From the storied white mountains to the charming towns along the scenic New Hampshire coastline, there are plenty of fantastic places worth exploring this year. The New Hampshire coastline may be small, but it’s packed with places worth exploring. There, you’ll find the sandy shores of Hampton Beach, perfect for a summer day in the sun or a brisk fall walk along the water. For something a bit quieter, Odiorne Point State Park offers rocky shores, scenic walking trails, and breathtaking ocean views. The historic city of Portsmouth is also close by, offering waterfront dining, boutique shopping, and cultural attractions like Strawbery Banke Museum. Whether you’re into fresh seafood, coastal drives, or simply soaking in the salty air, the New Hampshire coastline delivers year-round appeal.
While only 17 miles long, the New Hampshire coastline is a spectacular place to visit. However, we invite you to head just inland from the coastal beaches to the historic town of Exeter. There’s no place quite like it. It’s a town brimming with history, boutique shopping, and excellent dining. Founded in the 1600s, Exeter offers a walkable downtown lined with colonial-era architecture, independent bookstores, and cozy cafés. The American Independence Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into Revolutionary War history, while the nearby Phillips Exeter Academy campus is perfect for a peaceful stroll.
There, you’ll also find one of the most refined, elegant, yet relaxed places to stay in New England. The Inn by the Bandstand, in the historic heart of Exeter, is housed in an 1809 Federal-style building and blends modern luxury with old-world charm. Its thoughtfully designed rooms, personalized service, and gourmet restaurant make it one of the best hotels in Exeter, NH for a romantic escape or a refined weekend getaway. With its central location, you’ll be steps away from Exeter’s top attractions and just minutes from the expansive New Hampshire coastline. It truly is one of the best places to stay in New England, and we’d love to share it with you this year. Book your stay with us today and experience the Seacoast in style.
The Best Lodging on the New Hampshire Coastline
There are few places in the country that offer the same level of service, hospitality, and sense of place that you’ll find at the Inn by the Bandstand. We’re the only AAA four-diamond property on the New Hampshire coastline, and, as a member of the premier Select Registry portfolio of properties, we offer a craft lodging experience that’s second to none. Housed in a meticulously preserved 1809 Federal-style mansion, this boutique hotel in Exeter offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury.
Each of our eight guest suites is thoughtfully decorated with period antiques and fine art, creating an ambiance that reflects New England’s rich heritage. Modern amenities ensure a comfortable stay, seamlessly integrating the past and present. Beyond our exquisite accommodations, our guests will enjoy the Inn’s prime location in the heart of Exeter. You’ll be within easy walking distance to the town’s vibrant cultural scene, and just a short drive away, visitors can explore the picturesque beaches and charming coastal towns that define the region.
Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate the Inn’s on-site dining options. Ambrose Restaurant offers a unique dining experience, blending Continental and New England cuisine with unique global influences you can’t find anywhere else. The menu features locally sourced ingredients crafted into shareable small plates, offering a tantalizing treat for your tastebuds. Enjoy dining in our intimate dining room or, in warmer weather, on our gorgeous garden patio. Next door, housed in the same building but under separate ownership, awaits an equally delightful meal in the capable hands of the chef at Otis Restaurant.
Guests consistently praise the Inn for its exceptional hospitality and attention to detail. From fresh flowers daily flowers in your room to our thoughtful additional that elevate your stay, our dedicated staff ensures that each visitor’s experience is personalized and memorable. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a cultural excursion, or a coastal adventure, the Inn by the Bandstand offers an unparalleled lodging experience near the New Hampshire coastline.
Unique Things to Do in New Hampshire This Spring
Beyond its historic sites and scenic coastline, Exeter and the New Hampshire Seacoast offer a range of unique attractions. Whether you’re fascinated by offbeat history, crave hands-on experiences, or love exploring hidden gems, there’s something unexpected waiting around every corner.
Dive into Revolutionary War history at the American Independence Museum, sample craft spirits at a seacoast distillery, or take a lobster boat tour for a true taste of coastal life. Art lovers will appreciate the thriving gallery scene, while outdoor adventurers can explore salt marshes, tidal pools, and rocky shorelines in a way that feels completely different from the typical beach day. The opportunities for adventure are limitless, but we’ve listed a few of the most unique things to do in New Hampshire and along the seacoast this spring.
- Don’t miss the chance to visit the American Independence Museum in Exeter. It’s home to one of the few remaining original copies of the Declaration of Independence and does a wonderful job of bringing the Revolutionary War era to life.
- Take a scenic boat tour just off the coast of Portsmouth and explore the Isle of Shoals. You’ll tour historic sites, enjoy the coastal scenery, and hear ghostly tales of shipwrecks and pirates.
- Walk the only sand dunes on the New Hampshire coastline at Odiore Point State Park. This hidden gem in Rye features beautiful rocky shorelines, tidal pools, and the state’s only natural sand dunes. It’s also home to the Seacoast Science Center, which showcases local marine life and history.
- How about the chance to dine at a historic salt marsh farm-to-table brewery? A visit to Throwback Brewery is one of the more unique things to do in New Hampshire.
- Don’t miss the unique Strawberry Banke Museum. This open-air museum in Portsmouth brings over 300 years of history to life with historic homes, costumed interpreters, and seasonal events like candlelit holiday strolls and ice skating.
- Take a unique opportunity to paddle along the scenic Squamscott River. Rent a kayak or join a guided paddle to experience the calm waters of one of the Seacoast’s most picturesque rivers.
- Watch a show at the Music Hall, a historic theater in downtown Portsmouth. The theater hosts everything from live concerts to literary readings, comedy shows, and Broadway-style performances, making it one of the best places to visit on the Seacoast.
- Eat fresh lobster right off the docks, and enjoy one of the most unique things to do in New Hampshire – not to mention one of the most delicious thing! Head to a spot like Ray’s Seafood in Rye for a classic New England experience—cracking into a lobster with ocean views.
These experiences offer an unforgettable way to see Exeter and the New Hampshire coastline beyond the usual attractions, blending history, adventure, and local culture in ways you won’t find anywhere else. Book your stay at our top-rated hotel in Exeter, NH today!