New Hampshire Road Trip: How to Spend 3 Days in the Seacoast Region of NH

Post summary: A complete travel guide and 3 day road trip itinerary for the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire 

There’s nothing like the freedom of a road trip. And if you’re craving a summer road trip packed with coastal charm, soft sand beaches, fresh seafood, and rich history, head straight to the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire.

The Seacoast Region is a hidden gem along New Hampshire’s Atlantic coast, located in the southeastern corner of the state. Stretching about 18 miles from Seabrook to Portsmouth, it may have the shortest coastline of any oceanside U.S. state, but it’s full of charm, beauty, and lots of history.

This 3-day NH road trip starts and ends in Portsmouth, NH and explores the neighboring towns of North Hampton, New Castle, Rye, and more.

Whether you’re into beach days, water sports, exploring historic sites, or savoring local cuisine, this 3-day itinerary that will have you falling in love with this beautiful region of New England. Let’s dive in!

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NH Seacoast Summer Road Trip Itinerary (3 Days)

I truly can’t believe that more people aren’t talking about the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire. This slice of New England is filled with estuaries, small towns and quaint streets lined with of boutique shops, restaurants serving up fresh seafood, and 18 miles of rugged Atlantic coastline.

While the NH Seacoast Region is fairly small, there’s a lot to see. If this is your first time visiting, this 3 day road trip itinerary hits all the highlights – and then some. It’s based on our own road trip through the Seacoast Region, places I know you’ll love, and things we wish we would have done differently.

If you’re traveling to get here, here’s a list of the closest major airports to consider:

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): About 50 miles south of Portsmouth, it’s the largest and busiest airport in the region, offering numerous domestic and international flights. You can get to Portsmouth in about an hour by car.
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• Portland International Jetport (PWM): Located about 50 miles north of Portsmouth in Portland, Maine. It’s a smaller airport compared to Logan but still offers a good range of domestic flights. The drive is also around an hour.
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• Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT): Situated about 45 miles west of Portsmouth in Manchester, NH. It’s a convenient option with several domestic flight options. The drive to Portsmouth is typically around 50 minutes.
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• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Located in New York City, about 270 miles southwest of Portsmouth. While it’s farther away, it’s one of the major international gateways, offering extensive domestic and international flights. The drive to Portsmouth is roughly 4.5 to 5 hours.

Aerial view of the Seacoast of New Hampshire

NH Seacoast Itinerary Day 1

Stop 1: Lunch at Liars Bench Brewing Company, Portsmouth NH

Kick off your NH Seacoast trip at Liars Bench Brewing Company, a locally owned microbrewery in Portsmouth NH. We stopped here after a few hours on the road and it was the perfect place to grab lunch and stretch our legs.

The brewery can be easy to miss, but just follow the signs pointing to Liars Bench and you’ll get to the right place.

The brewery is located in an old plumbing warehouse with a handful of benches and pick your own seating. It’s super casual with a cozy, classic-brewery-meets-beer-hall vibe.

The menu is diverse, featuring sandwiches, wraps, and “tube meat” with a twist, alongside a rotating beer selection that includes lagers, IPAs, and Belgian tripels. There’s also wine and cocktails if beer isn’t your thing.

I personally loved the smoked miso cauliflower pita, and Greg ordered the falafel. Prices are super reasonable, so it’s a great start to your road trip!

Stop 2: Step back in time at the Strawbery Banke Museum

Next, head over to the Strawbery Banke Museum.

This museum is unique in that it’s actually a neighborhood of historic homes that were all built in the 1700s. It’s completely immersive and you can walk into each building. Inside, there are people role playing an actual person who lived or worked in the buildings between 1900 – 1943.

We visited a house turned into a memorial museum in 1909, a Ukrainian Jewish immigrant’s home from 1919, a 1943 corner store that displayed a range of groceries and ration stamps from WWII, and watched a craftsman create replica barrels for historic reenactments (this one wasn’t role played, but it was cool to see the process).

Entrance is $24 per person. I recommend about 2 hours to fully enjoy all the open exhibits.

Stop 3: Walk around Prescott Park

After soaking in some history, take a short drive (or walk) over to Prescott Park.

It’s a cute spot for a picnic along the Seacoast NH or for relaxing by the water while you wait to check in at your hotel. There’s often live entertainment to enjoy, but note that dogs aren’t allowed.

Stop 4: Take a Gundalow River Cruise

Stop 5: Dinner at Row 34

There are a lot of seafood places in the Seacoast Region, but Row 34 in Portsmouth is one of the most highly rated – and for good reason.

Row 34 has a chill, modern vibe and a menu packed with fresh oysters, local lobster rolls, and creative seafood dishes. They also have a great selection of craft beer, cocktails, and wine.

We made reservations ahead of time for a Friday night and were glad we did. While it’s open pretty late, the restaurant filled up for dinner time and we would have definitely had to wait.

Tip: Parking in the evening in downtown Portsmouth can be tricky, but there’s public parking at the Bridge Street Lot, which is just a short walk from the restaurant.

NH Seacoast Itinerary Day 2

Stop 1: Great Island Common and New Castle, NH

Wake up early to start your day with a visit to Great Island Common and New Castle, NH. 

New Castle, NH is actually the smallest town in New Hampshire but the scenery is well worth a visit. This picturesque town is just a short drive from Portsmouth, where you’ll pass historic homes, quiet streets, and stunning water views.

This area is largely known for Great Island Common, a local park along the shore of New Castle. Great Island Common is open to the public every day from 9am – 9pm and is honestly such a hidden gem. We visited on a Saturday morning in June and were shocked to find that we were the only people there.

It’s a very clean, very well designed little park. You can walk along the rocks to reach the ocean or enjoy the sandy beach for swimming. From the shore, you can clearly see the Isles of Shoals and Whaleback Lighthouse.

New Castle, NH is also a great place if you love history. Sites like Fort Stark Historic Site, located on Jerry’s Point peninsula with views of the Piscataqua River, Little Harbor, and the Atlantic Ocean, and Fort Constitution are rich with Revolutionary War history. These landmarks are the perfect mix of history and stunning coastal scenery.

Note: Dogs aren’t allowed in Great Island Common from May 15th through September 15th. They must be kept on a leash while in Great Island Common throughout the rest of the year.

Stop 2: Walk through Fuller Gardens in North Hampton

Next, cruise down Ocean Boulevard to visit Fuller Gardens, a hidden oasis near North Hampton Beach.

Located in North Hampton, this beautiful botanical garden feels like a hidden oasis in the midst of one of the most popular stretches of NH coastline.

This botanical garden is stunning, featuring rose gardens, a greenhouse, and a perennial garden filled with pollinators and butterflies. It’s a perfect spot for a quick walk, photography, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

They have gorgeous, healthy rose bushes for sale out front. They make a fantastic souvenir if you love gardening and live within driving distance.

We originally planned this as a quick stop on our itinerary but instantly wished we had allocated at least a full hour to fully enjoy the gardens.

Admission is $10 per person, and it’s open from mid-May to mid-October.

Stop 3: Lunch at Old Salt Restaurant, Hampton NH

When in New England! One of the best things to eat in New England is clam chowder, and Old Salt Restaurant is the best place to get it. I had read reviews that Old Salt Restaurant had the best clam chowder in all of New England. Of course, thats a huge claim, and – having eaten a lot of clam chowder – I was super skeptical.

Turns out though, the people are right. Old Salt Restaurant just might have the BEST clam chowder in all of New England.

Other items on their menu include fresh oysters and classic pub food.

We popped in and the restaurant was packed for lunch, but luckily they have overflow seating.

Stop 4: Self-Guided Hike at Alnoba Art Park

Alnoba is a unique destination in Kensington, NH, that combines art, nature, and sustainability. The park has a giant collection of outdoor sculptures and art installations that are seamlessly integrated into the beautiful natural landscapes. The buildings at Alnoba are constructed using green design principles, reclaimed materials, and energy-efficient systems. It also promotes sustainable land management practices.

The park hosts various events such as wellness workshops, yoga classes, art classes, and cultural gatherings to foster local engagement.

During certain times of the year, you a self-guided walk to explore their 400 acres of forests, fields, and wetlands, which are perfect for hiking and bird-watching.

Note: You need to make a reservation online to access Alnoba.

We didn’t get to see Alnoba on our Seacoast trip because they have very specific hours, but the park comes highly recommended by VisitNH, so it’s a worthwhile stop on your itinerary if you have time.

Visit their website and calendar of events for current offerings and more details.

Stop 5: Lobster Boat Tour with Captain Bob’s Lobster Tours

The only thing better than a good seafood restaurant is catching it yourself, amiright? That’s why you NEED to take a sunset lobster boat tour with Captain Bob.

You’ll learn all about the sustainability of lobster fishing in New England, catch and deploy lobster traps, and even get to take home your own lobsters for the boat price (if you want).

The tour is about 2 hours long. Our sunset tour departed the dock near Hampton Beach at 6:45pm and got back at 9pm, just as the sun dipped below the horizon.

Captain Bob only offers private charters. While you can’t book this as part of a tour package, he charges a flat fee for the boat and you can split that with up to 8 people.

The total cost came to $400 for the whole trip (cash) plus a 20% gratuity, which is a very reasonable price for a 2 hour private charter – and a much better experience than going out with a tour group.

Don’t forget to take seasickness meds ahead of time and wear a light jacket, sunglasses, and shoes that can get wet. If you want to bring home live lobsters, you also need to bring a cooler with ice and a few pieces of cardboard.

To book your lobster tour, call Captain Bob at 603-568-3567 or send a message through Facebook.

NH Seacoast Itinerary Day 3

Stop 1: Sunrise at Jenness Beach, Rye NH

Catch the sunrise at Jenness Beach, a favorite local spot for surfing in the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire.

Unlike many of the other beaches nearby, Jenness Beach has a long, wide strip of sand with plenty of room to spread out, watch the sun come up, and take a morning walk.

Since it faces east, you get perfect, unobstructed views of the horizon over the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is usually less crowded in the early morning, which makes it a peaceful and picturesque spot to start your last day in the Seacoast Region.

Stop 2: Candle Making at Sea Love Portsmouth

After you’ve had your fill of the beach, head over to Sea Love Portsmouth to make your own candles! This is a fun activity for pretty much everybody and is a great way to make your own souvenir to remember your trip.

When you show up, you’ll don an apron and choose your favorite combination of scents from their giant fragrance wall. They have every scent you could possibly think of – from classics like bergamot and lavender to scents like “campfire” and “old books” (my personal favorite).

There’s a lot to choose from, and if you’re indecisive like I am, it’s a lot harder than it sounds! After that, you’ll learn how to blend your scents and pour your candle.

Sea Love does accept walk-ins but I recommend booking in advance.

The price ranges from $60-90 per person and includes the workshop and your candle.

Tip: It takes about 2 hours for your candle to set, so use this time to explore Portsmouth’s charming shops and grab some lunch. Alternatively, you can have it shipped or you can pick up your candle within 14 days if you’re local.

Stop 3: Lunch and Handicraft Shops in Portsmouth

While you wait for your candle to cool, enjoy lunch and explore the shops in Portsmouth.

Streets like Congress Street and Vaughn Mall are lined with boutique shops, handicrafts stores, and cute coffee shops.

Among the boutique clothing stores and restaurants, you’ll find local hidden gems like:

• Ten Thousand Villages – hand made fair trade clothes and handicrafts
• Off Piste – Funny, slightly offensive gifts and crafts
• South Village Silversmith – Gems and fossils
• The Plant Kiosk – all things botanical

When you get hungry, there’s no shortage of restaurants nearby.

We happened to stop by the Flatbread Co. for lunch because of their stellar reviews and realized it was the same Flatbread Co. that we raved about during our trip in the White Mountains NH last winter. They make the most amazing flat bread using organically grown wheat and organic ingredients.

I’m basically fully convinced that while the first best thing to eat in Portsmouth is seafood, the second is flat bread.

Stop 4: Seacoast Science Center and Odiorne Point State Park, Rye NH

The Seacoast Science Center in Rye, NH, is the perfect way to end your trip in the Seacoast Region – especially if you have kids or just love marine life.

Located inside Odiorne Point State Park, the Science Center is full of interactive exhibits on marine life, local ecosystems, and environmental conservation in the Gulf of Maine. There’s even a touch tank so you can safely get up close and personal with sea stars and a few other marine creatures.

Afterward, head outside to explore Odiorne State Park. The park is well known for its rocky Atlantic shoreline full of interesting tide pools and beautifully maintained walking trails. We loved sitting next to the tide pools and watching the crabs scurry around at low tide.

Note: The State Park is open daily from 8am – 6:30pm and the Seacoast Science Center is open 10am-4pm Tuesday – Sunday. Your entrance fee to the park is separate from your entrance fee to the Science Center.

In the mood for something more adventurous? If you have time, you can go kayaking with Seven Rivers Paddling in Portsmouth for a different kind of adventure.

Where to stay

If you’re planning a trip to the Seacoast region of New Hampshire, there are a lot of places to choose from, including a wide range of cozy inns and boutique hotels full of New England charm.

In my experience (and probably not surprising), hotels in the Seacoast Region are pricier than in other areas of New Hampshire. However, you might be able to find more budget friendly options if you book far in advance.

We loved our stay at Wentworth by the Sea. This was our second time staying at a Wentworth property and it didn’t disappoint. While technically in New Castle, it’s just a short drive from Portsmouth and has luxurious accommodations and beautiful waterfront views for a very reasonable price.

Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, New Hampshire

Here’s a quick rundown of my other top hotel recommendations in the Seacoast Region: 

• The Inn Downtown, Portsmouth NH: This place offers a unique stay with apartment-style rooms in the heart of Portsmouth. They have a bit more space and the convenience of a kitchenette, all while being close to the city’s attractions.
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• The Hotel Portsmouth – Downtown: A beautifully restored historic building that offers a mix of classic charm and modern amenities. It’s located right in downtown Portsmouth, which makes it ideal for exploring the city on foot.
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• Ale House Inn: This boutique inn is actually in a converted 19th-century brewery and has a cool, industrial-chic vibe It’s close to the waterfront and many of Portsmouth’s best restaurants and shops, making it a great base for your stay.
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• The Davenport Inn: While not as popular as the others on this list, The Davenport Inn offers a cozy and comfortable stay with a touch of historic charm. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something quaint and welcoming.

Seacoast Region NH – FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip to the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire:

What is considered Seacoast NH?

The Seacoast of NH is located in the southeastern corner of New Hampshire, along the Atlantic Ocean. It includes 18 miles of coastline and expands into several inland towns an communicates. The Seacoast of New Hampshire includes picturesque towns and cities like Portsmouth, Seabrook, Hampton, North Hampton, Rye, New Castle, and Portsmouth, Durham, Dover, Exeter, and Stratham.

How much seacoast does New Hampshire have?

New Hampshire might have the shortest coastline in the U.S., but it makes up for it with about 18 miles of stunning seacoast.

Is any part of New Hampshire on the ocean?

Absolutely! The southeastern part of New Hampshire borders the Atlantic Ocean. Spots like Hampton Beach and Jenness Beach have some beautiful oceanfront views.

What is the nicest coastal town in New Hampshire?

Portsmouth definitely takes the cake for the nicest coastal city in New Hampshire. It has a vibrant downtown, historic charm, amazing restaurants, and tons of cultural attractions. But don’t sleep on Rye and New Castle — they have beautiful coastal scenery and a more laid-back vibe compared to the most popular Seacoast towns like Hampton and North Hampton.

Did you find this 3 Day New Hampshire Seacoast Road Trip helpful? Let me know in the comments!

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Jackie( Adventure Travel Expert )

Hi, I’m Jackie! I’m a travel photographer and content creator based near the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. I’m also a millennial who works full-time, yet I still find ways to travel frequently without breaking the bank, because traveling is what makes me feel most alive. Now I help fellow travelers who also work 9-5 and are looking for ways to travel more with limited PTO.