It feels very New England—classic homes, chowder shacks, and lighthouses wrapped in sea mist. It’s small but super accessible—you can hit several beaches in one day. You get a little bit of everything: surf, sand, rocky points, and beach-town fun.
The New Hampshire shoreline is tiny but mighty—stretching only 18 miles, it’s the shortest coastline of any U.S. ocean-facing state, yet it’s packed with character, history, and classic New England charm. Think rocky headlands, long sandy beaches, seaside boardwalks, and a mix of laid-back surf and small-town energy.
The New Hampshire Vibe
- Hampton Beach – The heart of the NH coast: Classic beach boardwalk meets carnival energy. Soft, sandy beach with lifeguards and waves good for boogie boarding. Boardwalk with arcades, fried dough, seafood stands, shops, and live music.
- Crowd: Very family-friendly, but gets packed in summer. Really packed.
- Nightlife: Hampton Beach is big on nightlife. It has a lot of bars and at least one very large music venue. It’s a big party town.
- Biking: Try the New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway—a coastal trail in development, connecting beaches and towns.
Food
There’s some very good seafood joints here. Hampton Beach has all the classic beach food. Most of it is not what a cardiologist would recommend but there are some good healthy options.