During the summer of 2024, travel photographer and content creator Jackie Krawiecki (@_jkrow) traveled to New Hampshire to spend some time exploring the state’s Seacoast Region. What she found was charming downtowns, cobblestone streets, beaches, immersive experiences and great food and drink! Check out her itinerary for inspiration on what to include for your Seacoast getaway.
Dreaming of a summer road trip filled with coastal beauty, delicious seafood, and rich history? Look no further than the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire. From sandy beaches and historic sites to quaint towns, and delicious food, this 3-day itinerary showcases the best of what the Seacoast Region has to offer.
Step back in time at this immersive museum, which features a neighborhood of historic homes built in the 1700s. You can walk into each building where role players recreate the lives of past residents from the early 20th century, which provides a fascinating glimpse into New England history. Plan to spend about 2 hours here to fully enjoy all the exhibits.
Stop 3: Walk around Prescott Park
Relax by the water or have a picnic in this beautifully maintained park just a short walk from Strawbery Banke. Note that dogs aren’t allowed, so plan accordingly.
Stop 4: Gundalow River Cruise
End your day with a sunset cruise on a historic flat-bottom wooden boat. This educational cruise down the Piscataqua River is perfect for maritime history enthusiasts and anyone looking to relax on the water.
Stop 5: Dinner at Row 34
Enjoy fresh seafood at this highly-rated restaurant in downtown Portsmouth. With a chill, modern vibe, Row 34’s menu is packed with fresh oysters, local lobster rolls, and creative seafood dishes.
Stop 1: Great Island Common and New Castle, NH
Start your day at this picturesque park in the smallest town in New Hampshire. Stroll along the shore, enjoy the sandy beach, and take in the views of the Isles of Shoals and Whaleback Lighthouse.
Stop 2: Fuller Gardens in North Hampton
Cruise down Ocean Boulevard to visit this hidden oasis. Fuller Gardens has beautiful rose gardens, a greenhouse, and a perennial garden filled with pollinators and butterflies. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful walk, photography, or relaxing in nature. Admission is $10 per person, and it’s open from mid-May to mid-October.
Stop 3: Lunch at Old Salt Restaurant, Hampton NH
Known for its clam chowder, Old Salt Restaurant is a must-visit for seafood lovers. The menu also includes classic pub food if you’re craving something different.
Stop 4: Self-Guided Hike at Alnoba Art Park
Explore outdoor sculptures and art installations seamlessly integrated into the beautiful natural landscapes. Alnoba promotes sustainability with buildings constructed from green design principles and reclaimed materials. Reservations are required, so be sure to check their website for availability and details.
Stop 5: Lobster Boat Tour with Captain Bob’s Lobster Tours
Experience lobster fishing first-hand on a private sunset tour with Captain Bob. You’ll learn about sustainable lobster fishing, catch and deploy lobster traps, and you can even take home your own lobsters.
Stop 1: Sunrise at Jenness Beach, Rye NH
Start your day with a peaceful sunrise at this favorite local beach. With its long, wide strip of sand and unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean, Jenness Beach is perfect for a morning walk, surfing, and watching the sun come up.
Stop 2: Candle Making at Sea Love Portsmouth
Create your own souvenir with a fun candle-making workshop! You can choose from a wide range of scents and learn how to blend and pour your candle. The workshop includes a 2-hour setting time, which is the perfect window to explore Portsmouth’s charming shops and grab some lunch.
Stop 3: Lunch and Handicraft Shops in Portsmouth
While your candle sets, enjoy lunch and explore the boutique shops in Portsmouth. Congress Street and Vaughn Mall are lined with boutique stores, handicraft shops, and cute cafes. For lunch, Flatbread Co. is a great choice for delicious, organic flatbread.
Stop 4: Seacoast Science Center and Odiorne Point State Park, Rye NH
End your trip with interactive exhibits on marine life, local ecosystems, and environmental conservation at the Seacoast Science Center. Afterwards, explore the rocky shoreline and walking trails of Odiorne Point State Park. It’s a perfect way to wrap up your Seacoast adventure until next time.
This abridged guide gives you a taste of the summer magic awaiting in New Hampshire’s Seacoast Region. For a deeper dive into these experiences and more, visit the original blog post on www.theadventuresatlas.com.
Dreaming of a summer road trip filled with coastal beauty, delicious seafood, and rich history? Look no further than the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire. From sandy beaches and historic sites to quaint towns, and delicious food, this 3-day itinerary showcases the best of what the Seacoast Region has to offer.
NH Seacoast Summer Road Trip Itinerary (3 Days)
Day 1
Stop 1: Lunch at Liars Bench Brewing Company, Portsmouth NH
Start your trip at this cozy microbrewery housed in an old plumbing warehouse. Enjoy a diverse menu featuring sandwiches, wraps, and unique "tube meat" dishes alongside a rotating selection of lagers, IPAs, and Belgian tripels.
Step back in time at this immersive museum, which features a neighborhood of historic homes built in the 1700s. You can walk into each building where role players recreate the lives of past residents from the early 20th century, which provides a fascinating glimpse into New England history. Plan to spend about 2 hours here to fully enjoy all the exhibits.
Stop 3: Walk around Prescott Park
Relax by the water or have a picnic in this beautifully maintained park just a short walk from Strawbery Banke. Note that dogs aren’t allowed, so plan accordingly.
Stop 4: Gundalow River Cruise
End your day with a sunset cruise on a historic flat-bottom wooden boat. This educational cruise down the Piscataqua River is perfect for maritime history enthusiasts and anyone looking to relax on the water.
Stop 5: Dinner at Row 34
Enjoy fresh seafood at this highly-rated restaurant in downtown Portsmouth. With a chill, modern vibe, Row 34’s menu is packed with fresh oysters, local lobster rolls, and creative seafood dishes.
Day 2
Stop 1: Great Island Common and New Castle, NH
Start your day at this picturesque park in the smallest town in New Hampshire. Stroll along the shore, enjoy the sandy beach, and take in the views of the Isles of Shoals and Whaleback Lighthouse.
Stop 2: Fuller Gardens in North Hampton
Cruise down Ocean Boulevard to visit this hidden oasis. Fuller Gardens has beautiful rose gardens, a greenhouse, and a perennial garden filled with pollinators and butterflies. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful walk, photography, or relaxing in nature. Admission is $10 per person, and it’s open from mid-May to mid-October.
Stop 3: Lunch at Old Salt Restaurant, Hampton NH
Known for its clam chowder, Old Salt Restaurant is a must-visit for seafood lovers. The menu also includes classic pub food if you’re craving something different.
Stop 4: Self-Guided Hike at Alnoba Art Park
Explore outdoor sculptures and art installations seamlessly integrated into the beautiful natural landscapes. Alnoba promotes sustainability with buildings constructed from green design principles and reclaimed materials. Reservations are required, so be sure to check their website for availability and details.
Stop 5: Lobster Boat Tour with Captain Bob’s Lobster Tours
Experience lobster fishing first-hand on a private sunset tour with Captain Bob. You’ll learn about sustainable lobster fishing, catch and deploy lobster traps, and you can even take home your own lobsters.
Day 3
Stop 1: Sunrise at Jenness Beach, Rye NH
Start your day with a peaceful sunrise at this favorite local beach. With its long, wide strip of sand and unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean, Jenness Beach is perfect for a morning walk, surfing, and watching the sun come up.
Stop 2: Candle Making at Sea Love Portsmouth
Create your own souvenir with a fun candle-making workshop! You can choose from a wide range of scents and learn how to blend and pour your candle. The workshop includes a 2-hour setting time, which is the perfect window to explore Portsmouth’s charming shops and grab some lunch.
Stop 3: Lunch and Handicraft Shops in Portsmouth
While your candle sets, enjoy lunch and explore the boutique shops in Portsmouth. Congress Street and Vaughn Mall are lined with boutique stores, handicraft shops, and cute cafes. For lunch, Flatbread Co. is a great choice for delicious, organic flatbread.
Stop 4: Seacoast Science Center and Odiorne Point State Park, Rye NH
End your trip with interactive exhibits on marine life, local ecosystems, and environmental conservation at the Seacoast Science Center. Afterwards, explore the rocky shoreline and walking trails of Odiorne Point State Park. It’s a perfect way to wrap up your Seacoast adventure until next time.
This abridged guide gives you a taste of the summer magic awaiting in New Hampshire’s Seacoast Region. For a deeper dive into these experiences and more, visit the original blog post on www.theadventuresatlas.com.
