New Hampshire offers a remarkable concentration of natural beauty and historical depth in a compact New England state. From the towering White Mountains and the iconic summit of Mount Washington to the serene shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and the pristine Atlantic coastline at Hampton Beach, visitors encounter dramatic landscapes at every turn. Portsmouth anchors the seacoast with its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and a thriving culinary scene, while the Lakes Region provides summer watersports and leisurely cruises. Fall foliage transforms the state into a mosaic of crimson and gold each October, drawing leaf-peepers from across the Northeast. The state's 'Live Free or Die' ethos permeates everything from its lack of sales and income taxes to its independent political culture.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in New Hampshire.
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- Boardwalk entertainment
- Concession stands
- Restrooms and showers
- Lifeguards (mid-June to Labor Day)
- Parking (metered and lots)
- Volleyball courts
Hampton Beach
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- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Picnic area
- Fishing access
- Boat launch nearby
Hampton Beach State Park
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- Lifeguards (mid-June to Labor Day)
- Restrooms
- Snack bar
- Picnic tables
- Ample parking lot ($15–$20/day USD)
Wallis Sands State Beach
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- Fishing pier
- Picnic area
- Restrooms
- Small parking lot ($5 USD)
Rye Harbor State Beach
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- Restrooms
- Small parking area (free)
North Beach (Rye)
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- Lifeguards (summer)
- Restrooms
- Snack bar
- Metered parking ($2/hr USD)
Jenness State Beach
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- Freshwater swimming
- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Picnic area
- Playground
- Boat launch nearby
Ellacoya State Beach (Lake Winnipesaukee)
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.