New Hampshire's Beach Resort Town Offers A Long, Walkable Stretch Of Sand, A Lively Boardwalk, And Recreation

The East Coast is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, with popular spots like Myrtle Beach, Old Orchard, and Cape Cod welcoming millions of vacationers annually. One such destination that has captured the hearts of East Coast vacationers is Hampton Beach, a serene 1.35-mile stretch of sand backed by a lively boardwalk and bustling resort town brimming with food and entertainment.

Having been named the safest state in America for a stress-free vacation, New Hampshire is perfect for a relaxed family getaway, and Hampton Beach is the ideal destination to let your stresses drift away with the ocean waves. Located less than 30 minutes south of Portsmouth, one hour south of Portland, and just over one hour north of Boston, Hampton Beach is easily accessed via Interstate 95. This makes it a convenient option for a quick weekend getaway or a beautiful summer pitstop when traveling between major East Coast cities. With a relaxed seaside atmosphere, year-round recreational activities, and a calendar full of exciting (and often free) events, Hampton Beach is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and rest your feet on the sand.

New Hampshire is home to several stunning beach towns, including the secret escape of Seabrook Beach and the laid-back luxury of Rye. Still, according to Tripadvisor, Hampton Beach continually outranks the rest as the state's most popular seaside destination, welcoming visitors from all across the East Coast and farther afield for its pristine white-sand beach and charming beach town feel. As soon as you arrive, make your way to the seafront to dip your toes in the sand and feel the cool Atlantic ocean breeze on your skin. If you're in the mood for adventure, head north to "The Wall", a popular spot for surfers of all abilities, especially on smaller surf days. Otherwise, take advantage of countless other fun activities, such as parasailing, beachside yoga, deep-sea fishing, and even whale watching.

The lively Hampton Beach boardwalk is continually recognized among the best beach boardwalks in America. Country Living named it as one of America's "classic" boardwalks, alongside iconic spots like Coney Island in New York and Venice Beach in California (via Boston.com), while Fox News ranked it among "America's Most Awesome Boardwalks." It boasts a retro coastal vibe that evokes the childhood nostalgia of long summer days by the sea. Spend an afternoon at Funarama, a lively arcade with classic games like skee ball, pinball, air hockey, and slots alongside modern video games, before heading to Sea Ketch Restaurant & Outdoor Decks for fresh seafood and classic American fare. Grab dessert from Blink's Frydoe, a Hampton Beach institution known for its sweet and sugary fried dough with toppings like peanut butter and jelly, apple cinnamon, and whipped cream, before ending your night with beachside entertainment at the Seashell Stage.

A vacation at Hampton Beach doesn't have to break the bank. There's plenty of free entertainment to enjoy, including Monday Movie Nights on the beach, Wednesday night firework displays throughout summer, and nightly music at the Seashell Stage. Fans of country music will particularly enjoy Thursday's Country Nights, which even begin with free line dancing classes.

Beyond those weekly and nightly events, Hampton Beach's summer calendar is full of epic family-friendly entertainment that won't cost a cent. Don't miss the Annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic in June, which sees talented artists compete against one another to create the most impressive sand sculptures. Country Music Fest welcomes a three-day celebration of country music in July, while Children's Week kicks off in mid-August with a lively program of free family-friendly fun, including a costume parade, free ice cream, storytellers, mini golf, and more.

From luxury oceanfront hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts, Hampton Beach is home to an array of accommodation options for all tastes and budgets. Ashworth by the Sea is an elegant beachfront hotel with huge windows that look out over the water. Brimming with traditional New England charm, this cozy hotel has all you'll need for a family getaway, including various onsite restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner; an indoor heated pool; Wednesday morning yoga classes; and a large sundeck with loungers and ocean views. If self-catering is more your style, there are plenty of self-contained rental cottages around the beach for that home-away-from-home feeling.