Exeter is one of the most appealing small towns in New England, rich in history and culture and featuring an easygoing downtown scene. Just minutes from the New Hampshire coast, this vibrant destination offers the best of both worlds: coastal adventure and small-town charm. Each season offers something different, from colorful fall harbor views to crisp winter walks by the water. Summer truly is the best time to visit, thanks to warmer temperatures, vibrant beach towns, open-air dining, and long sunlit days along the New Hampshire coastline.
There are plenty of things to do in Exeter when you’re taking a break from the coast. Join a guided walking tour to uncover Revolutionary era stories, stroll along the Swasey Parkway or Phillip Exeter Academy campus, or spend an afternoon shopping along Water Street before heading toward nearby New Hampshire beaches. These experiences complement time spent along the New Hampshire coast, giving you ocean views and authentic local character in one trip.
After you’ve spent your day exploring the New Hampshire coast, staying at one of the finest Luxury Hotels in New Hampshire enhances your escape. Return to beautifully designed accommodations and a stylish atmosphere. We’re located right in the middle of downtown, offering elegant accommodations, elevated amenities, and attentive hospitality that create a romantic retreat for couples exploring the Seacoast. Book your getaway today!
What to Expect on the New Hampshire Coast
The New Hampshire coast offers something different in every season, making it a rewarding destination no matter when you plan your visit. Coastal towns, scenic ocean views, historic landmarks, iconic lighthouses, and inviting waterfront restaurants create an experience that reaches its peak in summer. Lively beaches and outdoor dining bring the Seacoast to life during these warmer months. For those who prefer a quieter visit, fall, winter, and spring offer fewer crowds, crisp coastal scenery, and a more relaxed way to explore the shoreline.
Spring arrives along the New Hampshire coast with a sense of renewal. Harbor towns begin to stir after winter, waterfront patios reopen, and coastal trails burst back to life with fresh greenery. In Portsmouth, Prescott Park’s gardens start to bloom and outdoor dining returns to Market Square, while Odiorne Point State Park becomes ideal for long walks beside tide pools and rocky shoreline. Just down the coast in Hampton, the historic Fuller Gardens bursts into color with thousands of seasonal blooms, including roses, tulips, and carefully tended English-style garden beds overlooking the Atlantic. Farmers’ markets reappear in Exeter and across the Seacoast, offering local seafood and handmade goods, a sure sign the season is underway.
The busiest season along the New Hampshire coast is, of course, summer. Summer brings the coast fully to life. Warm sunshine, long daylight hours, and lively seaside towns make it prime time for classic beach days and oceanfront adventures. The Hampton Beach boardwalk draws visitors for swimming, entertainment, and weekly fireworks displays, while Jenness State Beach in Rye attracts surfers and sunseekers looking for sweeping Atlantic views. Summer also brings popular events like the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival and outdoor theater performances, creating an energetic coastal setting that captures what New Hampshire is known for: fresh seafood, maritime heritage, and welcoming seaside communities.
Crisp ocean air and the colorful foliage of fall create dramatic contrasts against blue water and historic harbor towns. Scenic drives through Rye and New Castle reveal the shifting coastal scenery along the rocky shoreline, while Portsmouth hosts seasonal celebrations, like the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival and autumn markets. Cooler temperatures make it an excellent time for coastal walks, visits to historic sites like the Strawbery Banke Museum, or fresh oysters and chowder at waterfront restaurants, without the peak-summer crowds.
Winter brings a peaceful, distinctly New England character to the New Hampshire coast. The shoreline takes on a dramatic beauty as waves roll against granite outcrops and quiet beaches stretch wide under pale winter skies. In Portsmouth, the Strawbery Banke Museum’s seasonal ice skating rink creates a magical setting beneath historic homes, while holiday lights, parades, and winter markets add warmth to downtown streets. It is the perfect time for brisk oceanfront walks, cozy dinners by candlelight, and relaxed exploration of Seacoast towns that reveal a quieter side of the Atlantic in the colder months.
Stay at One of the Premier Luxury Hotels in New Hampshire
After a full day of exploring, the Inn by the Bandstand, one of the premier Luxury Hotels in New Hampshire, is just minutes from the coast. The inn itself dates back to the early 1800s. It reflects the architectural character that defines this classic New England town, with carefully preserved details that honor its heritage while offering modern luxury.
Our historic property features eight stunning guest suites and rooms, each designed with luxury finishes, curated art, and thoughtful details that create a romantic, elevated atmosphere. Enjoy a lovely dinner at our in-house fine dining restaurant, Ambrose. As the only AAA Four Diamond property on the Seacoast, we offer an unmatched level of personalized hospitality. Book your stay today!
