SEACOAST BEACH GUIDE

There is nothing better than Summer on the Seacoast! Whether you love spending summer days swimming in the ocean, surfing the waves, enjoying a picnic with an ocean view or just going for a scenic ride along Route 1A, our 17 miles of coastline offers something for everyone!

HAMPTON BEACH STATE PARK  - HAMPTON, NH

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

HOURS: 8:00am - Midnight

PARKING: Primarily metered 8am-midnight; $15/vehicle at South Beach, seniors park free

PUBLIC RESTROOMS: Yes, several spots located along the beach

DOG-FRIENDLY: Dogs allowed October 1 to April 30

LIFEGUARD: On duty June 15 to September 8, 9:00am - 5:30pm 

HAMPTON BEACH - HAMPTON, NH

Hampton Beach is a popular beach destination that is fun for the whole family! Enjoy spending the day building sandcastles and swimming or catch a show at the Casino Ballroom! From live performances to games at the boardwalk, there is truly something for everyone at Hampton Beach!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

HOURS: 8:00am - 8:00pm

PARKING: Primarily metered 8am-midnight; $15/vehicle at South Beach, seniors park free

PUBLIC RESTROOMS: Yes, several spots located along the beach

DOG-FRIENDLY: Dogs allowed October 1 to April 30

LIFEGUARD: On duty June 1 to September 13, 9:00am - 5:30pm 

NORTH BEACH - HAMPTON, NH

North Beach, referred to as “where the wall begins,” is a great place to swim, surf and have fun at the beach! The sand area is limited at high tide so make sure to plan your trip during low tide. Enjoy the scenery while walking the 3-mile stretch along the sea wall. North Beach is a great place to watch the waves crash over the wall during stormy seas! Speaking of waves, if you want to try your hand at surfing be sure to check out Cinnamon Rainbows Surf!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

HOURS: Dawn to dusk

PARKING: Metered 8am-midnight; $15/vehicle at South Beach, seniors park free; handicap accessible

PUBLIC RESTROOMS: Yes

DOG-FRIENDLY: Dogs allowed October 1 to April 30

LIFEGUARD: On duty June 1 to August 30, 10:00am - 5:00pm 

NORTH HAMPTON STATE BEACH – 

NORTH HAMPTON, NH

North Hampton State Beach has something for everyone! Relax and build sand castles on the sandy section of the beach or explore and find treasures in the rocky section!  North Hampton State Beach is often less crowded making it a great spot to spend the day with the family without worrying about the hustle and bustle of some of the busier seacoast beaches. After spending the day in the sun, head across the street to The Beach Plum for some of the best ice cream and lobster rolls around!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

HOURS: 8:00am – Midnight

ACTIVITIES: Swimming, picnicking 

PARKING: Metered Parking Available

PUBLIC RESTROOMS: Yes

DOG-FRIENDLY: Dogs not allowed 

LIFEGUARD: June 1 through Mid-August 10:15am - 4:45pm

JENNESS STATE BEACH | RYE, NH

A popular surfing destination, Jenness Beach is smaller than nearby Hampton Beach and offers a more low-key experience. Jenness is a family friendly beach with lifeguards on duty who keep the surfers and beach goers separated so everyone can safely enjoy their beach day! Interested in surfing or lessons? Check out Summer Sessions! If you’re hungry, pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic on the beach or stop into one of the many local restaurants and enjoy lunch with a view! 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

HOURS: Dawn - Dusk 

ACTIVITIES: Swimming, surfing, picnics

PARKING: Metered lot, 8am-midnight, free parking along the main road

PUBLIC RESTROOMS: Yes, open 8am-8pm, May 31 to October 31

DOG-FRIENDLY: October 1 to April 30

LIFEGUARD: On duty June 1 to September 7, 10:00am - 5:00pm

WALLIS SANDS STATE BEACH - RYE, NH

Wallis Sands Beach is cozy and comfortable making it the perfect spot for families! During the summer months you will find a snack bar, showers, changing rooms, a picnic area, and even a place to buy beach toys! During low tide, enjoy walking along the beach and taking in the incredible views of the Isles of Shoals!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

HOURS: 8am - 6pm

ACTIVITIES: Swimming, Picnicking

PARKING: $15/vehicle, Season passes available, Seniors 65+ park for free

PUBLIC RESTROOMS: Yes

DOG-FRIENDLY: October 1 to April 30 

LIFEGUARD: On duty June 1 to September 7, 10:00am – 5:00pm

GREAT ISLAND COMMON | NEW CASTLE, NH

Great Island Common is a wonderful park with 34 acres of greenspace and beach. Enjoy wonderful views of the Piscataqua River, two lighthouses, and the Kittery, ME coastline across the way. Pack your lunch and enjoy a picnic with family and friends, look for crabs at the stone benches, or take a walk along the walking trail! The kids will love playing on the playground while the adults play volleyball or just sit in a chair, relax and take in the breathtaking views! Great Island Common is a little piece of paradise, anytime of year!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

HOURS: 9:00am – 9:00pm 

ACTIVITIES: Playground, green area, pavilions for parties/picnics/grilling, swimming, volleyball

PARKING: $2-4/person or season pass, Free for New Castle residents

PUBLIC RESTROOMS: Yes

DOG-FRIENDLY: Dogs not allowed May 15 to September 15