Beaches
New Hampshire's salt water ocean beaches are sometime overlooked by travelers from outside New England, simply because the state has only a short stretch of Atlantic Ocean coastline. Short as it is, the New Hampshire coastline is a beauty. Five state-managed ocean beaches offer wide, sandy expanses for play and out of the salt water. Adjacent waterfront lodging, including the category of beach and ocean resorts, allows you to find rooms, dining, and entertainment within earshot of the surf.
Beaches in New Hampshire cover a beautiful gamut of fresh water, inland beaches. Big recreational lakes, among many, are Winnipesaukee and Squam lakes, where generations of families from inside and outside the state enjoy water fun. Lake resorts offer plenty of room for families to stretch out between forays to the water for swimming, fishing, and boating.
7 listings
Hampton Beach, NH
Hampton Beach Village District
115 Ocean Boulevard 603-926-8717Fishing, strolling, paddling: you can find it all in the sands at Hampton Beach and surrounding area
When is a beach more than a beach? When it’s Hampton Beach and its surrounding sandy spots, of course. Hampton Beach features miles of sand and a band shell amphitheater. Hampton Beach State Park, at the mouth of the Hampton River, features white-sand beaches perfect for swimming, with tidal pools for the kids to play in. North Hampton State Beach is close to restaurants and an ice cream stand, and Wallis Sands State Park offers vacationers a 700-foot sandy beach that is 150 feet wide at high tide. There’s a convenience store at Jenness State Beach, and the amusement rides and games are nearly endless at Salisbury Beach. Most beaches have lifeguards, bathhouses and restrooms in season. Several also offer fishing and boat ramps.
Hampton, NH
Hampton Beach State Park
160 Ocean Blvd (Route 1A) 603-926-3784Ocean swimming, fishing, RV camping on the shore
This is among the best places for ocean swimming and sunbathing on the short but beautiful New Hampshire Atlantic shoreline. Beach is open weekends starting in late May, and daily June through Labor Day, then on weekends from Labor Day through October. Lifeguards are on duty at the Main Beach. There is a handicap accessible ramp at the Seashell Complex. Park map.
See full description of Hampton Beach State Park
North Hampton, NH
North Hampton State Beach
Route 1A 603-436-1552Wonderful oceanfront sandy beach. Good for swimming and picnicking. Open weekends starting in late May, then daily from June through September. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Bathhouse and lifeguard service after mid-June. Parking meters on Route 1A accept quarters ($1.50 an hour) and tokens. Tokens can be purchased at parking lot south of Hampton Seashell, restroom on Ross Avenue, and restrooms at North Beach, Jenness Beach, and North Hampton State Beach.
Rye, NH
Jenness State Beach
2280 Ocean Blvd (Route 1A) 603-436-1552Small and family friendly sandy beach with bathhouse
Sandy beach is excellent for swimming and picnicking. Bathhouse; lifeguards after mid-June. Parking meters on Route 1A accept quarters ($1.50 an hour) and tokens. Tokens can be purchased at parking lot south of Hampton Seashell, restroom on Ross Avenue, and restrooms at North Beach, Jenness Beach, and North Hampton State Beach. The beach is open weekends starting in late May, then daily from June through September. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates.
Rye, NH
Odiorne Point State Park
570 Ocean Blvd. 603-436-7406At Odiorne Point State Park is a green arrowhead jutting into the mouth of Piscataqua River, just a little southeast of the lively city of Portsmouth. The park has a rocky shore and views of the ocean and the Isles of Shoals. Picnicking is encouraged. An extensive trail system winds through the park. The Seacoast Science Center, located in the park, has exhibits about the natural history of the Seacoast area (separate admission fee; center phone number is 603-436-8043 ).
Visitors can make a parking reservation in advance. Walk-in spaces are available, first come/first-served. A bathhouse is located at the main entrance. Porta-potties are at the boat launch. [ photo courtesy of NH State Parks]
Hours: Main entrance, daily, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; boat launch, daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Above age 11, $4; children age 6-11, $2. Free for state residents above age 65. Season passes are available.
Rye, NH
Wallis Sands State Park & Beach
1050 Ocean Boulevard (Route 1A) 603-436-9404Small sandy family beach with lifeguards
Oceanfront swimming, views of the Isles of Shoals, and a sandy beach especially good for families. Picnicking allowed; no fires. Beach is open weekends starting in late May, then daily, June through September. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Facilities a store, bathhouses, showers, and lifeguards after mid-June. Pets not allowed. Admission fee by vehicle.
Hampton, NH
North Beach
Route 1A 603-436-1552Beautiful oceanfront setting with a sandy beach that is ideal for swimming and picnicking. Parking meters on Route 1A accept quarters ($1.50 an hour) and tokens. Tokens can be purchased at parking lot south of Hampton Seashell, restroom on Ross Avenue, and restrooms at North Beach, Jenness Beach, and North Hampton State Beach. Facilities beach include a bathhouse and lifeguards, on duty after mid-June.