warren’s Seafood & More, or head to Robert’s Maine Grill, which serves seafood and other New England favorites near Kittery’s outlet shopping district.
For those drawn to life by the water, Eventide Condominiums on historic Badger’s Island offers a contemporary take on waterfront living. River views, private terraces, and refined interiors place the surrounding landscape at the heart of the experience, while the location keeps the shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions of Kittery and Portsmouth close at hand. Discover more in our feature on waterfront living at Eventide Condominiums, and explore the area through our Kittery Community Guide.
35 Badger's Island West 302, Kittery, ME 03904
Presented by Trevor Dodge and Marissa Hyland | Offered at $3,649,000
Eventide - Waterfront Living Reimagined
Set prominently along the Piscataqua River on historic Badger's Island, Eventide represents a rare opportunity to own true waterfront in the heart of the Seacoast. Designed for those who appreciate exceptional architecture, craftsmanship, privacy, and an effortless coastal lifestyle, Eventide offers a level of luxury and ownership rarely found in this market. Expansive windows and thoughtfully positioned residences bring the river into every home, creating ever-changing views of the water, boats, and surrounding landscape. Behind the beauty is exceptional construction-structural steel, concrete floors, advanced sound engineering, and a high-performance building envelope-delivering a sense of security, quiet, comfort, and privacy the moment you enter. Inside, sophisticated interiors are defined by a curated selection of luxury finishes and thoughtful design details, providing an elegant foundation that can be personalized to reflect each owner's individual style.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does Kittery have waterfront properties?
Yes. Kittery’s location along the Piscataqua River and surrounding coastline includes a variety of waterfront and water-view properties, from historic homes to contemporary residences and condominiums.
Where is Portsmouth Naval Shipyard?
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is located on Seavey’s Island in Kittery. Established in 1800, it is the oldest continuously operating naval shipyard in the United States and remains an important part of the region.
How close is Kittery to Portsmouth?
Kittery sits directly across the Piscataqua River from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, making it convenient for residents who want access to Portsmouth’s restaurants, shops, arts, and cultural attractions while living in Maine.
What is Kittery Point?
Kittery Point is a coastal area of town characterized by waterfront roads, historic properties, beaches, and views of the surrounding waterways. It provides a quieter coastal setting while remaining close to the amenities of Kittery Foreside and Portsmouth.
