Warm summer sun, ocean waves crashing into the shore, and the smell of salt in the air signal summer in New Hampshire’s Seacoast Region. What are you waiting for? Hit the road to summer fun and check out these great stops along the way:
Water Country (2300 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth) Need to cool off from the summer sun? Set your sights on New England’s largest waterpark where the whole family can enjoy waterslides, a lazy river, whirlpools and more!
Zorvino Vineyards (226 Main Street, Sandown) Step into the world of Zorvino, where rows of grape vines decorate the lawn of an 80-acre property where you can easily spend the afternoon sipping award-winning wine and playing lawn games under the summer sun.
Hampton Beach (160 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton) It truly wouldn’t be a summer road trip without a visit to NH’s legendary Hampton Beach. Explore the dozens of stores and restaurants along the beachfront strip, take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean, and catch live performances, fireworks, and free movies screened on the beach all summer long.
Isles of Shoals Steamship Company (315 Market Street, Portsmouth) Embark on a cruise through the Portsmouth Harbor, to the remote Isles of Shoals, or along the New Hampshire seacoast with expert narration aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton!
On your travels through the region, you won’t want to miss the undeniable charm of Exeter and Dover, two seacoast locales full of life and history.
- Exeter’s bustling downtown has it all, from cool local shops to waterfront parks, delicious spots to grab a bite and more, there’s something for everyone. Grab a treat from Stillwells Riverwalk Ice Cream, indulge your inner child at Whirlygigs Toy Shop, browse one-of-a-kind wares at Crafted New England, and enjoy the summer sun with a stroll through the riverfront Swasey Parkway right near downtown. Hidden Gem: Each year during Labor Day Weekend, Exeter hosts a UFO Festival with extraterrestrial conferences, celebrations, and out of this world fun!
- Dover is a lively seacoast city that has the feel of a small new England town, but the energy of a vibrant city. Beer lovers can try out the city’s collection of breweries, like Chapel + Main or Garrison City Beerworks. Browse items at The Groovy Witch or hunt for antiques at Just The Thing. Follow along the Dover Community Trail that stretches 8.3 miles to explore the city via foot and enjoy a serene escape into nature. Hidden Gem: Did you know the American Independence Museum has a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence on display? Check it out on your way through!
Looking for even more to explore? Be sure to check out these additional Seacoast Road Trips: