New Hampshire Beaches for Families: 10 Best Picks

New Hampshire does not have the largest coastline. But that does not make it bereft of beaches. If you want to spend time swimming, surfing, or picnicking with your family, several New Hampshire beaches will satisfy your desire. They are complete with amenities that make the stay convenient for both adults and kids. Keep reading as we list the best beaches in the magnificent stretch of New Hampshire’s seacoast.

new hampshire beaches

Book Hotels in New Hampshire

Best New Hampshire Beaches

1. Wallis Sands State Beach

Wallis Sands State BeachImage Source

First up in this list of New Hampshire beaches is Wallis Sands State Beach in Rye. The place is a public recreational area with a sandy beach, oceanfront swimming, and spectacular views of the Isles of Shoals. Wallis Sands State Beach has many amenities, like a bathhouse, picnicking spots, cold showers, lifeguards, and a 500-car pay-parking lot. This beach is open on weekends from mid-May to mid-June. You can visit it daily from mid-June to Labor Day. Visitors can hang out on this beach all day long with their families. There are restaurants and stores nearby to provide refreshments and plenty of amenities on the beach.

2. North Hampton State Beach

North Hampton State Beach

North Hampton State Beach is a great family location, ideal for swimming and picnicking. It has metered parking, a bathhouse that is never closed, and pay stations. The gorgeous beach is never overcrowded. So you can enjoy tranquillity and stunning views with your loved ones. Ice cream and food options can be found across the street at the Beach Plum. The beach turns rocky to sandy as you venture towards the sea. It’ll remind you of a simple yet delightful life.

Book Hotels Near North Hampton State Park

3. Jenness State Beach

Jenness State BeachImage Source

Jenness State Beach is always on the list of the best family-friendly New Hampshire beaches. It is perfect for surfing and swimming. You can bring your dogs, but not inside the beach. They are allowed only on the June State Beach town-owned area between sunrise and 9:00 am and between 7:00 pm and midnight during summers. This period starts on the Saturday before Memorial Day and goes through the Saturday after Labor Day. Jenness State Beach is a stunning, wide beach with amenities like bathrooms, parking, and mild water temperature. The beach is always pristine, and you can even learn to surf here.

Book Hotels Near Jenness State Beach

4. Echo Lake Beach

Echo Lake BeachImage Source

If you want to capture gorgeous water views in New Hampshire, head to Echo Lake Beach. It is open daily from June 14 to September 2. Visitors love to watch the 39-acre Echo Lake and Mount Lafayette. Moreover, you can indulge in kayaking and pedalboating as rentals are available for both. There is a small store on the beach from where you can get snacks, drinks, and ice cream. Note that dogs are not allowed here.

Book Hotels Near Echo Lake Beach

Read Also: Best Beaches in South California

5. Odiorne Point State Park Beach

Odiorne Point State Park BeachImage Source

Odiorne Point State Park is a popular recreation area. It is located on the Atlantic seacoast in Rye near Portsmouth. It has many rock beach areas, a hiking trail, and chairs for having fun-filled picnics. The scenic beaches, along with hiking trails and rocky coastline lend a unique charm to Odiorne Point State Park. If you want a slice of history, explore the historic military fortifications that tell the tales of the place’s maritime past.

6. Seabrook Beach

Seabrook BeachImage Source

Seabrook Beach is a hidden gem located partially in the town of Hampton in Rockingham County. It’s a nice and clean beach for vacationers and day trippers, and there are highly experienced lifeguards on duty. The beach is maintained by the Town of Seabrook and is never crowded. If you want to watch seals, this beach is a great place to do so. The white sands, boardwalk, and lovely shore to the beach will instantly put your mind at ease. The quiet and pristine nature of the place is what makes it unique.

Book Hotels Near Seabrook Beach

7. Weirs Beach

Weirs BeachImage Source

Weirs Beach lies in the northern part of Laconia City in Belknap County. It is one of the top New Hampshire beaches, and it has attractions for the entire family. There are amusement arcades, bumper cars that can carry adults and children, and quaint gift shops in this place. Before the 1950s, it was called Weirs. The Laconia city council added ‘beach’ to the name on November 17, 1955. Today, this beach is frequented by most tourists because they find the large swimming area, deep beach, and extensive parking appealing. Nothing beats a day here with family, enjoying boat rides from the pier, gaming rooms, and food shops.

Book Hotels Near Weirs Beach

8. Allen Albee Beach

Allen Albee BeachImage Source

Allen Albee Beach is a family-friendly, secluded, and quiet beach in New Hampshire. The soft sand, clean water, and cheerful ambience are the things that visitors enjoy the most about this beach. You can swim on the Lake Wentworth or organize a picnic with your friends and family. The kid-friendly beach has lifeguards on board from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from June until August ends. Other amenities include grills and bathrooms. Moreover, the water’s temperature is always good. It makes the beach an idyllic spot to have a great time.

9. Bass Beach

Bass Beach

Bass Beach in New Hampshire is a lovely and small rocky beach. It is popular among surfing enthusiasts and has also been named one of the Six Top East Coast Surf Spots by Men’s Journal. In addition, it is a great place for those who love to hunt sea glasses. The beach is dog-friendly during the off-season and assigned hours during peak season. A distinguishing feature is two cottages called Rye on the Rocks. It is a variation of the pet names for Bass Beach: Rye Rocks and Rye Rocks Point. The beach is a bit rocky, so you need to walk carefully. Half of it is also filled with sand. The free street parking makes the place all the more appealing.

Read Also: New Orleans romantic getaways

10. North Beach

North BeachImage Source

North Beach is also one of the popular New Hampshire beaches, and it is always filled with tourists. The sandy beach is known for beautiful ocean views and facilities like bathhouses and metered parking. The clean beach is well-maintained and has plenty of space for families to stretch out and relax. Surfing and skimboarding are the two most popular activities here. The beach is not very busy, making it ideal for those who want some quiet time. It is pet-friendly but only during the off-season.

Book Hotels Near North Beach

Summing up

New Hampshire beaches are clean and pristine, offering remarkable views of nature. The ones mentioned above are great for having a fun-filled vacation. However, if you have a pet, it is best to check beforehand to see whether they can be taken or not. Every beach has its own rules. Ensure that you review them to have the most hassle-free experience.