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 drive along New Hampshire seacoast towns. 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.
It’s the perfect spot to begin our New Hampshire road trip.
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.
New Castle is a gorgeous coastal town in New Hampshire.
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.
This small town in New Hampshire is filled with mansions across the coastal route.
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.
This beach is a stunning stop on this New Hampshire road trip.
When you're back in the car heading along the route, you'll next pass Rye Harbor. Soak in the true New Hampshire beauty here.
One of our favorite stops in a small coastal New Hampshire town.
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.
Arguably one of the sandiest beaches in New Hampshire, this gorgeous stop is a must-see on this New Hampshire road trip.
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.
This is one of the most famous coastal towns in New Hampshire.
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.
It’s a great place to eat on this New Hampshire road trip.
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!
When you're done, simply head back the same way you came and think back on a great day on the most beautiful coastal drive in New Hampshire.
What's your favorite scenic drive in New Hampshire? Let us know in the comments so we can check it out for ourselves.
If you've got a full gas tank and just need some ideas, we've got plenty! These 7 beautiful byways in New Hampshire are perfect for a scenic drive.
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