New Hampshire is often celebrated for its lush, mountainous landscapes, with legendary fall drives, ski resorts, and more in the nearby White Mountains. There are also the sparkling lakes of the Lakes Region, too, like the famed Lake Winnipesaukee. But did you know there’s also a stunning coastline to explore? Though the coastline is small – at just 17 miles long – there are some incredible beaches in New Hampshire, and this summer is the perfect time to visit them.
The highlight of summer for many in New England is undoubtedly Hampton Beach. It’s one of the most popular beaches in New Hampshire and is known for its old-fashioned appeal that harks back to a simpler era. Here, visitors can indulge in everything from leisurely strolls along the boardwalk to lively concerts and festivals that animate the warm nights. The allure of New Hampshire’s beaches extends beyond mere nostalgia, however.
There are plenty of great beaches along New Hampshire’s Seacoast, perfect for everything from sunbathing and swimming to kayaking and fishing. The diversity of the coast offers something for everyone, and it’s easier than other more popular New England destinations to carve out a slice of beach for yourself. Perhaps most importantly, these beaches are just a short drive from our top-rated Exeter Hotel, the premier lodging destination on the Seacoast.
Offering exceptional service and luxurious accommodations, this hotel provides the perfect base to explore the area’s sandy shores and other exciting activities. With an elevated restaurant onsite and the charming town of Exeter as your backdrop, a stay at this distinguished hotel will surely elevate your summer vacation. Book your stay today!
The 5 Best Beaches in New Hampshire
Whether you’re looking for a vibrant destination filled with excitement, shopping, restaurants, and more or a quieter stretch of beach for an afternoon set to the lull of the ocean, there are plenty of delightful beaches in New Hampshire. The closest beach to our Exeter hotel is Hampton Beach, a 15-minute drive down the highway. There, you’ll find a vibrant coastal experience. Hampton Beach is beloved for its bustling boardwalk, quality entertainment, and clean, inviting sands.
The beach is accessed via Hampton Beach State Park. Though the town can sometimes feel crowded during the summer, the State Park offers plenty of opportunities for nature lovers to walk this sandy stretch of the New Hampshire Seacoast. Aside from being one of the best beaches in New Hampshire, Hampton Beach also serves as a hub of activities throughout the year, including summer concerts, fireworks, and the famous sand sculpting competition and fall Seafood Festival that draws crowds from near and far.
As wonderful as Hampton Beach is, it’s just one of the many incredible beaches in New Hampshire worth visiting this summer. Below are a few more of our favorites, all just a short drive from our hotel.
- Jenness State Beach in Rye is another of the top-rated beaches in New Hampshire. It’s located near Rye and is perfect for those looking for a quieter afternoon than Hampton Beach. North Beach State Park offers ample parking and beachside facilities, and the sandy shores here offer excellent opportunities for sunbathing and swimming.
- Drive about 25 minutes from our hotel, and you’ll find another of our favorite beaches in New Hampshire at Wallis Sands State Park. Wallis Sands State Beach offers a wonderful starting point for water sports, including kayaking and paddleboarding. The beach boasts expansive views of the Atlantic, clean sands, and well-maintained facilities. Its proximity to Portsmouth allows for easy access to city amenities, including dining and shopping, making it a perfect destination for enjoying the best of New Hampshire’s Seacoast.
- If your ideal day at the beach involves exploring tidepools, hiking or biking on trails, and enjoying unique history, don’t miss Odiorne Point State Park. The beach here is more rugged and rocky than other beaches in New Hampshire, but the diversity of things to do here makes it an exceptional spot to visit.
- Lastly, North Beach, just north of Hampton, provides a quieter alternative to its more famous neighbor, Hampton Beach. It is ideal for those seeking a peaceful day on the coast with fewer distractions and more space to enjoy the natural beauty of the seashore. Surfers frequently favor North Beach for its good wave conditions, and the extensive parking available makes it an excellent choice for a day at the beach.
More Things to Do on the Seacoast This Summer
As much as we love long, warm days on the beaches in New Hampshire, there are so many more great things to do on the Seacoast. From the sandy stretches of Hampton Beach to the historic ports of Portsmouth, this coastal region combines natural beauty with rich history for a truly unique and fun-filled summer getaway.
There’s a surprising array of things to do on this short 17-mile stretch of seashore! Whether you explore maritime heritage, indulge in local seafood, or enjoy lively festivals, you’ll have a diverse and engaging destination at your fingertips. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite ways to enjoy this scenic stretch of New Hampshire’s coast.
- Stroll through historic downtown Portsmouth, where you can enjoy shopping in its many boutiques, discover local art in galleries, learn more about its maritime history, and dine at its fabulous waterfront restaurants.
- While in Portsmouth, take a scenic cruise around the Isles of Shoals and learn about the area’s storied past.
- Visit the Strawbery Banke Museum, a stunning living history museum that has thoughtfully preserved one of the country’s oldest neighborhoods for over 350 years.
- Enjoy a performance at the historic Music Hall in Portsmouth.
- Launch a kayak at one of the many places along the Seacoast and enjoy touring the coastline in a different way. This is a great opportunity to spot local wildlife. One of our favorite places to launch is Odiorne Point State Park.
- Take a walk through the beautiful Fuller Gardens, a public garden that was once part of Alvan T. Fuller’s summer estate. It features thousands of roses, a formal English Garden, a Japanese Garden, and more.
- Explore Downtown Exeter, a charming town filled with fabulous boutiques, restaurants, museums, and other historic attractions—all just a stone’s throw from our boutique hotel.
Of course, no trip to the Seacoast would be complete without a stay at the area’s top-rated hotel. The Inn by the Bandstand, located in the heart of downtown Exeter, is an upscale boutique hotel offering incomparable lodging, exquisite dining, and world-class hospitality. There’s no better place to stay on the Seacoast. Book your stay at our Exeter hotel today!