Nestled in southern Maine’s York County, Arundel is a small town with big New England charm. Surrounded by the scenic rolling hills and rivers of southern Maine, Arundel offers a relaxed rural vibe while being just minutes from the Atlantic coast. This friendly community (population ~4,300) features historic barns and antiques shops, and it’s perfectly situated off I-95 with quick access to the famous beaches and shops of Kennebunkport and the artsy shops of Biddeford. Whether you’re passing through on Route 1 or seeking a quiet getaway, Arundel’s mix of history, nature and coastal attractions is sure to delight visitors.
History & Heritage
Arundel’s story is rooted in early Maine history. The area was originally part of Cape Porpoise (Kennebunkport) and later known as North Kennebunkport after it incorporated in 1915. In 1957 the town adopted the name Arundel (pronounced “ARR-en-dəl”) in honor of Lord Arundel of Arundel Castle in West Sussex, England – a nod to the region’s English heritage popularized by local author Kenneth Roberts’ novel Chronicles of Arundel. The name Arundel itself traces back to the coastal town of Arundel in England. Today Arundel still wears its history proudly: many downtown buildings and homes date back a century or more, and local life still revolves around country roads, farms and Maine’s seafaring past.
Location & Zip Codes
Arundel covers about 24 square miles in southern Maine, bordered by the towns of Kennebunkport (to the southeast), Kennebunk (southwest), Biddeford (northeast), Dayton (north) and Lyman (northwest). Despite its small size, the town sits at a crossroads: Interstate 95 (the Maine Turnpike), U.S. Route 1 and State Routes 35 and 111 all run through Arundel, making it an easy stop for travelers. The official ZIP code for Arundel is 04046, which it shares with nearby Kennebunkport. (Some rural addresses use neighboring Kennebunk (04043) or Biddeford (04005) ZIP codes as well.) Arundel is in York County and part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area, so it’s just a short drive from Portland’s city sights while enjoying farmlands and fresh sea breezes.
Quick Facts & Census Highlights
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Population: About 4,264 (2020 U.S. Census), with steady growth since 2010. Recent estimates (2023) place the population near 4,500 as more people discover this peaceful town.
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Households & Income: Arundel has roughly 1,500–1,600 housing units (mostly single-family homes, over 90% owner-occupied) and about 1,500 families. The median household income is around $90,000–$95,000, higher than the Maine average, reflecting a comfortable, middle-class community.
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Housing: Median home values are in the mid-$300,000 range. Housing is largely suburban/rural in character – picture family farms, mobile home parks, and new subdivisions. The town has around 1,500 occupied homes and a few seasonal units, with only about 4% of housing in multi-family buildings.
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Demographics: The median age is about 43 years. Arundel is primarily residential; most people commute to nearby towns or to Portland for work. Family life is strong here, with many married households and children under 18.
With its safe neighborhoods, rural landscapes and proximity to beaches, Arundel has even been named one of Maine’s “best places to live.” These numbers paint a picture of a growing community that still feels like a quiet country town – the kind of place where neighbors wave and summer days stretch on the porch.
Top Attractions & Things To Do
While Arundel itself is small, it’s surrounded by a wealth of attractions. Here are 15 top things to do in and near Arundel, Maine (especially in Kennebunkport and Biddeford):
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Maine Classic Car Museum (Arundel): Car buffs won’t want to miss this impressive indoor museum on Route 1. It showcases over 50 rare classic cars (mostly 1940s–70s models) in mint condition, plus vintage signage and artifacts.
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Vinegar Hill Music Theatre (Arundel): A converted 1800s barn venue hosting summer concerts and events. This rustic outdoor theater attracts national and regional music acts and is famous for its intimate setting and friendly vibe.
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Frinklepod Farm (Arundel): A family-run orchard and farm market. Come for pick-your-own apples and pumpkins (in season), browse local produce and cider, or grab some fresh baked goods. The farm also has fun fall festivals and Halloween events.
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Antique Shops (Arundel): Arundel is known for antiques and vintage finds. Check out spots like Arundel Antiques and Antiques USA on Route 1 – full of old Maine steamer trunks, furniture, nautical décor and oddball collectibles.
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Mousam Lake & Golf (Route 35, Lyman): Just west of Arundel, this peaceful lake has public boat launches and lakeside cottages. On its southern shore, the Mousam Way Golf Course offers 18 holes amid scenic woods (perfect for golfers looking to avoid crowds).
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Kennebunkport RiverWalk (Kennebunkport): A 1-mile waterfront boardwalk along the Kennebunk River (south of Arundel). Stroll along shops, galleries and restaurants (like the historic Arundel Wharf seafood restaurant), watch boat traffic, or catch a picnic on the benches with river views.
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Walker’s Point Scenic Drive (Kennebunkport): Drive south from Arundel into Kennebunkport to see the Bush family estate at Walker’s Point and the rugged coastline of Goose Rocks Beach. The scenic Ocean Avenue loop is a popular drive for its ocean views and historic inns.
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Mother’s Beach & Gooch’s Beach (Kennebunkport): Family-friendly sandy beaches just a few miles from Arundel. Calm waters at Mother’s Beach make it ideal for kids. A short distance away, Gooch’s Beach (on the Kennebunk River) is perfect for sunning and watching lobster boats.
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Cape Porpoise Harbor (Kennebunkport): Visit the charming fishing village of Cape Porpoise. Walk the breakwater for harbor views, or take a lobster boat tour. Nearby Marsh Island has nature trails and wildlife. Don’t miss local spots like The Lobster Shack at Two Lights (just a bit north in Cape Elizabeth) for a classic Maine lunch.
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Nubble Lighthouse (York): One of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses, perched on a tiny island off York Beach. It’s about 15 miles northeast of Arundel. You can’t walk to it, but park onshore for panoramic views and beach access.
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Ogunquit Beach & Perkins Cove (Ogunquit): A lively summer destination 15–20 miles east of Arundel. Ogunquit’s wide sandy beach and the picturesque fishing harbor of Perkins Cove (with shops and seafood shacks) are always worth the drive. Ogunquit Playhouse offers theater performances in a historic venue.
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Downtown Kennebunkport: Stroll the quaint shops and art galleries in Dock Square, sip wine at a waterfront cafe, or join a harbor cruise from the pier. A visit isn’t complete without a photo at the famous Goat Island Lighthouse in the middle of the Kennebunk River (viewable from docks or by boat tour).
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Biddeford Trails & Beaches: East of Arundel, the Biddeford Pool/Goose Rocks area has quiet beaches and salt marsh trails (like the Ferry Beach State Park). The downtown arts district in Biddeford is also booming with galleries, the historic Chocolate Church Arts Center, and local breweries if you want indoor fun.
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Fortunes Rocks Beach (Biddeford): A hidden gem sandy cove about 10 miles north of Arundel. Very clean and less crowded than some tourist beaches. Great for long beach walks and shell hunting.
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State Parks Nearby: A few options are within easy reach. Wells Beach (Sunrise Park) and Drakes Island Beach (Ogunquit) are classic Maine beaches under 20 minutes away. Yellowbank Falls Preserve (Buxton) is a nearby waterfall if you want a woodland hike.
Each of these spots adds to the variety of things to do around Arundel – from lakes and trails to lighthouses and lively harbor villages. In short, this area is rich with the classic Maine experiences: fresh seafood shacks, handcrafted gifts, scenic drives and plenty of ocean sunshine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Arundel, Maine?
Arundel is a small town. The 2020 U.S. Census recorded about 4,264 residents. Recent estimates put the current population around 4,400–4,500 as the town grows slowly.
What is Arundel, Maine known for?
Arundel is best known as a quiet, family-friendly community near the Maine coast. It’s popular for its antique shops, classic car museum, and annual events like the Harvest Fest at Frinklepod Farm. Many visitors pass through on the way to Kennebunkport, and locals are proud of the town’s “Best Place to Live in Maine” reputation. People also appreciate Arundel’s convenient location – it’s a peaceful rural base for exploring southern Maine’s beaches and historic villages.
Where is Arundel, Maine located?
Arundel is in York County on the southern coast of Maine, roughly midway between Portland (30 miles north) and Portsmouth, NH (about 30 miles south). It sits just off Interstate 95 and along U.S. Route 1. The town is bordered by Kennebunkport to the southeast, Kennebunk to the southwest, Biddeford to the northeast, and Lyman and Dayton to the north. Arundel is part of the greater Portland–Biddeford region, so it’s easily reached from anywhere in southern Maine.
What is the ZIP code for Arundel, Maine?
The main ZIP code for Arundel is 04046 (the same postal code as Kennebunkport). Some Arundel neighborhoods might also use nearby Kennebunk (04043) or Biddeford (04005) ZIP codes, but 04046 is the primary one for mailing addresses. The area code is 207, like all of Maine.
What is the history or origin of the name “Arundel”?
The town was incorporated as North Kennebunkport in 1915, separating from Kennebunkport. In 1957, local enthusiasm for Kenneth Roberts’s historical novel Chronicles of Arundel led the Maine legislature to rename the town Arundel, after Lord Arundel of Arundel Castle in England. It harkens back to an even older era: Kennebunkport itself was called Arundel from 1701 until 1821, when it finally took its current name. So the name celebrates both Maine’s colonial past and its connections to England.
What are the best things to do in Arundel, Maine?
Despite its small size, Arundel has a few local attractions (like the Maine Classic Car Museum and Vinegar Hill Theater), and it serves as a gateway to area highlights. Classic choices include: antiquing on Route 1, visiting nearby beaches (Mother’s Beach in Kennebunkport or Parson’s Beach in Kennebunk), and driving the scenic Route 9 loop in Kennebunkport. Outdoor lovers enjoy nearby rivers for kayaking or hiking the conservation trails on the banks of the Kennebunk River. Of course, you can easily spend a whole day in Kennebunkport or Ogunquit exploring shops, lighthouses (like the Nubble), art galleries and seaside walks. In short: enjoy country roads and then head to the coast – it’s all easily accessible from Arundel.
What towns are near Arundel, Maine?
Arundel is surrounded by several well-known towns:
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Kennebunkport (5 miles southeast) – famous coastal village with shopping docks and beaches.
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Kennebunk (6 miles southwest) – a larger town with more shops, restaurants and scenic river views.
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Biddeford (about 8 miles northeast) – a city with a historic downtown, arts scene and quiet beach communities.
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Wells and Ogunquit (10–15 miles east) – popular resort towns with long beaches and summer attractions.
Other neighbors include Lyman and Dayton to the north, both rural and peaceful.
Where can I stay when visiting Arundel, Maine?
Arundel itself has limited lodging, but a few options exist for local flavor:
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Hemlock Grove Campground (Arundel) – A wooded campground with tent sites, RV hookups and cozy cabins. Great for families and campers (7 Bearskin Road, Arundel).
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Turnpike Motel (Arundel) – A simple roadside motel just off I-95 (Route 1) for overnight stays at budget rates.
For more comfort, the nearby towns of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport offer many hotels, inns and B&Bs: -
Cape Arundel Inn & Resort (Kennebunkport) – A charming seaside resort a few minutes from Arundel, with rooms, cottages and spa services.
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King’s Port Inn (Kennebunk) – A quiet inn on 11 acres of countryside, ideal for relaxers.
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Hampton Inn Kennebunkport-Kennebunk and Port Inn & Suites Kennebunk – Modern hotels with pools and breakfast, close to shops.
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Hemlock Grove Cabins (Arundel) – Newly built cabins at the campground for a private stay.
What are some good restaurants and dining options in Arundel, Maine?
Arundel has a few local eateries:
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Bandaloop (Arundel) – An organic, globally-inspired farm-to-table restaurant set in a renovated 18th-century barn. They offer creative dishes with local ingredients (closed Mondays).
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Bentley’s Saloon (Arundel) – A lively bar and grill known for its live music, BBQ-style menu and weekend lobster feasts. A fun “biker bar” atmosphere by day or night.
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Mike’s American Diner (Arundel) – Casual all-day diner serving breakfast, burgers and comfort food classics (open 24/7).
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The Arundel Wharf (Kennebunkport) – Just across the river, this scenic dockside restaurant (43 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport) serves Maine seafood with views of the Kennebunk River. It’s a top spot for lobster rolls and waterfront sunsets.
In neighboring towns you’ll find many more choices: fresh lobster shacks (like Clam Shack in Kennebunk), cozy pubs (Biddeford’s Dropkick Pub, etc.), gourmet dining (Kennebunkport’s Earth at Hidden Pond), and sweet treats (Beals Ice Cream in Kennebunk).
Is Arundel, Maine a good place to live or visit?
Absolutely. Arundel is consistently praised as a friendly, safe and scenic community. It was even named one of Maine’s Best Places to Live by Down East magazine in 2014. Families appreciate the good schools and community spirit, while visitors enjoy the quiet charm and easy access to beaches and attractions. The blend of country roads and coastal life makes it a lovely base or destination. Whether you’re driving through on a road trip or planning a cozy Maine getaway, Arundel offers a taste of the peaceful “Maine way of life” with all the nearby action you could want.
Where to Stay and Eat
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Lodging (Arundel & Nearby): Arundel doesn’t have large hotels, but it does have some cozy options. Hemlock Grove Campground features wooded tent sites, RV hookups and even rustic cabins (great for families). The Turnpike Motel (Route 1) provides basic rooms for travelers. For more amenities, check out nearby Kennebunkport and Kennebunk: the Cape Arundel Inn & Resort offers seaside cottages, the Port Inn & Suites has indoor pools, and the Hampton Inn Kennebunkport/Kennebunk is a reliable chain hotel. Quaint B&Bs and inns like King’s Port Inn give that homey Maine feel just a short drive away.
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Dining (Arundel & Nearby): In Arundel you’ll find solid local fare. Bandaloop serves fresh, farm-inspired cuisine in a rustic setting. Bentley’s Saloon dishes out BBQ, burgers and seafood with a fun party vibe (live music on weekends). For quick eats, Mike’s Diner is open late and beloved for pancakes or a bacon cheeseburger. A few miles down the road, Kennebunkport and Kennebunk offer dozens of places: try a lobster roll at The Arundel Wharf on the river, feast on fresh seafood at The Clam Shack, or grab homemade ice cream at a local creamery. Don’t miss Maine staples like blueberry pie or craft beer in one of the waterfront pubs – plenty of choices await in the surrounding towns if you want variety.
Whether you prefer a warm inn or camping under the stars, and whether you crave a casual diner or fine dining on the harbor, you’ll find it within easy reach of Arundel.
Visit Arundel: Your Friendly Maine Destination
With its quiet streets and scenic settings, Arundel offers a welcome break from busy city life. Here you can explore the rolling backroads, stop at roadside orchards for fresh cider and donuts, and breathe in the scent of pine and salt air. The town’s deep history (dating back to colonial days) blends with a vibrant local scene – summer concerts, farm stands, and people simply enjoying the outdoors. Arundel’s central location means you’re never far from sandy beaches, historic lighthouses and coastal adventures, yet the town itself feels like a peaceful retreat.
We invite you to experience Arundel, Maine: stroll through its historic village, savor fresh seafood by the water, and make memories in this charming corner of New England. Friendly locals, beautiful landscapes and the spirit of the Maine coast are ready to welcome you. Plan your trip, enjoy the local hospitality, and discover why Arundel is a special place to visit and explore.