Follow The Coast Along This Scenic Drive Through New Hampshire
While it’s true that New Hampshire doesn’t have a large coastline, we like to think it has one of the most beautiful! With just 13 miles of oceanfront landscape, it’s not hard to explore every inch. One of the best ways to do that is with this coastal drive in New Hampshire. It offers beautiful views, as well as a few fun stops along the way. You can follow the whole thing starting at either direction by checking out this Google Map.
This road trip along Route 1A and Route 1B will take you along some of the most beautiful 22 miles in all of New Hampshire!
The 22-mile journey begins in one of our favorite New Hampshire spots! Portsmouth is a great launching point, offering lots of morning meal and beverage options. Plus, the morning sun just can't be beat.
From Portsmouth you'll take Route 1B towards New Castle over the causeway. The high point of this part of the trip is Great Island Common which you'll make a circle around before leaving the island and continuing on Route 1B. Soon it will connect to Route 1A and you'll go south.
Rye is next! This is another beloved New Hampshire coastal town which is also home to Odiorne State Park. If you have kids along for the ride, this is a fun place to spend some time exploring the tidal pools and the science center.
Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870, USA
Wallis State Park and the beach here is next up! In the summer it's fun to spend some time laying around and playing in the water, but it's great to explore in the off-season too.
Jenness State Beach might seem like just another beach stop, but we promise this one is gorgeous. Another spot that's great any time of year, plan on taking off your shoes and enjoying the feel of the sand.
Jenness State Beach, 2280 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870, USA
Next up is the famous Hampton Beach! It might look calm in this photo, but we promise this place is packed in the summer. Expect lots of places to eat and drink. Consider stopping for a snack here.
And finally, pull off of Route 1A as you near the end of your journey. This is Seabrook and it's where you'll want to dig into some serious seafood! We love Markey's Lobster Pound for this very important stop.
Markey's Lobster Pool, 420 NH-286, Seabrook, NH 03874, USA
The journey on the road without getting out is under one hour, but with all the stops we recommend it could take up to two hours. There's a good chance you'll be more than ready for some lobster and fried clams, so be sure to dig in!
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
