Best Beaches in New Hampshire to Visit with Your Family
Did you know that New Hampshire has just thirteen miles of scenic coastline? That number might seem small compared to other coastal states in the U.S. (California, for example, has over 800 miles of coastline), but those thirteen miles are well worth exploring with your family.
New Hampshire’s ocean beaches are a sheer delight. What they lack in warm water—this is New England after all— they make up for in clean, sandy fun and gorgeous views.
In addition to the state’s coastal beaches, there are many lovely freshwater beaches to explore as well. Whether you are a young family looking for easy access to the water and lots of amenities, or you have teens who like to head off the beaten path, there is a New Hampshire beach for you!
Here are six wonderful New Hampshire beaches to try with your family. Many of them are included in half-day bike tours of the NH seacoast.
1. Hampton Beach
Hampton Beach State Park is often the first beach that comes to mind when thinking about the beaches of New Hampshire. It is the biggest ocean beach in New Hampshire, with over a mile of wide, sandy shoreline.
The hard-packed sand seems to be made for strolling and lounging! You’ll find lifeguards, large restrooms and changing areas, and plenty of room to spread your blanket, even at high tide.
A fabulous bonus is the large, enclosed playground for kids, right next to the beach. Once inside the playground, you can relax—there is only one entrance and exit to watch. It’s a nice way to give kids a break from the sand and salt, and for parents to take a break from lifeguard duties.
Hampton Beach does get crowded in the high season, so plan your time carefully. Arrive early in the day in order to secure parking in the main lot or along the street. Coin-operated meters and pay stations are available.
The beach offers events all summer long, including a yearly sand sculpture event and musical performances in the bandshell. Plus, there are fireworks every Wednesday night in season.
Bring a blanket to sit on, something warm to sip, and sweatshirts for everyone. Drink-warming cups are also a great idea. It gets chilly in New Hampshire at night!
Traffic can be a bit intense leaving the fireworks, so if your crew is up for it, you might want to linger on the dark beach to let some of the cars clear out before departing.
One of the benefits of Hampton Beach is its proximity to the town, and you can find some really good places to stay here.
There is a strong honky-tonk vibe in the town, but it’s all in good fun. You’ll find yourself nostalgic for your own childhood beach days! You’ll find gift shops and food options galore (you may wish to set a family budget before exploring the offerings).
Try Sweet Hannah’s for homemade fudge and two dozen flavors of saltwater taffy. Sal’s pizza bills itself as “home to the biggest slice on the beach” and makes for a budget-friendly dinner option, while the Boardwalk Café offers live entertainment seven nights a week and a children’s menu that includes fish and chips.
Location: Hampton Beach State Park
160 Ocean Blvd Hampton,
NH 03842.
Find places to stay near Hampton Beach
- Ashworth by the Sea – 4-star hotel featuring classy rooms and suites with sea views on Ocean Boulevard.
- Atlantic Breeze Suites – Spacious comfy rooms with a traditional feel. Most rooms include balconies but try to pick one with an ocean view.
- Marguerite Motel – Budget-friendly rooms a short walk from the beach.
2. North Beach
North Beach, a couple of miles north of Hampton Beach, is a great pick for those wanting a slightly quieter beach day.
While the sand here is lovely, it does tend to get covered up at high tide, so watch those tide tables! The good news is that the beach is lined with large granite slabs, which make for perfect perches in a pinch.
The wave action here can be a bit intense, depending on the day, so just keep an eye out for any posted warnings. The flip side is that on a windy day, you and your kids might be able to spot surfers in the waves.
If you have daring teens (and maybe wetsuits!) you can even try the wave action out yourself. Skimboarding is another fun option if you aren’t up for surfing. There are multiple shops in the area that sell, or even rent, skimboards and other gear if you don’t have your own.
Metered parking is available at North Beach, and the bathhouse is open year-round, making this a convenient spot for a winter beach walk with the kids. Just bundle up and bring along some hot chocolate!
If you are hungry before or after your beach fun, stop in at nearby KB’s Bagels and Java. Choose from multiple flavors of bagels and spreads, ice cream, sandwiches, and a wide variety of hot and cold drinks. You are sure to find something to satisfy any appetite.