While fall in New England is usually what we put on the postcards, a beautiful summer after a grueling winter cannot be understated. To help you make the most of your first summer on the seacoast or help you recall old favorites, we’ve compiled a list of noteworthy beaches, parks and trails up and down coastal New Hampshire and Southern Maine.
Ogunquit Beach | Ogunquit, ME
Visit the beach that has been awarded TripAdvisor's Travelers Choice/Best of the Best as one of the top 25 beaches in the U.S. with its 3 miles of white sand. Learn more.
Mount Agamenticus | York, ME
While not known for its soaring heights, the seacoast still has a few peaks worth visiting. Experience beautiful views from 692 ft. up and get lost in its coastal forests on a variety of its moderately challenging trails. Learn more.
Long Sands Beach, Short Sands Beach, and Nubble Cape Neddick Lighthouse | York, ME
Visit the quaint little shops and restaurants on Short Sands Beach or enjoy the more relaxed waves at Long Sands Beach, but watch out for that tide coming in! Head up to Nubble Cape Neddick Lighthouse for fantastic views and postcard-worthy pictures. Learn more.
Fort Foster Park | Kittery, ME
Fort Foster Park is a historic fort that was active from 1901 - 1941. Explore old military ruins and relax at picnic spots on this island park. Learn more.
Isles of Shoals | Portsmouth, NH
There is nothing like hopping on a Portsmouth harbor cruise on a summer day. To take your quintessential New England outing to a new level, schedule a walking tour of one of the islands that make up the Isles of Shoals, a cluster of small islands a short way off the coast. Learn more.
Prescott Park | Portsmouth, NH
This 10+ acre downtown park stretches along the Piscataqua River. The city holds many events there through the summer like the long-running Prescott Park Arts Festival and its beautiful gardens are often photographed. Learn more.
Odiorne Point State Park and Wallis Sands State Beach | Rye, NH
Enjoy the car pull offs along Ocean Boulevard, hop out and enjoy the trails, or learn a thing or two with the kiddos at the Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne Point State Park. End your day trip at Wallis Sands State Beach or continue your seaside drive for more of the tiny beaches and parks that make up Rye’s beautiful coastline. Learn more.
Stratham Hill Park | Stratham, NH
A lovely day can be spent at Stratham Hill Park with its variety of walking trails, bike paths and picnic pavilions. Climb its observation tower for beautiful views of Great Bay. Learn more.
Fuller Gardens | North Hampton, NH
Fuller Gardens, once the summer estate of Alvan T. Fuller, is now a beautiful botanic garden with lots to see including a rose garden, conservatory, and Japanese garden. Learn more.
Hampton Beach | Hampton, NH
More than just a beach, Hampton Beach is the perfect place to people watch, listen to music, and eat delicious sugary foods all summer long. Learn more.
Seabrook Beach | Seabook, NH
A more laid-back version of Hampton Beach right on the Massachusetts border. Enjoy exploring the Seabrook Back Dunes, or just enjoy the serenity. Learn more.
Rockingham Rail Trail
This trail follows the old railway paths, as the name would suggest, through scenic small towns and wooded vistas. The Portsmouth branch is 25 miles and runs from Manchester to Newfields. Learn more. The Fremont branch is 18 miles and runs from Windham to Epping. Learn more.
