While it’s true that New Hampshire doesn’t have a large coastline, we like to think it has one of the most beautiful! With just 13 miles of oceanfront landscape, it’s not hard to explore every inch. One of the best ways to do that is with this drive along New Hampshire seacoast towns. It offers beautiful views, as well as a few fun stops along the way. You can follow the whole thing starting at either direction by checking out this Google Map.

This road trip along Route 1A and Route 1B will take you along some of the most beautiful 22 miles in all of New Hampshire!
Google Maps
The 22-mile journey begins in one of our favorite New Hampshire spots! Portsmouth is a great launching point, offering lots of morning meal and beverage options. Plus, the morning sun just can't be beat.
Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA
John Elk III / The Image Bank via Getty Images
It’s the perfect spot to begin our New Hampshire road trip.
From Portsmouth, you'll take Route 1B towards New Castle over the causeway. The high point of this part of the trip is Great Island Common which you'll make a circle around before leaving the island and continuing on Route 1B. Soon it will connect to Route 1A and you'll go south.
Crystal Paradis / Flickr
New Castle is a gorgeous coastal town in New Hampshire.
Rye is next! This is another beloved New Hampshire coastal town which is also home to Odiorne State Park. If you have kids along for the ride, this is a fun place to spend some time exploring the tidal pools and the science center.
Odiorne Point State Park, Ocean Boulevard, Rye, NH, USA
mcleodmahon / TripAdvisor
This small town in New Hampshire is filled with mansions across the coastal route.
Wallis State Park and the beach here is next up! In the summer it's fun to spend some time laying around and playing in the water, but it's great to explore in the off-season too.
Wallis Sands Beach, Rye, NH, USA
By Steve Hedin, CC BY-SA 3.0
This beach is a stunning stop on this New Hampshire road trip.

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When you're back in the car heading along the route, you'll next pass Rye Harbor. Soak in the true New Hampshire beauty here.
Rye Harbor State Park, 1730 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870, USA
Jay McAnally / Flickr
One of our favorite stops in a small coastal New Hampshire town.
Jenness State Beach might seem like just another beach stop, but we promise this one is gorgeous. Another spot that's great any time of year, plan on taking off your shoes and enjoying the feel of the sand.
Jenness State Beach, 2280 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870, USA
aehdeschaine / Flickr
Arguably one of the sandiest beaches in New Hampshire, this gorgeous stop is a must-see on this New Hampshire road trip.
Next up is the famous Hampton Beach! It might look calm in this photo, but we promise this place is packed in the summer. Expect lots of places to eat and drink. Consider stopping for a snack here.
Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH 03842, USA
Robert Laliberte / Flickr
This is one of the most famous coastal towns in New Hampshire.
And finally, pull off of Route 1A as you near the end of your journey. This is Seabrook and it's where you'll want to dig into some serious seafood! We love Markey's Lobster Pound for this very important stop.
Markey's Lobster Pool, 420 NH-286, Seabrook, NH 03874, USA
slungo / TripAdvisor
It’s a great place to eat on this New Hampshire road trip.
The journey on the road without getting out is under one hour, but with all the stops we recommend it could take up to two hours. There's a good chance you'll be more than ready for some lobster and fried clams, so be sure to dig in!
Heather G / TripAdvisor
When you're done, simply head back the same way you came and think back on a great day on the most beautiful coastal drive in New Hampshire.

What’s your favorite scenic drive in New Hampshire? Let us know in the comments so we can check it out for ourselves.

If you’ve got a full gas tank and just need some ideas, we’ve got plenty! These 7 beautiful byways in New Hampshire are perfect for a scenic drive.

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New Hampshire Seacoast Towns

Megan McDonald | May 05, 2023

What are the Colonial towns of New Hampshire?

New Hampshire has a rich colonial history, and several towns still retain their colonial charm and architecture. Here are some of the notable colonial towns in New Hampshire:

Here are some of the colonial towns of New Hampshire:

  • Portsmouth: Located on the seacoast, Portsmouth is a historic colonial town that dates back to the early 1600s. It features brick sidewalks, quaint shops, and numerous historic landmarks, including the Governor John Langdon House and the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion.
  • Exeter: Founded in 1638, Exeter is a historic town in southeastern New Hampshire. It has a picturesque downtown area featuring colonial-era buildings and shops, including the historic Phillips Exeter Academy, founded in 1781.
  • Amherst: Founded in 1728, Amherst is a small colonial town in southern New Hampshire. It has several historic sites, including the Daniel Webster Birthplace State Historic Site, which features a colonial-style home where the famous orator and statesman was born in 1782.
  • Deerfield: Deerfield is a historic town located in central New Hampshire. It has several well-preserved colonial-era buildings, including the Deerfield Inn, which was built in 1778, and the Old Meeting House, which dates back to 1769.
  • Hanover: Hanover is a historic college town in western New Hampshire. It is home to Dartmouth College, which was founded in 1769 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in the United States. The town has several historic buildings, including the 1780-built Dartmouth College Hall and the 1773-built Baker Memorial Library.

 

Does New Hampshire have a long coastline?

No, New Hampshire does not have a long coastline. In fact, it has the shortest coastline of any U.S. state that has a coastline. New Hampshire's coastline stretches for only about 18 miles (29 kilometers) along the Atlantic Ocean. The coastline is characterized by beautiful sandy beaches, rocky shores, and picturesque harbors. Despite its relatively small size, the New Hampshire coast offers visitors opportunities for beach activities, scenic views, and exploring charming coastal towns.

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