Things to do in Hampton Beach & Around
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Hampton Seashell
North of the state park, where NH 1A becomes Ocean Blvd, the town of Hampton is both beach and honky-tonk playground. In summer this vast main beach is crowded with all of humanity. At the center of the strip the Hampton Seashell is a band shell with an amphitheater, as well as public toilets, a first-aid station and the chamber of commerce information center. Across the boulevard, the Hampton Beach casino has live entertainment, video games, fast-food stands and souvenir shops. Beach admission is free, but you’ll have to feed quarters to the parking meters ($1.50 per hour).
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Jenness State Beach
As NH 1A enters Rye, parking along the road is restricted to vehicles with town parking stickers, but Jenness State Beach has a small metered parking lot that’s open to the general public. Further north near Rye Harbor you’re allowed to park along the roadway. Climb over the seawall of rubble and rocks to get to the gravel beach. It lacks facilities, but it is much less crowded than anything further south.
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Seacoast Science Center
At the northern tip of the seacoast, just before NH 1A turns westward to Portsmouth, lies the underutilized Odiorne Point State Park. It is the site of the Seacoast Science Center. Undersea videos, huge aquariums and a hands-on ‘touch tank’ are the highlights of this family favorite. The center hosts lots of special activities such as trail walks, lighthouse tours and concerts.
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Hampton Beach State Park
The beach actually begins south of the state line, on the north bank of the Merrimack River at Salisbury Beach State Reservation in Massachusetts. Take I-95 exit 56 (MA 1A) and head east to Salisbury Beach, then north along NH 1A to Hampton Beach State Park a long stretch of sand shielded by dunes. Facilities include changing rooms, toilets and a snack bar. Parking is $10 per day.
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North Hampton State Beach
In the residential neighborhoods north of Hampton Beach you’ll find a few less crowded and less spectacular beaches. Ten minutes north of Hampton Beach, North Hampton State Beach is not nearly as wide but is quieter than its grand southern neighbors. It has all the same facilities, including metered parking.
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Wallis Sands State Beach
North of Rye Harbor, Wallis Sands State Beach has a wide sandy beach with views of the Isles of Shoals. Besides the bathhouses, there are grassy lawns for children’s games and a large parking lot ($10), making this the top spot for families with smaller kids.
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Odiorne Point State Park
At the northern tip of the seacoast, just before NH 1A turns westward to Portsmouth, lies the underutilized Odiorne Point State Park. It lacks a beach, but instead offers seaside strolls and forested trails, as well as sweet hidden spots for picnicking and fishing.
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Saunders at Rye Harbor
Nicely set over the water, this classic seafood restaurant serves lobster and other fresh catches, as well as unique dishes such as feta-crusted salmon and sea scallops baked with mushrooms. The outdoor deck makes a lovely spot for a sundowner.
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Al Gauron Deep Sea Fishing
Al Gauron Deep Sea Fishing offers fishing trips, lasting from two to 12 hours (full-day trips go from 8:30am to 4:30pm, July to August). Whale watches and other cruise packages are also available.
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Galley Hatch
Located in Hampton proper, Galley Hatch is a longtime favorite for its wide menu of fresh fish, sandwiches, steaks, pastas, pizzas and veggie dishes. There’s a bakery attached and a cinema next door.
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Casino Ballroom
Besides arcade rides and miniature golf, the casino stages rock and R&B bands – five or 10 years after they were popular. Megadeth, Chris Isaak and the Indigo Girls have all played here recently.
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Brown’s Seabrook Lobster Pound
In Seabrook, just south of Hampton Beach, this year-round pound overlooks a marsh and serves freshly boiled crustaceans. Bring your own beer and wine and take a seat at one of the picnic tables on the deck.
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La Bec Rouge
Essential stomping ground for partying Hamptonites, La Bec Rouge features eclectic local bands (rock, blues, reggae) playing in its basement pub and nice ocean views from its outdoor deck.
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Granite State Whale Watch
Daily whale-watching cruises, as well as relaxing cruises to the Isles of Shoals and a Sunset Fireworks cruise, are hosted by Granite State Whale Watch.
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Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Co
Diehard surfers ride the waves at Hampton Beach from June to October. The Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Co offers lessons and equipment rental.
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Carriage House
Set in a tastefully decorated Cape Cod house, the elegant Carriage House serves tasty fresh seafood, salads, pastas and grilled meats.
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