New Hampshire may claim only 18 miles of Atlantic shoreline, yet its mix of oceanfront sands and broad inland lakes creates an outsized variety of beach towns worth exploring. From salty boardwalks alive with neon to hushed coves where loons glide across mirror-calm water, each community offers its own flavor of summer.
Sprinkled among them are unexpected bonuses: historic castles, sunset concerts, and even an FAA-approved ice runway. Our guide counts down the finest places to spread a towel, dip a paddle, or simply watch the sky turn pink.
Along the way, hidden gems and local hangouts reveal why residents guard these spots with quiet pride. Pack sunscreen, a sense of curiosity, and perhaps an appetite for lobster rolls—the Granite State’s beaches are ready.
16. Sandwich
Sandwich rests between forested foothills and the glassy expanse of Squam Lake, offering a slower pace that matches its tranquil shoreline. The town’s public beach features grassy banks and clear water perfect for leisurely swims on hot afternoons.
Adventurers launch kayaks from Sandwich Landing, gliding into coves where nesting loons provide nature’s soundtrack. In the village center, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen gallery and a lively farmers market add cultural flavor to a day in the sun.
Many visitors hike Mount Israel at dawn, then cool off in the lake before sampling chowder at the historic Corner House. Evening settles in with fireflies twinkling above the water, creating a timeless summer scene.
3-4 bedroom homes in Sandwich are priced between $450,000 and $700,000, offering a beautiful base for those who enjoy beach access and natural beauty.
Where is Sandwich?
Sandwich hugs the northern tip of Squam Lake, about twenty minutes west of Moultonborough in central New Hampshire. Its setting between the lake and the southern edge of the White Mountains delivers mountain-to-water panoramas from nearly every back road.
Drivers usually follow Route 25 to winding Route 113, a scenic byway lined with stone walls and weathered barns. With no interstate nearby, the journey feels pleasantly remote and sets the tone for the relaxed days ahead.
15. Center Harbor
Center Harbor curls around a sheltered nook where Lake Winnipesaukee narrows, creating calm water and an inviting stretch of sand at Center Harbor Town Beach. Weekly summer concerts drift from the lakeside bandstand while kayakers linger offshore to listen.
Main Street’s independent shops—Bayswater Books and the beloved Red Hill Dairy—evoke classic small-town charm that pairs well with sun-warmed towels. Families toss frisbees on the waterfront lawn as the M/S Mount Washington cruise ship glides in for passenger pick-ups.
A short walk away, Proctor Preserve’s woodland trail delivers a secret overlook ideal for quiet reflection. When dusk paints the sky, diners gather on Canoe Restaurant’s porch to watch the last boats slide home.
3-4 bedroom homes in Center Harbor range from $500,000 to $750,000, providing plenty of space for families near the water.
Where is Center Harbor?
This village occupies the northernmost curve of Lake Winnipesaukee, with Lake Waukewan bordering it to the west. The crossroads location offers both sunrise and sunset water views, a rarity even in the Lakes Region.
Center Harbor sits on Route 25, roughly twenty minutes from Interstate 93’s Exit 24 at Ashland. Boaters can also arrive via the public dock steps from downtown, combining lake travel with easy shore access.
14. Newbury
Newbury fuses mountain adventure with sandy relaxation at Mount Sunapee State Park, where a broad beach meets sparkling Lake Sunapee. Families spread blankets along the gentle slope while sailboats trace lazy loops offshore.
Paddleboarders often depart from Sunapee Harbor, drifting south to join friends for shoreline picnics.
Near the sand, a small exhibit recounts the era of steamships like the famed Ben Mere that once cruised these waters. Each August, the League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair transforms the ski-area base into an outdoor gallery, giving beachgoers art and alpine vistas in one outing.
Sunset seekers climb to the lesser-known overlook on Sunset Hill, where the lake glows beneath pastel skies. 3-4 bedroom homes in Newbury are priced between $450,000 and $700,000, perfect for beach lovers who want to enjoy a peaceful retreat.
Where is Newbury?
Newbury anchors the southern shore of Lake Sunapee, forty minutes northwest of Concord via I-89 Exit 9. Nestled against Mount Sunapee’s eastern flank, the town offers instant access to both water and high-country trails.
Most visitors follow Route 103, a winding road that hugs the lake and reveals glittering views around every bend. Those without cars can ride a Dartmouth Coach to New London and grab a seven-mile taxi to the beach.
13. Sunapee
Sunapee village delivers postcard charm with weathered boathouses, a cozy town beach, and the aroma of espresso drifting from Fenton’s Landing. Children chase minnows in the shallows while adults peruse free nature exhibits at the nearby LSPA Learning Center.
Evening cruisers board the MV Kearsarge for dinner tours past secluded coves reachable only by water. Jazz concerts fill the harbor bandstand at night, fireflies blinking along the beach path in rhythm. Surrounded by forested hills, the scene feels delightfully removed from city pace, yet shops supply every necessity.
Locals swap stories at the historic Community Store, keeping small-town camaraderie alive. 3-4 bedroom homes in Sunapee range from $500,000 to $750,000, offering access to stunning lakeside views and outdoor adventures.
Where is Sunapee?
Sunapee occupies Lake Sunapee’s western shore, opposite Newbury and its state-park beach. Hills rising behind the town create a natural amphitheater that frames sweeping water views.
Drivers exit I-89 at Exit 12, then follow Route 11 for six scenic miles alive with autumn foliage come October. Boaters tie up at public docks just steps from the beach, making arrival by water effortless.
12. Ossipee
Ossipee offers expansive sands and clear shallows along Ossipee Lake, yet crowds remain refreshingly thin. Locals treasure Duncan Lake Beach, a pine-framed spot where loon calls echo at dusk. Windsurfers harness afternoon thermals near Long Sands, while anglers stalk smallmouth bass in rocky bays.
White Lake State Park, minutes south, presents an alternate swim framed by a rare kettle bog formed in the last ice age. History fans pop into the 1812 Friends Meetinghouse or watch an antique press in action at the Ossipee Historical Society.
Roadside farm stands round out beach days with just-picked blueberries and sweet corn. 3-4 bedroom homes in Ossipee are priced between $250,000 and $400,000, making it an affordable choice for those seeking proximity to the beach.
Where is Ossipee?
The town sits where the Lakes Region meets Mount Washington Valley, about twenty minutes north of the Route 25 junction in eastern New Hampshire. Ossipee Lake lies on a broad plain beneath the circular Ossipee Mountains, remnants of an ancient volcano.
Travelers reach the shoreline via Route 16, the main artery linking Portsmouth and Conway. Small aircraft can land at Fryeburg’s Eastern Slopes Regional Airport, only half an hour away.
11. Moultonborough
Moultonborough stretches along miles of Lake Winnipesaukee shoreline, hiding pocket beaches among towering pines. Long Island Beach remains a resident favorite for its warm, shallow water, ideal for children.
Visitors often pair a dip with a tour of Castle in the Clouds, whose stone terraces overlook the lake like something from a storybook. Behind the estate, carriage trails wind to waterfalls perfect for post-sun cool-offs. The Old Country Store, in business since 1781, sells vintage candy sticks best enjoyed barefoot on a dock.
Evening paddlers sometimes spot loon-nesting rafts tended by the local preservation committee. 3-4 bedroom homes in Moultonborough are priced between $350,000 and $600,000, providing a great balance of beach access and peaceful surroundings.
Where is Moultonborough?
This town lines the northeast shore of Lake Winnipesaukee along Route 25, midway between Meredith and Wolfeboro. Its sprawling peninsulas, islands, and coves give it more waterfront than any other community on the lake.
Most drivers exit I-93 at Exit 23, cross the Center Harbor causeway, and soon see the vista widen into a blue horizon. Multiple town launches, including one on Long Island, make boat arrival just as simple.
10. Gilford
Gilford shines at Ellacoya State Park, where 600 feet of soft sand meet the lake’s widest reach and steady breezes keep sailboats in motion. Picnic pavilions rest under sugar maples, perfect for lakeside lunches.
Across the street, Gunstock Mountain Resort offers zip-lining, allowing thrill-seekers to pair mountain adrenaline with afternoon swims. Music fans flock to the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, whose encore fireworks reflect off calm evening water.
Beans & Greens Farm surprises summer guests with a blooming sunflower maze and farm-fresh snacks. For solitude, Varney Point’s lesser-known beaches often host more mergansers than people. 3-4 bedroom homes in Gilford range from $400,000 to $650,000, ideal for those looking to enjoy lakeside living and nearby beaches.
Where is Gilford?
The town nestles on Lake Winnipesaukee’s southwest shore, five miles east of Laconia and fifteen minutes from I-93 via Route 11A. Belknap Range peaks stand just beyond the treeline, giving sunbathers a mountain backdrop.
Motorists typically exit I-93 at Exit 20, then follow Routes 3 and 11 until Lake Vistas open wide. At Glendale, public docks provide transient slips so boaters can stroll to ice-cream stands without starting an engine.
9. Laconia
Laconia’s Weirs Beach delivers classic summer fun with a neon-lit boardwalk, arcades, and the whistle of the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. Families rent aqua trikes, build sandcastles, and join sunset cruises on the M/S Mount Washington.
For quieter swims, locals head to Opechee Point, a tree-lined beach along a stroller-friendly walking path. June’s Motorcycle Week revs up downtown, yet the beach remains a cool retreat between concerts. Few realize Endicott Rock Park holds a 1652 survey marker, one of New England’s oldest European artifacts.
If rain clouds roll in, the nearby Belknap Mill offers live weaving demonstrations just a block from the shoreline. 3-4 bedroom homes in Laconia are priced between $300,000 and $500,000, offering beachgoers a chance to enjoy scenic waterfront views at an affordable price.
Where is Laconia?
The city straddles the channel linking Paugus Bay and Lake Winnipesaukee, granting beaches on two bodies of water. Only twenty minutes east of I-93 via Exit 20, Laconia serves as the region’s transport hub.
Visitors reach Weirs Beach by car, train from Meredith, or even by the mail-boat M/V Sophie C. Small planes land at Laconia Municipal Airport, offering sweeping aerial lake views on approach.
8. Alton Bay
Alton Bay forms a narrow finger of Lake Winnipesaukee, culminating in a lively beach beside its iconic gazebo bandstand. Seaplanes often taxi to the dock for ice cream at Pop’s Clam Shell, delighting onlookers. Water-skiers carve loops under the old railroad trestle, while anglers troll deep channels for salmon near Sandy Point.
In winter, an FAA-approved ice runway attracts ski-plane enthusiasts when the lake freezes firm. Hikers five miles away on Mount Major earn panoramic views that make the climb worthwhile.
Summer nights transform the waterfront amphitheater into an outdoor cinema with sailboats bobbing in silhouette. 3-4 bedroom homes in Alton Bay range from $350,000 to $500,000, giving beach enthusiasts access to beautiful waterfronts and outdoor activities.
Where is Alton Bay?
Situated at Lake Winnipesaukee’s southern tip, Alton Bay lies where Routes 11 and 28 meet, about ninety minutes north of Boston. The bay’s funnel shape keeps water calm, perfect for novice paddlers.
Drivers simply follow Route 11, though many visitors prefer docking at complimentary slips just steps from shops and the beach. In winter, a plowed ice road even allows cars to reach lakeside shanties and events.
7. Wolfeboro
Wolfeboro, proudly billed as “America’s Oldest Summer Resort,” centers life around Brewster Beach and a stately waterfront lawn. Main Street hosts craft fairs beneath towering maples while boats parade past the town docks. The Wright Museum of WWII History offers interactive exhibits that surprise first-time visitors.
Across Winter Harbor, peaceful Carry Beach is a local secret where ducks often outnumber people. Chartering the Millie B, a 1928 replica runabout, provides an elegant tour past grand boathouses and Governor’s Island.
Evenings finish with homemade fudge from Hunter’s IGA savored under moonlit ripples. 3-4 bedroom homes in Wolfeboro are priced between $500,000 and $800,000, providing an exceptional beachside living experience.
Where is Wolfeboro?
The town occupies Lake Winnipesaukee’s eastern shore, thirty miles northeast of Concord via Routes 28 and 109. It sits at the junction of Winter Harbor and Wolfeboro Bay, giving swimmers sheltered, wave-calm water.
Approaching drivers emerge from a pine tunnel to a sudden waterfront bustle. Summer transport options include the mail boat and the Winnipesaukee Belle paddle-wheeler, offering breezy alternatives to asphalt.
6. Meredith
Meredith blends upscale touches with lakeside simplicity, its landscaped boardwalk curving around a petite sandy spot near Town Docks Restaurant. Sculptures dot the path, and a restored railroad station hosts craft-cider tastings between swims. The courtyard of Hermit Woods Winery supplies live acoustic tunes on balmy weekends.
Those seeking seclusion stroll to Waukewan Town Beach, often overlooked in the rush toward the larger lake. Children search for painted “Meredith Rocks” along docks, lending playful energy to evening walks.
Sunset rides on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad pair perfectly with towering ice-cream sundaes signaled by Town Docks’ nostalgic bell. 3-4 bedroom homes in Meredith range from $500,000 to $750,000, perfect for families who enjoy a combination of beaches and lakefront living.
Where is Meredith?
Meredith sits at Lake Winnipesaukee’s northwest corner where Routes 3 and 25 meet, ten minutes from I-93 Exit 23. Its harbor faces the lake’s island cluster, making it a prime launch point for water taxis and mail-boat tours.
Ample parking lines the Route 3 causeway, while complimentary slips behind Bay Point welcome boaters. The town is also the terminal for the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, enabling visitors to arrive by rail as well as sail.
5. Portsmouth
Portsmouth couples its maritime heritage with easy beach access, letting visitors enjoy Atlantic waves and cobblestone culture in the same afternoon. Though the city fronts the Piscataqua River, sandy Wallis Sands and Odiorne Point’s rocky coves lie only minutes away.
After a coastal morning, Market Square tempts with lobster rolls at Row 34 and gelato at Annabelle’s. Strawberry Banke Museum narrates four centuries of seafaring life, deepening appreciation for nearby harbor views.
Kayakers launch from Pierce Island, paddling past naval vessels before landing on pocket beaches below Fort Stark. Rooftop drinks at The Envio close the day with a sunset ribbon of river light. 3-4 bedroom homes in Portsmouth are priced between $600,000 and $900,000, offering prime beach access in a historic town setting.
Where is Portsmouth?
Portsmouth anchors New Hampshire’s brief seacoast, forty-five minutes north of Boston via I-95. The city enjoys both Atlantic access and sheltered river inlets, making beach excursions flexible despite its urban scale.
The Portsmouth Transportation Center and Coast bus network help car-free travelers reach shoreline parks quickly. Boaters tie up at Prescott Park’s public docks, stepping straight into downtown’s brick lanes.
4. North Hampton
North Hampton’s modest footprint hides a standout shoreline at North Hampton State Beach, where gentle surf and silky sand encourage unhurried days. A short stroll south reveals Victorian cottages on Little Boar’s Head and a rocky path rich with seabird sightings.
Surfers gather along The Wall on Route 1A, riding swells that wrap the point, while shell collectors hunt for jingle shells on low-tide flats. Inland, Throwback Brewery pours jalapeño apricot ale beside lawn games, and a Saturday farmers’ market supplies picnic fare with live folk guitar.
With fewer crowds than neighboring towns, even peak afternoons feel personal. The result is an almost private coastal refuge. 3-4 bedroom homes in North Hampton range from $500,000 to $750,000, perfect for those who love beach vacations year-round.
Where is North Hampton?
The town sits midway between Portsmouth and Hampton on Route 1A, ten minutes south of I-95 Exit 2. Its gently curving coastline faces east-northeast, delivering spectacular sunrises over the Atlantic.
A well-marked parking lot off 1A keeps logistics simple, while C&J buses link the area with Boston and Newburyport. Cyclists often include North Hampton in longer seaside rides that string together multiple beach towns.
3. Seabrook
Seabrook lies at New Hampshire’s southern edge, presenting broad tidal flats perfect for barefoot wanderings and kite flying. Clammers harvest soft-shell treats in the estuary, adding working-waterfront authenticity to a laid-back scene.
Brown’s Lobster Pound steams the day’s catch just beyond the dunes, letting visitors savor butter-dripped lobster with gulls overhead. Birders follow the Seabrook Dunes trail for glimpses of piping plovers and least terns in protected habitats. Sunset colors sweep across the open sky unobstructed by high-rise hotels.
Sparse commercial buildup near the shore keeps the landscape feeling remarkably natural. 3-4 bedroom homes in Seabrook are priced between $350,000 and $550,000, providing access to beach life at an affordable cost.
Where is Seabrook?
Seabrook occupies the state’s southernmost oceanfront, two miles east of I-95 Exit 1 via Route 286. Its position at the Hampton–Seabrook Estuary creates broad tidal zones that change dramatically with each six-hour cycle.
Beach access is straightforward across a small channel bridge, often lined with bluefish anglers. Visitors arriving by MBTA train can disembark in Newburyport and ride a short distance north across the state line.
2. Rye
Rye’s wandering shoreline combines sandy coves and granite ledges, offering a calm alternative to busier beaches nearby. Odiorne Point State Park anchors the coast with tide pools brimming with sea stars and miniature lobsters for curious explorers.
Jenness Beach delivers gentle surf ideal for first-time board riders who rent gear from Summer Sessions Surf Shop. Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, reached via guided evening climbs, frames sunset over the Isles of Shoals.
Kayakers launching at Seavey Creek find hidden marsh channels blooming with sea lavender in July. After sundown, patrons at Petey’s Summertime Seafood savor towering lobster rolls while buoy bells chime softly offshore.
3-4 bedroom homes in Rye range from $600,000 to $900,000, offering the best of beach living with convenient access to surrounding areas.
Where is Rye?
Rye stretches along Route 1A five miles south of Portsmouth and boasts the state’s longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic coast. The mixture of sandy spits and rugged ledges creates scenic diversity rare in such a compact area.
Travelers exit I-95 at Exit 3, follow Route 33 to 1A, or pedal the flat Seacoast Greenway by bike. Multiple public lots make mid-week parking easy, and beach paths often lead straight from asphalt to breakers in under a minute.
1. Hampton
Hampton Beach crackles with energy, showcasing a mile of golden sand backed by arcades, taffy shops, and open-air stages. The annual Sand Sculpture Classic turns the shore into a nighttime art gallery illuminated for strolling admirers. July fireworks burst over the Atlantic twice weekly, reflections dancing across the water.
North Beach, a quieter stretch up the road, attracts locals casting surf rods at dawn or catching mellow waves. Free concerts fill the Seashell Complex, while a neighboring marine center offers touch tanks that delight younger visitors.
From sunrise yoga to evening chowder tastings, each day brims with seaside activity in the state’s flagship beach town. 3-4 bedroom homes in Hampton are priced between $400,000 and $600,000, giving you great beach access and the chance to enjoy vibrant coastal living.
Where is Hampton?
Hampton sits just south of North Hampton on Route 1A, five minutes from I-95 Exit 2 and an hour north of Boston. Its wide barrier spit shields the Hampton–Seabrook Estuary, enabling boat access from both marsh and ocean.
Plenty of metered lots line the boulevard, and the COAST bus links the beach with Portsmouth, Dover, and Exeter for car-free travel. Cyclists enjoy the Ocean Boulevard bike lane, which parallels the sand and connects directly to the NH Seacoast Greenway.
