Undoubtedly one of the best beach towns in New Hampshire is Hampton, with Hampton Beach being the largest in the state. For summertime fun and dips in the ocean, it’s a great spot for a summer vacation in New Hampshire!
After spending some time in this area, I’m excited to share with you all the best things to do in and around Hampton Beach. With a breakdown of the different ocean beaches available, to scenic coastal walks, to beautiful gardens, there’s a little something for everyone to check out during your visit.
Let’s get started.
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Best Things To Do In & Around Hampton Beach, NH
1. The Beaches, Of Course
I mean, it’s the reason most people visit the area, so the beaches have to be on your itinerary.
The main beach in Hampton is, aptly named, Hampton Beach. You’ll find this one centered in the downtown area along the boardwalk, and it’s walkable from many of the hotels in town. This beach has a more lively vibe, and is accessible to amenities like bathrooms and foot-washing stations.
A bit further down the road just outside of downtown is Hampton Beach State Park, or Hampton South Beach (I’ve heard it called both). This is my preferred beach in town when visiting, as I love having the grassy sand dunes for a more New England feel. This beach also tends to have a more peaceful atmosphere, and it’s home to a nice rock jetty that’s fun to check out.
Since this is a state beach, you’ll pay an admission fee at the gate, and you’ll have to follow park hours if you want to enter with a vehicle. However, you can easily walk from the main Hampton Beach to the State Park/South Beach along the shore. How far your walk will be just depends on where in town you’re coming from, but it’s such a lovely one to take, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Going further up the coast heading toward Rye, you can also visit North Hampton State Beach, which is a nice one, but often has a lot more seaweed and rocks. It’s not the best option for swimming. It does, however, have bathroom facilities, and a cute little food place across the street – Beach Plum.
If you venture to the neighboring town of Rye, you’ll also have access to some more great beaches, including Jenness State Beach, and Wallis Sands State Beach.
Between these two, my pick is Wallis because I think it’s just a touch prettier, but honestly both are great. I actually slightly prefer the beaches in Rye over the beaches in Hampton.
If you’re looking to take up surfing, or need to rent surfing gear, you can head to Summer Sessions, right across the street from Jenness Beach in Rye.
2. Stroll The Boardwalk
Besides the beaches, the Hampton Boardwalk scene is definitely the other main attraction, and it’s also the heart of the downtown area. Running along Hampton Beach, the boardwalk stretches the entire length of the beach, and is lined with arcades, shops, restaurants, and bars.
It’s one of those places that has more of a carnival vibe, but there’s truly no shortage of places to check out. This is also a great place to stroll if you’re looking to visit souvenir shops, and get some unique snacks and food.
3. Eat Your Heart Out
Speaking of carnival vibes and food, you’ll find so many distinctive and fun snacks along the boardwalk, and one of the best things to do is get a bunch of different things to try. I’m talkin’ mac & cheese in a cone, build your own popcorn bags, fried dough, candy stores galore, all kinds of ice cream, fun drinks … I mean, they really have it all.
While this may not seem super exciting, one of my favorite unique foods to get along the boardwalk is the Pancake Fruit Tacos from Ocean Spray Café. I’m a sucker for pancakes and berries, so these are right up my alley, and they’re so good.
However, whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it along the boardwalk, so it’s necessary to come hungry.
4. Don’t Leave Without Trying Fluffy Chowder
Invented in the neighboring town of Rye just a few minutes from Hampton, fluffy chowder is one food you don’t want to skip.
The first place to have ever served fluffy chowder is Rye’s Lobster Pound, which is right at the harbor, and it’s the only place in town to get the original, authentic recipe. This tiny, unassuming shack is a no-frills order at the counter and take your food to a picnic table kind of place, but the fluffy chowder here is just that good.
So, what is fluffy chowder? It’s definitely a New Hampshire thing – I’ve never seen it outside of the Seacoast area, and I’ve traveled pretty extensively around New England. The base is a classic New England clam chowder, and it’s topped with chunky lobster pieces and a sherry butter sauce. How does that make it fluffy, exactly? Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe the addition of the lobster on top gives it that appearance? I guess I could see that 😉 But whether or not the name makes any sense, it’s fantastic just the same.
Pro Tip: Parking at the harbor is free for 30 minutes only. If you’re staying longer than that, it’s $10 to park as of 2025. If the lobster pound has a line, which you’ll be able to see as you’re pulling in, you’ll want to just bite the bullet and pay to park so you don’t have to feel rushed. However, if you’re just coming for some chowder and there’s not a long line, you should be able to order and eat in 30 minutes if you don’t want to pay for parking.
There are two other places in Rye that make similar fluffy chowders: Petey’s and Ray’s. Both these places can’t claim to serve the true fluffy chowder because that belongs to Rye Harbor Lobster Pound, but it’s pretty similar. I, however, still think Rye’s Lobster makes the best one. Both these places have a more expansive seafood menu, though, and I prefer the outdoor seating area at Ray’s a bit better because they have a great patio with lovely marsh views. But some people like the food a tiny bit better at Petey’s. Both of these options have indoor seating areas, too.
5. Get A Fun Latte From Flamingo Coffee Bar (Swiftie Approved)
If you’re looking for something a little different for your morning pick-me-up, you’ll want to head to Flamingo Coffee Bar, which is just a block off the main boardwalk. Not only do they have all kinds of different coffee creations to choose from, they even have special Taylor Swift drinks inspired by her songs.
Flamingo actually became a little Instagram famous when they posted a negative review they received on Yelp that called them “Disgustingly pro-women,” and turned it into merch. So yes, you can buy a “Disgustingly pro-women” t-shirt when you visit, from which a portion of the sales get donated to Exeter Area Womenade.
But, back to the drinks. You can also get your basic coffee and tea here (which is honestly what I usually do – I’m always a chai girl). They often carry doughnuts from Angry Doughnut in Newburyport, MA, and their bagels are also yummy. Honestly, everything I’ve ever gotten here has been great.
6. Enjoy A Gorgeous Sunrise
The beaches in Hampton are east-facing, which means you’ll get a perfect view of the sun as it rises. You can easily walk out to the boardwalk and watch the sun rise during your visit. On a clear morning, it’s truly so beautiful. And besides the getting up early part, it’s very easy to do.
In fact, parking along the main beach and boardwalk doesn’t start charging until 8a, so if you have to drive over, it’ll be free to park until then, and there are always plenty of spots available this time of the day.
7. Explore Fuller Gardens
Tucked away in the northern part of Hampton, you’ll find Fuller Gardens.
Spanning over three acres, it’s best known for their incredible rose garden, with thousands of blooms throughout the summer that make you feel as though you’d stepped into a quaint English garden. You’ll also find a Japanese garden, greenhouse displays, and seasonal plantings that change throughout the year, which usually features a dahlia patch in the summer.
8. Take A Scenic Drive Or Walk Along Ocean Boulevard
Also called Route 1A, but Ocean Boulevard is a much more accurate descriptor of this scenic road that spans from Hampton to Rye.
What I love most about this road is that you can drive it, but also walk it, as there’s a great paved pedestrian path that follows along most of the road. If you travel between Rye and Hampton during your trip, you’ll be driving this road. However, I also highly recommend walking it.
To enjoy the walk on the most scenic parts of the road, you’ll want to park at North Hampton State Park, which is right next to the Little Boar’s Head Scenic Walk & Historic Area. From there, walk through the path by the little cottages and fishing shacks, pass by the lovely community garden, and head north on the path to enjoy the best coastal views.
Just be sure to bring your camera because there are lots of great places to take photos along the way!
9. Spend Some Time At Ruth G. Stimpton Cove
This little waterfront park is such a gem in Hampton. While small, it’s a great spot to check out when you’re in town. Named after Ruth G. Stimpson, a beloved local teacher and environmental advocate, the park honors her dedication to the community and preservation of the area’s coastline.
While here, you’ll enjoy water views, benches for sitting, and you can even take a seat along the coastline on the giant sea rocks for even better views.
It’s also home to a couple of historic fish shack buildings that reflect Hampton’s long fishing heritage, offering a glimpse into the town’s past.
Parking can be found at North Beach in Hampton, or if you’re up for taking a longer walk, you can get there by foot from downtown Hampton.
10. Get A Yummy Lemonade Refresher From Kooks
Located in Rye, Kook’s is a really fun place to visit for coffee, refreshers, breakfast and lunch. However, my favorite thing to do here is stop by after a day at the beach (or on my way!) for one of their lemonades. They have quite a few different flavors to choose from, and they just really hit the spot on a warm summer day. My favorite one I’ve gotten so far has been the blueberry peach lemonade refresher.
If you wanted to come by for breakfast or lunch, they also have seating outside, with glimpses of the salt marshes to enjoy while you dine.
11. Head Out On The Seacoast Greenway
The Seacoast Greenway is part of a larger regional effort to create a scenic trail system connecting communities along New Hampshire’s short but beautiful coastline.
When 100% complete, it will link Hampton to Portsmouth and the East Coast Greenway, offering walkers, runners, and cyclists a safe and picturesque route to enjoy.
Currently, you can pick up the trail on Depot Road in Hampton Falls, which will come right up in Google Maps, and is only 10 minutes or so from downtown Hampton. You’ll park in the dirt lot, and immediately be met with some beautiful ponds and salt marshes before heading out onto the Greenway for a scenic stroll or bike ride.
12. Explore The Marsh Ecosystem By Kayak
The Seacoast Science Center offers very cool wildlife kayak tours through the Hampton area ecosystem, which includes beautiful salt marshes and ponds.
Guided by naturalists and Marine Mammal Rescue team members, you’ll get a quick introduction to kayaking before heading out onto the water to look for, and learn about, the local wildlife. This is such a fun activity for anyone looking to explore a different side of the Seacoast during their visit.
13. Admire The New Hampshire Marine Memorial
This one is easy to do from the Boardwalk in downtown Hampton. Dedicated to New Hampshire service members lost at sea during World War II, the memorial features a striking granite monument carved from materials in the Swenson quarries in Concord, NH, and is in the shape of a woman holding a laurel wreath looking out into the ocean.
It’s such a beautiful sculpture and dedication to lose who were lost, and I really recommend seeing it during your visit.
14. Take In An Outdoor Concert & Fireworks
Located at Seashell Stage along the boardwalk in the heart of downtown Hampton, you can actually enjoy free concerts each night during the summer season. Seating is limited, but still larger than you’d think for a stage by the sea! There’s also a great mix of music, from country bands to rock bands, so during your multi-night stay, you’re sure to find a night that suits your preferences.
In addition to the free nightly concerts, there are also free fireworks shows every Wednesday night in the summer, which can easily be seen along the boardwalk, and begin around 9:30p.
Pro Tip: Concerts and fireworks are subject to cancellations due to weather, and the town’s Facebook page does a great job with updates if an event is changed or cancelled.
15. Visit The Blue Ocean Discovery Center
Last on my list is the Blue Ocean Discovery Center, which is a non-profit, hands-on marine science center lets you get up close with sea creatures in its interactive touch tanks.
You’ll get the chance to hold starfish, crabs, and more during your visit. Exhibits also highlight the importance of ocean conservation, and seasonal activities include beach cleanups, and marine mammal rescue education. It’s an engaging way to learn about the local marine environment, while enjoying a unique and family-friendly experience, right in the heart of downtown Hampton.
Where To Stay Near Hampton Beach
I’ll be completely honest with you, I haven’t found a hotel in the Hampton Beach area that I love. I’ve found the hotels here to be a little underwhelming, and many of them dated. There are some good options for your stay, of course, but I have yet to find a place to stay that I feel has been 100% worth the money – or, offer a nice, upscale experience that stands out.
However, these are what I think are the best places to stay when visiting Hampton:
→ 925 Ocean: My overall pick for best hotel in the area. It’s newly-renovated, clean, and right across the street from the beach in North Hampton, where you can easily pick up a walking path along the coastline. You’re a short drive away from the main boardwalk area, so you won’t be able to walk to most of the restaurants and shops, but this means you’ll experience a quieter and more relaxed vibe during your stay. Many rooms also have balconies.
→ The Surf House: Located just a block from the main boardwalk and beach, this is a newer hotel that’s basic, but is in a great location with an outdoor pool. You’re also a block from the awesome Flamingos coffee bar, which was super convenient for breakfast during my stay. It was already showing some signs of wear and tear during my stay, but it’s still one of the better options in town.
→ Ashworth By The Sea: This is the most popular place to stay in Hampton, as it’s located right on the main boardwalk area across the street from the beach.
Visiting Hampton Beach – Answering Your Questions
Is Hampton Beach Worth Visiting?
So, full confession – I didn’t like Hampton Beach when I first visited. To this day, it’s not my favorite coastal destination in New England. That said, it has really grown on me over time, and now, I do believe it has a lot to offer. It was more of a slow-burn destination for me.
The most important thing to know is that it has a very distinct vibe that’s more akin to Atlantic City than New England. Some may call it kitsch or cheesy, and some love it because it’s lively and perfectly nostalgic. It really just depends on your personal perspective.
However, the more I really dug into the Hampton Beach area, the more I began to appreciate it. It’s truly not for everyone, but between the beaches, scenic drives, walking paths, coastal scenery, and things to do for all ages (especially kids), it will appeal to a lot of folks.
What Should I Do In Hampton When It Rains?
The boardwalk is honestly still fun in the rain. You can duck in and out of shops, get some yummy food, have a long lunch, and pop into the arcades. I’ve stayed in town during a rain shower, and this is what I did to kill time.
For indoors activities, you can visit the Blue Ocean Discovery Center, or head to the Seacoast Science Center in nearby Rye.
Beyond that, pop into bars for a cocktail and wait out the rain, as most of the best things to do are outdoors.
If you’re especially worried about what to do if it rains (say, you’re traveling with kids), you can always book a hotel with an indoor pool. The Ashworth By The Sea offers this.
Is Hampton Beach Walkable?
Yes and no. The main downtown area near Hampton Beach and the boardwalk is very walkable. As mentioned, it’s so convenient to get a hotel in this part of town and walk everywhere.
However, if you want to visit Fuller Gardens or places in Rye, you’ll need to have a car to get there.
What Is Parking Like In & Around Hampton Beach?
All parking around Hampton’s downtown, boardwalk and beaches is paid parking in season (May through October). In the downtown area by the main beach and boardwalk, you’ll find a lot of parking spots, which you’ll pay for by the hour at a kiosk. It’s good to know that on weekends, the parking does fill up fast. However, I’ve visited in the summer on weekdays, and have never seen the parking lot completely full (I don’t know if I’ve just gotten lucky, though).
To visit Hampton Beach State Park, you’ll pay an admission fee at the gate, and there’s also a large parking lot. Same goes here – it fills up fast on summer weekends, but weekdays make it easier to get a spot.
Should I Stay In Hampton Or Rye?
Rye and Hampton are very different, but since they’re so close to one another, you can easily visit both during your trip. Rye is more residential and quiet, lacks an official downtown area, and has fewer options for places to stay. I also prefer the beaches in Rye a bit more.
Hampton, on the other hand, has tons of hotels to choose from, is way more lively, and has a designated downtown.
It really all comes down to personal preference. If you’re traveling with kids or want to be near all the action, and be able to walk to a lot of places, Hampton Beach is where to stay. If you’re looking for a more peaceful getaway, Rye fits the bill nicely.
Where To Stay In Rye:
→ Rye Motor Inn: This is a beloved motel right across the street from the beach with a fun retro vibe. The entire property is adults-only, and all rooms are apartments, so this is a great option for longer stays.
→ The Inn At Rye Place: A newly-renovated motel-style inn that offers cool features like keyless entry with your smartphone, and each room has a kitchenette for your convenience.
That’s A Wrap On The Best Things To Do Around Hampton Beach, NH
And there you have it – all my top picks for things to do when visiting Hampton Beach, NH. Whether you’re just visiting to lounge at the beaches all day, or you’re looking to squeeze in some scenic coastal walks and strolls up and down the boardwalk, there’s a lot of fun to be had in this area. Happy planning!
