Labor Day is fast approaching, and we all know what that means – our beach days are limited. That means that if you want to squeeze in the perfect New Hampshire seaside day, you’ve got to get a move on! Lucky for you we’ve saved you some time and planned out the whole thing – and we promise, you’re going to love it.
With just 40 minutes of driving total, our day on the Seacoast will bring you to some of the best New Hampshire destinations.
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Naturally, our day will start in Hampton Beach, the most famous of New Hampshire’s seaside attractions. We know that Hampton Beach, with its crowds and constant activity, can be a bit polarizing, but you have to admit that it’s a must-visit spot. Just make sure you get there early in the day to claim a spot on the beach before it fills up with sunbathers, kite-flyers, and more! And keep in mind – one of the best things about a trip to Hampton Beach is the people-watching.
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Did you bring kids with you? If so, you’ll need to make a stop at the Hampton Beach Playground – it’s massive (12,000 square feet!) and oh so much fun.
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After a morning of sunbathing, you’ll need a good lunch before you move along. There are plenty of spots to choose from along Hampton Beach, but we recommend you pick one where you can sit outside and enjoy the views! With several decks, the Sea Ketch is a perfect choice.
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The menu is full of the classic fried seafood options, and with a location like this you know everything’s super fresh!
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Next, head to Jenness State Beach. After all the business of Hampton Beach and the museum, this is the perfect place to slow things down a bit. This pebbly beach is starkly beautiful, and far less crowded – the perfect place to relax with a good book for a couple of hours.
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All that time in the sun probably left you in need of a little cooling refreshment. Well, you’re in luck – one of the very best ice cream shops in New Hampshire, Lago’s, is right here in Rye!
Google/Shawn Fletcher
Every flavor of their ice cream is perfection – you absolutely can’t go wrong with anything you choose here!
Google/Wiz Koulikov
After a full day on the beach, the perfect final stop is the Seacoast Science Center, , tucked inside Odiorne Point State Park.
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From whale skeletons to touch tanks, there are plenty of fascinating exhibits to enjoy here.
Google/Abishek Chatterjee
Prefer the mountains to the beach? There’s still time to squeeze in these low-key hikes this summer.
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Google/Alena Mashukova
Google/Sajid Sheikh
Google/Iaiza Ips
TripAdvisor/Lauren L
Google/Shawn Fletcher
Google/Wiz Koulikov
Google/Mike Goulet
Google/Abishek Chatterjee
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